Manipulatable Nozzle With Flexible Conduit Connection To Portable Power And/or Material Supply Unit, E.g., Window Washer Patents (Class 15/321)
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Patent number: 9345373Abstract: A cleaning system comprises a power plant, a regenerative blower having a power input shaft, a suction port, and a discharge port, an interface assembly configured for transmitting power from the power plant to the regenerative blower, a pump configured for generating pressurized water, and a heat exchanger system configured for heating the pressurized water.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2014Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: Nilfisk, Inc.Inventors: Horace Kurt Betton, Mark Wayne Baxter, Lance Ronal Joseph Koty, Christopher Isamu Ryan
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Patent number: 9308543Abstract: An attachment for a spraying device which permits spraying to be performed in small spaces and has both bendable and retractable features is provided. An inverted L-shaped portion has a top side and a bottom side. The bottom side is connected to a vacuum hose. The top side is attached to a bendable top hose which includes an internal bendable coaxial tubing which terminates at a nozzle. A removable support engages the nozzle at the end of the top hose. The rear of the coaxial tubing includes an attachment to the spraying device. The top hose and support permit the spraying attachment to spray hard to reach areas. The nozzle support is removable, permitting the top hose to be retracted about the coaxial tubing, freeing the nozzle to access even harder to reach areas. The attachment can evacuate any spray particulates which do not affix to the workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2014Date of Patent: April 12, 2016Inventor: William C. Smith
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Patent number: 9302786Abstract: Device for cleaning aeronautical parts after machining or piercing includes an element for spraying a liquid on the part to be cleaned and an element for aspirating the oil-soiled liquid, chips and/or dust.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2013Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Inventor: Honore Garcia
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Patent number: 9305727Abstract: Applicant has created systems, methods, and apparatuses for controlling the power supply of a vacuum cleaner motor. The systems and apparatuses include pressure taps to detect a pressure differential within a vacuum cleaner, a float that adjusts depending on an amount of liquid stored, and a power switch that toggles based on the pressure differential created by the position of the float. Alternatively, the float can be replaced by an air chamber so that the pressure differential is created by liquid rising above the volume of air trapped in the chamber. The method can include interrupting the current supplied to an electrical circuit of a power switch based upon a pressure differential created within the vacuum. By controlling the power supply to a vacuum cleaner motor based on a pressure differential created by the amount of liquid stored within the vacuum cleaner, the vacuum cleaner can automatically disable the vacuum cleaner's motor as the vacuum approaches its maximum liquid capacity.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2014Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: EMERSON ELECTRIC CO.Inventor: Stuart V. Holsten
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Patent number: 9278380Abstract: Equipment for washing a carpet includes a conveyor for transferring the carpet between washing and drying units, a control unit, at least one washing unit and at least one drying unit located in the transport direction after the washing unit, and elements for receiving production goods to the equipment. The conveyor is able to transfer the carpet through the washing and drying units with the same speed. The washing unit includes a wet or dry cleaning unit, with at least one brush and elements for transferring the carpet. Each drying unit has a blowing device for blowing compressed air at a pressure of 2-15 bars onto the pile side of the carpet, the blowing pressure depending on the carpet type and/or transfer speed of the carpet at a drying station of the drying unit, it being possible to blow such an amount of compressed air through the drying apparatus so that the carpet exits the drying station tack free.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2009Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: West Heat Rauma OyInventors: Risto Kunnas, Arvo Lahtinen, Kari Matula
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Patent number: 9155437Abstract: A suction cleaner comprising a source of suction, for creating a suction airflow and a separator upstream of the source of suction, for separating and retaining entrained matter from the suction airflow, wherein the separator is adapted for separation of wet material from the suction airflow, the cleaner has a reservoir for liquid and there is a liquid delivery device for delivering the liquid into the suction airflow which enters the separator.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2012Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology LimitedInventors: Thomas Williams, Richard David Waters
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Patent number: 9138783Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning a surface. The apparatus includes a frame having wheels and a handle extending outwardly therefrom. A disc plate assembly is mounted on the frame for rotation about a first vertical axis and a nozzle assembly is mounted on the disc plate assembly for rotation about a second vertical axis. The disc plate assembly is rotated at a lower speed than the nozzle assembly. Separate pneumatically-operable motors drive the wheels, the disc plate assembly and nozzle assembly. A skirt extends downwardly from the frame and outwardly from nozzles on the nozzle assembly. The nozzles may be raised or lowered relative to the surface to be cleaned. Fluid is delivered from a fluid source to the nozzles and a vacuum port is provided on the frame to enable dirty fluid to be removed from a chamber bounded by the skirt.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2011Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: Terydon, Inc.Inventor: Terry D. Gromes, Sr.
