Patent · US Active

Debris sensor for cleaning apparatus

US7459871B2 · kind B2 · utility

157Cited by
127References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 24, 2007
Grant dateDec 2, 2008
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 24, 2027

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S901/46
  • WIPO fieldFurniture, games
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A piezoelectric debris sensor and associated signal processor responsive to debris strikes enable an autonomous or non-autonomous cleaning device to detect the presence of debris and in response, to select a behavioral mode, operational condition or pattern of movement, such as spot coverage or the like. Multiple sensor channels (e.g., left and right) can be used to enable the detection or generation of differential left/right debris signals and thereby enable an autonomous device to steer in the direction of debris.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.