Marvin E Curtis

US Patent:

RE39581, Apr 24, 2007

Filed:

Oct 10, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/684324

Inventors:

William Stuchlik - Springdale AR, US
Lenard Deiterman - Springdale AR, US
Marvin Curtis - Springdale AR, US
Gerald Courtney - Springdale AR, US
James Keazer - Springdale AR, US

Assignee:

Alto U.S., Inc. - Chesterfield MO

International Classification:

A47L 11/16
A47L 11/283

US Classification:

15 491, 15 98

Abstract:

An apparatus for use on comprising a vehicle adapted to move across a surface and responsive to an operator. A head assembly connected to a support on the vehicle is adapted to carry a device for engaging the surface. An actuator on the vehicle raises and lowers the head assembly support relative to the surface. A position control responsive to operator input indicates a head position of the device relative to the surface or range of head positions of the device head assembly relative to the surface support. The head position or the range of head positions indicates a distance or range of distances, respectively, between the device and the surface. A controller responsive to the position control selectively actuates the actuator or maintain the device head assembly in the head position or within the range of head positions as indicated by the position control. As a result, a repeatable position or range of positions of the brush head assembly is obtained, the relative engagement between the head assembly and surface is controlled and the treatment of the surface by the head assembly is controlled. Position control may be used in combination with torque control of motors driving brushes for engaging the surface.

US Patent:

6493896, Dec 17, 2002

Filed:

Jul 21, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/621034

Inventors:

William Stuchlik - Springdale AR
Lenard Deiterman - Springdale AR
Marvin Curtis - Springdale AR
Gerald Courtney - Springdale AR
James Keazer - Springdale AR

Assignee:

Alto U.S. Inc. - Chesterfield MO

International Classification:

A47L 1116

US Classification:

15 491, 15 98

Abstract:

An apparatus for use on a surface and responsive to an operator. A head assembly is adapted to carry a device for engaging the surface. An actuator raises and lowers the head assembly relative to the surface. A position control responsive to operator input indicates a head position of the device relative to the surface or range of head positions of the device relative to the surface. The head position or the range of head positions indicates a distance or range of distances, respectively, between the device and the surface. A controller responsive to the position control selectively actuates the actuator to maintain the device in the head position or within the range of head positions as indicated by the position control. As a result, a repeatable position or range of positions of the brush head is obtained, the relative engagement between the head assembly and surface is controlled and the treatment of the surface by the head assembly is controlled. Position control may be used in combination with torque control of motors driving brushes for engaging the surface.