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Patent number: 9074314Abstract: An apparatus for steam ironing clothes is provided. The clothing steam ironing apparatus includes an ironing component with an ironing panel, steam ejection holes for ejecting steam to iron a clothing and air suction holes for generating a suck force on the clothing are provided in the ironing panel.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2012Date of Patent: July 7, 2015Inventors: Yunfeng Zhang, Pinxuan Du
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Patent number: 8984709Abstract: A tank cleaning system used for cleaning oil storage tanks. The system includes a rail vacuum pipe, an air line and a steam line connected to an air/steam mixing box. The mixing box includes an air nozzle, a steam nozzle and a mixing box vacuum tube connected to a vacuum pipe. The vacuum pipe includes a steering, guide rail for receiving a swivel wheel. The swivel wheel is attached to a door opening bracket. The bracket is attached to sides of a tank door opening. The steering, guide rail pivots on the swivel wheel and allows an operator, standing outside the tank, to move the mixing box back and forth for engaging and vacuuming up sediment in the tank.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2011Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Inventor: John K. Rollins
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Publication number: 20150033495Abstract: A steam mop with an upright handle assembly pivotally mounted to a foot includes a fluid distribution system having a distributor in the foot that applies steam to a floor surface and an auxiliary hose for steam cleaning above-floor surfaces. The auxiliary hose is mounted to the steam mop by an articulating joint.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2014Publication date: February 5, 2015Inventors: Matthew P. Nolan, Alan J. Krebs, Kurt E. Ashbaugh
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Publication number: 20150026914Abstract: A carpet cleaning system having a single, hand-held wand and mounted on it, a pre-spray canister, a venturi tee fluidly connected thereto, and valves for directing pressurized hot water into first and/or second flow streams. Downstream of a flow-splitting tee, a single valve regulates the first flow stream; and a pair of valves, sandwiching the venturi tee, regulate the second flow stream. This pair also controls cleaning solution discharging from the pre-spray canister via the venturi tee. Positioned at the operator's fingertips are the single valve's handle and a bar for moving the paired valves' handles simultaneously, thus allowing one to momentarily turn on or off either flow stream or adjust a mix thereof. Importantly, without interrupting any steam cleaning then in progress, one can immediately reapply the cleaning solution to a stain and, as a consequence, substantially upgrade the quality of the finished carpet cleaning job.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2013Publication date: January 29, 2015Inventors: Timothy A. Meissner, Steven A. Meissner, Jay P. Meissner, Steven Allen Meissner
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Patent number: 8935827Abstract: A steam appliance system in which steam is delivered from a steam generation unit to a steam applicator via a steam conduit which extends through a handle of the steam applicator. The steam conduit may be removable from the handle.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2009Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: Euro-Pro Operating LLCInventor: Oliver Rudolph Breit
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Publication number: 20150013099Abstract: The apparatus consists of liquid/gas reservoirs and a movable reciprocating outlet nozzle connected to a pressure pump and connected to a vacuum unit, all of which are mounted on a small movable machine and all of which are driven by one engine of the small movable machine. The pressure pump is connected in some fashion to the drive shaft of the engine such that the power of the surface cleaning system automatically adjusts depending on machine speed. Also the nozzle systems sucks dirty liquid or dirt collected from the liquid/gas through a filter into a trash receptacle and moves the clean liquid into the mounted reservoir for use again by the pressure pump.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2013Publication date: January 15, 2015Inventors: Robert S. Vecchio, Joseph P. Crosson, Boris Goldenberg
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Publication number: 20140360443Abstract: A method and apparatus for manipulating a tool within the secondary side of a steam generator having a tube sheet with a tube bundle having a plurality of heat exchange tubes extending from the tube sheet in rows with an annulus extending around the heat exchange tubes on a periphery of the tube bundle, between the tubes and a wrapper which surrounds the tube bundle. A robot is introduced into the annulus and extends a probe with a tool across selected lanes between the rows of tubes. A method and apparatus is also disclosed for cleaning sludge from the top of a tube sheet that includes introducing a moveable suction apparatus having attached vacuum inlets into either the no tube lane or the circumferential annulus and sludge vacuuming the top of the tube sheet.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2014Publication date: December 11, 2014Applicant: WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC COMPANY LLCInventors: David W. Selfridge, JR., Martin Le Goff
