Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an accessory hose mounted to an upright handle and a recovery tank mounted to a base. An accessory working air path is formed between the accessory hose and the recovery tank when the upright handle is in an upright position and is separated when the handle is tilted from the upright position. The upright handle and the base can include couplings that are in register when the upright handle is in the upright position to form the accessory working air path.

Abstract: An surface cleaning implement comprises a recovery tank and a suction nozzle in fluid communication with a recovery tank, a fan/turbine assembly including a turbine-driven suction fan for generating suction at the suction nozzle, which draws liquid and air into and through the accessory tool. A fluid dispensing assembly is disclosed for storing and distributing fluid to the surface to the cleaned. An agitator assembly can be moved from a use to a non-use orientation to alternately scrub the surface to the cleaned and to extract fluid from the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: A device for removing moisture from a rug or other item, such as a tent or a tarp, etc. in a short time while preventing compression of the rug or the item and the resultant crushing of fringe comprising a shaft disposed on a horizontal axis having a large diameter with a rotatable smaller diameter inner tube therein, the smaller diameter inner tube having apertures therethrough, the smaller diameter inner tube being open at both ends, the inner tube being driven to rotate, and fluid removal means connected to the larger diameter tube for removal of fluid from the device, whereby when a wet rug is loaded into the smaller diameter inner tube, and rotated the moisture in the rug is spun from the rug through the apertures into the larger diameter outer tube and the moisture is drained from the device. A wet item can be loaded from either end and the item can be unloaded from either end after the moisture has been removed.

Abstract: A portable extractor apparatus is shown which includes a wheel mounted base having a solution tank for dispensing and recovering cleaning solution. A cleaning wand is connected to the solution tank and has a head which contacts the surface to the cleaned for dispensing and recovering cleaning solution. A fluid pump circulates cleaning solution in a path between the solution tank and the cleaning head. A vacuum motor provides a vacuum source for the cleaning head for suctioning the surface being cleaned and has an exhaust fan for exhausting excess heat created by the operation of the vacuum motor. A fluid operated heat exchanger is mounted in the vicinity of the vacuum motor. The heat exchanger is plumbed in the circulation path of the cleaning fluid, whereby excess heat generated by the vacuum motor is transferred to the cleaning fluid being applied from the cleaning head onto the surface to be cleaned. The cleaning head can also be integrally mounted on the wheel mounted base.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for use with a carpet cleaning system having combined exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine and other hot exhaust gases expelled from a vacuum pump as a single input to a heat exchanger for heating the carpet cleaning fluid. A heat exchanger control system permits constant control of a stream of cleaning fluid both while the cleaning fluid is flowing through the heat exchanger and while the cleaning fluid is stagnant within the heat exchanger, without the potential overheat condition of the portion of cleaning fluid stagnant in the heat exchanger known in prior art devices that required a constant flow of the cleaning fluid.

Abstract: A window and glass cleaning device includes a cleaning head and an elongated handle configured to be grasped by a user. The handle has a first end connected to the cleaning head and a second end configured to be connected to an extension handle. A fluid container is housed by the handle, and a spray nozzle is carried by said handle at a position approximate the first end of the handle. A pump is carried by the handle and connects the fluid container to the spray nozzle. The pump includes a pump actuator. An electric motor is carried by the handle and is operatively connected to pump actuator to drive the pump actuator in the pumping of fluid from the container through the spray nozzle. A power source and an electric switch are carried by the handle. The electrical switch is operatively connected to the power source and to the electric motor and is operable by the user to connect the power source to the electric motor to facilitate the pumping of said fluid through said spray nozzle.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface in which cleaning solution is dispensed to the surface is provided. The cleaning apparatus includes a distributor for dispensing solution to the surface and a solution tank fluidly connected to the distributor for supplying a flow of solution to the distributor. The solution tank has a bottom portion and an upper portion. A constant head device is fluidly connected to the solution tank such that the flow of solution from the solution tank to the distributor is substantially constant independent of the level of solution in the solution tank.

