Patent Publication Number: US-2012023698-A1

Title: Rotary head cleaner

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/368,525 entitled “APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR A ROTARY HEAD CLEANER” and filed on Jul. 28, 2010 for Edward E. Durrant et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     This disclosure relates to floor cleaning devices and more particularly relates to rotary head cleaners for extracting fluid from a floor. 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Description of the Related Art 
     The cleaning of carpet, to remove stains, dirt, etc., is achieved using various different methods, including dry-cleaning techniques, wet-cleaning techniques, and vacuuming. Wet-cleaning, or steam cleaning as it is commonly known, is a technique that involves spraying heated water onto carpet, agitation of the carpet, and extraction of the heated water. The extraction step may require several passes with a cleaning tool to extract water from the carpet. Finally, the carpet is allowed to dry. 
     Unfortunately, many of the cleaning tools used to extract water from the carpet are bulky, cumbersome, and/or poorly balanced. Furthermore, motors that provide suction to the cleaning tool are often located remotely, and therefore suffer from a loss of suction power over the length of the suction hose. 
     SUMMARY 
     From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for an apparatus and system for a rotary head cleaner. The present disclosure has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available floor cleaners. Accordingly, the present disclosure has been developed to provide an apparatus and system for a rotary head cleaner that overcome many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art. 
     The apparatus is provided with a plurality of liquid extraction devices positioned radially on a floor-facing surface of a rotary head, a driveshaft disposed between a rotary motor and the rotary head, the rotary motor configured to rotate the rotary head, and a housing disposed between the rotary motor and the rotary head, the housing supporting a wheel, and a handle. The apparatus also includes an evacuation tank having a capacity sensor in communication with an evacuation pump. The capacity sensor detects when a maximum desired capacity of evacuated liquids is reached. 
     In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a vacuum motor connected with the housing and configured to provide a suction force to the liquid extraction devices to extract liquid from a floor to the evacuation tank. The weight of the rotary motor, housing, handle, retractable wheel, and vacuum motor is supported by the liquid extraction devices. In a further embodiment, the apparatus includes at least one spray nozzle coupled with the rotary head and in communication with a pressurized cleaning solution source and configured to spray cleaning solution on the floor. The pressurized cleaning solution may include a compressor configured to maintain the cleaning solution at a pressure in the range of between about 50 and 150 psi, 80 and 120 psi, or about 100 psi. 
     Each of the liquid extraction devices includes a floor engaging base plate formed of polytetraflouroethylene. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes an exhaust hose coupled on a first end with the vacuum motor and on a second end with the housing and configured to direct exhaust from the vacuum motor into the housing. 
     A system is also provided, and includes the apparatus, a remote cleaning solution tank having a pump for pushing a cleaning liquid through a flexible hose to the rotary head cleaning device, and a remote secondary evacuation tank. The evacuation pump may be disposed within the evacuation tank and configured to activate upon receiving a notification from the capacity sensor and push evacuated liquids through a hose to the remote secondary evacuation tank. Alternatively, the evacuation pump is coupled to an outer surface of the evacuation tank and configured to activate upon receiving a notification from the capacity sensor and push evacuated liquids through a hose to the remote secondary evacuation tank. 
     In a different embodiment, the system includes liquid extraction devices positioned radially on a floor-facing surface of a rotary head, a protective housing disposed between the rotary head and a rotary motor, and a hollow drive channel coupled on a first end with the center of the rotary head. The hollow drive channel extends through the housing and couples on a second end with the rotary motor so that a rotating force from the rotary motor turns the rotary head. The system also includes a liquid conduit coupling liquid sprayers with a cleaning solution tank. The liquid conduit passes through the hollow drive channel. 
     In a further embodiment, the system includes a vacuum conduit disposed around the hollow drive channel and fluidly coupling the liquid extraction devices with vacuum motor. The rotary motor and the vacuum motor are positioned on the protective housing to laterally balance the protective housing. The system may include wheels and a handle attached to the protective housing. The rotary motor may be positioned on the housing opposite the handle such that the rotary motor and the handle are longitudinally balanced with reference to the rotary head and the protective housing. 
