Abstract: The present disclosure includes a first housing configured in a cylindrical shape, an inlet port provided to the first housing to suck air therein, an inlet pipe communicating with the inlet port and extending to a front side of the housing with a length-directional axis positioned side by side with a ground surface, a cyclone forming part provided to separate dust from air flowing into the first housing, a second housing communicating with the first housing and coupled to a rear side of the first housing, a fan provided with the second housing to provide a suction force to enable air to be sucked into the first housing through the inlet port, a battery provided to supply power to the fan, and a handle part including a handle base coupled to a top side of the first housing and a handle body connected to the handle base.

Abstract: A bleed valve is selectively opened and closed due to a pressure differential between across an arcuate spring member.

Abstract: An autonomous floor-cleaning robot comprising a housing infrastructure including a chassis, a power subsystem; for providing the energy to power the autonomous floor-cleaning robot, a motive subsystem operative to propel the autonomous floor-cleaning robot for cleaning operations, a command and control subsystem operative to control the autonomous floor-cleaning robot to effect cleaning operations, and a self-adjusting cleaning head subsystem that includes a deck mounted in pivotal combination with the chassis, a brush assembly mounted in combination with the deck and powered by the motive subsystem to sweep up particulates during cleaning operations, a vacuum assembly disposed in combination with the deck and powered by the motive subsystem to ingest particulates during cleaning operations, and a deck adjusting subassembly mounted in combination with the motive subsystem for the brush assembly, the deck, and the chassis that is automatically operative in response to an increase in brush torque in said brush

Abstract: A cyclonic separating device for an upright vacuum cleaner and an upright vacuum cleaner with the same are disclosed. The cyclonic separating device includes a dirt cup, a filter and a cyclonic cone assembly. The filter is disposed in the dirt cup and includes a filter inlet and a filter outlet communicating between the filter inlet and an air outlet. The cyclonic cone assembly includes a cyclone cylinder and a cyclonic guide, in which a first end of the cyclone cylinder is communicated with an air inlet, and the cyclonic guide is fitted in a second end of the cyclone cylinder and is detachably fitted over the filter to spirally guide dirty air introduced into the cyclone cylinder from the air inlet to the filter inlet.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has an agitator assembly that is coupled to a motor via a belt, and a belt shifting assembly which has a belt shifter which moves the belt between engagement with a drive pulley or an idler pulley on the agitator assembly. A biasing member biases the belt shifter between engagement with the drive pulley and the idler pulley.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has an agitator assembly, a belt drive system coupling the agitator assembly to a motor via a belt, and a belt shifting assembly which selectively shifts the belt between a drive pulley and an idler pulley on the agitator assembly. Trace rotational force transmitted to the agitator assembly when the belt is on the idler pulley is prevented from causing the agitator assembly to rotate by an anti-rotation member of the belt shifting assembly.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a suction source, an air inlet, and an airflow path extending from the air inlet to the suction source. A valve is movable between an open position in which the suction source and the air inlet are in fluid communication and a closed position in which the valve inhibits fluid communication between the air inlet and the suction source. The vacuum cleaner also includes a link coupled to the valve such that movement of the link in a first direction when the valve is in the closed position opens the valve, and movement of the link in a second direction when the valve is in the open position closes the valve. The link has a deformable portion resiliently deformable to permit additional movement of the link in the second direction when the valve is in the closed position.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a housing, suction path, a motor, and a base. The suction path is in fluid communication with the housing. The motor creates flow through the suction path. The base includes a first inlet and a second inlet. The first inlet is in fluid communication with the suction path. The second inlet is adjustable between a first position allowing fluid to flow through the second inlet and a second position preventing at least a portion of fluid from flowing through the second inlet. The second inlet may include a door moveable between the first position and the second position to adjust the amount of airflow.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is described, and in particular a battery-powered vacuum cleaner including a rotatable brush.

