Abstract: A vacuum cleaning machine using a floor-mounted vacuum hood forming a travelling vacuum chamber with an optimum combination of suction nozzle intake means, jet stream manifold means and a mechanical soil agitator means in the form of a carpet rake, where the rake is interposed between the suction nozzle intake means and a plurality of jet streams. The jet streams are generally directed toward the tips of the teeth of the carpet rake and from there toward the intake opening of the suction nozzle means to increase the effectiveness of the suction nozzle means. A second modification of the invention shows the carpet rake replaced by a power-driven brush, and the jet stream means is a combined carpet rake and source of a plurality of jet streams directed toward the working area of the brush. An optimum design is where the compressed air that divides into a plurality of jet streams is made to pulsate so as to create a hammering action on the soil.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning machine comprising a hood forming a traveling vacuum chamber with an optimum combination of suction nozzle means and jet stream means for projecting a plurality of individual jet streams at a flat angle with the surface that is to be cleaned. A low ceiling plate is positioned between the suction nozzle means and the jet stream means so as to restrict the effective volume of the area that is acted upon by the jet stream means and the suction nozzle means. Associated with the low ceiling plate are a plurality of vertical partitions which divide the area into a series of narrow wind tunnels connecting the jet stream manifold to the intake of the suction nozzle means. A motor driven compressor is positioned above the low ceiling plate and provided with a conduit to deliver a compressed fluid to the jet stream manifold.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning apparatus using a hood forming a travelling vacuum chamber with an optimum combination of jet stream means and suction nozzle means. The jet stream means includes a plurality of orifices that are generally directed toward the intake of a suction nozzle means so as to cause the soil on the surface to be cleaned to become airborne before being acted upon by the suction nozzle means. A combined motor and air compressor is mounted in the hood means for furnishing compressed air to the jet stream means. The motor may also drive a rotating brush which may be interposed between the jet stream means and the suction nozzle means.