     In one embodiment, the system includes an evacuation tank coupled with the protective housing and disposed around the rotary motor and vacuum motor such that as the evacuation tank fills with extracted fluid, a weight of the extracted fluid is distributed evenly across the protective housing. The system also includes an evacuation pump disposed within the evacuation tank and configured to push the extracted fluid through a flexible hose to a remote storage tank. 
     Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present disclosure should be or are in any single embodiment of the disclosure. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment. 
     Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the disclosure may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the disclosure. 
     These features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the disclosure as set forth hereinafter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order that the advantages of the disclosure will be readily understood, a more particular description of the disclosure briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a rotary head cleaning machine; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view diagram illustrating another embodiment of the machine; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of the rotary head; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of the extraction head; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view diagram illustrating another embodiment of the rotary head; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view diagram illustrating another embodiment of the rotary head; 
         FIG. 7  is a side view diagram illustrating one embodiment of the machine; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view diagram illustrating another embodiment of the machine; 
         FIG. 9  is a top view diagram illustrating one embodiment of the machine; 
         FIG. 10  is a side view diagram illustrating yet another embodiment of the machine; 
         FIG. 11  is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a system for a rotary head cleaner; 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a control module; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view diagram illustrating another embodiment of a machine; 
         FIG. 14  is a top view diagram illustrating one embodiment of the machine; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a vacuum path of the machine; 
         FIG. 16  is a side view diagram illustrating another embodiment of the vacuum path; and 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view diagram illustrating another embodiment of the machine. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. 
     Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of programming, software modules, user selections, network transactions, database queries, database structures, hardware modules, hardware circuits, hardware chips, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the disclosure. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the disclosure may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the disclosure. 
       FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a rotary head cleaning machine  100  (hereinafter “machine  100 ”). The machine  100 , in one embodiment, includes a housing  102  that forms a supportive base for a rotary motor  104 , a vacuum motor  106 , an evacuation tank  108 , and an evacuation pump  109 . A pair of wheels  110  and a handle  112  may also be connected to the housing  102 . The housing  102 , in a further embodiment, is configured having a bell shape to form a protective cover around a rotary head which will be described in greater detail below with reference to  FIGS. 3-5 . 
     Coupled with the rotary head are extraction heads  114 . In one embodiment, at least three extraction heads  114  are connected with the rotary head. Alternatively, the number of extraction heads  114  connected with the rotary head is selected according to the type of flooring. For example, a high-density short-pile commercial style carpet may benefit from additional extraction heads  114 . Alternatively, the number of extraction heads  114  may be selected according to different criteria. For example, the determination may not be the type of flooring, but rather the ability of the machine  100  to smoothly traverse a carpeted surface. In other words, more extraction heads  114  supporting the machine  100  result in a more stable machine  100 . The extraction heads  114  are in fluid communication with the evacuation tank  108 . As such, a vacuum force applied by the vacuum motor  106  to the evacuation tank  108  results in a vacuum force on the extraction heads  114 . 
     The housing  102  is formed of a rigid material capable of supporting the rotary motor  104 , vacuum motor  106 , evacuation tank  108 , wheels  110 , and handle  112 . Examples of a rigid material capable of use in the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, aluminum, aluminum alloys, steel alloys, other metal alloys, and rigid plastics. The rotary motor, in one embodiment, is an electrical motor capable of generating a force sufficient to turn the rotary head. In one embodiment, the rotary motor  104  is a ½ hp motor. The rotary motor  104  may be connected with a gearbox  116  that transfers the rotary force of the rotary motor  104  through a driveshaft to the rotary head. In the depicted embodiment, the driveshaft is disposed within a driveshaft housing  118  and extends from the gearbox  116  to the rotary head which is disposed within the housing  102   
     The evacuation tank  108  is a storage tank for holding liquid that is extracted from flooring via the extraction heads  114 . The evacuation tank  108  may be formed as an integral piece of the housing  102 , or alternatively as a separate component that is attached to the housing  102 . The evacuation tank  108 , in one embodiment, includes a capacity sensor for indicating when the evacuation tank  108  is nearly full of liquid that has been extracted from the floor. The capacity sensor may comprise a pressure or weight sensor disposed between the evacuation tank  108  and the housing  102  configured to indicate when the evacuation tank  108  is nearly full. 