Abstract: An apparatus for diverting a fluid flow path automatically diverts a fluid flow path in accordance with inclining of a main body, and includes two or more selectable fluid flow paths through which an external air stream is drawn, a fixed fluid flow path to be selectively connected to one of the selectable fluid flow paths, a path selecting unit to connect the fixed fluid flow path to one of the selectable fluid flow paths, and a driving member to provide a driving force for path selecting of the path selecting unit. If mounted in an external apparatus, the driving member causes the path selecting unit to move and connect to the fixed fluid flow path in accordance with inclining of the external apparatus.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning head includes a housing having a suction opening for admitting an air flow to the head, an agitator for agitating a surface to be cleaned, the agitator having an active state and an inactive state, a duct for receiving the air flow from the housing, and a control assembly for controlling the state of the agitator.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning head includes a pressure chamber having a first chamber section and a second chamber section which is moveable relative to the first chamber section in response to a pressure differential thereacross from a first position to a second position, and a control mechanism located within the pressure chamber. The control mechanism has a first state for inhibiting the movement of the second chamber section in response to said pressure differential beyond a third position intermediate the first and second positions, and a second state for allowing the second chamber section to move in response to said pressure differential to the second position. The control mechanism is arranged to change between the first and second states in response to a movement of the second chamber section from the third position.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprises a user-controllable clutch assembly for selectively engaging an agitator assembly. The clutch assembly generally comprises an axially displaceable drive member that is selectively engageable by rotating ramps that engage stationary cam lobes. In one embodiment, the clutch module is mounted to the foot housing and is intermediately connected between the vacuum motor/fan shaft and the agitator. In a second embodiment, the clutch module is mounted axially on the agitator shaft. In a third embodiment, a linkage interconnects a handle detent pedal to the clutch module to automatically engage the clutch when a user depresses the detent pedal.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner having dual cleaning motor and fan units is provided having a cleaning head engagable with a floor and a suction nozzle and a brush roller rotatably mounted therein. A first motor and fan unit is mounted in the vacuum cleaner for producing suction in the suction nozzle and is operatively connected to the brush roller for rotating it. An upright housing is connected to the cleaning head, the housing having a handle for moving the vacuum cleaner along the floor during floor cleaning use. Contained in the housing are a dirt storage container, a passageway leading from the suction nozzle in the cleaning head to the storage container and a second motor and fan unit operatively associated with the storage container for drawing dirt laden air from the cleaning head through the passageway and into the storage container simultaneously with operation of the first motor and fan unit.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner for cleaning a surface includes a base unit with a brush motor and a brush roller drivable by the brush motor. An air conduit leads from the base unit to a dust collection container and includes an interface and a first section downstream of the interface. The first section includes a hose or a hose-and-wand assembly and is arranged externally on an upper body of the vacuum and is also securable to the upper body. A receiving structure on the upper body is configured to receive the first section and is removable from the receiving structure in a region of the interface so as to enable a vacuuming mode of operation that is independent of the base unit. A turning-off device is operable to turn off the brush motor when the first section is removed from the receiving structure.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner having dual cleaning motor and fan units is provided having a cleaning head engagable with a floor and a suction nozzle and a brush roller rotatably mounted therein. A first motor and fan unit is mounted in the vacuum cleaner for producing suction in the suction nozzle and is operatively connected to the brush roller for rotating it. An upright housing is connected to the cleaning head, the housing having a handle for moving the vacuum cleaner along the floor during floor cleaning use. Contained in the housing are a dirt storage container, a passageway leading from the suction nozzle in the cleaning head to the storage container and a second motor and fan unit operatively associated with the storage container for drawing dirt laden air from the cleaning head through the passageway and into the storage container simultaneously with operation of the first motor and fan unit.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning head includes a rotatable brush bar and an air turbine driving the brush bar. An air inlet admits air to drive the turbine. A button is movable between an open position, in which it admits air to the turbine, and a closed position in which it closes the inlet and prevents air from reaching the turbine. The button is movable in response to the speed of rotation of the turbine or to the flow of air to or through the turbine exceeding a predetermined limit.

Abstract: A bare floor cleaner for wet and dry bare floor surfaces comprises a base with wet and dry suction nozzles and a handle pivotally connected to the base. A diverter mounted in the working air conduit between each of the dry suction nozzle and the wet suction nozzle to a recovery tank is movable by movement of the handle between a dry suction position and a wet suction position for selectively at least partially blocking working air flow from the wet suction nozzle and the dry suction nozzle, respectively, to the recovery tank.

