CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to, United States Provisional Patent Application Number 61/368,525 entitled "APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR A ROTARY HEAD CLEANER" and filed on July 28, 2010 for Edward E. Durrant et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates to floor cleaning devices and more particularly relates to rotary head cleaners for extracting fluid from a floor.

BACKGROUND DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

The cleaning of carpet, to remove stains, dirt, etc., is achieved using various different methods, including dry-cleaning techniques, wet-cleaning techniques, and vacuuming. Wet- cleaning, or steam cleaning as it is commonly known, is a technique that involves spraying heated water onto carpet, agitation of the carpet, and extraction of the heated water. The extraction step may require several passes with a cleaning tool to extract water from the carpet. Finally, the carpet is allowed to dry.

Unfortunately, many of the cleaning tools used to extract water from the carpet are bulky, cumbersome, and/or poorly balanced. Furthermore, motors that provide suction to the cleaning tool are often located remotely, and therefore suffer from a loss of suction power over the length of the suction hose.

SUMMARY

From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for an apparatus and system for a rotary head cleaner. The present disclosure has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available floor cleaners. Accordingly, the present disclosure has been developed to provide an apparatus and system for a rotary head cleaner that overcome many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art.

The apparatus is provided with a plurality of liquid extraction devices positioned radially on a floor-facing surface of a rotary head, a driveshaft disposed between a rotary motor and the rotary head, the rotary motor configured to rotate the rotary head, and a housing disposed between the rotary motor and the rotary head, the housing supporting a wheel, and a handle. The apparatus also includes an evacuation tank having a capacity sensor in communication with an evacuation pump. The capacity sensor detects when a maximum desired capacity of evacuated liquids is reached.

In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a vacuum motor connected with the housing and configured to provide a suction force to the liquid extraction devices to extract liquid from a floor to the evacuation tank. The weight of the rotary motor, housing, handle, retractable wheel, and vacuum motor is supported by the liquid extraction devices. In a further embodiment, the apparatus includes at least one spray nozzle coupled with the rotary head and in communication with a pressurized cleaning solution source and configured to spray cleaning solution on the floor. The pressurized cleaning solution may include a compressor configured to maintain the cleaning solution at a pressure in the range of between about 50 and 150 psi, 80 and 120 psi, or about 100 psi.

Each of the liquid extraction devices includes a floor engaging base plate formed of polytetraflouroethylene. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes an exhaust hose coupled on a first end with the vacuum motor and on a second end with the housing and configured to direct exhaust from the vacuum motor into the housing.

A system is also provided, and includes the apparatus, a remote cleaning solution tank having a pump for pushing a cleaning liquid through a flexible hose to the rotary head cleaning device, and a remote secondary evacuation tank. The evacuation pump may be disposed within the evacuation tank and configured to activate upon receiving a notification from the capacity sensor and push evacuated liquids through a hose to the remote secondary evacuation tank. Alternatively, the evacuation pump is coupled to an outer surface of the evacuation tank and configured to activate upon receiving a notification from the capacity sensor and push evacuated liquids through a hose to the remote secondary evacuation tank.

In a different embodiment, the system includes liquid extraction devices positioned radially on a floor-facing surface of a rotary head, a protective housing disposed between the rotary head and a rotary motor, and a hollow drive channel coupled on a first end with the center of the rotary head. The hollow drive channel extends through the housing and couples on a second end with the rotary motor so that a rotating force from the rotary motor turns the rotary head. The system also includes a liquid conduit coupling liquid sprayers with a cleaning solution tank. The liquid conduit passes through the hollow drive channel.

In a further embodiment, the system includes a vacuum conduit disposed around the hollow drive channel and fluidly coupling the liquid extraction devices with vacuum motor. The rotary motor and the vacuum motor are positioned on the protective housing to laterally balance the protective housing. The system may include wheels and a handle attached to the protective housing. The rotary motor may be positioned on the housing opposite the handle such that the rotary motor and the handle are longitudinally balanced with reference to the rotary head and the protective housing.