     Alternatively, the capacity sensor may comprise a float sensor inside the evacuation tank  108  indicating when the fluid level is approaching a “full line.” In one embodiment, the liquid in the evacuation tank  108  is then drawn to a drain or secondary storage tank. This will be discussed in greater detail below with reference to  FIG. 11 . The evacuation pump  109  is configured to push liquid in the evacuation tank  108  through a hose (not shown) to a drain or secondary evacuation tank. The evacuation pump  109 , in one embodiment, is submersible in liquid in the evacuation tank  108 . Alternatively, the evacuation pump  109  is coupled with an exterior surface of the evacuation tank  108 . 
     The evacuation pump  109 , in one embodiment, is configured to operate in short spurts to minimize the electrical load of the machine  100 . In other words, when the capacity sensor determines that the evacuation tank  108  is nearing capacity, the evacuation pump  109  pumps out the extracted liquids in, for example, 20 second cycles. In this example, the evacuation pump  109  pumps for 20 seconds then pauses for 20 seconds, and repeats this cycle until evacuation tank  108  is nearly empty. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view diagram illustrating another embodiment of the machine  100 . In one embodiment, the handle  112  is pivotally coupled with the housing  102 . The handle  112  includes a locking lever  202  configured to lock the angular position of the lever  112  with respect to the housing  102 . This beneficially allows the handle  112  to be positioned at different heights to accommodate users of different heights. The handle  112  can pivot from a perpendicular “storage” position to a horizontal position. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of the rotary head  300 . As described above, the rotary head  300  is coupled with extraction heads  114 . The depicted embodiment demonstrates a rotary head  300  having five extraction heads  114 . Alternatively, the rotary head  300  may include more or less extraction heads  114  depending on the type of flooring to be cleaned. 
     The rotary head  300 , in one embodiment, includes at least one spray nozzle  302 . Alternatively, the rotary head  300  may be configured with multiple spray nozzles  302 , each fluidly coupled with a cleaning solution source. The cleaning solution may be a pressurized liquid such as water or a mixture of water and a cleaning agent. The cleaning solution is delivered via a conduit that passes through a hollow driveshaft that connects the gearbox  116  (of  FIG. 1 ) with rotary head  300 . The hollow driveshaft will be discussed in greater detail below with reference to  FIG. 5 . 
     Concentric with the hollow driveshaft  304  is a vacuum chamber  306  having a plurality of inlets  308 . The vacuum chamber  306 , in one embodiment, may be sub-divided into smaller chambers. The smaller chambers are each fluidly coupled with the inlets  308 . Alternatively, the vacuum chamber  306  may be configured as a single chamber having multiple inlets  308 . Each inlet  308  is connected via a hose (not shown) with an outlet  310  of an extraction head  114 . The hoses are not depicted here so as to not obstruct the perspective view of the rotary head  300 . 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of the extraction head  114 . The extraction head  114 , or vacuum head, is shown here for removing liquid from fabric such as carpet. The extraction head includes a base plate  402  with one or more openings which function as extraction nozzles  404  to remove the liquid from the fabric. The base plate  402  is elongated and may be coated with an anti-friction coating to more easily move through a carpeted surface. Examples of coatings suitable for use in the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, polytetraflouroethylene (PTFE). In a further embodiment, various components of the extraction head  114  may be formed of PTFE. For example, the base plate  402  may be formed of PTFE. 