Abstract: A nozzle for a vacuum cleaner is provided, the nozzle having a structure in which suction performance may be improved. The nozzle may include a nozzle body, and an agitator rotatably installed in the nozzle body. Air may follow a first flow path through the nozzle, and a second flow path which diverges from the second flow path at the agitator, so as to uniformly distribute air flow through the nozzle.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner having dual cleaning motor and fan units is provided having a cleaning head engagable with a floor and a suction nozzle and a brush roller rotatably mounted therein. A first motor and fan unit is mounted in the vacuum cleaner for producing suction in the suction nozzle and is operatively connected to the brush roller for rotating it. An upright housing is connected to the cleaning head, the housing having a handle for moving the vacuum cleaner along the floor during floor cleaning use. Contained in the housing are a dirt storage container, a passageway leading from the suction nozzle in the cleaning head to the storage container and a second motor and fan unit operatively associate with the storage container for drawing dirt laden air from the cleaning head through the passageway and into the storage container simultaneously with operation of the first motor and fan unit.

Abstract: A suction cleaner that sucks in dust, from a suction mouth of a suction mouth body, with airflow generated through operation of an electric air blower and introduces the sucked airflow into a dust collection device to collect the dust. The suction mouth body is provided with a first suction mouth and a second suction mouth. An agitator is arranged at the first suction mouth. The first suction mouth is selected by a suction mouth-switching device, and the agitator is driven when the suction is carried out from the first suction mouth. A mechanism for transmitting power to the agitator includes a driving pulley that co-rotates with the agitator, an idler that can be rotated independently of the agitator, and a belt that is shifted between the driving pulley and the idler by a belt-switching device.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes a housing having a handle assembly pivotally connected to a nozzle assembly. A suction generator and dirt collection vessel are carried on the housing. The suction generator includes a drive motor. A rotary agitator assembly and a suction inlet are carried on the nozzle assembly. The rotary agitator assembly includes an axle, a drive pulley mounted on the axle, an agitator body mounted on the axle and a clutch assembly. The clutch assembly includes a first clutch element, a second clutch element, a first biasing spring, a second biasing spring and an actuator that allows the operator to selectively engage and disengage the clutch assembly.

Abstract: A suction brush for a vacuum cleaner is provided. The suction brush includes an upper casing; a lower casing; an elevating plate installed between the upper casing and the lower casing; a cleaned surface sensing part for sensing; a lever rotatably provided around a rotating shaft that is parallel to the elevating plate; and a solenoid. The solenoid rotates the lever in one direction when the surface to be cleaned is the hard floor and rotates the lever in the other direction when the surface to be cleaned is the carpet. The lower casing contacts the surface to be cleaned as the elevating plate descends, while it comes apart from the surface to be cleaned as the elevating plate ascends.

Abstract: A lawn sweeper is provided having rotary brushes mounted in a housing and projecting through a bottom opening in the housing for sweeping up debris. A vacuum fan with an internal shredder is also mounted to the housing and communicates through a vacuum chute with the bottom opening for drawing in, shredding and discharging debris swept up by the brushes. A damper valve plate is disposed in the vacuum chute between the brushes and the vacuum fan and is operable for closing off the vacuum chute to provide a leaf vacuum port. A linkage is connected to a damper valve plate and also to the drive for the brushes to simultaneously disengage the drive for the brushes and to close off the vacuum chute with the damper valve plate.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a floor nozzle having a brushroll chamber with an outlet aperture. An upper assembly is secured to the floor nozzle and is adapted to pivot relative to the floor nozzle about a generally horizontal pivot axis. A dirt cup is removably secured to the upper assembly. The dirt cup includes a dirt collection chamber, a forward inlet duct, and a rear inlet duct spaced from the first inlet duct. A flow cut-off mechanism selectively blocks the outlet aperture. The flow cut-off mechanism includes a dirt passage in communication with the outlet aperture and a dirt passage door that pivots forward about an approximately upright axis within the dirt passage cavity to block the outlet aperture when the upper assembly is moved to a fully upright position. The brushroll shut-off mechanism includes a micro-switch assembly which electrically controls operation of the brushroll motor.

