Abstract: A vacuum cleaner nozzle has a housing with a plastic upper part, a slide sole and a gasket base pivotably arranged around an axis in the upper part of the housing. There is at least one strip-shaped gasket element that can be retracted and moved out with an adjusting movement of the gasket base at the lower side of the nozzle. The slide sole is fastened to the upper part of the housing with slip joints between pivot-shaped projections on the upper part and counter-elements formed on the slide sole. The gasket base is guided on at least one of the pivots formed by slip joints.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cleaning system (e.g., carpet cleaning system) that includes a collection tank (also referred to in the art as a waste tank, waste water tank, recovery tank, or the like) that at least generally tapers toward a bottom end of the same. Accordingly, at least one wall of the collection tank may be characterized as being at least generally sloped, angled, and/or slanted. This tapering of the collection tank may be oriented at least generally toward a release valve associated with the collection tank. In addition to the collection tank, the cleaning system may include a fluid supply tank that, at least in one embodiment, generally tapers toward a top end of the same. Moreover, the tapering of this fluid supply tank may be said to be oriented at least generally toward a filling port associated with the fluid supply tank.

Abstract: A washing apparatus for mop heads and washing pads which has the introduction of cleaning solution into a compartment for the mop as well as an overflow and drain function. The washer provides affordability, eliminates the need for electricity as a power source or lifting the cleaning water so as to drain the unit, and eliminates the possibility of back injuries associated with lifting. The washing apparatus also affords versatility that it can be combined with a mop bucket with a wringer function. Further, it can include accessories such as a spray nozzle or a foam gun.

Abstract: A debris blower apparatus for entrances to garages and working and living spaces comprises a blower assembly connected to an elongated nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly mounts to the floor or doorsill of the protected space and comprises a plurality of nozzles along the length of the nozzle assembly. The nozzles are positioned to direct air outward and upward from the entrance dislodge leaves, dirt and debris from a person or vehicle entering the space. The blower assembly is activated by opening the door or, alternatively, by manual operation of a switch.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a housing, a suction generator and a dirt collection assembly. The dirt collection assembly includes an inlet, an outlet and a concave air deflector. Air is delivered into a dirt collection chamber formed in the dirt collection assembly along a substantially parabolic trajectory.

Abstract: The electric vacuum cleaner is disclosed which includes a main body within which an electric blower and cyclonic separation cylinder are provided. A dust collecting case is provided in communication with the cyclonic separation cylinder to receive dust that has been separated from the inlet tube. The dust collecting case also includes a lifter arranged therein. Air received from the inlet tube is separated such that a portion is passed through the dust collecting case and a communicating passage. The air is subsequently merged and discharge through the electric blower.

Abstract: An interface assembly for interconnecting respective housings and output and input drive shafts of a power plant and a vacuum blower by hard mounting, the interface assembly including: an adapter plate secured to a housing of the power plant in rigid and rotationally fixed contact therewith at an output drive shaft thereof; a rigid metal casting interfaced to the adapter plate on the power plant in rigid and rotationally fixed contact therewith, the rigid metal casting further interfaced to a housing of the vacuum blower in rigid and rotationally fixed contact therewith at an input drive shaft thereof; and a rigid coupler assembly interfaced in rigid and rotationally fixed contact to each of the output and input drive shafts for transferring power from the power plant output drive shaft to the vacuum blower input drive shaft.

Abstract: A self-propelled floor cleaner is provided having a random motion generator which enhances the maneuverability of the floor cleaner. The random motion generator is rotatably attached to the frame of the cleaner and propels the cleaner across the floor in a random motion. This random motion facilitates cleaning of the floor by making the cleaner easier to manipulate. The random motion generator includes a hollow spherical shell. In the preferred embodiment, the hollow spherical shell houses a weighted motor assembly which is rotatably mounted on a center fixed axle which extends diametrically between the first and second hemispherical halves and is attached thereto. The weighted motor assembly is comprised of a motor housing and a power source, such as batteries or cells. A motor is housed within the motor housing and rotates the motor housing about the center fixed axle.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner powered by compressed air includes a canister forming an internal collection chamber. The vacuum cleaner includes a drain at the bottom of the collection chamber from which liquid and debris can be drained, and may also provide for pressurizing the collection chamber for forcing collected liquid from the drain to a liquid drain or collecting drum or tank. This makes draining the collection chamber easier than in other vacuum cleaners. Preferably the bottom of the chamber slopes toward the drain. The chamber may be pressurized by the compressed air used to power the vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner may also include a separate pressure tank for holding a degreaser, detergent, or soap which can be sprayed onto the residue of a liquid spill afier the liquid has been sucked up. The vacuum cleaner may includes wheels and a handle for easy movement.