     Extending from the base plate  402  is a guide bar  406 . The guide bar  406  extends “forward” from the base plate  402  to guide the extraction head  114  over objects in the carpeted surface. For example, because the guide bar  406  extends outward in front of the base plate  402 , the guide bar will make contact with objects in the carpeted surface before the base plate  402  as the extraction head  114  moves through a carpeted surface. As depicted, the guide bar  406  is configured with a leading bar  408  positioned above the plane of the base plate  402 . As such, as the leading bar  408  encounters a carpet transition bar, for example, the incline of the guide bar  406  will “ride” up the carpet transition bar and consequently lift the base plate  402  over the carpet transition bar. In other words, the guide bar  406  protects the base plate  402  and prevents the extraction head  114  from catching on objects in the carpeted surface. 
     As discussed above, the extraction head  114  also includes the outlet  310 . The outlet  310  is fluidly coupled with the plurality of extraction nozzles  404 , and configured to attach with a hose that connects with the vacuum chamber described above with reference to  FIG. 3 . Also depicted here is a mounting point  410  for connecting the extraction head  114  with the rotary head of  FIG. 3 . The mounting point  410 , in one embodiment, is an aperture through which a bolt or other fastening device may pass to secure the extraction head  114  to the rotary head. 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view diagram illustrating another embodiment of the rotary head  500 . The rotary head  500  is driven by a hollow driveshaft disposed between the gearbox  116  of  FIG. 1  and the rotary head  500 . The driveshaft transfers the rotary force from the rotary motor  104 , via the gearbox  116 , to the rotary head  500  so that the rotary head  500  rotates about the driveshaft. The driveshaft connects to the rotary head  500  at the center of the hub  502 . 
     The hub  502  includes, in this embodiment, multiple vacuum chambers  504  positioned radially around a center channel  506 . Each of the vacuum chambers  504  is fluidly coupled with an inlet  508  and the evacuation tank  108  of  FIG. 1 . As such, a partial vacuum applied to the evacuation tank  108  causes a partial vacuum in the vacuum chambers  504  which thereby draws liquid through a hose connecting the inlet  508  to the outlet  510  of an extraction head  512 . 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view diagram illustrating another embodiment of the rotary head  500  without the hub  502 . The rotary head  500 , in one embodiment, includes multiple liquid conduits  602  extending outward radially from the center channel  506 . The liquid conduits  602  transport a cleaning solution from a cleaning solution source to the spray nozzles  604 . In one embodiment, the center channel  506  itself is a liquid conduit together with the hollow driveshaft that connects the gearbox  116  with the center channel  506  of the rotary head  500 . Alternatively, a separate conduit may pass through the hollow driveshaft and center channel  506  to deliver the cleaning solution to the liquid conduits  602 . The cleaning solution, as described above, may be water or, alternatively, a mixture of water and a cleaning agent. 
     The present disclosure, beneficially, is capable of dispensing a pressurized cleaning solution. In other words, the spray nozzles  604 , liquid conduits  602 , and the center channel  506  are capable of transporting a pressurized cleaning solution. This beneficially better distributes the cleaning solution onto a carpeted or fabric surface. In a further embodiment, the above described liquid distribution system is also capable of distributing a gaseous cleaning solution, such as an atomized mixture of water and cleaning agent via an atomizer nozzle. 
       FIG. 7  is a side view diagram illustrating one embodiment of the machine  100 . As described previously, the machine  100 , in one embodiment, includes two motors: the rotary motor  104  and the vacuum motor  106 . The rotary motor  104  is coupled to the gearbox  116  and provides a rotary force that drives the gearbox  116 , the driveshaft, and the rotary head. The vacuum motor  106  creates a region of low pressure in the evacuation tank  108  and thereby causes the flow of liquid, from a region of higher pressure (the carpeted surface), into the tank. 
     The vacuum motor  106  includes an exhaust port  602  through which exhaust is expelled. In the depicted embodiment, the exhaust port  602  directs the exhaust to the side of the machine  100 . Alternatively, the exhaust port  602  may extend downward toward the carpeted surface so that the exhaust from the vacuum motor  106  aides in drying the carpeted surface. 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view diagram illustrating another embodiment of the machine  100 . The depicted embodiment illustrates the rotary motor  104 . The rotary motor  104  is mounted to the housing  102 , and in one embodiment, the output shaft of the rotary motor  104  extends out of the rotary motor  104  away from the housing. The output shaft of the rotary motor engages the gearbox  116  to provide a rotary force to the rotary head as described above. In another embodiment, that will be described in greater detail below with reference to  FIG. 10 , the output shaft of the rotary motor may extend downward toward the housing. In other words, the orientation of the motor may be reversed. 
