Abstract: A device for heating a fluid for use in carpet cleaning is provided. Specifically, the device routes a source of exhaust toward and/or around a heat exchange chamber to heat a fluid in a controlled manner. The fluid may be heated to a maximum amount when the full amount of exhaust is flowed through the heat exchange chamber. The fluid may not be substantially heated when the exhaust is flowed around the heat exchange chamber through an exhaust bypass. The fluid can also be heated to an intermediate amount by flowing some, but not all of the exhaust through the heat exchange chamber and the rest of the exhaust through the bypass.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a surface cleaning and treatment apparatus that utilizes dual cleaning brushes. Specifically, the cleaning brushes are driven by the same motor, but rotated in opposite directions.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a spray nozzle that is configured to mix at least two cleaning solutions and then to apply the mixed cleaning solutions to a surface to be cleaned. Furthermore, the spray nozzle can be configured to mix the at least two cleaning solutions at various ratios, thereby creating a customized cleaning solution for each type of surface that is to be cleaned.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spray gun generally employed with a multi-functional surface cleaning machine having a fluid tank, a pump, a dispensing device, and at least one receptacle for holding concentrated cleaning chemicals. The dispensing device, or spray gun, of one embodiment of the present invention include a curved lance wand, a trigger mechanism, and a valve that provides selective alteration of fluid flow and pressure.

Abstract: A floor cleaning machine has one or more barriers immediately behind one or more scrubbing brushes, wherein the barriers capture and control flow of a cleaning solution (and/or other substances) that exits from beneath the scrubbing brush(es) so that such a solution is retained adjacent the scrub brush(es) and recycled underneath the scrub brush(es) for enhancing the floor cleaning effectiveness of the floor cleaning machine. The captured solution is urged back into contact with the scrubbing brush(es) by the same rotating action that urged the solution to be ejected from the scrubbing brush(es). The machine also includes at least one splash guard and a squeegee mounted at the rear of the machine, with each of these latter components serving distinctly different functions from that of the barriers. The machine may also include an exterior top storage area for retaining various items that are useful in cleaning the floor.

Abstract: A floor care method and machine are disclosed, wherein a replaceable floor care element (e.g., a cleaning pad, a brush, a polishing pad, etc.) is easily attached to and detached from the rest of the machine. For attaching the floor care element, an operator positions the machine (minus any floor care element) over the such an element so that components on the machine and/or the floor care element cause the floor care element to operationally align with the rotatable drive of the machine so that rotation of the drive in the direction used during floor care operations causes the floor care element to securely attach to the drive. Alternatively, to detach the floor care element, the direction of rotation can be reversed. The machine can then be tilted upwardly onto its rear wheels and rolled to a location where the floor care element is not underneath the rest of the machine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spray gun generally employed with a multi-functional surface cleaning machine having a fluid tank, a pump, a dispensing device, and at least one receptacle for holding concentrated cleaning chemicals. The dispensing device, or spray gun, of one embodiment of the present invention include a curved lance wand, a trigger mechanism, and a valve that provides selective alteration of fluid flow and pressure.