Abstract: A portable surface cleaning apparatus including a base module for movement along a surface, an upright handle pivotally attached to the base module, a liquid dispensing system including a flexible bladder defining a fluid supply chamber for holding a supply of cleaning fluid, a fluid recovery system including a tank on the base module having a fluid recovery chamber for holding recovered fluid and housing the flexible bladder, and a fluid passageway between the fluid supply chamber and the recovery chamber, whereby the recovery chamber is in fluid communication with the fluid supply chamber and the pressure in the flexible bladder is equalized with the pressure in the tank as the cleaning fluid is dispensed from the supply chamber and the dirty liquid is collected in the recovery chamber. In a further embodiment the tank has an outlet opening in a bottom portion thereof and a drain plug is removably mounted in the outlet opening.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner including a nozzle base comprising a primary suction opening and a suction source. A dust cup assembly is releasably secured to the nozzle base. The dust cup assembly comprises a first inlet and a door positioned adjacent the inlet to selectively open and close the inlet. A rotatable brushroll assembly is positioned adjacent the primary suction opening. A three position control assembly is located on the nozzle base. The control assembly comprises a selector switch and a slide bar. Movement of the selector switch to first and second positions moves the slide bar out of engagement with a finger extending from the door allowing the door to open due to suction air. Movement of the selector switch to a third position moves the slide bar into engagement with the finger to prevent the door from opening due to suction air.

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: Device for driving/stopping a brush of a vacuum cleaner, including a driving motor built in a body of the vacuum cleaner, a brush fitted in front of the driving motor in the body of the vacuum cleaner, a support frame fixed inside of the body and having the motor shaft of the driving motor rotatably passed through a surface thereof, a first link of a circular arc cam form rotatably mounted on an outer circumference of the motor shaft passed through the support frame centered on the motor shaft without interference with the motor shaft and having a belt shaft fitted at a fore end thereof, a belt for connecting between the belt shaft and the brush, a change over lever fitted at one side of rear of the motor shaft in the support frame to be rotatable centered on a hinge shaft and having a foot step for applying a stepping force thereto for connecting/disconnecting a driving force of the motor to the brush, a second link of an arch form connected between a middle of an arm of the change over lever and the belt sh

Abstract: A dust collecting direction switching portion is provided at a wall at the back of the main body of an upright type vacuum cleaner. The dust collecting switching portion having a switch valve is branched into three directions. The branch in the first direction forms a duct for allowing a coupling hose to be fitted to a suction opening directed toward a floor surface, the branch in the second direction forms a rib communicating with a dust collecting portion inside the vacuum cleaner, and the branch in the third direction forms a rib allowing a hose to collect dust at a relatively narrow space between pieces of furniture. In operation, in response to an operation of a knob related to the switch valve, the switch valve switches one of the first and third direction ducts in association with the operation to communicate with the rib in the second direction.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner (10) includes a housing (14), an agitator brush (40) mounted for relative rotation in the housing (14) and a motor (30) including a shaft (42) for driving the agitator brush (40). A flexible belt (44) connects the drive shaft (42) of the motor (30) to the agitator brush (40). Further, a mechanism (50) is provided for disconnecting the belt (44) from either the motor drive shaft (42) or the agitator brush (40). That mechanism (50) includes an element or lug (54) carried on a shifter (52) and an actuator (56) for selectively displacing the shifter (52) and element/lug (54) carried thereon between a first position wherein the element/lug (54) is out of engagement with said belt (44) and a second position wherein the element/lug (54) engages the belt (44), thereby forcing the belt (44) out of engagement with either the motor drive shaft (42) or the agitator brush (40).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a suction cleaning device which provides liquid dispensing, scrubbing, squeegeeing, and suction drying in a single, compact, self contained device. The suction cleaning device includes a cleaning device housing, a handle connected to the housing, an absorbent cleaning member mounted on the housing and movable between an extended and a retracted position, and a pair of squeegee blades. The device includes a suction system which draws the water from the floor surface which has been cleaned into a tank mounted on the housing which collects the liquid from the floor surface. A clean water bottle is provided on the housing for delivering cleaning liquid to the floor and a rechargeable battery power source provides power to the suction motor. The cleaning device is compact and lightweight and leaves the floor in a substantially dry state.

Abstract: The herein disclosed invention relates to an improved carpet extractor having powered brushes for scrubbing a floor surface and which may be converted to an above the floor mode for upholstery cleaning or the like. A pair of air driven turbines are disclosed, one for driving the floor scrubbing brushes when in the floor cleaning mode and one for driving a cleaning solution supply pump when in the above floor cleaning mode. A unique linkage mechanism is taught whereby only one turbine or the other is energized depending upon the cleaning mode selected by the operator.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a pivoting rollered link which insures proper belt tensioning for the agitator belt of the cleaner. This link is abuttingly moved to disengaged non belt tensioning position by engagement of it by the cleaner handle as the handle is moved to upper, storage position.

