An extractor includes a base movable along a surface having an agitator. The extractor also includes a distribution nozzle, a suction nozzle, and a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle and operable to draw fluid and dirt from the surface, a recovery tank in fluid communication with the suction source to receive and store the fluid and dirt drawn, a supply tank supported by the base and in fluid communication with the distribution nozzle to supply cleaning fluid, a pump in fluid communication with the supply tank and the distribution nozzle to deliver fluid from the supply tank to the distribution nozzle, a motor operable to drive the agitator and the pump, and a drive mechanism coupled to the motor, the agitator, and the pump and operable to selectively connect the agitator and the pump to the motor to alternately drive the agitator and the pump.

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 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.

The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for cleaning or otherwise treating a floored surface that includes a platform adapted to support the weight of an operator. In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is capable of generally performing 360° turns to facilitate the treatment of difficult to access portions of the floored surface.

The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for cleaning or otherwise treating a floored surface that includes a platform adapted to support the weight of an operator. In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is capable of generally performing 360° turns to facilitate the treatment of difficult to access portions of the floored surface.

An apparatus, system, and method for dual-mode vehicle-mounted cleaning are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a heat-exchanger subsystem having first and second heat-receiving pathways and a heat-providing pathway. Heat exhaust from a combustion engine is routed through the heat-providing pathway to transfer heat to both the first and second heat-receiving pathways. The first heat-receiving pathway, the second heat-receiving pathway, and the heat-providing pathway are fluidly independent of each other. The apparatus also includes a first liquid pathway fluidly coupled to the first heat-receiving pathway, configured to direct a hard-surface cleaning liquid, by a first pump, through the first heat-receiving pathway to a hard-surface cleaning tool, and a second liquid pathway fluidly coupled to the second heat-receiving pathway, configured to direct a soft-surface cleaning liquid, at a lower pressure than a first liquid in the first liquid pathway, through the second heat-receiving pathway to a soft-surface cleaning tool.

An apparatus, system, and method for dual-mode vehicle-mounted cleaning are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a heat-exchanger subsystem having first and second heat-receiving pathways and a heat-providing pathway. Heat exhaust from a combustion engine is routed through the heat-providing pathway to transfer heat to both the first and second heat-receiving pathways. The first heat-receiving pathway, the second heat-receiving pathway, and the heat-providing pathway are fluidly independent of each other. The apparatus also includes a first liquid pathway fluidly coupled to the first heat-receiving pathway, configured to direct a hard-surface cleaning liquid, by a first pump, through the first heat-receiving pathway to a hard-surface cleaning tool, and a second liquid pathway fluidly coupled to the second heat-receiving pathway, configured to direct a soft-surface cleaning liquid, at a lower pressure than a first liquid in the first liquid pathway, through the second heat-receiving pathway to a soft-surface cleaning tool.

An appliance comprising an air flow path extending from an air inlet, by which water and air are introduced to the appliance, to an air outlet. A water separator is positioned in the air flow path, which, when in operation, separates the water from the air. A water storage chamber is in fluid flow communication with the water separator, which stores the water separated from the air. The appliance also comprises an automatic closure member movable between an open position and a closed position. When the automatic closure member is in the open position, the water storage chamber is in fluid flow communication with the water separator; when in the closed position, the water storage chamber is isolated from the water separator. The automatic closure member moves from the open position to the closed position when the pressure in the water separator increases above a predetermined level.

An extraction cleaner for a floor surface comprises a fluid delivery system for storing cleaning fluid and delivering the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned and a fluid recovery system for removing the spent cleaning fluid and dirt from the surface to be cleaned and storing the spent cleaning fluid and dirt. The fluid delivery system can further include a bladder housed within a tank of the recovery system, and the bladder can be closed by a fill cap.