Vacuum cleaner and control method thereof
US5841259A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 17, 1996 |
| Grant date | Nov 24, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 17, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA47L2201/04
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A vacuum cleaner is selectively operable in one of three modes, namely: an automatic self-directing mode, a remotely controlled mode, or a manual mode. The vacuum carries ultrasonic object detectors for detecting walls of a room being cleaned, as well as obstacles in the room. When in a self-directing mode, the vacuum selects a path of travel based upon a detected wall of the room as a reference, and steers itself to avoid obstacles in its path. An electric cord is automatically payed-out and retracted as the vacuum travels. A constant tension is imposed on the cord as it is payed-out or retracted by an appropriate manipulation of a spiral spring connected to the cord.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.