Abstract: An apparatus and method, particularly adapted to clean fabrics, is disclosed. The apparatus includes a generally hollow head having two foam mixing chambers in close proximity to a vacuum chamber. Foam is generated adjacent the fabric to be cleaned by admixing pressurized air and a liquid foam-producing agent in the two mixing chambers. The air pressure directs the foam from the second mixing chamber towards the fabric. Two screens are used to control the consistency and application of the foam. Suction is simultaneously provided in the vacuum chamber, so that the foam is rapidly and continuously recovered. A brush means is positioned between the second mixing chamber and the vacuum chamber to further agitate the foam and fabric to be cleaned, and to help create a partial pressure when the moving foam is applied to the surface of a fabric.

Abstract: A floor cleaning apparatus, particularly adapted to clean carpet, is disclosed. A rotatably mounted brush extends in a transverse direction substantially parallel to the floor. The apparatus has front and back ends with a plurality of foam-producing nozzles mounted to the rear of the brush, the nozzles being positioned to spray foam into the brush, so that rotation of the brush causes the foam to be brushed into the floor. Vacuum means are also included which have a downwardly directed intake extending transversely across the apparatus, the intake being positioned forward of the brush so that rearward movement of the apparatus causes the vacuum means to remove foam and released dirt from the floor.

Abstract: A nozzle and method for generating foam is disclosed which includes a nozzle body, a nozzle inlet, an orifice, a gas inlet, an impingement pin and a nozzle outlet. The nozzle body has upstream and downstream ends and an inner wall defining a passage within the nozzle body. The nozzle inlet at the upstream end of the nozzle body permits introduction of a liquid foam producing agent into the passage. The foam producing agent then passes through the orifice, thereby forming a stream. This stream is directed past the gas inlets in the nozzle body to aspirate gas into the passage. The stream then impinges against the impingement pin which is disposed transversely across the passage. At least the upstream half of the cross-section of the impingement pin is annular so that the impingement pin disrupts the flow of the stream and splits it into secondary streams.