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Patent number: 8850654Abstract: An upright bare floor cleaner with a handle assembly pivotally mounted to a base assembly. The handle includes a water tank to store a quantity of water and a fluid distribution system that includes a heater and a spray nozzle. Steam is generated by the heater and is distributed to a removable cleaning cloth that applies the steam to the surface to be cleaned. The fluid distribution system further includes an auxiliary hand tool for steam cleaning above-floor surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2010Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.Inventors: Matthew P. Nolan, Alan J. Krebs, Kurt E. Ashbaugh
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Publication number: 20140261246Abstract: A method of cleaning sludge from the top of tube sheet (34?) of a nuclear steam generator (10) includes introducing a moveable suction apparatus (120) having attached vacuum inlets (148), said moveable suction apparatus introduced through handholes (62) in the side of the generator and into either the no tube lane (60) or the circumferential annulus, and sludge vacuuming the top of the tube sheet (34?).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Westinghouse Electric Company LLCInventors: David W. Selfridge, JR., Martin Le Goff
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Patent number: 8806712Abstract: A vacuum accessory tool comprises a nozzle body that forms a suction nozzle and at least one light emitting element that emits light in an ultraviolet (UV) spectrum that will illuminate stains on the surface to be cleaned. The light is projected forwardly of the suction nozzle body so that stains on the surface will be visible to a user as the vacuum accessory tool is moved over the surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2012Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.Inventor: Aaron P. Griffith
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Publication number: 20140201940Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for a floor surface includes a recovery tank having a lower portion, an air/liquid separator for separating liquid from air in a debris-containing fluid, and a mechanical coupling removably coupling the air/liquid separator to the lower portion of the recovery tank, wherein the mechanical coupling permits selective detachment of the air/liquid separator from the recovery tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2014Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.Inventors: George Moyher, JR., Michael Graham
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Patent number: 8769763Abstract: A floor cleaning device includes a base. A cleaning fluid supply tank is carried by the base. A source of pressure communicates with the cleaning fluid supply tank which pressurizes a cleaning fluid held in the cleaning fluid supply tank to an above atmospheric pressure. A fluid delivery system delivers pressurized cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid supply tank to a surface to be cleaned.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2006Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology LimitedInventors: Gregg M. Kloeppel, Mark Ilko, Andrew A. Amberik, Allan L. Horst, Glenn Matusz
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Patent number: 8752236Abstract: A steam vacuum cleaner, having a suction port assembly including a suction hole formed on a bottom surface thereof and a dust receptacle detachably attached to the suction port assembly; a pump disposed in the suction port assembly to suction dust-laden air from an object being cleaned and to transfer the dust laden air to the dust receptacle; a steam unit disposed on the suction port assembly; a floorcloth unit disposed on the suction port assembly to scrub the object using steam supplied from the steam unit; and a handle member hinged with a portion of the suction port assembly, wherein the handle member has a variable length. Floorcloth plates having a plurality of steam passages radially formed on the bottom surface thereof may be rotatably mounted on the bottom surface of the suction port assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2008Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jang-Keun Oh, Hyoun-Soo Kim
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Publication number: 20140143976Abstract: A carpet washing attachment with a vacuum hose attached to a washing head with a liquid line feeding water/cleaning fluid into washing head is disclosed. Washing head is formed of hollow members and a cover sealed to the top washing head with the vacuum hose attached to the cover. This forms cleaning area which is surrounded by the hollow members. Each of the hollow members has water jet holes located on the inner part of the washing head such that the water exiting the holes is projected inward so that the jets of water come to an apex and intersect at a given distance X from the bottom of the washing head. The angle of the jets and the spacing of members should be chosen such that the distance X is roughly the depth of the carpet pile to be washed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2013Publication date: May 29, 2014Inventors: Mark Allen, Albert W. Gebhard
