Thomas S Block

US Patent:

6363571, Apr 2, 2002

Filed:

Feb 24, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/514441

Inventors:

Thomas S. Block - Muskegon MI
Jerry D. Schemm - Twin Lake MI

Assignee:

Pacific Steamex Cleaning Systems, Inc. - Muskegon MI

International Classification:

A47L 500

US Classification:

15335, 15334

Abstract:

The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner operable in an on-floor mode and an above-floor mode. The filtration system of the vacuum cleaner is selectively fluidly connected to a brush housing directed toward the floor for the on-floor mode and, in an alternative orientation, selectively fluidly connected to an auxiliary hose for the above-floor mode. The auxiliary hose is stored in its entirety within the hollow tube of an upright handle, the upright handle being pivotally connected to a base of the vacuum cleaner and the hollow tube being removably connected to the pivotal connection for use as a wand in the above-floor mode. The vacuum cleaner includes vacuum and brush motors that are selectively activated in accordance with the position of the upright handle, the vacuum and brush motors being activated the on-floor mode and the vacuum motor alone being activated in the above-floor mode.

US Patent:

6448732, Sep 10, 2002

Filed:

Aug 10, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/636162

Inventors:

Thomas S. Block - Muskegon MI

Assignee:

Pacific Steamex Cleaning Systems, Inc. - Muskegon MI

International Classification:

G05B 1101

US Classification:

318635, 318650, 318139, 318245, 318441, 318442, 15339, 15DIG 1

Abstract:

A vacuum cleaner operates via power supplied from either an on-board battery or an AC power outlet. When the vacuum cleaner is operating by using the battery a controller monitors the voltage level in the battery and automatically shuts down the vacuum cleaner when the battery voltage has decreased below a preset level. This prevents a full drainage of the battery and increases its longevity. The controller that monitors the battery voltage level can be used with batteries of different voltages. The controller automatically determines which type of battery is being used and shuts down power to the vacuum cleaner motor after the appropriate amount of battery drainage.

US Patent:

D2553562, Jun 10, 1980

Filed:

Sep 6, 1977

Appl. No.:

5/830491

Inventors:

Thomas S. Block - Muskegon MI

Assignee:

Clarke-Gravely Corporation - Muskegon MI

International Classification:

D1505

US Classification:

D15 48

US Patent:

42362695, Dec 2, 1980

Filed:

May 2, 1979

Appl. No.:

6/035393

Inventors:

Thomas S. Block - Muskegon MI

Assignee:

Clarke-Gravely Corporation - Muskegon MI

International Classification:

A46B 1302

US Classification:

15180

Abstract:

A vertical axis brush for use with a rotary floor maintenance apparatus is disclosed. The brush includes a holder plate having an integral peripherally extending and depending skirt to which are detachably secured a plurality of brush segments. Each brush segment is generally U-shaped in plan and is held to the holder plate by a pair of opposed clamps which define a channel. The clamps are integral with the plate and radially receive the brush members in a detachable snap fit fashion. When mounted, each of the brush members is engaged by the clamps and also engaged by the depending skirt of the holder plate.

US Patent:

D3889165, Jan 6, 1998

Filed:

Jul 18, 1996

Appl. No.:

D/057195

Inventors:

Thomas S. Block - Muskegon MI

Assignee:

Pacific Steamex Cleaning Systems, Inc. - Muskegon MI

International Classification:

1505

US Classification:

D32 34

US Patent:

42939712, Oct 13, 1981

Filed:

Jun 19, 1979

Appl. No.:

6/049884

Inventors:

Thomas S. Block - Muskegon MI

Assignee:

Clarke-Gravely Corporation - Muskegon MI

International Classification:

A47L 902

US Classification:

15 98

Abstract:

The specification discloses a floor scrubber wherein the squeegee is connected to the machine by a coil spring. The squeegee is free of direct rigid connection to the machine such that it can shift readily from side to side through the action of the spring. The squeegee is biased to a raised position by a second spring and can be forced downwardly into engagement with the floor through a unique pneumatic cylinder.

US Patent:

41082680, Aug 22, 1978

Filed:

Mar 2, 1977

Appl. No.:

5/773701

Inventors:

Thomas S. Block - Muskegon MI

Assignee:

Clarke-Gravely Corporation - Muskegon MI

International Classification:

B60K 2300

US Classification:

180 74

Abstract:

A drive actuator for a self-propelled sweeper is disclosed including a wheel shaft supported on the frame of the sweeper for at least limited rotation and having a ground engaging wheel rotatably mounted thereon. A powered jackshaft is rotatably mounted on a frame and carries a drive member positioned to operatively engage the ground engaging wheel when the jackshaft is moved towards the wheel. A link connects the wheel shaft to the jackshaft and an actuator including a rod shifted by a pivotable handle rotates the wheel shaft thereby moving the drive member into engagement with the ground engaging wheel through movement of the link.

US Patent:

39770397, Aug 31, 1976

Filed:

Feb 5, 1975

Appl. No.:

5/547224

Inventors:

Thomas S. Block - Muskegon MI

Assignee:

Clarke-Gravely Corporation - Muskegon MI

International Classification:

A47L 514
A47L 900
A47L 918

US Classification:

15346

Abstract:

A mobile sweeper includes an air blast pickup head having air intake and exhaust ports communicating with the exhaust of a blower and the input of a debris plenum, respectively, for suctioning debris from a surface being cleaned and depositing the debris in the debris plenum. In order to control the dust caused by the air movement, a source of pressurized water is injected in the form of minute droplets into the air stream in advance of the pickup head air intake and in advance of the debris plenum input.