       FIG. 9  is a top view diagram illustrating one embodiment of the machine  900 . In the depicted embodiment, the vacuum motor  106  and the evacuation tank  108  are positioned on the housing  102  opposite the rotary motor  104 . However, as described above with reference to  FIG. 1 , the vacuum motor  106  and the evacuation tank  108  may be positioned adjacent the rotary motor  104 . The arrangement of  FIG. 9  positions the rotary motor  104 , vacuum motor  106 , and evacuation tank  108  along a longitudinal plane  902  of the machine  900 . The longitudinal plane  902 , as used herein, refers to an imaginary plane bisecting the machine along a lateral center of gravity. In other words, the longitudinal plane  902  is positioned along a line defined at each point of the line as the lateral, or side-to-side, center of gravity. By centering the rotary motor  104 , vacuum motor  106 , and evacuation tank  108  along the longitudinal plane  902 , the machine  900  is balanced and does not lean to one side or the other during operation. 
     If the rotary motor  104 , vacuum motor  106 , or evacuation tank  108  are symmetrical, then the rotary motor  104 , vacuum motor  106 , or evacuation tank  108  may be centered along the longitudinal plane  902 . Alternatively, the center of gravity of each of the rotary motor  104 , vacuum motor  106 , or evacuation tank  108  may be positioned along the longitudinal plane  902  to balance the machine  900 . 
     In a different embodiment, the rotary motor  104 , vacuum motor  106 , and evacuation tank  108  are positioned in any configuration that balances the motors  104 ,  106 , and the evacuation tank  108  laterally. In other terms, the motors  104 ,  106 , and tank  108  may be positioned on the machine in positions that are not necessarily on the longitudinal axis  902  but still balance the machine laterally. 
       FIG. 10  is a side view diagram illustrating another embodiment of a rotary head cleaning machine  1000 . In one embodiment, the evacuation tank  1002  is configured as a bell-shaped tank configured with a profile similar to that of the housing  102 . As such, the evacuation tank  1002  appears to be integral to the housing. Such a configuration also accomplishes a balanced evacuation tank  1002  because it has a symmetrical and circular shape that is centered over the housing  102 . In fact, the evacuation tank  1002  may be integrally formed with the housing  102 . 
     The depicted embodiment also illustrates a “reversed” orientation rotary motor  1004  as discussed previously. The gearbox  1006  may be disposed directly above the housing  102 , or alternatively the evacuation tank  1002 . As such, a much shorter driveshaft is required to connect the rotary head to the gearbox  1006 . With the gearbox  1006  closer to the housing  102 , the rotary motor  1004  is positioned with the output shaft extending towards the housing  102 , unlike the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , for example. 
       FIG. 11  is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a system  1100  for a rotary head cleaner. In one embodiment, the system includes the machine  100  as described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-9 , or alternatively the machine  1000  described above in  FIG. 10 . The system also includes a cart  1102  having tanks  1104 ,  1106 . Tank  1104 , in one embodiment, is a pressurized tank for storing a cleaning solution. The cart  1102 , in one embodiment, includes a compressor for maintaining the pressure of the cleaning solution in the tank  1104 . For example, the compressor might maintain the cleaning solution at a pressure of in the range of between about 50 and 150 psi. In a different embodiment, the compressor maintains the pressure in the tank  1104  in a range of between about 80 to 120 psi. In a further embodiment, the pressure is 100 psi. The tank  1104  supplies the cleaning solution to the machine  100  via a hose  1108  that is in fluid communication with the liquid conduits  602  described above in  FIG. 6 . 