Abstract: A floor care appliance is provided with a microprocessor based control arrangement. The microprocessor adjust the height of the suction nozzle through a motorized suction nozzle height gear and cam arrangement. The microprocessor is programmed to turn the current off to either of the motor-fan assembly or the agitator drive motor when the current consumed by either exceeds a predetermined amount based upon the nozzle height. The height of the suction nozzle is selected by one or more switches located on the appliance handle. A separate switch is provided to select bare floor mode and the microprocessor is programmed to store the height of the suction nozzle prior to bare floor mode being selected. By pressing a the bare floor mode button again or the use of a sensor the suction nozzle is returned to the stored position when the suction nozzle is returned to the carpeted surface.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface is provided. The cleaning apparatus has a housing for movement along a surface with a suction nozzle assembly having an inlet and outlet provided on the housing. A recovery container is removably mounted to the housing. A hose having a first end detachably connected to the outlet of the suction nozzle and a second end in fluid communication with the recovery container floor-scrubbing machine is provided. A vacuum source is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle, hose, and recovery container for drawing dirt from the cleaning surface into the inlet of the suction nozzle and into. The cleaning apparatus further includes a handle movably connected to the housing and movable between a first position that locks the first end of the hose to the housing to a second position that unlocks the first end of the hose to the housing.

Abstract: A range hood cleaning assembly utilizes compressed air to drive accumulated grease on range hood surfaces towards drainage holes. A plurality of air dispensers, preferably air hoses and directional nozzles, through which compressed air from at least one source of compressed air is blown, direct compressed air against surfaces within a motor housing interior, on the fan(s) and within grease trays to drive accumulated grease towards drainage holes. The air dispensers may be attached to a plate mounted within the motor housing interior about a motor and above a fan, may be integral or releasably attachable to the motor housing or may be integral or releasably attachable to grease trays. The compressor may be set to activate automatically or may be activated manually.

Abstract: An adjustable garment made to contain multiple bladder reservoirs for holding liquid cleaning agents and a separate cordless mechanism for producing a vacuum under wet or dry conditions. The liquid cleaning agents in the bladders can be selected via a knob on the garment. After the specified cleaning solution is selected, it then flows through a hose into a spray gun, which disseminates it onto a surface.

Abstract: An integrated apparatus for carpet cleaning, pressure washing, air duct cleaning and inspection, portable welding, moisture abatement and other building maintenance and repair services, in which a gas engine mounts to a frame and has a drive shaft that extends from the gas engine. A blower, an air compressor, an electric generator, and a water pump also mount to the frame, with the water pump for connecting to a supply of water. A flex coupler connects the drive shaft of the gas engine to the blower. Furthermore, endless belts connect the drive shaft of the gas engine to the air compressor, the electric generator, and the water pump. The gas engine drives the blower, the air compressor, the electric generator, and the water pump, for selective configuration and use for carpet cleaning, pressure washing, air duct cleaning and inspection, portable welding, moisture abatement and other building maintenance and repair services.

Abstract: A vehicle cleaning apparatus adapted to be connected to a flexible hose of a wet vac, and having a separate connection for attaching a hose to a supply of water in which the working end of the attachment can be operated with one hand with great maneuverability inside a vehicle and, when needed, can supply a spray of water for individual spots requiring wetting as needed by the activation of a spring valve that is located a substantial distance away from the cleaning end of the attachment.

Abstract: The invention is a floor care appliance such as vacuum cleaner having several embodiments of a dirt particle separating and collecting system removably inserted and sidewardly disposed into a recess in the floor care appliance's housing. One embodiment of the dirt particle separating and collecting system includes a translucent dirt cup having an apertured wall between a dirt particle collecting chamber and a second chamber housing a primary filter. One other embodiment is a translucent bag container for housing a filtration bag. The filtration bag may or may not be disposable and may or may not have a HEPA rating. Other embodiments include utilizing a single dirt container for housing the apertured wall and primary filter combination, a filtration bag only, or a combination of a filtration bag and the apertured wall and primary filter combination. Portions of the various embodiments of the dirt collecting systems may be seen through cutaway portions of the cleaner housing.

Abstract: A universal cart is provided that receives a wet/dry vacuum and converts the vacuum into an upright walk behind cleaning device. The cart provides a handle attached to a mobile base. A switch is provided on the handle that can receive the electrical plug from the wet/dry vacuum and selectively turn the vacuum on and off via the switch.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided including a housing, a nozzle inlet, a suction generator carried on the housing and a dirt vessel carried on the housing. The dirt vessel includes a sidewall, a bottom wall and an air inlet and an air outlet. A filter shield is aligned with the air inlet to deflect an airstream entering the dirt vessel through the air inlet. A filter element is also provided to clean fine dirt and debris from the airstream.

Abstract: An apparatus for use on comprising a vehicle adapted to move across a surface and responsive to an operator. A head assembly connected to a support on the vehicle is adapted to carry a device for engaging the surface. An actuator on the vehicle raises and lowers the head assembly support relative to the surface. A position control responsive to operator input indicates a head position of the device relative to the surface or range of head positions of the device head assembly relative to the surface support. The head position or the range of head positions indicates a distance or range of distances, respectively, between the device and the surface. A controller responsive to the position control selectively actuates the actuator or maintain the device head assembly in the head position or within the range of head positions as indicated by the position control.

Abstract: A cleaning head for carpets, walls or upholstery, including a rigid, exterior, open-bottomed main body which defines the surface subjected to the cleaning process. Mounted within or adjacent to the main body portion coplanar with the bottom thereof is the fluid-applying device, which includes a slot at an acute angle to the plane of the bottom of the body located adjacent the plane of the bottom of the body, configured such that the fluid is applied in a thin sheet which flows out of the slot and into the upper portion of the surface to be cleaned and subsequently into the vacuum source for recovery.