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Publication number: 20140137895Abstract: A hard surface cleaner having a cleaning head with rotational assist. In one embodiment, the cleaning head includes a housing having a fluid-supply and vacuum inlets. The housing also includes at least one flow-control inlet arranged with the vacuum inlet to draw a flow of air into the housing through the flow-control inlet. The cleaning head further includes a spray assembly at least partially enclosed within the housing. The spray assembly includes a shaft, at least one spray nozzle operably coupled to the shaft, and a plurality of fins also operably coupled to the shaft. The spray nozzle is configured to receive a pressurized fluid from the fluid-supply inlet and to rotate about the shaft by delivering the pressurized fluid toward a floor surface. The fins are positioned at least partially within the flow of air through the flow control inlet to control the rotational speed of the spray assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: Sapphire Scientific Inc.Inventors: William Bruders, Brett Bartholmey, Bill Elmer Richardson, Sean Aldrich, Keith Studebaker, Roy Studebaker
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Patent number: 8726456Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a chandelier includes a hand-held cleaning head formed by a first and second section joined to one another at a common base and transversely spaced apart from one another as they extend from the base to define a cleaning chamber between them. The cleaning chamber has an open top, an open bottom, and an open end so that a string of chandelier crystals may be positioned within the cleaning chamber. A hot water-spraying nozzle is formed in the cleaning head. The cleaning chamber is in fluid communication with a remote vacuum source and a remote source of hot water and hot air under positive pressure. Crystals disposed within the cleaning chamber are cleaned by hot water from the water-spaying nozzle and the vacuum pulls ambient air and dirt to the source of negative pressure. The crystals are dried by ambient air and the hot air.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2012Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Inventor: Keith S. Campbell
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Publication number: 20140083467Abstract: Steam cleaning spray nozzle systems and methods of use are described herein. The spray nozzle includes a substantially rigid conduit a support member in fluid communication with a steam source. A portion of the conduit is angled. During use, sufficient eccentric force is produced by the steam to rotate the support member such that steam is ejected from the substantially rigid conduit at an oblique angle relative to the center to of the substantially rigid conduit.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2013Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: Dehn's Innovations, LLCInventor: Dennis Dehn
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Patent number: 8677555Abstract: A mobile cleaning system to be used for cleaning organic liquids from a hard surface includes tanks for storing water, and for storing used, dirty water after cleanup. A water-based cleaner is sprayed onto the spill, which can be, but need not be, done in connection with the cleanup system. The system then sprays heated fresh water under high pressure onto the spill. A high throughput vacuum system removes the hot water and the spill materials concurrently as the hot water is applied to the treated area. The vacuumed liquids are stored in an on-board tank for later disposal.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2009Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Annihilator Cleaning Equipment, LLCInventor: Erick McCallum
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Patent number: 8661606Abstract: A vacuum nozzle for removing liquid from surfaces includes a nozzle body defining an internal enclosed vacuum chamber wherein the chamber is of a size and shallow depth so as to enhance water flow therethrough, the nozzle body also having a vacuum source connector in fluid communication with the chamber and adapted to receive a vacuum source conduit, and the nozzle body also having a hard outer bottom surface and defining a plurality of vacuum suction ports opening between the chamber and the bottom surface. The vacuum nozzle also includes at least one injection member, wherein the at least one injection member is configured to inject a fluid below the nozzle body, whereby the nozzle, when connected to a suction source is placed on a saturated surface effects removal of water therefrom through the ports and chamber to the vacuum source.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2010Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Inventors: Paul Kappos, Mark D. Kappos, Dennis L. Pearlstein
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Publication number: 20140053364Abstract: The dry steamer apparatus delivers steam and heated air to produce dry steam to treat a surface as a method of eradicating bed bugs or other insect pests, and/or for cleaning purposes. The apparatus provides a vacuum to immediately remove the dry steam, and dead pests and other debris. A treatment substance dispensing assembly may also be provided, to dispense treatment substances onto the surface after steaming and vacuuming. The apparatus may incorporate the vacuum, or may attach to an external vacuum, for example the central vacuum unit of a home. Where the vacuum is part of the apparatus, the vacuum fan may have its exhaust connected to supply air to an assembly to produce the heated air, and if applicable, to the treatment substance dispensing assembly to dispense the treatment substance.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2013Publication date: February 27, 2014Applicant: Bug Elimination and Prevention CorporationInventor: Kailash C. Vasudeva