     In a further embodiment, a heater is connected with the tank  1104  to heat the cleaning solution. In a further example, the tank  1104  may be replaced with a stationary liquid source such as a faucet. Tank  1106  is a secondary evacuation tank. Tank  1106  is in fluid communication with evacuation tank  108  and receives evacuated liquid when the evacuation tank  108  nears capacity. As discussed previously, the evacuation tank  108  includes a capacity sensor that, for example, may trigger a pump (such as the evacuation pump  109  of  FIG. 1 ) located on the cart  1102  to remove the liquid from the evacuation tank  108  to the tank  1106 . In a further embodiment, the evacuation tank  108  may be removed and evacuated liquid extracted from a carpeted surface may be sent directly to the tank  1106 . 
     In a further embodiment, the tank  1106  may be replaced with a stationary evacuation point, such as a drain. In this embodiment, hose  1110  may be connected with a pump located at a remote drain. Alternatively, the evacuation pump  109  is configured to push extracted liquid to the remote drain. The evacuation pump  109  may be located on the machine  100  or on the cart  1102 . In one embodiment, the evacuation pump  109  is removable and may be placed on either the machine  100  or the cart  1102 . Additionally, an evacuation pump  109  may be placed on each of the machine  100  and the cart  1102  and one or both evacuation pumps  109  may be selectively activated according to liquid volumes and available power. 
     Additionally, the cart  1102  may be carried removably on a truck. In this embodiment, the user may use his/her discretion to work with the cart remaining on the truck or to wheel the cart to the premises being cleaned, closer to the machine  100 . Additionally, one or more components of the cart  1102 , such as the heater  1114  may be removed from the cart and relocated on the premises, closer to the machine  100 . 
     The cart  1102 , in one embodiment, is a modular cart  1102 . In other words, the cart  1102  may be configured as a framework capable of receiving modular components such as the tanks  1104 ,  1106 . As desired, tanks  1104 ,  1106  may be removed from the cart and replaced with a different modular component. For example, the secondary evacuation tank  1106  may be removed from the cart  1102  and positioned near a drain or toilet so that extracted liquids are disposed of. The cart  1102  then is capable of accepting, for example, an additional cleaning solution heater  1114 . In a further embodiment, the cart  1102  is configured with sufficient “slots,” or openings, for accommodating the tanks  1104 ,  1106 , multiple heaters  1114 , additional pumps, and other accessories. In yet another embodiment, the heater  1114  may be positioned in-line with the hose  1108 . The multiple components on the cart  1102  may be removable, and in one embodiment are also separately powered and capable of being bypassed such that they may be deactivated while still remaining on the cart if desired. 
     The cart  1102  and or machine  100  may be powered with an electrical cord for accessing 110 V or 220 V electricity on the premises. Additionally, the cart  1102  and or machine  100  may be powered by a generator that may be relocateable to the premises or which may be located on the truck. 
     In one embodiment, the electrical characteristics of both the cart  1102  and the machine  100  are selected to keep the electricity usage from exceeding an amount that might exceed the capacity of the power supply. For instance, the rotary motor  104  and the vacuum motor  106  are preferably selected to have a combined current usage within a selected threshold level. In a further embodiment, the evacuation pump  109  is also selected to combine with the rotary motor  104  and the vacuum motor  106  to maintain a current usage within the selected threshold. 
     In one embodiment, the selected threshold is within the range of between about 10 and about 22 amps. In a further embodiment, the selected threshold is within the range of between about 12 and about 18 amps. In a more specific embodiment, the selected threshold is about 15 amps. 
     In order to stay within the threshold current usage, power saving configurations may be used. For instance, the heads  114  may be made of a low friction material. In one embodiment, the friction reducing material is polytetraflouroethylene. 
       FIG. 12  is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a control module  1202 . The control module  1202 , in one embodiment, includes a rotary module  1204 , a vacuum module  1206 , a capacity module  1208 , an evacuation module  1210 , and a heater module  1212 . The control module  1202  is configured to control the amperage usage of the rotary head cleaner. The control module  1202  ensures that the rotary head cleaner does not use excessive amperage that might trip an electrical circuit breaker. In one example, the control module  1202  is configured to prevent usage of more than 15 amps. Alternatively, the control module  1202  may be configured to accept a user defined maximum amperage. 
