Extraction with temporary suction interrupt

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-2016338562-A1
Application number	US-201615228303-A
Country	US
Kind code	A1
Filing date	Aug 4, 2016
Priority date	Oct 6, 2009
Publication date	Nov 24, 2016
Grant date	—

Abstract

A method of cleaning a surface with an extractor having a fluid supply system and a fluid recovery system includes applying a cleaning fluid to a surface, applying suction to the surface to remove the applied cleaning fluid from surface, and selectively interrupting the suction to the surface for a selected time to increase dwell time of the cleaning fluid on the surface.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1 . A method of cleaning a surface with an extractor comprising a fluid supply system operable to store a cleaning fluid and deliver the cleaning fluid to a surface and a fluid recovery system operable to remove the applied cleaning fluid from the surface and having a suction source, a suction nozzle, a recovery tank assembly, and a working air conduit between the suction nozzle and the recovery tank assembly, the method comprising:
applying a cleaning fluid to a surface; applying suction to the surface with the suction nozzle to draw the applied cleaning fluid from surface, through the working air conduit, and into the recovery tank assembly; and selectively interrupting the suction to the surface for a selected time to increase dwell time of the cleaning fluid on the surface; wherein selectively interrupting the suction comprises reducing the working airflow at the suction nozzle.

2 . The method of cleaning a surface according to claim 1 , and further comprising restoring suction to the suction nozzle subsequent to the selected time to remove the cleaning fluid from the surface.

3 . The method of cleaning a surface according to claim 2 wherein restoring suction to the suction nozzle comprises an action by a user.

4 . The method of cleaning a surface according to claim 3 wherein the action by a user comprises movement of an actuator.

5 . The method of cleaning a surface according to claim 3 wherein the action by a user comprises actuating an electrical switch.

6 . The method of cleaning a surface according to claim 2 wherein restoring suction to the suction nozzle comprises movement of an actuator.

7 . The method of cleaning a surface according to claim 2 wherein restoring suction to the suction nozzle comprises actuating an electrical switch.

8 . The method of cleaning a surface according to claim 1 , and further comprising agitating the surface during the selected time.

9 . The method of cleaning a surface according to claim 1 wherein selectively interrupting the suction comprises an action by a user.

10 . The method of cleaning a surface according to claim 9 , and further comprising indicating the selective interruption of the suction during the selected time to the user.

11 . The method of cleaning a surface according to claim 10 wherein indicating the selective interruption comprises displaying a visual indicator on the extractor.

12 . The method of cleaning a surface according to claim 1 , and further comprising interrupting the applying of cleaning fluid to the surface during the selected time.

13 . The method of cleaning a surface according to claim 1 wherein selectively interrupting the suction comprises venting the suction between an inlet of the suction nozzle and the suction source.

14 . The method of cleaning a surface according to claim 13 wherein selectively interrupting the suction comprises venting the suction between the recovery tank assembly and the suction source.

15 . The method of cleaning a surface according to claim 1 wherein selectively interrupting the suction comprises partially obstructing the suction between an inlet of the suction nozzle and the suction source.

16 . The method of cleaning a surface according to claim 15 wherein selectively interrupting the suction comprises partially obstructing the suction between the recovery tank assembly and the suction source.

17 . The method of cleaning a surface according to claim 1 , and further comprising applying additional cleaning fluid to the surface while the working airflow at the suction nozzle is reduced.

18 . The method of cleaning a surface according to claim 1 , wherein the extractor further comprises a leak hole in the working air conduit and a door moveable relative to the leak hole to selectively open and close the leak hole, and wherein selectively interrupting the suction comprises moving the door to open the leak hole.

19 . The method of cleaning a surface according to claim 1 wherein selectively interrupting the suction comprises reducing the working airflow at the suction nozzle by at least 50%.

Assignees

• Bissell Homecare Inc

Inventors

• Huffman Eric C
• Reed Jr Charles A

Classifications

• A47L11/4011 Primary

  Regulation of the cleaning machine by electric means; Control systems and remote control systems therefor · CPC title

• A47L11/4044

  Vacuuming or pick-up tools; Squeegees · CPC title

• A47L11/4083

  Liquid supply reservoirs; Preparation of the agents, e.g. mixing devices · CPC title

• A47L11/34 Primary

  Machines for treating carpets in position by liquid, foam, or vapour, e.g. by steam · CPC title

• A47L11/4088

  Supply pumps; Spraying devices; Supply conduits · CPC title