In one embodiment, the system includes an evacuation tank coupled with the protective housing and disposed around the rotary motor and vacuum motor such that as the evacuation tank fills with extracted fluid, a weight of the extracted fluid is distributed evenly across the protective housing. The system also includes an evacuation pump disposed within the evacuation tank and configured to push the extracted fluid through a flexible hose to a remote storage tank.

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present disclosure should be or are in any single embodiment of the disclosure. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the disclosure may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the disclosure.

These features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the disclosure as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the disclosure will be readily understood, a more particular description of the disclosure briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a rotary head cleaning machine;

Figure 2 is a perspective view diagram illustrating another embodiment of the machine;

Figure 3 is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of the rotary head; Figure 4 is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of the extraction head;

Figure 5 is a perspective view diagram illustrating another embodiment of the rotary head;

Figure 6 is a perspective view diagram illustrating another embodiment of the rotary head;

Figure 7 is a side view diagram illustrating one embodiment of the machine;

Figure 8 is a perspective view diagram illustrating another embodiment of the machine; Figure 9 is a top view diagram illustrating one embodiment of the machine;

Figure 10 is a side view diagram illustrating yet another embodiment of the machine; Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a system for a rotary head cleaner; Figure 12 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a control module; Figure 13 is a perspective view diagram illustrating another embodiment of a machine; Figure 14 is a top view diagram illustrating one embodiment of the machine;

Figure 15 is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a vacuum path of the machine;

Figure 16 is a side view diagram illustrating another embodiment of the vacuum path; and

Figure 17 is a perspective view diagram illustrating another embodiment of the machine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment," "in an embodiment," and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of programming, software modules, user selections, network transactions, database queries, database structures, hardware modules, hardware circuits, hardware chips, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the disclosure. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the disclosure may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the disclosure.

Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a rotary head cleaning machine 100 (hereinafter "machine 100"). The machine 100, in one embodiment, includes a housing 102 that forms a supportive base for a rotary motor 104, a vacuum motor 106, an evacuation tank 108, and an evacuation pump 109. A pair of wheels 110 and a handle 112 may also be connected to the housing 102. The housing 102, in a further embodiment, is configured having a bell shape to form a protective cover around a rotary head which will be described in greater detail below with reference to Figures 3 - 5.

Coupled with the rotary head are extraction heads 114. In one embodiment, at least three extraction heads 114 are connected with the rotary head. Alternatively, the number of extraction heads 114 connected with the rotary head is selected according to the type of flooring. For example, a high-density short-pile commercial style carpet may benefit from additional extraction heads 114. Alternatively, the number of extraction heads 114 may be selected according to different criteria. For example, the determination may not be the type of flooring, but rather the ability of the machine 100 to smoothly traverse a carpeted surface. In other words, more extraction heads 114 supporting the machine 100 result in a more stable machine 100. The extraction heads 114 are in fluid communication with the evacuation tank 108. As such, a vacuum force applied by the vacuum motor 106 to the evacuation tank 108 results in a vacuum force on the extraction heads 114.

The housing 102 is formed of a rigid material capable of supporting the rotary motor 104, vacuum motor 106, evacuation tank 108, wheels 110, and handle 112. Examples of a rigid material capable of use in the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, aluminum, aluminum alloys, steel alloys, other metal alloys, and rigid plastics. The rotary motor, in one embodiment, is an electrical motor capable of generating a force sufficient to turn the rotary head. In one embodiment, the rotary motor 104 is a ½ hp motor. The rotary motor 104 may be connected with a gearbox 116 that transfers the rotary force of the rotary motor 104 through a driveshaft to the rotary head. In the depicted embodiment, the driveshaft is disposed within a driveshaft housing 118 and extends from the gearbox 116 to the rotary head which is disposed within the housing 102

The evacuation tank 108 is a storage tank for holding liquid that is extracted from flooring via the extraction heads 114. The evacuation tank 108 may be formed as an integral piece of the housing 102, or alternatively as a separate component that is attached to the housing 102. The evacuation tank 108, in one embodiment, includes a capacity sensor for indicating when the evacuation tank 108 is nearly full of liquid that has been extracted from the floor. The capacity sensor may comprise a pressure or weight sensor disposed between the evacuation tank 108 and the housing 102 configured to indicate when the evacuation tank 108 is nearly full.