Abstract: A sliding track steam cleaning system which may be installed on a vehicle. van, mini-van or automobile having a combined cargo and passenger area of approximately 20 cubic feet and need not be specially adapted for mounting on a truck.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A portable surface cleaning apparatus comprises a base module for movement along the surface; an upright handle pivotally attached to the base module; a fluid dispensing system including at least one fluid supply tank mounted to the handle or the base module, a dispensing nozzle mounted to the base module for applying a cleaning fluid to an upholstery or carpet surface to be cleaned, and a heater for heating the fluid to be applied to the surface to be cleaned to a temperature less than boiling; a fluid recovery tank mounted to the handle or the base module for holding recovered fluid; a suction nozzle associated with the base module; a working air conduit extending between the recovery tank and the suction nozzle; and a vacuum source and fluid communication with the recovery tank for generating a flow of working air from the suction nozzle through the working air conduit and through the recovery tank to thereby recovering fluid from the surface to be cleaned through the suction nozzle and working air conduit

Abstract: The invention relates to a bare floor cleaner capable of wet pickup through a first nozzle opening with the aid of a squeegee, wet scrubbing with an agitator, and dry pickup through a second nozzle opening. The bare floor cleaner comprises a dual-path nozzle assembly having a wet suction path in communication with the first nozzle opening and a dry suction path in communication with the second nozzle opening. A diverter valve selectively controls fluid communication between a suction source and one of the first and second nozzle openings for conversion between wet and dry modes. The bare floor cleaner further comprises a single actuator that controls the positions of the agitator and of the diverter valve. As a result, the cleaning mode of the bare floor cleaner can be controlled with a single switch that is preferably located on the handle assembly for convenient access by a user.

Abstract: A machine for localized cleaning, using pickling acid or a composition/mixture of chemical elements with the effect of pickling acid, applied by mechanical feed instruments (54, 55) to the surface to be treated (5), presenting: the acid kept in a limited quantity in the work position by a cell (1; 11); the volume of this cell (7; 17) is made to match with that of the acid used, i.e. by filling it completely with acid projected on the surface to be treated; the cell having a peripheral edge (6; 23) against the aforementioned surface; the pickling acid activated by an electrode (8; 18) that activates the acid's pickling action.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an instantaneous mixing device for injection/extraction cleaning machines and in particular to an instantaneous mixing device with a pre-spray functionality of the type equipped with at least one washing accessory (13) and/or at least one pre-washing accessory (30) connected at the outlet to a hydraulic circuit (20), the device (10) comprising: at least one spray pump (12) connected to the hydraulic circuit (20); at least one tank for water (15) and at least one tank for a chemical product (16), connected to the hydraulic circuit (20); at least one mixing element (14) with a Venturi effect connected downstream of the at least one water tank (15) and at least one tank for a chemical product (16). The at least one pre-washing element (30) preferably comprises a spray hole having greater dimensions with respect to the hole of the spray nozzle of the at least one washing accessory (13).

Abstract: A floor scrubber for cleaning floor surfaces that includes a cleaning head which defines a downwardly opening cleaning zone having a plurality of spray nozzles connected to a power washer pump for directing pressurized liquid flow streams onto the floor surface during a cleaning operation. The cleaning head further defines a separate downwardly opening vacuum zone connected to a wet/dry vacuum device operable for creating a vacuum pressure within the vacuum zone for removing liquid that has been directed onto the floor surface. The wet/dry vacuum device preferably further is operable for selectively directing a positive air flow into the vacuum zone to facilitate drying of the floor surface after cleaning and vacuum removal of the liquid.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A portable extraction surface cleaner apparatus wherein a surface to be cleaned is heated to an elevated temperature and a cleaning fluid is applied to the surface to be cleaned sequentially or simultaneously. The cleaning fluid is removed from the surface by suction from a vacuum source. Power is applied alternatively or simultaneously to a heating element and to the vacuum source for recovering the deposited cleaning fluid.

Abstract: A method for activating the surface of a base material and an apparatus thereof, which is suited to be utilized for pretreatment in electrochemical treatment such as, for example, electroplating or the like, in which the surface of a base material such as metal can be subjected to degreasing treatment and oxide film removing treatment simultaneously, efficiently and rationally, in which productivity can be enhanced and the equipment cost can be reduced, and in which a waste solution can be rationalized so that the solution can be reutilized and the environmental pollution can be prevented. A method for activating the surface of a base material in which the surface of a member to be treated is subjected to degreasing treatment or oxide film removing treatment. Pressurized carbon dioxide is dissolved in a predetermined quantity of water, thereby preparing an oxide film removing solution having a predetermined acidic concentration.

