WO2008131546A1

WO2008131546A1 - Cleaning apparatus and method

Info

Publication number: WO2008131546A1
Application number: PCT/CA2008/000795
Authority: WO
Inventors: Phillip Adams; Kevin D'souza; Peter Vanderplaat; Ivo Wachter
Original assignee: Phillip Adams; D Souza Kevin; Peter Vanderplaat; Ivo Wachter
Priority date: 2007-04-27
Filing date: 2008-04-25
Publication date: 2008-11-06

Abstract

A cleaning apparatus, or system may include a cleaning liquid generation apparatus, and a cleaning liquid application apparatus. Both units may include sensors operable to monitor properties of the cleaning liquids, to provide verification of the quality of those liquids when applied, and to provide a warning to an operator when the liquids are no longer within specification, or are in insufficient quantity and requirement replenishment. The equipment may include automatic shut-off valves, or discharge inhibiting devices such as may prevent an operator from continuing with discharge of the cleaning liquids if one or more of the properties of those liquids falls outside a specified range. The apparatus may include heaters for maintaining the temperature of one or both of the liquids.

Description

CLEANING APPARATUS AND METHOD

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to apparatus for cleaning and disinfecting.

Background of the Invention

There are many circumstances in which it may be desirable to clean a room, a hallway, or other space or equipment in a manner that may tend to kill germs, sterilise the space or objects in the space, and, in general, tend toward the maintenance of an hygienic environment. This may be true not only in institutions such as health care facilities but also in restaurants, arenas and auditoria, schools, day care facilities, aboard ships and other vehicles, and in many other applications.

Summary of the Invention

In general terms, in one aspect of the invention there is a cleaning apparatus. The cleaning apparatus includes a first liquid reservoir, and a first cleaning liquid in the first liquid reservoir, the first liquid being a detergent; a second liquid reservoir, and a second cleaning fluid in the second liquid reservoir, the second liquid being a disinfectant. The apparatus has sensors operable to monitor properties of the first and second cleaning fluids.

There is a cleaning fluid delivery apparatus connected to the first and second liquid reservoirs. The cleaning fluid delivery apparatus is operable to discharge cleaning fluid from the reservoirs. There is a discharge governor. The discharge governor is operable automatically to inhibit discharge of at least one of the fluids when at least one property of the fluid falls outside a specified range.

In a feature of that aspect of the invention there is a transport structure permitting the apparatus to be moved. In another feature, the transport structure is a wheeled transport structure. In a further feature, the transport structure is self-propelled. In yet another feature, the transport structure is remotely controllable. In a further feature, the cleaning apparatus has monitoring equipment mounted to record discharge of the cleaning liquids. The monitoring equipment includes telemetry apparatus. In another feature, the first liquid is a negatively charged solution that includes sodium hydroxide in water, and the second liquid is a positively charged solution that includes hypochlorous acid in water. In another feature, the sensors of the cleaning apparatus include at least one temperature sensor operable to monitor temperature of at least one of the detergent solution and the disinfectant solution. The sensors include at least one sensor operable to monitor oxidation reduction potential of one of the first and second cleaning solution. Furthermore, the sensors include at least one sensor operable to monitor Ph of at least one of the first and second cleaning solution.

In another feature, the governor of the cleaning apparatus is operable under at least one of the following conditions: (a) to prevent detergent discharge unless detergent temperature is in the range of 80 to 130 deg. F.; (b) to prevent disinfectant discharge unless disinfectant Ph is in the range of 2 to 5; and (c) to prevent disinfectant discharge unless disinfectant ORP is in the range of greater than 950 mV. In a narrower feature, the governor is operable under at least one of the following conditions: (a) to prevent detergent discharge unless detergent temperature is in the range of 100 to 120 deg. F.; (b) to prevent disinfectant discharge unless disinfectant Ph is in the range of 2 to 3; and c) to prevent disinfectant discharge unless disinfectant ORP is in the range of greater than 950 mV. In another feature, the cleaning apparatus includes a heater operable to heat at least one of the reservoirs, a pumping apparatus operable to discharge the disinfectant, and a rinsing apparatus connected to flush the pumping apparatus. At least one of the reservoirs has thermal insulation.

In another aspect, the apparatus includes a wheeled transport structure permitting the apparatus to be moved. The first liquid is a negatively charged solution of sodium hydroxide in water, and the second liquid is a positively charged solution of hypochlorous acid in water.