Alternatively, the capacity sensor may comprise a float sensor inside the evacuation tank 108 indicating when the fluid level is approaching a "full line." In one embodiment, the liquid in the evacuation tank 108 is then drawn to a drain or secondary storage tank. This will be discussed in greater detail below with reference to Figure 11. The evacuation pump 109 is configured to push liquid in the evacuation tank 108 through a hose (not shown) to a drain or secondary evacuation tank. The evacuation pump 109, in one embodiment, is submersible in liquid in the evacuation tank 108. Alternatively, the evacuation pump 109 is coupled with an exterior surface of the evacuation tank 108.

The evacuation pump 109, in one embodiment, is configured to operate in short spurts to minimize the electrical load of the machine 100. In other words, when the capacity sensor determines that the evacuation tank 108 is nearing capacity, the evacuation pump 109 pumps out the extracted liquids in, for example, 20 second cycles. In this example, the evacuation pump 109 pumps for 20 seconds then pauses for 20 seconds, and repeats this cycle until evacuation tank 108 is nearly empty.

Figure 2 is a perspective view diagram illustrating another embodiment of the machine 100. In one embodiment, the handle 112 is pivotally coupled with the housing 102. The handle 112 includes a locking lever 202 configured to lock the angular position of the lever 112 with respect to the housing 102. This beneficially allows the handle 112 to be positioned at different heights to accommodate users of different heights. The handle 112 can pivot from a perpendicular "storage" position to a horizontal position.

Figure 3 is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of the rotary head 300. As described above, the rotary head 300 is coupled with extraction heads 114. The depicted embodiment demonstrates a rotary head 300 having five extraction heads 114. Alternatively, the rotary head 300 may include more or less extraction heads 114 depending on the type of flooring to be cleaned.

The rotary head 300, in one embodiment, includes at least one spray nozzle 302. Alternatively, the rotary head 300 may be configured with multiple spray nozzles 302, each fluidly coupled with a cleaning solution source. The cleaning solution may be a pressurized liquid such as water or a mixture of water and a cleaning agent. The cleaning solution is delivered via a conduit that passes through a hollow driveshaft that connects the gearbox 116 (of Figure 1) with rotary head 300. The hollow driveshaft will be discussed in greater detail below with reference to Figure 5. Concentric with the hollow driveshaft 304 is a vacuum chamber 306 having a plurality of inlets 308. The vacuum chamber 306, in one embodiment, may be sub-divided into smaller chambers. The smaller chambers are each fluidly coupled with the inlets 308. Alternatively, the vacuum chamber 306 may be configured as a single chamber having multiple inlets 308. Each inlet 308 is connected via a hose (not shown) with an outlet 310 of an extraction head 114. The hoses are not depicted here so as to not obstruct the perspective view of the rotary head 300.

Figure 4 is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of the extraction head 114. The extraction head 114, or vacuum head, is shown here for removing liquid from fabric such as carpet. The extraction head includes a base plate 402 with one or more openings which function as extraction nozzles 404 to remove the liquid from the fabric. The base plate 402 is elongated and may be coated with an anti-friction coating to more easily move through a carpeted surface. Examples of coatings suitable for use in the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, polytetraflouroethylene (PTFE). In a further embodiment, various components of the extraction head 114 may be formed of PTFE. For example, the base plate 402 may be formed of PTFE.