Abstract: A surface cleaning implement has a suction nozzle, a fan in fluid communication with the suction nozzle, a suction-driven turbine motor for driving the fan and a magnetic coupling between the fan and the motor. The surface cleaning implement can be in the form of an accessory tool that has a housing with a suction opening adapted to be connected to a vacuum hose and mounting the suction nozzle, the fan and the motor and the housing mounts a recovery tank that is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle. The accessory tool can further comprise a fluid dispensing assembly for storing and distributing fluid to the surface to the cleaned. The fluid dispensing assembly can comprise a turbine-driven fluid pump.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile unit for cleaning a sewer network from a manhole, the unit comprising a suction hose, a cleaner hose, and a support and guide arm comprising a horizontal portion movable in swiveling about a vertical axis and in horizontal translation relative to the mobile unit, said arm further including a vertical portion connected to the horizontal portion and presenting a bottom module movable in swiveling and in vertical translation relative to said horizontal portion, the suction and cleaner hoses being connected to said bottom module, whereby the positioning of the bottom module corresponds substantially to the positioning of the working ends of the suction and cleaner hoses.

Abstract: A riding floor and edge stripper applicator comprises a frame including attached thereto at least three wheels, a seat and a drive and steering mechanism for driving and steering the wheels. The stripper includes at least one tank mounted on the frame for holding stripping solution in fluid communication with supply conduits for delivering stripping solution to the mops. It further includes a central mop for receiving striping solution from the supply conduits and applying the solution to the floor. The stripper further includes at least one swinging mop for receiving striping solution from the supply conduits and applying the solution to a floor, the swinging mop pivotally attached at one distal end to the central mop and moveable between an extended position and a retracted position.

Abstract: A floor cleaning tool is described and which includes a vacuum chamber having a fluid intake end, and a fluid exhaust end; a coupling member defining a fluid passageway extending therethrough, and which is integrally coupled to the fluid intake end of the vacuum chamber; and a floor engagement member having a plurality of inlet ports, and which is releasably secured to the coupling member by means of a mortise and tenon joint.

Abstract: A platform mounted drive train for a professional carpet and floor cleaner system, the platform mounted drive train being formed of a rigid platform; a power plant having two spaced apart mounting structures secured to the rigid platform; a vacuum blower having one mounting structure secured to the rigid platform; a rigid structural connector coupled between the power plant and the vacuum blower for rigidly securing the vacuum blower in fixed lateral, angular and rotational alignment with the power plant; and a coupler assembly interfaced between an output drive of the power plant and an input drive of the vacuum blower. The drive train is optionally mounted using one or more vibration isolators.

Abstract: A suction brush of a vacuum cleaner for both vacuum cleaning and steam cleaning is provided. The suction brush includes a brush main body connected to a cleaner main body; a steam generating unit for heating water being supplied from a water storage tank mounted on the brush main body and spraying steam generated by heating the water on the surface to be cleaned; a turbine fan, installed in the brush main body, for generating a rotating force by the drawn-in air that flows into the brush main body; a power transfer unit for being driven by the rotating force of the turbine fan; and at least one pair of duster rotating plates, arranged on a lower part of the suction brush, for being rotated by power being transferred through the power transfer unit.

Abstract: 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 150 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.

Abstract: A portable cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface is provided and includes a housing for movement along the cleaning surface. A solution distribution system is mounted at least in part to the housing and includes a solution distributor operatively connected to the housing for distributing a solution onto the cleaning surface, a first solution tank for holding the solution, and a first adjustable flow rate valve fluidly connected between the first solution tank and the distributor for adjusting the flow rate of the solution out of the valve.

Abstract: A platform mounted drive train for a professional carpet and floor cleaner system, the platform mounted drive train being formed of a rigid platform; a power plant having two spaced apart mounting structures secured to the rigid platform; a vacuum blower having one mounting structure secured to the rigid platform; a rigid structural connector coupled between the power plant and the vacuum blower for rigidly securing the vacuum blower in fixed lateral, angular and rotational alignment with the power plant; and a coupler assembly interfaced between an output drive of the power plant and an input drive of the vacuum blower. The drive train is optionally mounted using one or more vibration isolators.