The sensors include at least one temperature sensor operable to monitor temperature of the detergent solution. The sensors include at least one sensor operable to monitor oxidation reduction potential of the disinfectant solution. The sensors include at least one sensor operable to monitor Ph of at least the disinfectant solution. The governor is operable under at least one of the following conditions (a) to prevent detergent discharge unless detergent temperature is in the range of 80 to 130 deg. F.; (b) to prevent disinfectant discharge unless disinfectant Ph is in the range of 2 to 5; and (c) to prevent disinfectant discharge unless disinfectant ORP is in the range of greater than 950 mV.

In another aspect, the cleaning apparatus is combined with a cleaning fluid generation apparatus. The cleaning fluid generation apparatus includes an electrolytic module operable to produce the detergent and the disinfectant from an aqueous solution of water and a salt. There is an output monitoring sensors, a signal processor, and at least one flow governor.

The signal processor is operable to move at least one of the flow governors automatically to a shut off condition in response to a signal from at least one of the sensors. In a further feature of that aspect, the fluid generation apparatus and the cleaning apparatus share mating connectors, the mating connectors are operable to permit transfer of cleaning fluids between the generation apparatus and the cleaning apparatus. The combination includes a flow prevention member operable to inhibit flow in the event the connectors are one of (a) disconnected; and (b) improperly connected. In another feature, both the cleaning fluid generation apparatus and the cleaning apparatus have sensors to monitor cleaning fluid properties. The cleaning fluid generation apparatus includes a sensor responsive to changes in electrical conductivity of at least one of the cleaning solutions.

In another aspect, there is a method of operation of the cleaning apparatus in which the apparatus monitors continuously at least one property of at least one of the cleaning liquids against a range of at least one liquid property, and inhibiting operation of the cleaning apparatus when the property falls outside the range. The method of operation includes monitoring at least one property of each of the detergent and the disinfectant. It also provides an operator notification of an out of specification condition. Furthermore, in a further alternate feature, the method includes maintaining the temperature of at least one of the liquids and the use of sensors to observe operation of the apparatus, and employing the governor to compel use of the detergent before use of the disinfectant. Operation of the apparatus can be controlled remotely.

In a further feature, the method also includes at least one of (a) maintaining temperature of the detergent in a range of between 80 and 130 deg. F.; (b) maintaining Ph of the disinfectant in a range of between 2 and 5; and (c) maintaining ORP of the disinfectant in a range of over 950 mV; and at least one of (a) maintaining temperature of the detergent in a range of between 80 and 130 deg. F.; (b) maintaining Ph of the disinfectant in a range of between 2 and 5; and (c) maintaining ORP of the disinfectant in a range of over 950 mV. When either of the detergent or the disinfectant is in low supply, a signal is provided to an operator of the cleaning apparatus.

Brief Description of the Drawings

These and other features and aspects of the invention may become more apparent upon a reading of the following detailed description of examples embodying those features and aspects in which reference is made to the appended drawings of which:

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a cleaning apparatus, or cleaning system, such as may include one or more aspects of the present invention; Figure 2a shows an isometric view of an embodiment of mobile unit for the cleaning apparatus of Figure 1; and

Figure 2b shows a partially transparent side view of the mobile unit of Figure 2a.

Detailed Description

The description that follows, and the embodiments described therein, are provided by way of illustration of an example, or examples, of particular embodiments of the principles of aspects of the present invention. These examples are provided for the purposes of explanation, and not of limitation, of those principles and of the invention. In the description, like parts are marked throughout the specification and the drawings with the same respective reference numerals. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and in some instances proportions may have been exaggerated in order more clearly to depict certain features of the invention.

Figure 1 provides a schematic of a cleaning apparatus, or cleaning system, 20.

System 20 may include a cleaning fluid preparation apparatus, indicated generally as 22, and a mobile cleaning unit 24. In this system, the fluid preparation apparatus may be employed to provide first and second cleaning fluids 26, 28, with which the mobile cleaning unit 24 may be supplied. The mobile unit may then transport the cleaning fluids to the location or object to be cleaned, and a cleaning procedure may occur. In one instance, the cleaning fluids are, respectively, an alkaline fluid in the nature of a negatively electrolysed aqueous solution, such as a mixture of water and sodium hydroxide, and an acidic fluid in the nature of a positively electrolized aqueous solution, such as water and hypochlorous acid.