Extending from the base plate 402 is a guide bar 406. The guide bar 406 extends "forward" from the base plate 402 to guide the extraction head 114 over objects in the carpeted surface. For example, because the guide bar 406 extends outward in front of the base plate 402, the guide bar will make contact with objects in the carpeted surface before the base plate 402 as the extraction head 114 moves through a carpeted surface. As depicted, the guide bar 406 is configured with a leading bar 408 positioned above the plane of the base plate 402. As such, as the leading bar 408 encounters a carpet transition bar, for example, the incline of the guide bar 406 will "ride" up the carpet transition bar and consequently lift the base plate 402 over the carpet transition bar. In other words, the guide bar 406 protects the base plate 402 and prevents the extraction head 114 from catching on objects in the carpeted surface.

As discussed above, the extraction head 114 also includes the outlet 310. The outlet 310 is fluidly coupled with the plurality of extraction nozzles 404, and configured to attach with a hose that connects with the vacuum chamber described above with reference to Figure 3. Also depicted here is a mounting point 410 for connecting the extraction head 114 with the rotary head of Figure 3. The mounting point 410, in one embodiment, is an aperture through which a bolt or other fastening device may pass to secure the extraction head 114 to the rotary head.

Figure 5 is a perspective view diagram illustrating another embodiment of the rotary head 500. The rotary head 500 is driven by a hollow driveshaft disposed between the gearbox 116 of Figure 1 and the rotary head 500. The driveshaft transfers the rotary force from the rotary motor 104, via the gearbox 116, to the rotary head 500 so that the rotary head 500 rotates about the driveshaft. The driveshaft connects to the rotary head 500 at the center of the hub 502.

The hub 502 includes, in this embodiment, multiple vacuum chambers 504 positioned radially around a center channel 506. Each of the vacuum chambers 504 is fluidly coupled with an inlet 508 and the evacuation tank 108 of Figure 1. As such, a partial vacuum applied to the evacuation tank 108 causes a partial vacuum in the vacuum chambers 504 which thereby draws liquid through a hose connecting the inlet 508 to the outlet 510 of an extraction head 512.

Figure 6 is a perspective view diagram illustrating another embodiment of the rotary head 500 without the hub 502. The rotary head 500, in one embodiment, includes multiple liquid conduits 602 extending outward radially from the center channel 506. The liquid conduits 602 transport a cleaning solution from a cleaning solution source to the spray nozzles 604. In one embodiment, the center channel 506 itself is a liquid conduit together with the hollow driveshaft that connects the gearbox 116 with the center channel 506 of the rotary head 500. Alternatively, a separate conduit may pass through the hollow driveshaft and center channel 506 to deliver the cleaning solution to the liquid conduits 602. The cleaning solution, as described above, may be water or, alternatively, a mixture of water and a cleaning agent.

The present disclosure, beneficially, is capable of dispensing a pressurized cleaning solution. In other words, the spray nozzles 604, liquid conduits 602, and the center channel 506 are capable of transporting a pressurized cleaning solution. This beneficially better distributes the cleaning solution onto a carpeted or fabric surface. In a further embodiment, the above described liquid distribution system is also capable of distributing a gaseous cleaning solution, such as an atomized mixture of water and cleaning agent via an atomizer nozzle.

Figure 7 is a side view diagram illustrating one embodiment of the machine 100. As described previously, the machine 100, in one embodiment, includes two motors: the rotary motor 104 and the vacuum motor 106. The rotary motor 104 is coupled to the gearbox 116 and provides a rotary force that drives the gearbox 116, the driveshaft, and the rotary head. The vacuum motor 106 creates a region of low pressure in the evacuation tank 108 and thereby causes the flow of liquid, from a region of higher pressure (the carpeted surface), into the tank.

The vacuum motor 106 includes an exhaust port 602 through which exhaust is expelled. In the depicted embodiment, the exhaust port 602 directs the exhaust to the side of the machine 100. Alternatively, the exhaust port 602 may extend downward toward the carpeted surface so that the exhaust from the vacuum motor 106 aides in drying the carpeted surface.

