Abstract: A vacuum cleaner of the fixed or floating nozzle type wherein a spring is utilized for urging the suction nozzle into the carpet pile to maintain and improve nozzle suction over a wide range of carpet pile heights and types. Such cleaners often lose nozzle suction as the pile height of the carpet increases and forces the suction nozzle upward away from the carpet. The addition of a spring to force the suction nozzle downward restores and improves nozzle suction and thereby improves overall cleaning efficiency of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for use in a cleaning installation for removing soot or similar inside deposits in a flow channel in a processing system such as a boiler, heat exchanger, flue gas filter or the like, by intermittently blasting a fluid or gaseous medium into the processing system, said device comprising a flow passage between the associated valve means and the flow channel, wherein the flow passage is provided with an inlet allowing for a continuous flow of protective gas around the flow passage into the flow channel in the processing system. By the present invention, corrosion is reduced since a cushion of air is generated at the end of the flow passage during off-cycles of the cleaning operation as air is constantly drawn or forced in through the inlet. This means that the components are covered by this cushion and protected against corrosive gasses in the heat exchanger or the like.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes an upright housing section and a nozzle section. A cyclonic airflow dirt and dust separating chamber is defined in said upright housing section. A suction source pulls air and entrained dirt, dust, and other contaminants through a main suction opening formed in the underside of the nozzle and into the cyclonic airflow chamber. The cyclonic airflow chamber causes the suction airstream to travel in a cyclonic path such that the entrained contaminants are separated therefrom and deposited into a dirt container that defines the chamber. A main filter element filters residual contaminants from the suction airstream between the chamber and the suction source. The main filter element is preferably made from high-density polyethylene porous filter media.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes an upright housing section and a nozzle section. A cyclonic airflow dirt and dust separating chamber is defined in said upright housing section. A suction source pulls air and entrained dirt, dust, and other contaminants through a main suction opening formed in the underside of the nozzle and into the cyclonic airflow chamber The cyclonic airflow chamber causes the suction airstream to travel in a cyclonic path such that the entrained contaminants are separated therefrom and deposited into a dirt container that defines the chamber. A main filter element filters residual contaminants from the suction airstream between the chamber and the suction source. The main filter element is preferably made from high-density polyethylene porous filter media.

Abstract: A latching mechanism for an upright vacuum cleaner which allows an upright handle to be quickly and easily detached and reattached to an independently usable powerhead of the vacuum cleaner. The latching mechanism includes a pair of attachment portions formed at a lower end portion of the upright handle which cooperate with a pair of recesses formed in a housing of the powerhead. A foot actuated release lever allows the user to detach the upright handle only when the handle is in an upright orientation. The design of the attachment portions and the recess, in connection with the release lever, prevent the handle from inadvertently being installed backwards on the powerhead, as well as from being inadvertently detached from the powerhead without first depressing the release lever.

Abstract: A leaf receptacle lid attaches to a hand-held portable lawn blower/vacuum having an inlet for drawing air and leaves into the blower/vacuum and having a hose outlet for discharging the air and leaves. The lid contains a vertical chute and an overhanging horizontal lip. The chute is adapted to hold a flexible leaf receptacle and the overhanging lip is adapted to rest upon a support. The lid also contains a hinged door having an opening connected to the frame. The lid further contains a porous conduit having an inlet adapted to removably connect to the hose outlet of the blower/vacuum and having an outlet that communicates with the opening in the door.

Abstract: This invention relates to a multi-purpose position sensitive floor cleaning device having two separate and distinct selective modes of operation whereby 180° longitudinal rotation of the floor cleaning device selectively activates one of the two separate and distinct selective modes of operation. The two separate and distinct selective modes of operation are, for example, a scrubbing mode for scrubbing an associated floor and a suctioning mode for suctioning associated liquid from the associated floor.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner for providing visual operational status indicators includes a vacuum cleaner having internal components that are indicative of the cleaner's performance. Sensors are coupled to at least one of the internal components to be monitored. A microprocessor receives input from the sensors, analyzes the input, and generates an output signal. Visual indicators are carried by the vacuum cleaner and receive the output signals to display the operational status of the vacuum.

Abstract: A carpet-cleaning brush, particularly for use in cleaning rugs or carpets soiled by the hair of animals kept in the room. The brush has bristles in the form of an angle or arc, a brush body for receiving the bristles, a brush head which is fixed thereto and provided with a handle, and a dust-collector head which preferably contains a suction connection. The brush body is a rubber plate, pierced by the limbs of elastic, U-shaped metal wire bristles which are fixed to the brush body and inclined toward the direction of pull of the brush. The bristles form an angle of 5-15° (&agr;) in relation to an orientation which is perpendicular to the plane of the brush body. The limbs which form part of the U-shaped bristles have a plastic coating or similar, at least on the free, protruding ends.

Abstract: The multi functional cleaning module comprises a plurality of air curtain, an eximer ultraviolet light irradiating device, a brush, a high-speed shower device, and an air knife, where they are arranged continually on a plan and the glass substrates are inserted continually into them. The cleaning apparatus using the multi functional cleaning module comprises a driving part having a loading and an unloading portions as well as the multi functional cleaning module.