Abstract: A platform mounted drive train for a professional carpet and floor cleaner system, the platform mounted drive train being formed of a rigid platform; a power plant having two spaced apart mounting structures secured to the rigid platform; a vacuum blower having one mounting structure secured to the rigid platform; a rigid structural connector coupled between the power plant and the vacuum blower for rigidly securing the vacuum blower in fixed lateral, angular and rotational alignment with the power plant; and a coupler assembly interfaced between an output drive of the power plant and an input drive of the vacuum blower. The drive train is optionally mounted using one or more vibration isolators.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for utilizing a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid for the purpose of remediation and retrieval of, e.g., spilled crude oil and other “oil spill”-related products from marine/aquatic and terrestrial environments. In some implementations, systems and apparatus are provided for applying a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid to a volume of spilled oil, and further having structure for collecting the spilled oil. Some implementations are environmentally-neutral. Substances other than oil may be remediated as well.

Abstract: A cleaning system and method for cleaning window glass or another smooth surface utilizes a first reservoir, a second reservoir, a first battery-operated pump for delivering liquid medium from the first reservoir onto the surface to be cleaned and a second battery-operated pump for drawing spent liquid medium from the surface for transport to the second reservoir. A hand-held wand includes a head having a first face through which the liquid medium is dispensed onto the surface and a second face through which spent liquid medium is drawn from the surface. In addition, a switch is mounted on the wand which permits the user to selectively dispense the liquid medium through the wand or draw the spent liquid medium from the surface, and the reservoirs and pumps are mounted upon a backpack frame enabling these components of the system to be carried upon the back of a user.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a hand-held cleaning device including an elongated nozzle base having opposed first and second ends and a longitudinal axis. The second end is releasably connected to a hand-held suction wand of a vacuum source. The longitudinal axis of the elongated nozzle base is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the wand. A battery is located in the elongated nozzle base. A DC motor is located in the elongated nozzle base and is electrically connected to the battery. The motor has an axially rotated output drive shaft. A drive assembly is connected to the drive shaft for rotation therewith. A first brush is located at the first end of the elongated nozzle base and is connected to the drive assembly.

Abstract: An autoclavable bucketless cleaning system. The system includes an autoclavable vessel with an inside for storing fluid under pressure and with a first connection point and a second connection point disposed at an outside of the vessel, an autoclavable outlet regulator assembly for dispensing fluid from the vessel and removably connected to the vessel at the first connection point so as to be in fluid communication with the inside of the vessel, and an autoclavable inlet regulator assembly for pressurizing the vessel and removably connected to the vessel at the second connection point to be in fluid communication with the inside of the vessel.

Abstract: A cleaning system for cleaning the outer skin of aircraft of all types is provided with a cleaning head (1). This cleaning head (1) is fastened to an arm, which is mounted on a system support, for example, on a low-bed truck. The cleaning head (1) is provided with one or more rollers (2, 7, 13), whereby openings (5, 9, 11) are provided in hollow shafts (3, 8, 12). A cleaning medium, steam and polishing agent can be introduced via said openings, and the waste water contaminated with the dirt particles that are removed from the outer skin of the aircraft can be suctioned off also via said openings.

Abstract: A water jet-assisted blowing and vacuum apparatus for cleaning gutters having a curved end attachment member for connection to an elongated air conduit to reach into gutter areas, and a pressurized water nozzle mounted to the air conduit curved end member and oriented to loosen gutter debris adjacent the operating free end of the curved end attachment member. The water nozzle can be mounted internally or externally of the curved end attachment member, as well as positioned so as to be removed from or closely adjacent to the operating end of the curved end attachment member.

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: A heating apparatus and a cleaner having the same are disclosed. The heating apparatus includes a heating casing to receive water from a water container and convert the water into steam, wherein the heating casing comprises a plurality of ribs and each successive rib comprises a space to collect water and convert the water into steam. The cleaner includes a cleaner body in which a water container is detachably mounted, a nozzle assembly rotatably connected to a lower part of the cleaner body and including a nozzle to inject steam, and a heating apparatus that includes a heating casing to receive water from the water container, convert the water into steam, and supply the steam to the nozzle assembly, wherein the heating casing includes a plurality of ribs and each successive rib includes a space to collect water and convert the water into steam.