Figure 8 is a perspective view diagram illustrating another embodiment of the machine 100. The depicted embodiment illustrates the rotary motor 104. The rotary motor 104 is mounted to the housing 102, and in one embodiment, the output shaft of the rotary motor 104 extends out of the rotary motor 104 away from the housing. The output shaft of the rotary motor engages the gearbox 116 to provide a rotary force to the rotary head as described above. In another embodiment, that will be described in greater detail below with reference to Figure 10, the output shaft of the rotary motor may extend downward toward the housing. In other words, the orientation of the motor may be reversed.

Figure 9 is a top view diagram illustrating one embodiment of the machine 900. In the depicted embodiment, the vacuum motor 106 and the evacuation tank 108 are positioned on the housing 102 opposite the rotary motor 104. However, as described above with reference to Figure 1, the vacuum motor 106 and the evacuation tank 108 may be positioned adjacent the rotary motor 104. The arrangement of Figure 9 positions the rotary motor 104, vacuum motor 106, and evacuation tank 108 along a longitudinal plane 902 of the machine 900. The longitudinal plane 902, as used herein, refers to an imaginary plane bisecting the machine along a lateral center of gravity. In other words, the longitudinal plane 902 is positioned along a line defined at each point of the line as the lateral, or side-to-side, center of gravity. By centering the rotary motor 104, vacuum motor 106, and evacuation tank 108 along the longitudinal plane 902, the machine 900 is balanced and does not lean to one side or the other during operation.

If the rotary motor 104, vacuum motor 106, or evacuation tank 108 are symmetrical, then the rotary motor 104, vacuum motor 106, or evacuation tank 108 may be centered along the longitudinal plane 902. Alternatively, the center of gravity of each of the rotary motor 104, vacuum motor 106, or evacuation tank 108 may be positioned along the longitudinal plane 902 to balance the machine 900.

In a different embodiment, the rotary motor 104, vacuum motor 106, and evacuation tank 108 are positioned in any configuration that balances the motors 104, 106, and the evacuation tank 108 laterally. In other terms, the motors 104, 106, and tank 108 may be positioned on the machine in positions that are not necessarily on the longitudinal axis 902 but still balance the machine laterally.

Figure 10 is a side view diagram illustrating another embodiment of a rotary head cleaning machine 1000. In one embodiment, the evacuation tank 1002 is configured as a bell- shaped tank configured with a profile similar to that of the housing 102. As such, the evacuation tank 1002 appears to be integral to the housing. Such a configuration also accomplishes a balanced evacuation tank 1002 because it has a symmetrical and circular shape that is centered over the housing 102. In fact, the evacuation tank 1002 may be integrally formed with the housing 102. The depicted embodiment also illustrates a "reversed" orientation rotary motor 1004 as discussed previously. The gearbox 1006 may be disposed directly above the housing 102, or alternatively the evacuation tank 1002. As such, a much shorter driveshaft is required to connect the rotary head to the gearbox 1006. With the gearbox 1006 closer to the housing 102, the rotary motor 1004 is positioned with the output shaft extending towards the housing 102, unlike the embodiment of Figure 1, for example.

Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a system 1100 for a rotary head cleaner. In one embodiment, the system includes the machine 100 as described above with reference to Figures 1-9, or alternatively the machine 1000 described above in Figure 10. The system also includes a cart 1102 having tanks 1104, 1106. Tank 1104, in one embodiment, is a pressurized tank for storing a cleaning solution. The cart 1102, in one embodiment, includes a compressor for maintaining the pressure of the cleaning solution in the tank 1104. For example, the compressor might maintain the cleaning solution at a pressure of in the range of between about 50 and 150 psi. In a different embodiment, the compressor maintains the pressure in the tank 1104 in a range of between about 80 to 120 psi. In a further embodiment, the pressure is 100 psi. The tank 1104 supplies the cleaning solution to the machine 100 via a hose 1108 that is in fluid communication with the liquid conduits 602 described above in Figure 6.