In one embodiment, the process involves a washing of the object or location with the alkali solution, such as may tend to remove or dissolve, or otherwise encourage the removal of, greases, oils or other soil, or dirt. Once cleaned in this manner, the object or location to be cleaned is then subjected to a treatment with the acidic solution. In current times, the effectiveness of such a procedure may require monitoring or verification. To that end the process may involve the monitoring of the properties of the cleaning fluids for particular properties such as may be pertinent to the effectiveness of those fluids in performing their cleaning functions; and the warning of an operator at such time as the cleaning fluids fall outside a designated range of properties. Further, the apparatus may include an automatic shut-off, or use prevention member such as may actively prevent the operator from using out- of-spec solutions. In another embodiment, the positively and negatively charged solutions ⁵ - 5 - Ret. 16688 - J

are re-mixed, and applied as a single cleaning fluid.

Referring to the drawings, the fluid preparation apparatus 22 may be considered as a module. While this module may be mounted on transport apparatus, such as a wheeled frame or chassis 30, it may also be a stationary installation of a generally permanent nature. Fluid preparation apparatus 22 may also be termed a cleaning fluid generator, or generator module. It may include a fluid feedstock source, indicated generically as 32. The fluid feedstock source may be a water source 34, which may be a tank of water 36, a connection to a well, or a connection to a water supply such as a municipal water supply tap, or taps 38 (or, in the case of a movable chassis, it may include more than one of these features, such that alternative sources may be used depending on what is available at the general location at which the cleaning is to take place). The fluid source, which may be a water source, will be assumed to deliver fluid under pressure, or, where this is not so or in the event that the delivered pressure is for any reason less than desired, a pump 40 may be provided to yield a suitable pressure in the generating system, as monitored at p_w.

The supplied fluid may be passed through a mechanical filter element 42 of apparatus 22, such as may tend to remove any solid particulate. Filter element 42 may include a metal mesh or fibrous matrix of a certain mesh or particulate filtering size, and may also include filtering layers or beds such as a charcoal bed. Filter element 42 may be subject to periodic cleaning or replacement, as may be. The fluid exiting the filter element, which may be water, may then be subject to further or other treatment. In the case of water, it may be passed through a water softener 44. The water leaving the water softener in the primary flow conduit, 46 may then be passed through a metering device, such as a constant geometry nozzle 48, such that, for a given known pressure p_w, flow in the fluid generator may be maintained at a known, or constant, value. This flow may be taken as either a substantially constant mass flowrate, m, or a constant volumetric flowrate, q. The fluid is taken as being a liquid. A portion of fluid may be bled via a secondary line 50 to a solution chamber 52 in which it may be mixed with an additive 54 (shown schematically as a granular solid in a hopper that is discharged, or metered, into chamber 52 according to demand), such as an electrolytic, or electrolysis promoting additive. In the case of water, the additive may be a salt, such as sodium chloride. It follows that the solution may be a saline solution, and it may be a saturated saline solution. Outflow of this saturated solution may be carried in a conduit 56, which may be teed into the flow of conduit 46, and the two flows may be passed into a mixing chamber 60, in which such mixing may occur as may tend to yield substantially uniform properties in the output flow as at discharge conduit 62. "Substantially uniform" may mean that when monitored the output is maintained within a relatively narrow range of the monitored property. The flow in conduit 56 may be metered by a variable flow control device, such as a valve 64, whose operation is controlled on the basis of monitored downstream properties. In alternate embodiments the flow in conduit 56 may be constant while the flow in conduit 46 is variable, or both flows may be variable. However, to the extent that only a small amount of saline solution may be desired or required to obtain suitable electrolytic properties such as may permit ionic solutions to be obtained therefrom, it may be that holding the large flow substantially constant while varying the small flow may permit a suitable level of control to be maintained with relatively simply control components.

The amount of bleed, and of saline solution, may be in the range of 0.5 to 2 % and may typically be about 1 % as a proportion of weight of the overall fluid flow. The mixed solution, or electrolyte as it may be, may then be split into two streams, a first stream being directed to the negative, cation, cathode or cathodic portion 66 of an electrolysing module 70 via conduit 65, and the other stream being directed to the positive, anion, anode, or anodic portion 68 of the electrolysing module 70 via conduit 67.

