Abstract: The specification discloses an improvement in a cleaning head for a hot water extraction system of the type which comprises walls defining a vacuum chamber one side of which is open to the exterior and means for spraying a jet of atomized hot water against the plane of the open side of the vacuum chamber. The improvement comprises means for varying the area of impact of the jet of atomized hot water on that plane. In the preferred embodiment disclosed herein, the spray means is mounted on one of the walls by means of two screws which pass through slots in the spray means and thread into the wall, thereby permitting the distance of the spray means from the plane to be varied.

Abstract: Means for varying the heating rate of an immersion heater in a hot-water extraction unit comprising a solution tank in which an electrical immersion heater is mounted in order to decrease the warm-up time of the unit. In the preferred embodiment, the means comprise (a) a first heating element having a first watt rating; (b) a second heating element having a second watt rating, lower than the first watt rating; and (c) means for selectively actuating one or the other of the two heating elements.

Abstract: This invention relates to steam cleaners for cleaning rugs, upholstery, and the like which comprise (a) a liquids pump, (b) a soap tank adapted to contain a mixture of water and detergent during use of the steam cleaner and having an outlet at the bottom thereof, and (c) means of fluid communication between the outlet at the bottom of the soap tank and the liquids pump.

Abstract: A water valve assembly for mounting on the vacuum return wand of a steam cleaner a water valve of the type having an outwardly biased actuating member which prevents the passage of water in its normal position and permits the passage of water when pressed inwardly. The assembly comprises (a) two mating mounting brackets shaped to receive portions of the peripheries of the vacuum return wand and the water valve, (b) a shaft passing through the mounting brackets between the vacuum return wand and the water valve, (c) a lever arm mounted on shaft between the two mounting brackets, and (d) means for urging the two mounting brackets together so as to firmly grasp the vacuum return wand and the water valve therebetween.