In a further embodiment, a heater is connected with the tank 1104 to heat the cleaning solution. In a further example, the tank 1104 may be replaced with a stationary liquid source such as a faucet. Tank 1106 is a secondary evacuation tank. Tank 1106 is in fluid communication with evacuation tank 108 and receives evacuated liquid when the evacuation tank 108 nears capacity. As discussed previously, the evacuation tank 108 includes a capacity sensor that, for example, may trigger a pump (such as the evacuation pump 109 of Figure 1) located on the cart 1102 to remove the liquid from the evacuation tank 108 to the tank 1106. In a further embodiment, the evacuation tank 108 may be removed and evacuated liquid extracted from a carpeted surface may be sent directly to the tank 1106.

In a further embodiment, the tank 1106 may be replaced with a stationary evacuation point, such as a drain. In this embodiment, hose 1110 may be connected with a pump located at a remote drain. Alternatively, the evacuation pump 109 is configured to push extracted liquid to the remote drain. The evacuation pump 109 may be located on the machine 100 or on the cart 1102. In one embodiment, the evacuation pump 109 is removable and may be placed on either the machine 100 or the cart 1102. Additionally, an evacuation pump 109 may be placed on each of the machine 100 and the cart 1102 and one or both evacuation pumps 109 may be selectively activated according to liquid volumes and available power. Additionally, the cart 1102 may be carried removably on a truck. In this embodiment, the user may use his/her discretion to work with the cart remaining on the truck or to wheel the cart to the premises being cleaned, closer to the machine 100. Additionally, one or more components of the cart 1102, such as the heater 1114 may be removed from the cart and relocated on the premises, closer to the machine 100.

The cart 1102, in one embodiment, is a modular cart 1102. In other words, the cart 1102 may be configured as a framework capable of receiving modular components such as the tanks 1104, 1106. As desired, tanks 1104, 1106 may be removed from the cart and replaced with a different modular component. For example, the secondary evacuation tank 1106 may be removed from the cart 1102 and positioned near a drain or toilet so that extracted liquids are disposed of. The cart 1102 then is capable of accepting, for example, an additional cleaning solution heater 1114. In a further embodiment, the cart 1102 is configured with sufficient "slots," or openings, for accommodating the tanks 1104, 1106, multiple heaters 1114, additional pumps, and other accessories. In yet another embodiment, the heater 1114 may be positioned in- line with the hose 1108. The multiple components on the cart 1102 may be removable, and in one embodiment are also separately powered and capable of being bypassed such that they may be deactivated while still remaining on the cart if desired.

The cart 1102 and or machine 100 may be powered with an electrical cord for accessing 110 V or 220 V electricity on the premises. Additionally, the cart 1102 and or machine 100 may be powered by a generator that may be relocateable to the premises or which may be located on the truck.

In one embodiment, the electrical characteristics of both the cart 1102 and the machine 100 are selected to keep the electricity usage from exceeding an amount that might exceed the capacity of the power supply. For instance, the rotary motor 104 and the vacuum motor 106 are preferably selected to have a combined current usage within a selected threshold level. In a further embodiment, the evacuation pump 109 is also selected to combine with the rotary motor 104 and the vacuum motor 106 to maintain a current usage within the selected threshold.

In one embodiment, the selected threshold is within the range of between about 10 and about 22 amps. In a further embodiment, the selected threshold is within the range of between about 12 and about 18 amps. In a more specific embodiment, the selected threshold is about 15 amps.

In order to stay within the threshold current usage, power saving configurations may be used. For instance, the heads 114 may be made of a low friction material. In one embodiment, the friction reducing material is polytetraflouroethylene. Figure 12 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a control module 1202. The control module 1202, in one embodiment, includes a rotary module 1204, a vacuum module 1206, a capacity module 1208, an evacuation module 1210, and a heater module 1212. The control module 1202 is configured to control the amperage usage of the rotary head cleaner. The control module 1202 ensures that the rotary head cleaner does not use excessive amperage that might trip an electrical circuit breaker. In one example, the control module 1202 is configured to prevent usage of more than 15 amps. Alternatively, the control module 1202 may be configured to accept a user defined maximum amperage.

