Whirlpool Corporation

Roger D Burdi

Edward H Getz

Kurt Werner

A vacuum cleaner includes a device which senses brush speed while varying nozzle height settings until an optimum height setting is reached. Nozzle height is varied by a motor that rotates a cam to move a support roller and is set by stopping the motor when a predetermined brush speed condition is reached. A programmed control circuit senses the brush speed while controlling the cam motor.

Automatic vacuum nozzle height adjustment system for vacuum cleaner

A control system for a vacuum cleaner comprising three separate sub-control systems located in a canister portion, a power nozzle floor cleaner portion and a suction hose handle portion respectively. The handle portion sub-control includes user input switches and indicator lights and it controls the other two sub-controls. The canister sub-control controls the energization and speed of a suction fan motor as well as sensing pressure levels in the canister and suction hose. The floor cleaner sub-control controls the energization of a beater brush motor as well as sensing the rotational speed of the beater brush and depth of carpeting pile. Microcomputers are used in each circuit and communication between the circuits is done in packet form on a third connector and one side of an AC power line. Diagnostic testing is also built into the control system.

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Royalton Township, Berrien County, MI, United States of America

Roger D Burdi