     The rotary module  1204  is configured to monitor the amperage usage of the rotary motor described above with reference to  FIG. 1  Likewise, the vacuum module  1206  is configured to monitor the amperage usage of the vacuum motor. Alternatively, a single module may be configured to monitor both motors. The capacity module  1208  is configured to monitor the capacity sensor and detect when the evacuation tank is nearing capacity. When such an event is detected, the capacity module  1208  notifies the evacuation module  1210  which begins an evacuation event. In other words, extracted liquid stored in the evacuation tank is moved to the secondary evacuation tank. This beneficially reduces the weight riding on the machine which in turn reduces the load on the rotary motor. 
     The heater module  1212  is configured to monitor the usage of cleaning solution heaters. If the control module  1202  detects that a maximum amperage threshold is about to be crossed, the control module  1202  can notify the heater module  1212  which either turns off the heater, or reduces electricity usage of the heater. Alternatively, however, if the control module  1202  detects that the entire system is within the maximum threshold, the control module  1202  may request that the heater module  1212  activates additional heaters. 
       FIG. 13  is a perspective view diagram illustrating another embodiment of a machine  1300 . The machine  1300  generally includes the components and features described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-12 . The components and features, as is also described above with reference to  FIG. 9 , may be arranged in different orientations as long as the machine  1300  remains balanced laterally. The depicted embodiment illustrates a machine  1300  having an evacuation tank  1304  that surrounds the various motors, pumps, and other components depicted in the preceding and following figures. These components and features include a housing  1302  that supports an evacuation tank  1304 , and various motors. The housing  1302  is disposed between the rotary head and the evacuation tank  1304 . In one embodiment, the machine  1300  includes a base  1306  disposed between the housing  1304  and the evacuation tank. The base  1304  couples the evacuation tank  1304  to the housing  1302 , and includes mounting areas for various motors and sensors as will be described below. The evacuation tank  1304  surrounds the vacuum motor, rotary motor, and other components. This type of arrangement allows the weight of evacuated fluid to be evenly distributed across the base  1306  and housing  1302 , and thereby maintains lateral balance of the machine  1300 . 
     The machine  1300  also includes an inlet port  1308  and an outlet port  1310 . The inlet port  1308  is for receiving a supply line of cleaning solution. Similarly, the outlet port  1310  is for expelling extracted dirt and fluid from a floor surface. The machine  1300  is configured to “push” the extracted fluid from the evacuation tank  1304  to a secondary storage tank or drain. In other words, unlike other cleaning systems, the machine  1300  does not utilize vacuum to draw the extracted fluid to the secondary storage tank, the extracted fluid is pumped. Likewise, cleaning solution delivered through the inlet port  1308  is also pumped to the machine  1300  instead of using a vacuum to draw the cleaning solution from a cleaning solution tank. 
       FIG. 14  is a top view diagram illustrating one embodiment of the machine  1300 . As with  FIG. 9 ,  FIG. 14  depicts an embodiment of a laterally balanced machine  1400 . For the sake of clarity, many components depicted in above in  FIG. 13  are not illustrated; rather the components that most affect lateral balance are illustrated, those components being the vacuum motor  1402 , the rotary motor  1404 , the evacuation pump  1406 , and vacuum riser  1408 . The arrangement depicted here illustrates a configuration that laterally balances the components along a longitudinal plane  1410  of the machine  1400 . The longitudinal plane  1410 , as used herein, refers to an imaginary plane bisecting the machine along a lateral center of gravity. In other words, the longitudinal plane  1410  is positioned along a line defined at each point of the line as the lateral, or side-to-side, center of gravity. By centering the rotary motor  1404 , and balancing the evacuation pump  1406 , vacuum motor  1402 , and vacuum riser  1408  along the longitudinal plane  1410 , the machine  1400  is balanced and does not lean to one side or the other during operation. The evacuation tank is not depicted here, because as described above, the evacuation tank evenly distributes the weight of extracted fluid across the base  1412 . 
