A surface cleaning apparatus includes a proximity-triggered user interface, and configured to provide one or more indicia to a user based on the proximity of the user to the surface cleaning apparatus. The surface cleaning apparatus can be provided with one or more proximity sensors, and the user interface is configured to receive input from the one or more proximity sensors and provide one or more indicia to the user based on the input.

A surface cleaner is provided. The surface cleaner comprises: an operating component configured to perform a function of the surface cleaner; a base moveable along a surface; an accelerometer configured to generate a signal; and a controller in communication with the accelerometer and the operating component, wherein the controller is operable to control the operating component based on the signal, and wherein the operating component is selected from a group consisting of a suction motor operable to generate an airflow, a brushroll motor operable to drive a brushroll, an actuator operable to adjust a height of a brushroll from the surface, a pump operable to deliver a cleaning fluid, an actuator operable to control an airflow or fluid valve, and an indicator operable to indicate a parameter of the surface cleaner.

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.

A spot cleaner apparatus may have a clean fluid tank configured for holding a cleaning fluid. A dirty fluid tank may include an integrated liquid/air separator. A cleaning head may be fluidly coupled to the clean fluid tank, the cleaning head including one or more vacuum inlets and a fluid-nebulizing orifice configured to dispense the cleaning fluid in a mist-like fashion. A pump assembly may fluidly couple the clean fluid tank to the cleaning head. A fluid heater heats the cleaning fluid at or between the clean fluid tank and the fluid-nebulizing orifice. A vacuum assembly configured for drawing a vacuum airflow from one or more vacuum inlets in the cleaning head through the integrated liquid/air separator in the dirty fluid tank.

A modular vacuum system includes a first and second canister of different capacities that are configured to store debris. The modular vacuum system also includes first and second power heads that can be coupled to either the first or second canisters. The first and second power heads operate at different voltages that generate a first and second suction airflow. The first and second canisters store debris separated from the first and second suction airflow. The first and second canisters also store debris separated only from the first suction airflow.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A cordless wet and dry stick vacuum cleaner system has a portable power module, which includes an airflow generator, a battery, and control circuitry. This may be used with either a wet dirt management system and a wet vacuum nozzle or it may be used with a dry dirt management system and a dry vacuum nozzle. The shared power module enables power savings, whereas the other parts remain optimized for their specific function.