| TENNANT COMPANY Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
|---|
| 20120112493 | RECESSED SIDE COMPARTMENT FOR SURFACE MAINTENANCE MACHINES - A surface maintenance vehicle having a low profile recessed cavity in the side of the vehicle beneath the driver's seat which can be used for transporting items. The vehicle includes a vehicle shroud containing operational components of the vehicle, a driver's seat, and a seat shroud. A recessed cavity is formed in the side surface of the seat shroud and includes a vertically oriented anterior surface, a vertically oriented posterior surface opposing the anterior surface, a horizontally oriented bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface is generally perpendicular to the anterior and posterior surfaces, and a vertically oriented inner surface, wherein the inner surface is generally perpendicular to the anterior surface, posterior surface and bottom surface. The recessed cavity is open on the side and the top and can be used for transporting items while not increasing the overall size or footprint of the surface maintenance machine. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120097201 | Method and Apparatus for Cleaning Surfaces with High Pressure Electrolyzed Fluid - A mobile surface cleaner includes a mobile body, a least one wheel, a source of a fluid, a pump, a sprayer hose connectable to a fitting on the mobile body, a high pressure spray gun connectable to the sprayer hose, and a functional generator. The functional generator includes first and second electrode chambers, which are separated by an ion exchange membrane. A flow path extends from the fluid source to the fitting and passes through the functional generator. The flow path is configured to combine all the fluid produced in the first and second electrode chambers to form a combined fluid on the cleaner. A control circuit is coupled to the pump and the functional generator and is configured to energize the pump to pump the fluid along the flow path and energize the functional generator to electrochemically activate the liquid that is passed through the functional generator. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120067738 | Mobile Surface Cleaner and Method for Generating and Applying an Electrochemically Activated Sanitizing Liquid Having O3 Molecules - A method and apparatus are provided for generating and applying a sanitizing liquid. The method includes moving a mobile floor cleaning device along a floor and electrochemically activating a liquid on the mobile floor cleaning device by passing the liquid through a functional generator having first and second electrode chambers that are separated by an ion exchange membrane such that the liquid activated in the first electrode chamber comprises O | 03-22-2012 |
| 20110219555 | CLEANING HEAD AND MOBILE FLOOR CLEANER - One embodiment of a cleaning head comprises a frame, a cylindrical member and a fluid output. The cylindrical member is supported by the frame for rotation about a central axis. The cylindrical member comprises a porous and compressible outer cylindrical wall. The fluid output is configured to dispense a liquid to an interior cavity of the cylindrical member. In one embodiment, a motor is not directly coupled to the cylindrical member for driving the rotation of the cylindrical member about the central axis. In accordance with another embodiment, the cleaning head includes an electrolysis cell within the cylindrical member. The electrolysis cell comprises first and second electrodes, each comprising porous layers of conductive material. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110180420 | ELECTROLYSIS CELL HAVING ELECTRODES WITH VARIOUS-SIZED/SHAPED APERTURES - An electrolysis cell is provided, which includes an anode electrode and a cathode electrode. At least one of the anode electrode or the cathode electrode includes a first plurality of apertures having a first size and/or shape and a second plurality of apertures having a second, different size and/or shape. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110132749 | SPRAY DISPENSER HAVING AN ELECTROLYZER AND METHOD THEREFOR - A hand-held spray device is provided, which includes a tank for holding a supply of liquid to be treated and a functional generator, which is in fluid communication with the tank. The functional generator includes an anode chamber having an anode, a cathode chamber having a cathode and being separated from the anode chamber by an ion exchange membrane, wherein at least one of the anode or cathode comprises a metallic mesh, an inlet coupled to receive liquid supplied from the tank, which is coupled to the anode chamber and the cathode chamber. The functional generator is configured to combine an entire flow of anolyte liquid from the anode chamber with an entire flow of catholyte liquid from the cathode chamber along a single path that passes through an outlet. A pump pumps the liquid from the tank and out the spray output. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110132402 | MODULAR HUB CONSOLE FOR FLOOR CLEANING MACHINE - A floor surface maintenance vehicle including a frame, a plurality of wheels, a cleaning component extending from an underside of the frame, a steering wheel having a central aperture and rotatable about a central axis, and a steering wheel hub located within the central aperture of the steering wheel and having a panel, wherein the panel is stationary relative to the central axis. Buttons are provided on the panel, including a first button that is C-shaped and extends around a portion of a periphery of the panel. The C-shaped button may by used to control frequently used functions such as cleaning functions or operation of a horn, for example. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110121110 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR APPLYING ELECTRICAL CHARGE THROUGH A FLUID WITH A SINUSOIDAL WAVEFORM HAVING AT STEP DISCONTINUITY - An apparatus and method are provided, wherein the apparatus includes an electrode and a control circuit. The electrode lacks a corresponding return electrode of opposite polarity on the apparatus. The control circuit is electrically coupled to the electrode and configured to generate and apply to the electrode a voltage having a sinusoidal waveform having at least one step on an edge of the waveform, wherein each step comprises a local peak. The apparatus is arranged to generate an alternating electric field between the electrode and a surface or volume of space in response to the applied voltage. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110108067 | Integrated Vacuum Wand and Method of Use - A portable vacuum wand for use with a surface maintenance machine, for collection of debris remote from the machine. The vacuum wand is detachable from a rear squeegee assembly of the surface maintenance machine, and includes a handle and a wand head. A vacuum conduit of the vacuum wand is adapted to be coupled to the rear squeegee assembly when not in use so as to provide vacuum to the rear squeegee assembly. A method of cleaning a floor surface with a surface maintenance machine and a portable vacuum wand is also provided. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110107552 | Squeegee Assembly - A squeegee assembly for a floor surface maintenance machine having a tabbed frame, an apertured front squeegee blade adapted to receive at least portions of the tabs of said frame, a tabbed vacuum core having a surface adapted to receive portions of the tabs of the frame, a rear squeegee blade having apertures adapted to receive at least portions of the tabs of the vacuum core; and a clamp band for securing the frame, front and rear squeegee blades and vacuum core together. A method of quickly and efficiently assembling a squeegee assembly is also provided. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110107540 | Quick Lock Squeegee Attachment and Method of Use - A releasable squeegee assembly for coupling to a surface maintenance machine and including a compliant bushing and an over-center lever attached to a pull rod and compliant spring. The compliant bushing is compressed via said over-center lever with said compliant spring providing a spring force. A bushing sleeve is provided to limit the degree of compression of said compliant bushing by the over-center lever. A method of coupling a squeegee assembly to a surface maintenance machine is also provided. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110107529 | Side Brush Assembly Mechanism - A side brush assembly mechanism for a floor surface maintenance vehicle including a linkage assembly supporting a brush deck, a pivot assembly and a cable connected to the linkage assembly, and a cable tensioning device for retracting the cable. The cable tensioning device is capable of lifting and retracting the brush deck. The side brush assembly mechanism may include a biasing mechanism for lowering and extending the brush deck. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110048959 | Electrochemically-Activated Liquids Containing Fragrant Compounds - A device for dispensing a fragrant, electrochemically-activated liquid, the device comprising an electrolysis cell configured to electrochemically activate the liquid and to diffuse one or more fragrant compounds into the liquid to provide the fragrant, electrochemically-activated liquid. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20100276301 | Method and Apparatus for Treating a Liquid - An apparatus and method are provided. The apparatus includes first and second liquid lines, a container and a dispenser. The first liquid line is configured to receive a liquid. The container is coupled to the first liquid line and is configured to retain media of at least one liquid-activating material. The media of the at least one liquid-activating material is configured to modify an oxidation reduction potential of the received liquid to provide a treated liquid. The second liquid line is coupled to the container and is configured to receive the treated liquid from the container. The dispenser is operably coupled to the second liquid line at a location downstream from the container and is configured to dispense the treated liquid. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100181208 | WASHING SYSTEMS INCORPORATING CHARGED ACTIVATED LIQUIDS - A washing system and method comprising forming a charged activated liquid, and operating a washing system with the charged activated liquid. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100147701 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR APPLYING ELECTRICAL CHARGE THROUGH A LIQUID TO ENHANCE SANITIZING PROPERTIES - An apparatus and method are provided, in which and electroporation electrode is configured for example to apply an alternating electric field through liquid dispensed from the apparatus to a surface or volume being treated and thereby cause electroporation of microorganisms in contact with the liquid. The liquid may be suspended from the surface by charged nanobubbles and/or another mechanism to enhance application of the electric field to the microorganisms. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100147700 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR APPLYING ELECTRICAL CHARGE THROUGH A LIQUID HAVING ENHANCED SUSPENSION PROPERTIES - An apparatus and method are provided. The method includes for example, treating a liquid in an apparatus to increase suspension properties of the liquid and dispensing the treated liquid from the apparatus to a surface or volume of space so as to create an electrically conductive path by the treated liquid from the apparatus to the surface or volume of space. During the step of dispensing, an alternating electric field is generated from the apparatus to the surface or volume of space, through the liquid along the conductive path, wherein the electric field is sufficient to destroy at least one microorganism from the surface or in the volume of space. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100089419 | ELECTROCHEMICALLY-ACTIVATED LIQUID FOR COSMETIC REMOVAL - A method for removing a cosmetic substance, the method comprising electrochemically activating a liquid, dispensing the electrochemically-activated liquid to a surface containing the cosmetic substance, and applying frictional wiping to the surface containing the cosmetic substance and the applied electrochemically-activated liquid. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20090314659 | TUBULAR ELECTROLYSIS CELL AND CORRESPONDING METHOD - An electrolysis cell is provided, which includes an inlet, an outlet, and coaxial, cylindrical inner and outer electrodes. A cylindrical ion-selective membrane is located between the inner and outer electrodes and forms respective first and second electrolysis reaction chambers on opposing sides of the membrane. Fluid flow paths along the first and second chambers join together as a combined inlet flow path through the inlet and a combined outlet flow path through the outlet. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090314658 | HAND-HELD SPRAY BOTTLE ELECTROLYSIS CELL AND DC-DC CONVERTER - A hand-held spray bottle is provided, which includes a liquid reservoir, a liquid outlet, an electrolysis cell, a power source and a DC-to-DC converter. The electrolysis cell is carried by the spray bottle and is fluidically coupled between the reservoir and the liquid outlet. The power source is carried by the spray bottle and has a voltage output. The DC-to-DC converter is coupled between the voltage output and the electrolysis cell and provides a stepped-up voltage, which is greater than the voltage output of the power source, to energize the electrolysis cell. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090314657 | ELECTROLYSIS CELL HAVING CONDUCTIVE POLYMER ELECTRODES AND METHOD OF ELECTROLYSIS - A method and apparatus are provided for performing electrolysis with an electrolysis cell. The cell includes an anode electrode and a cathode electrode. At least one of the anode electrode or the cathode electrode is at least partially formed of conductive polymer. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090314655 | ELECTROLYSIS DE-SCALING METHOD WITH CONSTANT OUTPUT - A method and apparatus are provided for passing water through an electrolysis cell having an anode and a cathode separated by an ion selective membrane. The cathode has a larger surface area than the anode. The method includes: applying an energization voltage at a first polarity to the anode and the cathode to produce an anolyte liquid and a catholyte liquid; temporarily reversing the energization voltage to a second polarity for a short time duration to reduce deposits on at least one of the anode or cathode and then returning the energization voltage to the first polarity; and dispensing a substantially constant supply of the anolyte liquid from the anode chamber and the catholyte liquid from the cathode chamber during the applying and reversing steps, the supply of catholyte being greater than the supply of anolyte per unit of time. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090314654 | ELECTROLYSIS CELL HAVING ELECTRODES WITH VARIOUS-SIZED/SHAPED APERTURES - An electrolysis cell is provided, which includes an anode electrode and a cathode electrode. At least one of the anode electrode or the cathode electrode includes a first plurality of apertures having a first size and/or shape and a second plurality of apertures having a second, different size and/or shape. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090314651 | APPARATUS HAVING ELECTROLYSIS CELL AND INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATING THROUGH LIQUID - An apparatus is provided, which includes an electrolysis cell, a liquid flow path that passes through the electrolysis cell, and an indicator light. The indicator light is illuminated as a function of an operating characteristic of the electrolysis cell and luminous flux radiated from the light illuminates liquid along at least a portion of the flow path. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090311137 | ATOMIZER USING ELECTROLYZED LIQUID AND METHOD THEREFOR - An apparatus and method are provided for generating an electrochemically activated liquid that is rendered at least partially aerosol. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20090301521 | STEAM CLEANER USING ELECTROLYZED LIQUID AND METHOD THEREFOR - An apparatus and method are provided for generating an electrochemically-activated vapor. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090293912 | Method and Apparatus for Cleaning Fabrics, Floor Coverings, and Bare Floor Surfaces Utilizing a Soil Transfer Medium - An apparatus and method for cleaning fabrics, floor coverings, and bare floor surfaces utilizing a soil transfer cleaning medium is disclosed. A method of mechanically removing soil from a surface intended to be cleaned includes the steps of successively and repeatedly: wetting a portion of a cleaning medium with a cleaning liquid; extracting any soil and at least some of the cleaning liquid from the previously wetted portion of the cleaning medium; and wiping the surface intended to be cleaned with the portion of the cleaning medium so as to transfer soil from the surface intended to be cleaned to the cleaning medium. Portable and vehicle-based devices may be utilized to practice the method of cleaning. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090272652 | CHARGE MOVEMENT DETECTOR FOR ELECTROCHEMICALLY ACTIVATED LIQUIDS - A method and apparatus are provided for energizing an electrolysis cell receiving a liquid to be electrochemically activated and contacting the liquid with an exposed, conductive tip of a voltage detector. The voltage detector generates a humanly-perceptible indicator as a function of charge movement sensed by the voltage detector through the liquid. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090217480 | Hopper Assembly with Filter Module for Surface Maintenance Machine - A mobile surface maintenance machine with a debris hopper and a filter module providing at least two filter stages for separating dust and debris within the debris hopper, the filter module including a filter shaking mechanism and a housing adapted to seal against the upper opening of the debris hopper, and wherein the debris hopper is removed from air communication with the exhaust fan when the debris hopper is in a debris dump configuration and is returned to air communication with the exhaust fan when the debris hopper is lowered into an operational configuration. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090217479 | Filter Shaker Assembly for Sweeping Machine - A filter shaking assembly for a floor surface maintenance machine including a filter assembly in fluid communication with the debris hopper and having a cylindrical filter held against a shaker plate. The shaker plate is vibrated by a shaker motor at least partially positioned within an interior of the filter and eccentric mass to remove an accumulation of debris from the surface of the filter. The eccentric mass may include two eccentric masses positioned on a common shaft of the shaker motor. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090120460 | SOFT FLOOR PRE-SPRAY UNIT UTILIZING ELECTROCHEMICALLY-ACTIVATED WATER AND METHOD OF CLEANING SOFT FLOORS - A method is provided, which includes applying electrochemically activated acid and alkaline water to a surface as a pre-spray, allowing the electrochemically activated acid and alkaline water to remain on the surface for a dwell time, and after the dwell time, performing a cleaning operation on an area of the surface to which the pre-spray was applied. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090095639 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR NEUTRALIZING ELECTROCHEMICALLY ACTIVATED LIQUIDS - A method and apparatus are provided for reducing an oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) of an electrochemically activated liquid. The ORP is reduced by emitting ions from an ion generator into the electrochemically activated liquid, wherein the ions have a charge polarity that is opposite to the ORP of the liquid. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20080308427 | SYSTEM AND PROCESS FOR PRODUCING ALCOHOL - A production system and process comprising mixing electrochemically-activated liquid and feedstock granules to form a slurry a slurry cooker, and producing alcohol from the slurry. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20080240883 | Threaded Insert and Method of Using Same - The present invention is directed to a threaded insert having an internal threaded surface and an external threaded surface. The threaded surfaces have threads that are threaded in opposite directions. Thus, if the internal threaded surface is a right handed thread, then the external threaded surface will be a left handed thread. Through the use of the opposite direction threads the insert counteracts torque applied to a threaded fastener as it is inserted or removed. This results in a threaded insert that both resists over tightening of the fastener, and assists in the removal of the fastener from the insert. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080210572 | HAND-HELD SPRAY BOTTLE HAVING AN ELECTROLYZER AND METHOD THEREFOR - A hand-held spray apparatus is provided, which includes a tank for holding a supply of liquid to be treated and a functional generator carried by the hand-held spray apparatus. The functional generator receives the liquid from the tank and has an anode chamber and a cathode chamber separated by an ion exchange membrane and electrochemically activates the liquid that is passed through the functional generator. A spray output is coupled to an output of the functional generator and dispenses the electrochemically activated liquid as an output spray. | 09-04-2008 |