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Publication number: 20140020719Abstract: A soiled surface cleaning system is described for pre spraying soiled surface areas, and for rinsing and extracting the pre sprayed soiled surface areas, wherein the pre spraying of the soiled surface areas does not have to be stopped in order to perform the rinsing and extracting of the pre sprayed soiled surface areas.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2013Publication date: January 23, 2014Inventor: Edward Michael Kubasiewicz
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Patent number: 8601638Abstract: A steam generator is provided that includes an external case having an opening that allows an internal space to communicate with an external environment. Additionally, the steam generator may be provided with a supplier that supplies water to the internal space, a heater provided to the opening to generate steam, an outlet pipe having a first side that communicates with the external environment to discharge steam, and a steam discharge controller provided to a second side of the outlet pipe to open/close the outlet pipe according to a presence or absence of a discharge of the steam.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2010Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Choon Myun Chung, Jeong Ho Lee, Hyoung Jun Kim, Sung Il Park
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Patent number: 8595892Abstract: An ultrasonic cleaner and scrubber is disclosed. The cleaner and scrubber includes a housing, dispenser reservoirs disposed within the housing and configured to hold at least one dispense liquid, collection reservoirs disposed within the housing and configured to hold at least one collected liquid, at least one dispenser port through which to dispense the held dispense liquid, an ultrasonic waveform emitter disposed upon an underside of the housing to provide ultrasonic waves to a floor surface at a user-selected frequency and at a user-selected intensity to vibrate the dispense liquid, once dispensed from the dispenser port, within and upon the floor surface to clean the floor surface, at least one suction and liquid and debris collection port, and a control panel handle disposed upon the housing and with which to hold and move the cleaner and scrubber and through which to access controls for use.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2010Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Inventor: Wilson E. Everette, Jr.
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Patent number: 8567004Abstract: A device for recovering a liquid disposed on a solid surface is provided. The device for recovering a liquid comprises a suction device for providing suction to a pickup head and a blowing device for providing an airflow to the pickup head. The pickup head comprises at least an input port for receiving an airflow and a blower opening for providing the airflow to the solid surface. A blower deflector directs the airflow through the blower opening at an acute angle to the solid surface. The airflow and an airborne portion of the liquid is received at a suction opening which is in fluid communication with at least an output port for being connected to a suction device providing suction. The received airflow with the airborne portion of the liquid is provided through the at least an output port. A divider is disposed between the blower opening and the suction opening. A separator is in fluid communication with the suction device and the at least an output port of the pickup head.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2010Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Inland Technologies Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Guy Charles Boulanger, Adel al Taweel
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Patent number: 8561254Abstract: Systems and methods for transferring heat and/or sound during liquid extraction and/or cleaning processes are disclosed. A fluid extraction system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a fluid extractor having an outlet positioned to deliver extracted waste fluid, and a fluid tank operatively coupled to the extractor. A blower, having an air intake and an air outlet through which blower air passes, is operatively coupled to the extractor outlet to draw the extracted waste fluid from the extractor. A muffler is positioned at least partially within the liquid tank and has a flow path along which the blower air passes. In particular embodiments, the muffler can also provide a heat exchanger function, for example, to heat cleaning fluid provided to the extractor.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2010Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Sapphire ScientificInventor: Michael J. Roden
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Patent number: 8544146Abstract: The invention relates to a scraper, including a device for projecting-onto a surface through an opening, and a scraping body with a resilient scraping element including a ridge capable of scraping a smooth surface. The body includes, towards a surface of the scraping element, a device for collecting liquid on a substrate absorbing residual liquid connected to a conduit. The device for collecting has an end surface-capable of entering into contact with said surface. The invention also relates to a household appliance incorporating such a scraper.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2009Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: WinddropInventor: Gerard Curien