     In a different embodiment, the rotary motor  1404 , vacuum motor  1402 , and evacuation pump  1406  are positioned in any configuration that balances the machine  1400  laterally. In other terms, the motors and pump may be positioned on the machine in positions that are not necessarily on the longitudinal axis  1410  but still balance the machine laterally. 
     In a further embodiment, the rotary motor  1404  is selected and positioned to balance the machine  1300  longitudinally. As used herein, balancing the machine longitudinally refers to a substantially even weight distribution from one side of an imaginary plane  1414  bisecting the machine along a longitudinal, or front-to-back, center of gravity. The rotary motor  1404 , in one embodiment, is positioned in a forward position, as depicted, to balance the weight of the handle  1416  and the wheels  1418 . Such a balanced configuration enables the machine  1300 , when in operation, to be supported entirely by the rotary head, as depicted in  FIG. 1 , without the need to utilize the wheels  1418 . 
     Referring jointly now to  FIGS. 15 and 16 ,  FIG. 15  is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a vacuum path of the machine  1300 , and  FIG. 16  is a side view diagram illustrating another embodiment of the vacuum path. As used herein, the term “vacuum path” refers to the pathway along which air and extracted fluid move under when a partial vacuum is introduced in the evacuation tank. The vacuum path, as described above with reference to the rotary head, starts at the extraction heads which are coupled with vacuum chambers  1501  in the rotary head.  FIG. 15  illustrates a plenum  1502  coupled with the top of the rotary head and the vacuum riser  1408 . The plenum  1502  forms a channel through which air and extracted fluid may pass. The plenum  1502  is formed having smooth surfaces and rounded edges to minimize disruptions to the flow of air and extracted fluid. 
     The vacuum path  1602 , as depicted in  FIG. 16 , rises from the extraction heads  114  to the vacuum chambers, up through the plenum  1502 , over to the vacuum riser  1408 , and then to the evacuation tank. In one embodiment, the length of the vacuum path  1504  is in the range of between about 0.25 and 3 feet. In a further embodiment, the length of the vacuum path  1504  is in the range of between about 0.75 and 2 feet. In yet another embodiment, the length of the vacuum path is in the range of between about 0.8 feet and 1 foot. The total height the extracted fluid is lifted, therefore, is minimized and therefore less power is required to extract fluid from the floor, and extracted fluid performance increases. 
     The extraction capability of the machine  1300  is increased by minimizing the length of the vacuum path  1504 , and the number of turns or obstacles in the vacuum path  1504 . As depicted, starting at the vacuum chamber  1501 , the vacuum path  1504  includes two “turns”  1506 . As used herein, the term “turn” refers to a change in direction of the vacuum path  1504 . Therefore, the depicted vacuum path has a turn from a vertical to a horizontal path when entering the plenum  1502 , and a turn  1506  from the plenum  1502  to the vacuum riser  1408 . Beveled or sloped edges at the turns  1506  will further reduce obstructions and improve air and extracted fluid flow. In other words, smoothing out the vacuum path  1504  improves air and extracted fluid flow. As such the machine  1300  is capable of extracting substantial amounts of cleaning solution from the floor. For example, a machine  1300 , as depicted in  FIG. 13 , is capable of extracting all but 0.26 gallons from a 100 square foot area in a single pass. This greatly reduces the drying time of the floor from almost 24 hours when 0.40 to 0.60 gallons per 100 square feet is left in the flooring, to 2-3 hours when the amount is in the range of about 0.20 to 0.30 gallons per 100 square feet. 
       FIG. 17  is a perspective view diagram illustrating another embodiment of the machine  1700 . The machine  1700  may include an exhaust hose  1702  extending from the vacuum motor. The exhaust created by the vacuum motor may be directed through the exhaust hose  1702  through an opening in the housing  1704 . As such, the air blown from the vacuum motor is directed away from a person operating the machine which in turn reduces the noise as perceived by the person. Furthermore, the air directed through the exhaust hose  1702  aids in drying the flooring. 
     The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the disclosure is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 
     What is claimed is: