Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface in which cleaning solution is dispensed to the surface and substantially simultaneously extracted along with the dirt on the surface in a continuous operation is provided. The cleaning apparatus includes a base portion for movement along the surface and a handle pivotally connected to the base portion. The handle includes a lower portion and an upper portion pivotally connected to the lower portion and pivoted between an upper position for use and a lower position for storage. A solution tank for supplying a flow of cleaning solution to the surface is removably mounted to one of the base portion and the handle. A recovery tank removably mounted to one of the base portion and the handle and is in fluid communication with a suction nozzle secured to said base portion.

Abstract: The cleaning apparatus includes a base portion for movement along the surface and a handle pivotally connected to the base portion. A recovery tank is removably mounted to the handle and has a front end. A lid covers the recovery tank and has an inlet opening for directing dirt and liquid into the recovery tank and an outlet opening located at the front end of the recovery tank. A suction nozzle is secured to the base portion and fluidly communicates with the inlet opening of the lid. A suction source fluidly communicates with the outlet opening for drawing dirt and liquid from the surface through the suction nozzle and into the recovery tank. A partition device is positioned between the outlet opening and the inlet opening and extends down within the recovery tank a sufficient distance to prevent the liquid from flowing from the inlet opening to the outlet opening.

Abstract: A combination cleaning solution recovery tank and air-liquid separator for use in a carpet extractor comprises a tank and a lid engaging the tank. The lid includes a top wall and a bottom wall connected by a circumferential outer wall to form a chamber therebetween. An interior wall extends between the top wall and the bottom wall dividing the chamber into a first plenum and a second plenum. The first plenum has an inlet for receiving liquid-laden working air and an exit in fluid communication with the tank. The second plenum has an inlet in fluid communication with the tank and an exit for discharging working air from the second plenum. A baffle assembly is removably mounted in said tank.

Abstract: A combination cleaning solution recovery tank and air-liquid separator for use in a carpet extractor comprises a tank and a lid engaging the tank. The lid includes a top wall and a bottom wall connected by a circumferential outer wall to form a chamber therebetween. An interior wall extends between the top wall and the bottom wall dividing the chamber into a first plenum and a second plenum. The first plenum has an inlet for receiving liquid-laden working air and an exit in fluid communication with the tank. The second plenum has an inlet in fluid communication with the tank and an exit for discharging working air from the second plenum. A baffle assembly is removably mounted in said tank.

Abstract: A removable suction nozzle inlet adapter is taught for converting the suction inlet of a vacuuming nozzle from a straight line inlet to one having either a convex or concave suction inlet whereby curved carpet and/or upholstery surfaces may be vacuumed. The adapters are particularly useful for use with hand held hot water extractor nozzles upon the curved carpet surface between the step and risers of carpeted stairs and/or the curved carpet transition from the riser to the horizontal step. Further, the invention described and taught may be used to vacuum curved upholstery or carpet surfaces found in the typical household and/or automobile.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner suction nozzle is provided with inner front and rear ducts and a duct cover piece disposed within the agitator chamber. This chamber is formed by a tunnel piece that is at least partly user observable from above the nozzle. The nozzle includes a hood piece which melds with its underbody at, at least, a portion of their juncture. This is occasioned by an offset in their underbody.

Abstract: A self-propelled vacuum cleaner is provided having an upper handle portion and a carriage pivotally mounted to a lower end of the handle portion for pivotal motion relative the handle portion about a horizontally extending carriage axis. A transmission drivingly connected to at least one drive wheel mounted on the carriage, whereby the at least one drive wheel propels the vacuum cleaner over a floor surface. A nozzle body pivotally mounted to the carriage for pivotal motion relative the carriage about a generally horizontally extending nozzle axis, the nozzle body having a downward facing suction opening. The nozzle axis being generally horizontally offset from the carriage axis.

Abstract: A compact, hand held carpet and upholstery extractor nozzle is provided having a pair of air turbine powered vertical axis rotary scrub brushes located adjacent the extractor nozzle. The turbine has at least one ambient air inlet and an outlet that communicates with a suction tube extending from the extractor nozzle. A compact gear reduction operatively connects the air turbine to the scrub brushes. A turbine outlet baffle is preferably provided that extends from an upstream edge of the turbine outlet, into the suction tube and over and beyond the turbine outlet to direct air, liquid and debris flowing through the suction tube over and beyond the turbine outlet opening. A downstream end of the baffle is open and suction openings pass through the baffle, for providing fluid communication between the suction tube and the turbine outlet opening.

Abstract: A self-propelled vacuum cleaner is provided having an upper handle portion and a carriage pivotally mounted to a lower end of the handle portion for pivotal motion relative the handle portion about a horizontally extending carriage axis. A transmission drivingly connected to at least one drive wheel mounted on the carriage, whereby the at least one drive wheel propels the vacuum cleaner over a floor surface. A nozzle body pivotally mounted to the carriage for pivotal motion relative the carriage about a generally horizontally extending nozzle axis, the nozzle body having a downward facing suction opening. The nozzle axis being generally horizontally offset from the carriage axis.

Abstract: A removable suction nozzle inlet adapter is taught for converting the suction inlet of a vacuuming nozzle from a straight line inlet to one having either a convex or concave suction inlet whereby curved carpet and/or upholstery surfaces may be vacuumed. The adapters are particularly useful for use with hand held hot water extractor nozzles upon the curved carpet surface between the step and risers of carpeted stairs and/or the curved carpet transition from the riser to the horizontal step. Further, the invention described and taught may be used to vacuum curved upholstery or carpet surfaces found in the typical household and/or automobile.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner suction nozzle is provided with inner front and rear ducts and a duct cover piece disposed within the agitator chamber. This chamber is formed by a tunnel piece that is at least partly user observable from above the nozzle. The nozzle includes a hood piece which melds with its underbody at, at least, a portion of their juncture. This is occasioned by an offset or undercut formed in one of the hood piece or underbody, whereby the hood piece and underbody join with coplaner outer surfaces.

Abstract: A self-propelled upright vacuum cleaner is provided having a lower portion and an upright handle portion pivotally attached to the floor engaging portion for a pivotal motion between an upright storage position and a pivotal operating position. A drive wheel mounted to the floor engaging portion. A transmission operatively connected to the drive wheel and a motor drivingly connected to the transmission for driving the drive wheel in forward and reverse. A transmission actuator arm pivotally mounted to the floor engaging portion adjacent to the transmission for pivotal motion about a pivot axis located at a central portion of the actuator arm. A manual actuator mounted to the handle portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved cleaning solution applicator for use in a hot water carpet extractor. The applicator comprises an elongate, multi orifice, liquid distributor positioned within the discharge opening of an air distributing nozzle. Warm moist exhaust air discharged from the extractor's suction fan is directed through the air nozzle passing over top of and underneath the liquid distributor converging down stream of the liquid distributor and before exiting the air nozzle's exit opening. Liquid exiting the liquid distributor's orifices is thereby atomized and conveyed, by the flow of air from the air distributing nozzle, toward the surface being cleaned.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved cleaning solution applicator for use in a hot water carpet extractor. The applicator comprises an elongate, multi orifice, liquid distributor positioned within the discharge opening of an air distributing nozzle. Warm moist exhaust air discharged from the extractor's suction fan is directed through the air nozzle passing over top of and underneath the liquid distributor converging down stream of the liquid distributor and before exiting the air nozzle's exit opening. Liquid exiting the liquid distributor's orifices is thereby atomized and conveyed, by the flow of air from the air distributing nozzle, toward the surface being cleaned.