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Patent number: 8539635Abstract: A portable vacuum wand for use with a surface maintenance machine, for collection of debris remote from the machine. The vacuum wand is detachable from a rear squeegee assembly of the surface maintenance machine, and includes a handle and a wand head. A vacuum conduit of the vacuum wand is adapted to be coupled to the rear squeegee assembly when not in use so as to provide vacuum to the rear squeegee assembly. A method of cleaning a floor surface with a surface maintenance machine and a portable vacuum wand is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2010Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Tennant CompanyInventors: Kevin L. Shinler, John C. Ickes, Matthew Betteker, Bruce M. Becker
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Patent number: 8510909Abstract: Electrical household appliance comprising a base (1) for the generation of steam, having a liquid tank (6) mounted removably on a receiving socket (10) and having a steam generator located outside of said tank (6), the steam generator being supplied by gravity by a supply line from the tank (6) and having a steam outlet through which the steam can escape towards a work tool, such as a crease-removing brush, said supply line comprising an inlet orifice located on the receiving socket (10), and said tank (6) comprising a closed enclosure (61) having only one outlet orifice (52) which connects the said inlet orifice when the tank is placed on the receiving socket (10), which appliance is characterized in that said tank (6) connects leaktightly onto said receiving socket (10) and in that said appliance has a vent line admitting air to the outlet orifice (52) of the tank, said vent line having one end connected to the exterior which is higher than the outlet orifice (52) of the tank.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2009Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Rowenta Werke GmbHInventors: Dierk Spatz, Martin Krebs, Matthias Hahn
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Patent number: 8505155Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a recovery tank. The surface cleaning apparatus can further include a base, and the recovery tank can have side rails to facilitate alignment of the recovery tank with the base. The recovery tank can include a float assembly with a pivotable closure member. The recovery tank can have a lid with a handle and latch to secure the lid to the recovery tank. Further, the recovery tank can comprise a lid with a working air conduit mounted to the lid and removable from the recovery tank with the lid.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2008Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth M. Lenkiewicz
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Patent number: 8465597Abstract: A modular recycling cleaning system comprising in combination: a pressure washing and control module, a vacuum motor assembly module, a reservoir module, an air/liquid separator module, a flexible hose system, a control system and a cleaning head, capable of being easily configured so as to function as any one of: a straight through pressure washer with cleaning liquid supplied from an external source; a straight through pressure washer with cleaning liquid supplied internally from an integral water reservoir; a recycling pressure washer with cleaning liquid being supplied and reused from an integral cleaning liquid reservoir replenished with cleaning liquid by means of a vacuum recovery system; a straight through pressure washer with recovery of contaminated cleaning liquid but without reuse; a conventional wet vacuum cleaning system or a conventional dry vacuum cleaning system. The appliance being capable of further configuration as a shampooing machine.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2010Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Inventor: John C. Turner
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Patent number: 8458853Abstract: A steam cleaner that includes a cleaning tool having a first cleaning surface configured to contact the surface being cleaned and a second cleaning surface configured to contact the surface being cleaned. The steam cleaner further includes a coupling operable to removably couple the cleaning tool and a conduit. The coupling includes a locking member movable from an engaged position to a disengaged position. The cleaning tool is coupled to the conduit for movement with the conduit when the locking member is in the engaged position and the cleaning tool is removable from the conduit when the locking member is in the disengaged position. The coupling further includes an actuator manually movable from a locked position to an unlocked position to move the locking member from the engaged position to the disengaged position, and a biasing member that biases the actuator toward the locked position.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2012Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology LimitedInventors: Christopher M. Charlton, Phonesacksith G. Kettavong