The electrolysing module is driven by an electric current supplied by an electrical current generating source 72, which may be a connection to a power utility grid, or which may be provided by a self-contained electrical generator. The current may be monitored by a sensor, such as may be an ammeter 74. The current measured at ammeter 74 may be a proxy for the conductivity of the electrolyte, which itself is a function of the salinity of the electrolyte. Consequently, ammeter 74 may provided a feedback signal by which metering valve 64 may be controlled to maintain roughly constant electrolyte solubility. Although a feedback signal line 76 is shown, and although analogue feedback loop control systems are known, it will be understood that all sensing and control signals may be monitored by and sent out from a central digital processing controller indicated generally as 80. The controller may also be used to operate a heater 78, such as may maintain the solution at a desired temperature, or in a desired temperature range. Electrolysing module 70 may include a core

82 that is replaceable at such time as performance may no longer fall within a desired range.

The output solutions carried in the cathodic conduit 84 or the anodic conduit 86, may be monitored for their properties, be it ph, temperature T, electrical conductivity, k, and so on.

In one embodiment, the fluids so produced are (a) a cathodic, or negatively electrolyzed, or alkaline solution such as that of water and sodium hydroxide, having a p_h that may be in the range of about 8 to 13, and an electric oxidation reduction potential (ORP) of perhaps negative 600 - 1220 mV, and in one embodiment about of 800 mV; and (b) an anodic, or positively electrolyzed, or acidic solution of water and hypochlorous acid, whose properties may, again, be monitored, as indicated by ammeter 74, pi, sensor 88, and temperature sensor 90. It may be noted that negatively charged water, such as the negatively charged water with sodium hydroxide, is a surfactant, or detergent, such as may be effective in breaking down grease films. The positively charged solution may be an oxidising or acidic solution, such as may be a disinfectant, and may have an ORP of greater than positive 950 mV.

Conduits 84 and 86 may terminate at respective discharge fittings 85, 87. These fittings may be quick disconnect fittings, and may be provided on flexible conduit portions, such as may tend to define the filling connection of a docking station 92. Docking station 92 defines a location, or transfer interface, at which cleaning fluids produced by the fluid generation module, i.e., apparatus 22, may be transferred to a mobile unit, 24. In addition, apparatus 22 may include an electrical umbilical cord, or wiring harness 96 with a connection

97 for connection to downstream monitoring equipment. The fittings 85, 87 and connection 97 may all be combined in a single connection head, that head mating with a connection head 134 of mobile unit 24 in a unique orientation (i.e., so that the fittings cannot be cross- connected).

Mobile unit 24 may include a framework or chassis 100, which may be surmounted by a housing 102 and a control console 104. Chassis 100 may also support or carry a power supply 105, which may include a battery, a self-contained generator and motor, or a power connection cable, such as a retractable power cable of 50' length or more, that may be plugged in to a power outlet of the building or other facility to be cleaned, or all of these elements. Chassis 100 may be mounted upon an undercarriage such as may permit mobile unit 24 to be moved from place to place. That undercarriage may include wheels 106, including at least one wheel that may be turned to permit steering of mobile unit 24. Housing 102 may include doors or other access panels by which the internally mounted elements may be installed, maintained, or replaced. In one embodiment the overall size of unit 24 may be that of a large janitorial cart, perhaps approximately 30" wide, x 48" long x 40" high.

In one embodiment, mobile unit 24 may also include one or more motors 108 and a drive train 110 (be it a chain drive, a pulley, a shaft, or such other drive as may be suitable) by which motor 108 may propel mobile unit 24. Mobile unit 24 may include an electronic data link that may included telemetry equipment, generically indicated as 112, by which it may ascertain its own position, communicate that position (and data concerning the status of its various sensors and other equipment) to a central base, and receive back instructions.

There may also be a drive controlling processor, symbolised as item 114. Telemetry equipment 112 may include a GPS sensor, and may include other laser, infrared, or radio communications equipment to permit the position and motion of mobile unit 24 to be determined, and, in some embodiments, remotely controlled. In this context, the term "telemetry equipment" 112 may be taken to include one or more television cameras 115, which may be pivotally mounted and remotely controlled, and a television feed, so that a remote operator may view the surroundings, and cause mobile unit 24 to move accordingly, and to discharge cleaning solutions (or cleaning solution where the two solutions are mixed prior to discharge). Mobile unit 24 may also include sensors for assessing the effectiveness of a cleaning process. For example, as an alternative to, or in addition to cameras 115, there may be emitters whose radiation is sensitive to the presence of biological material, such as black light emitters 117, which may be mounted co-axially with the TV cameras, if any, or in a double mounting such that black light emitted thereby may be observed with the television cameras, such that the presence (or absence) of germs may be detected as a means for assessing treatment effectiveness. Alternatively, mobile unit 24 may have a reservoir containing a supply of bioluminescent enzymes, such as luciferaze, in an enzymatic solution.

The solution may be sprayed on an area of interest. Where there is biological material, such as an organic contaminant (e.g., a germ culture), that material may interact with the luciferaze. Mobile unit 24 may include a black light 117 to which the bioluminescent material may be sensitive, giving off a light that is visually detectable. When this light is observed, the operator may treat the area with detergent and disinfectant accordingly, and may subsequently repeat the bioluminescent steps to verify that no further biological material remains.

Mounted within housing 102, mobile unit 24 may include first and second cleaning fluid vessels or reservoirs 116, 118 such as may be in the nature of tanks 120, 122. Tanks 120, 122 may be of substantial size, perhaps of the order of 20 to 25 Gallons (90 to 115 L; 1 Gal. = 4.55 L). Tanks 120, 122 may each have drain valves, and may also have overflow drains. The negatively and positively charged electrolyzed fluids may be delivered into tanks

120, 122 by respective input pipes or conduits, 124, 126 which may themselves have connection fittings 128, 130 for mating connection with discharge fittings 85, 87 respectively. These fittings may be quick disconnect fittings. Furthermore, mobile unit 24 may have a wiring harness 132 with a connection 98 such as may connect with wiring harness 96 via connection 97. Connection 98 and fittings 128, 130 may be jointly mounted in a connection head 134 for mating with the single connection head, as described above. Each tank may have a level or filling sensor, 136, which may be an ultra sonicsensor, such as may permit "full" (i.e., stop filling) and "empty" (i.e., time to refill) threshold levels to be sensed, and, when reached, for further filling to be inhibited by the controller (i.e., by automatic shut- off of the outflow shut off valves 138, 140) or for a signal to be provided to the operator to return for replenishment. Shut-off valves 138, 140 may also be electronically controlled to prevent discharge unless a mating connector head is detected. One or both of tanks 120, 122 may be thermally insulated tanks (i.e., may have a layer of thermally insulative material, or may be made from a low thermal conductivity material such as may tend to reduce heat loss more effectively than merely a plastic or metal shell tank wall), and may include an internal heating element 142, which may be an immersion heater, and temperature sensor 144 such as may permit the temperature of the fluid therein to be maintained in a desired range. One or both of tanks 120, 122 may have a Ph sensor 146.

One or both of tanks 120, 122 may have an electrical potential sensor, 147. It may be that the alkaline solution is monitored for _Ph and electrical potential, and the acidic solution is monitored for temperature. In use, tank 120 may be the tank containing the alkaline solution.

It may be that the acceptable operating range of Ph may be in the range of 10 - 14, and, in one embodiment, about 12. Alternatively, or additionally, tank 120 may be monitored for electric potential. In one embodiment operation of the cleaning apparatus may be inhibited when electric potential falls below a threshold value, such as 950 mV. In one embodiment this value may be about 1000 - 1100 mV. In use tank 122 may be monitored for temperature.

For example, in one embodiment the temperature of the cathodic solution may be maintained at less than 130 deg. F (52 C). In another embodiment it may be maintained in the range of

80 to 125 deg. F. In another it may be about 105 to 120 deg. F. Different temperature ranges may be employed. The heating element may tend to be submerged -that is, the low fluid level sensor may be set at a level above the depth of the heating element, and may tend to inhibit operation of the heating element if liquid is not sensed at or above that level.

Inasmuch as the acidic agent, be it hypochlorous acid or some other, may tend to be volatile, tank 122 may be substantially sealed to discourage oxidation of the active agent in solution.