Abstract: A second housing whose center portion is depressed and whose end portion around the center portion is formed like a visor is arranged around a first housing whose center portion is depressed and whose end portion around the center portion is formed like a visor, and a hollow portion is formed between the first housing and the second housing by sandwiching a packing between the end portions of the housings. Further, degassed water for preventing empty heating is filled in the hollow portion, and an ultrasonic transducer is placed on the surface of the center portion of the first housing. A weight for preventing the vibration of the wall is provided on the wall surface of the second housing. Since the vibration of the wall of the housing is suppressed by the weight, vibration energy returns toward the bottom surface of the center of the housing through water and is radiated from the bottom surface efficiently as ultrasonic waves.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A steam channeling structure adopted for use on a steam iron to transfer steam to perform cleaning function. The steam iron includes at least a soleplate heated to perform ironing function and at least one steam vent. The steam channeling structure includes a coupling dock and at least one cleaning tool mounted onto the coupling dock. The coupling dock has a protective portion to cover the soleplate and a steam directing portion communicating with the steam vent to direct steam discharged through the steam vent. The cleaning tool has a steam passage connecting to the steam directing portion and a steam channeling vent located in the steam passage. Steam generated by the steam iron is conveyed through the steam directing portion to the steam channeling vent to be discharged to perform steam cleaning function on a selected article.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing sediment from a waterway using a high pressure water spray and a suction line (22) is disclosed. The high pressure water is directed through a pressure line (20) that may be mounted inside the suction line (22). The high pressure water helps to suspend sediment that has settled in the waterway. Water and suspended sediment is then vacuumed up by the suction line (22) and deposited outside the water for further treatment or disposal. The apparatus (12) is designed to be hand-held by an individual situated in the waterway, such that great control over which specific locations within the waterway are being treated.

Abstract: A hand-held nozzle is attached to the end of a vacuum and fluid delivery hose of an upright deep cleaner. The nozzle includes a reservoir to contain a solution to be applied to a surface. When a solution delivery system of the deep cleaner is pressurized, water from the upright cleaner clean water tank is routed through the hose to the hand-held nozzle. The water is routed through a venturi valve connected to the reservoir, which draws the solution to the valve to mix with the water stream. The resultant mixture flows from the hand-held nozzle for application to a surface being treated. One embodiment of the solution reservoir includes a retainer cap bonded to the reservoir and utilizing a bayonet-type mounting arrangement for mounting the reservoir to a nozzle assembly.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing unit for a steam cleaner with a hand grip for dispensing steam is provided. The liquid dispenser injects a liquid, such as soap, into the steam to be applied to the dirt or stain to be removed. The dispenser includes a housing with at least one liquid cleaning agent tank adapted to fit onto the nozzle connection of the cleaner hand grip. The liquid dispensing unit includes a manually controlled pump for controlling the amount of liquid cleaning agent injected into the steam. The dispenser housing includes a nozzle end for receiving the same cleaning attachments that fit onto the hand grip.

Abstract: A portable extraction surface cleaner has a base housing, an upright handle pivotally mounted to the base housing, a liquid dispensing system including a cleaning fluid supply tank for holding a supply of cleaning liquid and removably mounted in a well in the base housing, a liquid recovery system that includes a recovery tank, a suction nozzle, a working air conduit extending between the recovery chamber and the suction nozzle and a vacuum source to draw soiled liquid from the suction nozzle into the recovery tank. The vacuum source is mounted in an enclosed chamber juxtaposed to the well. A detergent supply tank is removably mounted in a second well in the base.

Abstract: A suction brush of a vacuum cleaner for both vacuum cleaning and steam cleaning is provided. The suction brush includes a brush main body connected to a cleaner main body; a steam generating unit for heating water being supplied from a water storage tank mounted on the brush main body and spraying steam generated by heating the water on the surface to be cleaned; a turbine fan, installed in the brush main body, for generating a rotating force by the drawn-in air that flows into the brush main body; a power transfer unit for being driven by the rotating force of the turbine fan; and at least one pair of duster rotating plates, arranged on a lower part of the suction brush, for being rotated by power being transferred through the power transfer unit.