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Patent number: 8458852Abstract: The present invention relates to a system of creating and applying a heated cleaning fluid to a surface. The system includes a housing with a first, a second and a third exhaust gas opening. A first, second, and third heat exchanger are enclosed within the housing. The first and second exchangers are serially arranged, while the third is at an angle relative to the first and second and directly adjacent to the first opening. Super heated exhaust gas flows through first opening and third exchanger. Heated gas flows through the second opening and passes below the third exchanger. Super heated exhaust gas exiting the third exchanger mixes with the heated gas in a mixing chamber of the housing, which is then supplied to the first and second exchangers. Fluid passes through the three exchangers and exits the third exchanger heated. That heated fluid passes to a cleaning wand for application.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2010Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Kärcher North America, Inc.Inventor: Ron Williams
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Patent number: 8453293Abstract: A vacuum head for a rotary cleaning head is disclosed that has a vacuum port arm defining a vacuum port, and a vacuum slot arm defining a vacuum slot. The vacuum head may be L-shaped, its vacuum port may extend along a radius of the rotary cleaning head, and its vacuum slot may extend in the direction of rotation of the rotary cleaning head. The vacuum slot receives vacuum from the vacuum port, and is operable to vacuum up at least most of any cleaning fluid that collects on the leading side of the vacuum head, to prevent that cleaning fluid from being slung outwardly from the rotary cleaning head. The leading side of the vacuum port arm and the leading end of the vacuum slot arm may be tapered to help the vacuum head ski up and over any fixed obstacles it encounters.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2011Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Inventor: Clifford L. Monson
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Patent number: 8437875Abstract: An autonomous all weather outdoor cleaning robot that identifies and cleans various outdoor household objects including but not limited to personal automobiles and other vehicles. The robot autonomously navigates to a designated area and scans a vehicle or object to determine the optimum cleaning routine. The robot learns its working environment by comparing scanned vehicles and outdoor objects with its existing database for future reference. The robot compares and stores navigation data regarding areas previously visited to increase efficiency for future work by reducing travel and scanning times. The robot can perform many different functions. Specifically, the robot incorporates micro-processors to control cleaning, navigation and perception. The robot uses multi-segmented arms to perform chores. The robot adapts and learns from its environment while performing useful tasks.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2008Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Inventors: Eusebio Guillermo Hernandez, Michael Christopher Colucci
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Patent number: 8387203Abstract: A vacuum attachment tool is provided for use with one or more vacuum systems and with a source of pressurized cleaning fluid, the tool adapted for removing fluids, solids, debris and produced substances from a hydrocarbon-producing well from a surface, such as a drilling rig floor. The tool can include a brush head having a vacuum orifice, the brush head adapted for loosening fluids and solids from the surface so they can be vacuumed up through the orifice to the vacuum system. The tool can further include an orifice disposed on the brush head for dispensing pressurized cleaning fluid, and a valve mechanism for controlling the flow of the pressurized cleaning fluid.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2010Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Katch Kan Holdings Ltd.Inventor: Quinn A. J. Holtby
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Patent number: 8365346Abstract: A suction apparatus for retrieving liquids such as aircraft deicing fluid from a paved surface. The apparatus may have a squeegee structure with multiple inlets for fluid, and a fluid flow structure which can selectively connect only certain inlets to a suction tank. A large inlet can be used in deep fluids, whereas multiple smaller inlets can be used to retrieve a shallow layer of liquid. The inlets may be adjustable relative to the squeegee structure. The apparatus may be mounted on a trailer, and the trailer may be equipped with a hitch that can maintain the trailer in a predetermined level attitude regardless of the height of the hitch on the towing vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2008Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: EcoTech Service Co., LLCInventors: John R. Coppola, Frank G. Coppola
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Patent number: 8302334Abstract: Steam wrinkle-removing appliance comprising a steam-producing boiling chamber (60) incorporated into a water tank (110), said boiling chamber (60) being in direct communication with the water tank (110) while being supplied with water by gravity via at least one supply line (70) extending from the tank (110), said boiling chamber (60) comprising a heating unit (4) and a steam outlet (62) through which the steam can freely flow toward a wrinkle-removing element (3) such as a steam brush, the tank (110) comprising a filling inlet (121A) in the upper part of the tank (110), characterized in that said steam outlet (62) is in direct communication with a hose (2) connected to the steaming element (3) so that the steam produced by the boiling chamber (60) is not diffused into the tank (110).Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2008Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Rowenta Werke GmbHInventors: Martin Krebs, Reinhard Ahlers, Stefan Panten