To that end, lid 125 may include a relatively pressure equalisation small vent line such as may tend to discourage unnecessary air exchange during operation. Each of tanks 120 and

122 may include an outlet line 148, 150 respectively, through which fluid may be urged by respective discharge pumps 152, 154, and through discharge lines 156, 158 to nozzles 160, 162. The nozzles may be variable geometry nozzles that permit the operator to choose between a relatively wide fan-like spray and a more concentrated stream. The pumps may be diaphragm pumps. In one embodiment the cathodic solution delivery pump may tend to work at higher pressures than the anodic solution delivery pump. That is, the cathodic sprayer may include a physical pressure or momentum mechanical washing effect such as may be akin to a pressure washer, and may deliver cleaning liquid at 10 or 12 psig up to about 20 psig. The anodic solution nozzle pump may operate at rather lower pressures, perhaps 5 - 10 psig, and may deliver the liquid as a drenching, or flooding, flow rather than in a fine spray. That is, a fine spray may tend to hasten volatilisation of the anodic elements of the solution, whereas a drench may tend to permit the disinfectant to work more effectively. The delivery hoses (i.e., discharge lines 156, 158) may tend to include differentiation features, such as different colours or diameters, or differently shaped nozzle handles. For example, the cathodic solution may be delivered in a red line, whereas the anodic solution may be delivered in a blue line, such as may discourage, i.e., tend to prevent, operator confusion. The delivery hoses may tend to be 10' long, or longer.

Mobile unit 24 may include a pump flushing circuit 164 that may include a diluant (e.g., fresh water) reservoir 166, supply and return lines 168, 170, and shut off valves 172 and 174 upstream and downstream of acid solution pump 154. When the controller senses that pump 154 has not been in operation for a specified period of time, such as 1 minute, valves

172, 174 may close, and pump 154 may operate to flush its internal chambers with non-acidic rinse water. The return line can be either recycled, or discarded. When further fluid is required by the operator at nozzle 162, then valves 172, 174 open, and acidic solution is pumped out. This rinse cycle may tend to extend pump life.

External to housing 102, mobile unit 24 may further include a third reservoir, 180, and an absorbent member 182, such as may be a mop. Reservoir 180 may be externally accessible - i.e., it is mounted outside housing 102. When full, liquid from mop 182 may be drained into reservoir 180. Alternatively, absorbent member 182 may include a microfiber mop head, or a similar wiping element mounted to a self-manoeuvring suction head, or similar device, that may be operated remotely, or in an automated manner. Adjacent to reservoir 180 may be a space for a bucket, gloves, shoe covers, dust cloths, and other cleaning materials, as may be. Each of tanks 120, 122 also has an "empty" sensor, which may be the ultrasonic fill sensor, or some other. Console 104 may include both parameter readout members 184 and annunciators 186, which may be in the nature of audible signals, as from speaker 188 (whether digitised voice signals, or other sounds) or from console lights 190 (red, green and yellow, as may be) to provide an indication to the operator that the cleaning solutions may be within (if green) or outside (if red) the acceptable parameters for further cleaning operation. The yellow or amber indication may indicate that the solution in one or other of the tanks is low, and may also be linked to an audible alarm or warning signal. The parameter read-out members may be screens that display the p_h, ORP and temperature of one or both of the solutions. When the parameters fall outside the control ranges, the systems may be inhibited - as by shutting down the pumps and closing the various automatic shut-off valves. When an unacceptable signal is made, further pumping of fluid, and operation of the nozzles may be inhibited, as by operation of solenoid shut off valves or inhibition of operation of the pumps, or both. During operation, in one embodiment, mobile unit 24 may be thought of as a janitor's cart. Initially, tanks 120, 122 may have been flushed and left empty. Mobile unit 24 may then be taken to the filling station, i.e., the docking station, and connected to the generator unit 22. Throughout filling, the generation unit (through the link to the mobile units sensors) monitors the condition of the cleaning fluids produced, and the cleaning fluids as accumulated in the reservoirs in the mobile unit. The properties are also being monitored at the same time (and during the subsequent cleaning operation) by the control systems mounted on mobile unit 24, such that at both ends there is verification that the delivered solutions are within the specified value ranges. The anodic solution may be monitored for both p_h and ORP (Oxidation reduction potential). The monitored p_h range of the anodic solution may be 2 - 5, and in one embodiment, about 2.4 to 2.8. The ORP range may be in the range of 1000 mV to 1300 mV. The cathodic solution may be monitored and controlled by the immersion heater, and may be maintained in a range of 105 to 120 deg. F. When the mobile unit is full, the operator conducts the unit to the location to be cleaned. The cleaning occurs according to the general procedure - first the warm alkaline surfactant is sprayed on the area to be cleaned; the area is mopped or vacuumed; and then the acidic solution is sprayed on the cleaned area to disinfect it. The monitoring sensors permit a record to be made of where and when the area was cleaned. They also permit cleaning to be prevented when the fluids are out of specification. I.e., a past problem was that an operator might continue cleaning after the fluids had become ineffective. Further, without monitoring the properties of the cleaning fluids, and the use of those fluids, it was not possible to measure or track the effectiveness of cleaning methods. That is, in some instances, such as in the food processing industry or in hospitals and public institutions, it may be quite important to be able to set objective, and quantitatively verifiable cleaning standards. Without monitoring either the quality of the cleaning fluids or the locations treated, this kind of analysis is quite difficult. Consequently, logging and tracking of cleaning, as described herein, may aid in enhancing the thoroughness of the cleaning process.