The rotary module 1204 is configured to monitor the amperage usage of the rotary motor described above with reference to Figure 1. Likewise, the vacuum module 1206 is configured to monitor the amperage usage of the vacuum motor. Alternatively, a single module may be configured to monitor both motors. The capacity module 1208 is configured to monitor the capacity sensor and detect when the evacuation tank is nearing capacity. When such an event is detected, the capacity module 1208 notifies the evacuation module 1210 which begins an evacuation event. In other words, extracted liquid stored in the evacuation tank is moved to the secondary evacuation tank. This beneficially reduces the weight riding on the machine which in turn reduces the load on the rotary motor.

The heater module 1212 is configured to monitor the usage of cleaning solution heaters. If the control module 1202 detects that a maximum amperage threshold is about to be crossed, the control module 1202 can notify the heater module 1212 which either turns off the heater, or reduces electricity usage of the heater. Alternatively, however, if the control module 1202 detects that the entire system is within the maximum threshold, the control module 1202 may request that the heater module 1212 activates additional heaters.

Figure 13 is a perspective view diagram illustrating another embodiment of a machine 1300. The machine 1300 generally includes the components and features described above with reference to Figures 1-12. The components and features, as is also described above with reference to Figure 9, may be arranged in different orientations as long as the machine 1300 remains balanced laterally. The depicted embodiment illustrates a machine 1300 having an evacuation tank 1304 that surrounds the various motors, pumps, and other components depicted in the preceding and following figures. These components and features include a housing 1302 that supports an evacuation tank 1304, and various motors. The housing 1302 is disposed between the rotary head and the evacuation tank 1304. In one embodiment, the machine 1300 includes a base 1306 disposed between the housing 1304 and the evacuation tank. The base 1304 couples the evacuation tank 1304 to the housing 1302, and includes mounting areas for various motors and sensors as will be described below. The evacuation tank 1304 surrounds the vacuum motor, rotary motor, and other components. This type of arrangement allows the weight of evacuated fluid to be evenly distributed across the base 1306 and housing 1302, and thereby maintains lateral balance of the machine 1300.

The machine 1300 also includes an inlet port 1308 and an outlet port 1310. The inlet port

1308 is for receiving a supply line of cleaning solution. Similarly, the outlet port 1310 is for expelling extracted dirt and fluid from a floor surface. The machine 1300 is configured to "push" the extracted fluid from the evacuation tank 1304 to a secondary storage tank or drain. In other words, unlike other cleaning systems, the machine 1300 does not utilize vacuum to draw the extracted fluid to the secondary storage tank, the extracted fluid is pumped. Likewise, cleaning solution delivered through the inlet port 1308 is also pumped to the machine 1300 instead of using a vacuum to draw the cleaning solution from a cleaning solution tank.

Figure 14 is a top view diagram illustrating one embodiment of the machine 1300. As with Figure 9, Figure 14 depicts an embodiment of a laterally balanced machine 1400. For the sake of clarity, many components depicted in above in Figure 13 are not illustrated; rather the components that most affect lateral balance are illustrated, those components being the vacuum motor 1402, the rotary motor 1404, the evacuation pump 1406, and vacuum riser 1408. The arrangement depicted here illustrates a configuration that laterally balances the components along a longitudinal plane 1410 of the machine 1400. The longitudinal plane 1410, as used herein, refers to an imaginary plane bisecting the machine along a lateral center of gravity. In other words, the longitudinal plane 1410 is positioned along a line defined at each point of the line as the lateral, or side-to-side, center of gravity. By centering the rotary motor 1404, and balancing the evacuation pump 1406, vacuum motor 1402, and vacuum riser 1408 along the longitudinal plane 1410, the machine 1400 is balanced and does not lean to one side or the other during operation. The evacuation tank is not depicted here, because as described above, the evacuation tank evenly distributes the weight of extracted fluid across the base 1412.