Abstract: A socket is provided on the upright portion of a vacuum cleaner for the insertion of the wand on the distal end of the accessory hose. The wand, which is normally inserted into the socket when the accessories are not being used, engages a linkage mechanism within the socket. The linkage mechanism closes a valve door within the suction stream when the wand is removed to close the suction passageway from the vacuum source to the base and open the suction passageway to the hose. The linkage mechanism opens the valve door when the wand is replaced to close the suction passageway to the hose and open the suction passageway to the base. The present invention automatically closes the suction passage from the floor engaging portion whenever the accessories are being used and assures that the suction connections are always in the proper position for floor cleaning or above-floor cleaning.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner including a canister assembly pivotally connected to a nozzle assembly and an extensible hose which forms part of the vacuum path between the nozzle assembly and the canister assembly and which can be disconnected from the nozzle assembly for above-the-floor cleaning. Disconnecting the hose deenergizes an agitator motor in the nozzle assembly. The canister assembly includes a housing with an integral hand tool and attachment storage area which retains the tools and attachments, as well as the extensible hose, within the periphery of the housing. The upright vacuum cleaner also includes a height adjustment mechanism which deenergizes the agitator motor when the nozzle assembly is in its closest relation to the floor surface being cleaned.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner including a canister assembly pivotally connected to a nozzle assembly and an extensible hose which forms part of the vacuum path between the nozzle assembly and the canister assembly and which can be disconnected from the nozzle assembly for above-the-floor cleaning. Disconnecting the hose deenergizes an agitator motor in the nozzle assembly. The canister assembly includes a housing with an integral hand tool and attachment storage area which retains the tools and attachments, as well as the extensible hose, within the periphery of the housing. The upright vacuum cleaner also includes a height adjustment mechanism which deenergizes the agitator motor when the nozzle assembly is in its closest relation to the floor surface being cleaned.

Abstract: A hand-held vacuum cleaner includes a housing, a source of vacuum, a hose removably connected to an intake section of the housing, a rotatably driven brush located at the intake section, and a system to automatically stop the brush from being driven when the hose is disconnected from the intake section. The hose is located on an exterior of the housing and connects the intake section to the source of vacuum. The hose is flexible and expandable with a relatively compact, free-standing, curved shape when connected between the intake section and the source of vacuum, but can be expanded in general accordion-like fashion when the hose is removed from the intake section to expand to about four times its compact length. The system to automatically stop the brush can also automatically reengage driving of the brush when the hose is reconnected to the intake section.

Abstract: A cleaning head assembly for a vacuum cleaning apparatus of the wet, dry and wet/dry types includes a rotatably driven brush carried within and laterally spanning the head assembly. A first vacuum chamber extends through the cleaning head assembly from a first inlet opening adjacent to a surface to be cleaned and laterally spanning the head assembly on one side of the brush, to a first exhaust port. A second vacuum chamber extends through the cleaning head assembly from a second inlet opening adjacent to the surface to be cleaned and laterally spanning the head assembly on a second, opposite, side of the brush relative to the first inlet opening, to a second exhaust port. A slidable gate valve selectively couples one end of a flexible hose to one of the exhaust ports for selective vacuuming of debris through either the first or the second inlet openings.

Abstract: A control switch is disclosed for a two-speed vacuum cleaner motor and the like. The switch provides three sensors which operate in response to the mounting of three different types of accessories on a vacuum cleaner. One sensor causes low motor speed operation when an accessory is mounted requiring low speed operation. Another sensor operates to provide high speed motor operation when a high speed accessory is mounted. The third sensor prevents motor operation when an accessory is not mounted on the outlet of the vacuum cleaner. The control switch provides a high speed/low speed switch and a power switch. The power switch is automatically moved to its open or OFF position in response to the mounting of an accessory. Copnsequently, the high speed/low speed switch cannot operate to start the motor, and is therefore provided with low cost contacts. The control switch and motor provide plug-type connectors which automatically connect the internal motor wiring when the switch is installed.