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Patent number: 8236076Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning an air filter includes a body, a closed chamber formed within the body, a fluid dispersing member having a portion thereof mounted for rotation within the body and passing through the chamber, a plurality of orifices formed through the wall of the fluid dispersing member and an arrangement for rotating the fluid dispersing member. The arrangement either includes a combination of nozzles secured to the fluid dispersing member and positioned within the chamber and an irregular inner wall surface of the chamber capable of providing resistance to a fluid flow discharged into the chamber or fins disposed on the fluid dispersing member and a passageway through the body for directing fluid under pressure onto the fins. Fluid supplied under pressure to the fluid dispersing member exits through the plurality of orifices toward an inner surface of a air filter filtering medium causing contaminants to exit therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2010Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Inventor: Dennis Grieve
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Publication number: 20120192376Abstract: An apparatus for removing waste material from a surface is provided. In an embodiment, the apparatus includes a vacuum suction head and a waste receptacle for storing waste material that are vacuumed through the suction opening head. The waste receptacle has a discharge port through which waste material stored within said waste receptacle may be discharged for emptying said waste receptacle. A fluid passage is configured at one end to be connected to a source of pressurized water by a garden hose. A first spray nozzle is connected to an end of the fluid passage and configured to jet fluid from the fluid passage in a direction away from an operator and against material on the surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2012Publication date: August 2, 2012Inventor: Lawrence Orubor
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Patent number: 8230549Abstract: An upright extractor for delivering cleaning fluid to a cleaning member, removing the cleaning fluid and entrained soil from the cleaning member, and damp wiping dirt and debris off of a surface to be cleaned. A roller assembly for wiping dirt and debris off a cleaning surface is reversible. The roller assembly and a centrifugal pump are driven simultaneously and at independent speeds necessary for preferred operation with a common motor. A vented spray tip assembly delivers cleaning fluid to the cleaning member. An improved accessory tool delivers a variety of metered cleaning chemicals while also extracting the soiled fluid and debris from a surface to be cleaned.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2009Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth M. Lenkiewicz, Phong H. Tran
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Patent number: 8220107Abstract: A cleaning apparatus is described and which includes a housing which is moveable across a supporting surface; a first electrically actuated fluid pump which is mounted in the housing, and which is operable to deliver a first stream of fluid at a pressure of at least about 150 PSI to less than about 1200 PSI; a second electrically actuated fluid pump which is mounted in the housing, and which is operable to deliver a second stream of fluid, at a pressure, of less than about 600 PSI; and an electrically actuated heater which is mounted in the housing, and which is operable to impart heat energy to the second fluid stream.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2009Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: U.S. ProductsInventor: Steve Williams
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Patent number: 8214968Abstract: A vacuum accessory tool comprises a nozzle body that forms a suction nozzle and that has an electrical element comprising one or a combination of an illumination element adapted to illuminate a surface to be cleaned, an ion generator or ozone generator to purify a surface to be cleaned and eliminate odors. The tool can further include a power generator for supplying power to the electrical element. The illumination element can further emit light in the ultraviolet spectrum to illuminate stains on the surface to the cleaned.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2008Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.Inventors: Aaron P. Griffith, Eric R. Metzger, Eric C. Huffman, Douglas A. Jackson
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Publication number: 20120137465Abstract: An upright bare floor cleaner with a handle assembly pivotally mounted to a base assembly. The handle includes a water tank to store a quantity of water and a fluid distribution system that includes a heater and a spray nozzle. Steam is generated by the heater and is distributed to a removable cleaning cloth that applies the steam to the surface to be cleaned. The fluid distribution system further includes an auxiliary hand tool for steam cleaning above-floor surfaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2010Publication date: June 7, 2012Applicant: BISSELL HOMECARE, INC.Inventors: Matthew P. Nolan, Alan J. Krebs, Kurt E. Ashbaugh