In a different embodiment, the rotary motor 1404, vacuum motor 1402, and evacuation pump 1406 are positioned in any configuration that balances the machine 1400 laterally. In other terms, the motors and pump may be positioned on the machine in positions that are not necessarily on the longitudinal axis 1410 but still balance the machine laterally.

In a further embodiment, the rotary motor 1404 is selected and positioned to balance the machine 1300 longitudinally. As used herein, balancing the machine longitudinally refers to a substantially even weight distribution from one side of an imaginary plane 1414 bisecting the machine along a longitudinal, or front-to-back, center of gravity. The rotary motor 1404, in one embodiment, is positioned in a forward position, as depicted, to balance the weight of the handle 1416 and the wheels 1418. Such a balanced configuration enables the machine 1300, when in operation, to be supported entirely by the rotary head, as depicted in Figure 1 , without the need to utilize the wheels 1418.

Referring jointly now to Figures 15 and 16, Figure 15 is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a vacuum path of the machine 1300, and Figure 16 is a side view diagram illustrating another embodiment of the vacuum path. As used herein, the term "vacuum path" refers to the pathway along which air and extracted fluid move under when a partial vacuum is introduced in the evacuation tank. The vacuum path, as described above with reference to the rotary head, starts at the extraction heads which are coupled with vacuum chambers 1501 in the rotary head. Figure 15 illustrates a plenum 1502 coupled with the top of the rotary head and the vacuum riser 1408. The plenum 1502 forms a channel through which air and extracted fluid may pass. The plenum 1502 is formed having smooth surfaces and rounded edges to minimize disruptions to the flow of air and extracted fluid.

The vacuum path 1602, as depicted in Figure 16, rises from the extraction heads 114 to the vacuum chambers, up through the plenum 1502, over to the vacuum riser 1408, and then to the evacuation tank. In one embodiment, the length of the vacuum path 1504 is in the range of between about 0.25 and 3 feet. In a further embodiment, the length of the vacuum path 1504 is in the range of between about .75 and 2 feet. In yet another embodiment, the length of the vacuum path is in the range of between about .8 feet and 1 foot. The total height the extracted fluid is lifted, therefore, is minimized and therefore less power is required to extract fluid from the floor, and extracted fluid performance increases.

The extraction capability of the machine 1300 is increased by minimizing the length of the vacuum path 1504, and the number of turns or obstacles in the vacuum path 1504. As depicted, starting at the vacuum chamber 1501, the vacuum path 1504 includes two "turns" 1506. As used herein, the term "turn" refers to a change in direction of the vacuum path 1504. Therefore, the depicted vacuum path has a turn from a vertical to a horizontal path when entering the plenum 1502, and a turn 1506 from the plenum 1502 to the vacuum riser 1408. Beveled or sloped edges at the turns 1506 will further reduce obstructions and improve air and extracted fluid flow. In other words, smoothing out the vacuum path 1504 improves air and extracted fluid flow. As such the machine 1300 is capable of extracting substantial amounts of cleaning solution from the floor. For example, a machine 1300, as depicted in Figure 13, is capable of extracting all but .26 gallons from a 100 square foot area in a single pass. This greatly reduces the drying time of the floor from almost 24 hours when .40 to .60 gallons per 100 square feet is left in the flooring, to 2-3 hours when the amount is in the range of about .20 to .30 gallons per 100 square feet.

Figure 17 is a perspective view diagram illustrating another embodiment of the machine 1700. The machine 1700 may include an exhaust hose 1702 extending from the vacuum motor. The exhaust created by the vacuum motor may be directed through the exhaust hose 1702 through an opening in the housing 1704. As such, the air blown from the vacuum motor is directed away from a person operating the machine which in turn reduces the noise as perceived by the person. Furthermore, the air directed through the exhaust hose 1702 aids in drying the flooring.

The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the disclosure is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.