Abstract: The invention comprehends a belt shifting arrangement for an upright cleaner in which belt shifting to an intermediate idler pulley is occasioned by either handle movement or pedal actuation. Either of these movements functions to cam the belt onto the idler pulley or to permit its movement back to an agitator drive pulley.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having the combined features of a canister and upright type vacuum cleaner with the canister mounted for tilting movement on a housing of a floor or nozzle unit which contains a rotatably mounted brush. A single motor is used to power a fan which creates the vacuum in the canister and to apply power to the brush through a belt and pulley assembly mounted in the floor unit housing. A hose extending from the canister is connectable and disconnectable from the floor unit housing so as to provide for above the floor cleaning when the hose is disconnected and the appropriate tools are attached thereto. When the hose is connected into the housing, the vacuum is applied to the vicinity of the brush. A mechanism for disengaging the motor from the belt and pulley assembly when above the floor cleaning is selected is provided by a cam member rotatable with the canister and a pulley asembly which is part of the belt/pulley brush drive assembly.

Abstract: The combination with apparatus, wherein an endless tensioned belt is twisted to form a first loop engaging the unsupported end of a motor shaft and a second loop engaging a rotary element so as to drive same, of a removable barrier to the advancement or creep of the endless tensioned belt towards the unsupported end of the motor shaft when the rotary element has reverse rotation imparted to it, the removable barrier including an anchoring portion securable to the housing and having a portion projecting therefrom into the housing to present a bearing surface to at least one reach of the tensioned belt in the path of advancement or creep of same.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner has a removable powered brush vacuum nozzle which can be removed and replaced without operation of a belt lifter. The power linkage from the cleaner's fan motor to the nozzle brush includes a positive-drive clutch, and control means active at the inception of each operation of the cleaner in the brush-and-vacuum mode to engage the clutch prior to starting the fan motor and active at the conclusion of operation of the cleaner in the brush-and-vacuum mode to disengage the clutch only after stopping the fan motor.

Abstract: An electrical switch mechanism for energizing and varying the speed of a vacuum cleaner motor is responsive to the particular interchangeable cleaning attachment mounted on the housing of the vacuum cleaner. Fixed and movable electrical contacts of the switch mechanism are enclosed within and protected by the housing. A spring-biased linkage element connected to the movable contact passes through a wall of the housing and engages with one end of a multiposition cranklike linkage element pivotably fixed on that face of the housing supporting a cleaning attachment. Each attachment includes a switch-activating lug engageable with the other end of the cranklike element to move the movable contacts, via the linkage elements, from a normal open circuit position to one or the other of two closed circuit motor energizing positions.

Abstract: There is disclosed a suction cleaner having a motor, a body portion housing the motor, and interengageable attachments adapted to be attached to the body portion for cleaning operations requiring different motor speeds. A safety switch is provided within a headlight shroud. Attaching elements are provided on each attachment so that the attachment may be affixed to the body portion of the cleaner. The attaching members are covered by the headlight shroud and are exposed by the shroud when the shroud is pivoted to an open position. The safety switch has a first switch position which disconnects the motor from an electrical circuit and a second switch position which causes the motor to run at a relatively slow speed and a third switch position which causes the motor to run at a relatively high speed. Each attachment is provided with a pin which actuates the safety switch to run at either a high speed for off-the-floor cleaning operations or a low speed for on-the-floor cleaning operations.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner is disclosed providing a belt lifter operable to connect and disconnect the floor brush belt from the motor drive shaft. The belt lifter combines a viewing window allowing the user to easily observe the position of the belt and/or its operation. The belt lifter is provided with a tubular shaft portion pivotally mounted in the forward wall of the floor nozzle housing and a transparent plastic cup shaped member positioned within the tubular shaft section in which the end wall provides the viewing window. A face plate is keyed to the tubular shaft section to rotate the belt lifter for connecting and disconnecting the belt. A pair of triangular shaped snap rings secure the belt lifter assembly in its assembled position.

Abstract: A portable surface cleaning apparatus including a base module for movement along a surface , an upright handle pivotally attached to the base module, a liquid dispensing system including a flexible bladder defining a fluid supply chamber for holding a supply of cleaning fluid , a fluid recovery system including a tank on the base module having a fluid recovery chamber for holding recovered fluid and housing the flexible bladder, and a fluid passageway between the fluid supply chamber and the recovery chamber, whereby the recovery chamber is in fluid communication with the fluid supply chamber and the pressure in the flexible bladder is equalized with the pressure in the tank as the cleaning fluid is dispensed from the supply chamber and the dirty liquid is collected in the recovery chamber. In a further embodiment the tank has an outlet opening in a bottom portion thereof and a drain plug is removably mounted in the outlet opening.