Abstract: Systems and methods for transferring heat and/or sound during liquid extraction and/or cleaning processes are disclosed. A fluid extraction system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a fluid extractor having an outlet positioned to deliver extracted waste fluid, and a fluid tank operatively coupled to the extractor. A blower, having an air intake and an air outlet through which blower air passes, is operatively coupled to the extractor outlet to draw the extracted waste fluid from the extractor. A muffler is positioned at least partially within the liquid tank and has a flow path along which the blower air passes. In particular embodiments, the muffler can also provide a heat exchanger function, for example, to heat cleaning fluid provided to the extractor.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed generally to waste water vessels with multiple valved chambers, and associated systems and methods. A method in accordance with a particular embodiment includes drawing waste water into a first chamber under vacuum while the first chamber and a second chamber have at least approximately the same internal pressure. The method further includes allowing the waste water to pass from the first chamber to the second chamber while the first chamber and a second chamber have at least approximately the same internal pressure, releasably sealing the first chamber from fluid communication with the second chamber, and simultaneously adding waste water to the first chamber and removing wastewater from the second chamber while the first chamber is sealed from fluid communication with the second chamber.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transferring heat and/or sound during liquid extraction and/or cleaning processes are disclosed. A fluid extraction system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a fluid extractor having an outlet positioned to deliver extracted waste fluid, and a fluid tank operatively coupled to the extractor. A blower, having an air intake and an air outlet through which blower air passes, is operatively coupled to the extractor outlet to draw the extracted waste fluid from the extractor. A muffler is positioned at least partially within the liquid tank and has a flow path along which the blower air passes. In particular embodiments, the muffler can also provide a heat exchanger function, for example, to heat cleaning fluid provided to the extractor.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed generally to waste water vessels with multiple valved chambers, and associated systems and methods. A method in accordance with a particular embodiment includes drawing waste water into a first chamber under vacuum while the first chamber and a second chamber have at least approximately the same internal pressure. The method further includes allowing the waste water to pass from the first chamber to the second chamber while the first chamber and a second chamber have at least approximately the same internal pressure, releasably sealing the first chamber from fluid communication with the second chamber, and simultaneously adding waste water to the first chamber and removing wastewater from the second chamber while the first chamber is sealed from fluid communication with the second chamber.

Abstract: A device for heating a fluid for use in carpet cleaning is provided. Specifically, the device routes a source of exhaust toward and/or around a heat exchange chamber to heat a fluid in a controlled manner. The fluid may be heated to a maximum amount when the full amount of exhaust is flowed through the heat exchange chamber. The fluid may not be substantially heated when the exhaust is flowed around the heat exchange chamber through an exhaust bypass. The fluid can also be heated to an intermediate amount by flowing some, but not all of the exhaust through the heat exchange chamber and the rest of the exhaust through the bypass.

Abstract: A sacrificial anode assembly operative to inhibit corrosion in the metal tank portion of a water heater includes a cylindrical metal anode member having an end retained within a tubular, electrically non-conductive plastic insulating sleeve which, in turn, is captives retained within a metal cap portion of the assembly. A resistor is received in an end surface groove of the sleeve and has a lead wire spot-welded or soldered to a core wire portion of the anode member. To prevent contact between the lead wire and the metal cap, and to protect the lead wire against vibration caused breakage at its spot weld or solder area, a U-shaped central portion of the lead wire is received in a through-opening in the resistor-supporting end of the sleeve which is covered by an annular insulating wafer formed from an electrically non-conductive material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for disinfecting shopping carts. In one embodiment, the system comprises a treatment station for applying a disinfectant to a shopping cart and a conveyor system for transporting carts relative to the treatment station at two different speeds so as to effect a nesting operation. In another embodiment, the system comprises a treatment station that is comprised of a first modular unit and a second modular unit that each perform different functions but can readily joined to one another to form a treatment station with the desired features for a particular application. In yet another embodiment, certain features of the modular units are symmetrical relative to a lateral plane to facilitate the joining of the units to one another in different orders. A further embodiment comprises a treatment station with a molded structure.