Automatic tool force compensator for a surface maintenance machine
US4679271A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 14, 1986 |
| Grant date | Jul 14, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 14, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE01H1/056
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
There is disclosed an improvement in a surface maintenance machine whereby means are provided for automatically maintaining a desired normal force by a maintenance tool against a surface being maintained, although there may be undulations in the surface, variations in the condition of the surface and changes in the tool caused by wear. Normal force is applied to the tool by gravity and an actuator, both acting through a load cell which senses their algebraic sum, compares this with a preset desired force and operates the actuator as needed to maintain the force at or near the pre-set level. Further, the load on the motor or motors driving the tool is sensed and compared against high and low reference points. If drive motor load is outside of the reference limits a signal is provided which causes a decrease or increase in the normal force to maintain the motor load within limits.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.