Abstract: A molded component or boot is removably fitted to the narrow edges of a commercial carpet cleaning wand otherwise in contact with carpet to be cleaned. Wider bearing surfaces of the attachment or boot allow for smoother action of the carpet cleaning wand over the carpet, without skip or chatter due to directional nap, such as associated with short nap carpets (e.g., berbers or indoor/outdoor carpet). Functional life of the carpet cleaning wand is extended indefinitely through removal and replacement of the attachment. Screw mounting or other simple removable elements facilitate rapid field service. Lightweight molded plastic contributes to ergonomic aspects without impeding any “spray down” or vacuum functions of the wand.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning floors which recycles waste heat and water to provide greater efficiency. An internal combustion engine is used to power the apparatus. Heat from the engine's lubricant is used to heat the wash solution applied to the floor. Heat from the engine's cooling air, radiator, and catalytic converter is used to dry the cleaned floor. A drying brush is also used to accelerate drying. Used rinse water is recycled for use as wash solution. Exhaust from the engine is used to preheat the floor to be cleaned. The engine may be used to propel the apparatus.

Abstract: An electric vacuum cleaner has a main body incorporating an electric blower, a nozzle unit having a nozzle, and a first and a second connection pipe fitted between the main body and the nozzle unit so as to serve as part of the passage for a dust suction air flow generated by driving the electric blower. The first and second connection pipes are rotatable, and support the main body in a standing position.

Abstract: An air and water hub for the separation of excess water from air is constructed at the top of a canister assembly that is used for the induction of air, dust and water. The hub is a spinning member rotating within the canister assembly near the top thereof, and is powered by a shaft connecting the hub to the vacuum motor at the top of the assembly. The hub spins within the circumference of the top of the canister, and the rotating action removes the water from air by forcing it against the inside walls of the assembly. A gap between the inner wall and the hub allows the water to drain downward along the inside of the assembly. The hub may be used with ah hourglass-shaped induction assembly that directs the flow of air, water and dust to the hub from below.

Abstract: A low-profile and highly-maneuverable vacuum cleaner having improved functionality including, alone or in combination, a headlight, a sidelight, anti-ingestion bars, side brushes, a squeegee, and a scent cartridge for use in cleaning floors, floor coverings, carpets, upholstery, and other surfaces. One embodiment includes a tortuous air flow path created by baffles that divert air flow. The tortuous path creates quieter air flow through the vacuum housing. The tortuous air flow arrangement is for cooling the internal parts of a vacuum cleaner. Another embodiment includes an indicator light assembly for the vacuum cleaner visually providing the user with the vacuum's current operation status. In another embodiment, the rear wheels are recessed within the head housing and slightly offset rearwardly of the rear wall of the head housing to provide enhanced maneuverability.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a thermal cutoff assembly. The assembly includes a temperature sensor disposed proximate to a motor of the vacuum cleaner. When the temperature sensor reaches a predetermined temperature, a switching element in the assembly disconnects power shutting off the vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner cannot be restarted until its power source has been manually disconnected and reconnected.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for floor cleaning, with several wheels 4, 5, 6 being attached to a frame R in such a way that a curve movement about a momentary center MP, MP1, MP2 can be performed and all momentary centers MP, MP1, MP2 form a momentary center axis MA extending substantially transversally to the frame R, and with a cleaning device 24a, 24b being received in the frame R, which cleaning device forms a cleaning surface area RF which is delimited by a circumferential edge. In order to reduce uncleaned residual surfaces when moving along contours it is provided in accordance with the invention that the momentary center axis MA forms at least one point of intersection S1, S2 in a section of the circumferential edge disposed in the zone of the longitudinal side of the frame R.

Abstract: A liquid extraction cleaner includes a recovery tank mounted to the forward end of a cleaner housing with a suction nozzle and conduit on a front face of the recovery tank connected to an inlet opening in the recovery tank. A vacuum source is connected to the recovery tank through a working conduit integrally formed in the recovery tank, the recovery tank removably received in a cavity on a front portion of the cleaner housing, and including a pivotal connection and latch for securing the tank to the housing. A removable cleaning fluid supply tank is mounted to a rear portion of the cleaner housing, having depressions formed thereon to aid removal, and retained thereon by the seal between the supply tank and the housing. A recharging base for the cleaner has a guide pin and electrical connector for aligning to form an electrical connection with a battery charging circuit.

Abstract: A dual filter arrangement for a vacuum cleaner for filtering particles of dust and debris from an airflow passing through the vacuum cleaner. The dual filter comprises a coarse pre-filter having an array of pores formed therein of substantially uniform diameter and a fine primary filter which is located rearwardly of the pre-filter in the direction of flow of the airflow. The dual filter is releasably latched to a main housing portion of the vacuum cleaner housing. A nose cone is removably secured to the housing and circumscribes the dual filter assembly. The dual filter enables even more efficient filtering of contaminants from dust and dirt entrained air ingested by the vacuum cleaner. Attachment of the dual filter to the main housing portion provides the additional advantage of increasing the capacity of the nose cone and eliminating the need for the user to handle the dual filter assembly when emptying contaminants collected within the nose cone.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning appliance includes a vacuum cleaner drum having a bottom wall, a sidewall, and a rim surrounding an open upper end with a lid detachably mounted to the rim and extending across the open upper end of the vacuum cleaner drum. A motor powered blower is at least partially received within the lid for creating a vacuum in the drum. A first handle is connected to a first side of the vacuum cleaner drum or the lid and may be used for pushing the appliance in a direction of travel, and a second handle is connected to a second side of the drum or the lid generally opposite the first side for pulling the appliance in the travel direction. One or both of the handles may include mechanisms for securely and easily mounting the handle to the lid or the drum of the vacuum.