Abstract: A wet extraction floor cleaning device having a base assembly adapted for movement on a surface being cleaned, an operating handle pivotally attached to the base assembly, a supply tank having a supply tank outlet, and a recovery tank having a recovery tank inlet and a recovery tank outlet. The base assembly has an inlet nozzle that extends from an inlet slit proximal the surface being cleaned to a nozzle outlet. The device further includes a fluid deposition assembly that can be selectively placed in fluid communication with the supply tank outlet, a vacuum source, and first and second external pockets. The supply and recovery tanks are adapted to be selectively placed in the first and second external pockets, thereby placing the supply tank outlet in fluid communication with the fluid deposition system, the recovery tank inlet in fluid communication with the nozzle outlet, and the recovery tank outlet in fluid communication with the vacuum source inlet.

Abstract: A vacuum arrangement has a vacuum pipe having a vacuum opening facing a ground surface and adapted to pick up from the ground surface a material to be collected. The vacuum pipe conveys the material to be collected into a collecting container connected to the vacuum pipe. The vacuum pipe has a working area located within the area of the vacuum opening. At least one blower nozzle having a blower air exit is arranged such that a blower air flow exiting from the blower air exit is directed onto the ground surface into the working area. The blower air exit and the vacuum opening are positioned at a spacing relative to one another.

Abstract: A direct-current sprayer includes a shell with an outlet therein, a valve in the outlet, a pipe leading to the valve from a pump in the shell and a hose detachably connected to the valve so that water can flow from a pump in the shell into the hose through the valve. The valve automatically blocks the flow of the water after the hose is detached from the valve.

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. In one aspect of the invention, the cleaning apparatus includes a housing and a recovery tank removably mounted to the housing. A solution tank for supplying a flow of cleaning solution to the surface is removably mounted to the housing. A suction nozzle is secured to the housing and is in fluid communication with the recovery tank. A suction source is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle for generating suction to draw dirt and liquid through the suction nozzle and into the recovery tank. A first latch is operatively connected to the solution tank to releasably latch the solution tank to the housing and a second latch is operatively connected to the recovery tank to releasably latch the recovery tank to said housing, wherein the second latch is in close proximity to the first latch.

Abstract: A method for cleaning tubes and heat exchangers provides an oscillating pump/valve mechanism to provide a periodic waveform of shocks to fouled tubes. Preferably, a pair of pneumatic control valves operates an actuator to oscillate a valve within a valve block, and isolation of a fluid within a manifold in the block creates a pumping action from the valve, to create an intense fluid shock wave to clean interior surfaces tubes.

Abstract: An apparatus (20) for cleaning a surface (22) includes a clean fluid tank (26) containing a cleaning fluid (46) and configured for delivery of the fluid (46) to the surface (22). The clean fluid tank (26) has a first outer surface (76). A waste fluid tank (30) is coupled with the clean fluid tank (26) and has a second outer surface (78). The second surface (78) abuts the first surface (76) to form a conduit (84) between the first and second surfaces (76, 78), the conduit (84) being in fluid communication with the waste fluid tank (30). Vacuum motors (94) and (108), in communication with the conduit (84), operate to vacuum waste fluid (164) and air (116) into the waste fluid tank (30). The air (116) is expelled from the waste fluid tank (30) via the conduit (84).

Abstract: The invention saves resources and energy. A cleaning/fluid-feeding head integrates a cleaning head portion and a fluid-feeding head portion. The cleaning head portion includes an organic substance cleaning unit, an inorganic substance cleaning unit, a rinsing unit and a drying unit. The organic substance cleaning unit, inorganic substance cleaning unit and rinsing unit selectively clean pattern forming regions on a substrate by feeding thereto a first cleaning fluid, second cleaning fluid and pure water, respectively. The drying unit dries the rinsed pattern forming regions by blowing hot air thereonto. The fluid-feeding head portion selectively feeds a liquid pattern forming material to the cleaned pattern forming regions.