The telemetry and monitoring equipment may also be used to prevent the incorrect cleaning sequence from occurring. That is, when the mobile unit arrives at a new location, the disinfectant delivery apparatus may be electronically disabled, or locked-out, until the detergent delivery apparatus has been used. To the extent that the sensing equipment can monitor the actual direction and location sprayed, as well as the volume of liquid discharged, a greater sense of the overall cleaning effectiveness may possibly be obtained.

A single cleaning fluid generator 22 may be provided for use with a plurality of mobile units 24. Thus the fluid generation activity can occur in close proximity to a water source (in those embodiments in which the cleaning solutions are aqueous solutions), and without the necessity of having to move the generation equipment around a building or other facility to be cleaned. Further, it may permit better utilisation of the generation equipment (it may spend a higher percentage of its time in operation generating cleaning fluid than if used on a single mobile unit, where much, if not most, of its time would be inoperative). Further, a single control central station may be used to monitor the operation of several mobile cleaning units at one time.

Various embodiments of the invention have been described in detail. Since changes in and or additions to the above-described best mode may be made without departing from the nature, spirit or scope of the invention, the invention is not to be limited to those details but only by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWe claim:

1. A cleaning apparatus comprising: a first liquid reservoir, and a first cleaning liquid in said first liquid reservoir, said first liquid being a detergent; a second liquid reservoir, and a second cleaning fluid in said second liquid reservoir, said second liquid being a disinfectant; at least one sensor operable to monitor properties of at least one of said first and second cleaning fluids; cleaning fluid delivery apparatus, said cleaning fluid delivery apparatus being operable to discharge cleaning fluid from at least one of said reservoirs; a discharge governor, said discharge governor being operable automatically to inhibit discharge of at least one of said fluids when at least one property of said fluid falls outside a specified range.

2. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein said apparatus includes a transport structure permitting said apparatus to be moved.

3. The cleaning apparatus of claim 2 wherein said transport structure is a wheeled transport structure.

4. The cleaning apparatus of claim 2 wherein said transport structure is self-propelled.

5. The cleaning apparatus of claim 2 wherein said transport structure is remotely controllable.

6. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein said cleaning apparatus has monitoring equipment mounted to record discharge of said cleaning liquids.

7. The cleaning apparatus of claim 6 wherein said monitoring equipment includes telemetry apparatus.

8. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first liquid is a negatively charge aqueous solution.

9. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein said second liquid is a positively charged aqueous solution.

10. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first liquid is a negatively charged solution that includes sodium hydroxide in water, and said second liquid that includes a positively charged solution of hypochlorous acid in water.

1 1. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensors include at least one temperature sensor operable to monitor temperature of at least one of said detergent solution and said disinfectant solution.

12. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensors include at least one sensor operable to monitor oxidation reduction potential of one of said first cleaning solution and said second cleaning solution.

13. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensors include at least one sensor operable to monitor Ph of at least one of said first and second cleaning solutions.

14. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein: said sensors include at least one temperature sensor operable to monitor temperature of said detergent solution; said sensors include at least one sensor operable to monitor oxidation reduction potential of said disinfectant solution; and said sensors include at least one sensor operable to monitor Ph of at least said disinfectant solution.

15. The cleaning apparatus of claim 14 wherein said governor is operable under at least one of the following conditions: (a) to prevent detergent discharge unless detergent temperature is in the range of 80 to 130 deg. F.; (b) to prevent disinfectant discharge unless disinfectant Ph is in the range of 2 to 5; and (c) to prevent disinfectant discharge unless disinfectant ORP is in the range of greater than 950 mV.

16. The cleaning apparatus of claim 14 wherein said governor is operable under at least one of the following conditions: (a) to prevent detergent discharge unless detergent temperature is in the range of 100 to 120 deg. F.; (b) to prevent disinfectant discharge unless disinfectant Ph is in the range of 2 to 3; and (c) to prevent disinfectant discharge unless disinfectant ORP is in the range of greater than 950 mV.

17. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1 including a heater operable to heat at least one of said reservoirs.

18. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1 including pumping apparatus operable to discharge said disinfectant, and a rinsing apparatus connected to flush said pumping apparatus.

19. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of said reservoirs has thermal insulation.

20. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein: said apparatus includes a wheeled transport structure permitting said apparatus to be moved; said first liquid is a negatively charged solution of sodium hydroxide in water, and said second liquid is a positively charged solution of hypochlorous acid in water; said sensors include at least one temperature sensor operable to monitor temperature of said detergent solution; said sensors include at least one sensor operable to monitor oxidation reduction potential of said disinfectant solution; and said sensors include at least one sensor operable to monitor Ph of at least said disinfectant solution; and said governor is operable under at least one of the following conditions

(a) to prevent detergent discharge unless detergent temperature is in the range of 80 to 130 deg. F.; (b) to prevent disinfectant discharge unless disinfectant Ph is in the range of 2 to 5; and

(c) to prevent disinfectant discharge unless disinfectant ORP is in the range of greater than 950 mV.

21. The combination of the cleaning apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 20 and a cleaning fluid generation apparatus, wherein said cleaning fluid generation apparatus includes an electrolytic module operable to produce said detergent and said disinfectant.

22. The combination of the cleaning apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 20 and a cleaning fluid generation apparatus, wherein said cleaning fluid generation apparatus includes an electrolytic module operable to produce said detergent and said disinfectant from an aqueous solution of water and a salt.

23. The combination of the cleaning apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 20 and a cleaning fluid generation apparatus, wherein said cleaning fluid generation apparatus includes an electrolytic module operable to produce said detergent and said disinfectant, output monitoring sensors, a signal processor, and at least one flow governor, said signal processor being operable to move at least one of said flow governors automatically to a shut off condition in response to a signal from at least one of said sensors.

24. The combination of claim 21 wherein said fluid generation apparatus and said cleaning apparatus share mating connectors, said mating connectors being operable to permit transfer of cleaning fluids between said generation apparatus and said cleaning apparatus.

25. The combination of claim 24 wherein said combination includes a flow prevention member operable to inhibit flow in the event said connectors are one of (a) disconnected; and (b) improperly connected.

26. The combination of claim 21 wherein both said cleaning fluid generation apparatus and said cleaning apparatus have sensors to monitor cleaning fluid properties.

27. The combination of claim 21 wherein said cleaning fluid generation apparatus includes a sensor responsive to changes in electrical conductivity of at least one of said cleaning solutions.

28. A method of operation of one of (a) the apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 20; and (b) the combination of any one of claims 21 to 28, said method comprising continuously monitoring at least one property of at least one of the cleaning liquids against a range of at least one liquid property; and inhibiting operation of said cleaning apparatus when said property falls outside said range.

29. The method of operation of claims 28 wherein said method of operation includes monitoring at least one property of each of said detergent and said disinfectant.

30. The method of operation of claim 28 wherein said method includes providing an operator notification of an out of specification condition.

31. The method of claim 28 wherein said method includes maintaining the temperature of at least one of said liquids.

32. The method of claim 28 wherein said method includes using said sensors to observe operation of said apparatus, and employing said governor to compel use of said detergent before use of said disinfectant.

33. The method of claim 28 wherein said method includes remote controlled operation of said cleaning apparatus.

34. The method of claim 28 wherein said method includes at least one of (a) maintaining temperature of the detergent in a range of between 80 and 130 deg. F.;

(b) maintaining Ph of said disinfectant in a range of between 2 and 5; and

(c) maintaining ORP of said disinfectant in a range of over 950 mV.

35. The method of claim 28 wherein said method includes

(a) maintaining temperature of the detergent in a range of between 80 and 130 deg. F.;

(b) maintaining Ph of said disinfectant in a range of between 2 and 5; and

(c) maintaining ORP of said disinfectant in a range of over 950 mV.

36. The method of claim 28 wherein said method includes providing a signal to an operator of said cleaning apparatus that either of said detergent or said disinfectant is in low supply.