Abstract: A cleaning machine for floors and carpets includes a vacuum pick-up in front of the machine for suctioning loose material and debris off the floor. A microfiber cleaning assembly is mounted beneath the machine for cleaning the floor following the vacuum pick-up. The microfiber cleaning element may be motor driven. A source of solution delivers a controlled amount of solution or water to moisten the microfiber cloth. A vacuum motor provides suction to the forward vacuum pick-up, routes the suctioned air through a filter, and the filtered air is then delivered to an air diffuser to dry any residual moisture behind the microfiber cleaning assembly. The microfiber cleaning assembly may have two offset pads driven by a reciprocating or oscillating drive, or one or two cylindrical rollers for receiving and securing the microfiber fabric in the form of a sleeve.

Abstract: A motor-driven outdoor vacuum has a ground level intake and a hose intake. When a hand-operable actuator moves a first or main door into a ground pick-up position, the ground level intake, which is carried by the first door is in direct air-flow communication with the impeller and the hose intake, which is carried by the first door is closed by a spring-actuated second door carried by the main door. When the actuator is moved to a hose intake position, the main door is moved to a second position in which the hose is in air-flow communication with the impeller and the ground level intake is closed.

Abstract: A motor-driven outdoor vacuum has a ground level intake and a hose intake. When a hand-operable actuator moves a first or main door into a ground pick-up position, the ground level intake, which is carried by the first door is in direct air-flow communication with the impeller and the hose intake, which is carried by the first door is closed by a spring-actuated second door carried by the main door. When the actuator is moved to a hose intake position, the main door is moved to a second position in which the hose is in air-flow communication with the impeller and the ground level intake is closed.

Abstract: A mobile litter pickup vehicle has a pair of forward corner brushes independently mounted on articulated arms so that the brushes may be moved in the event an obstacle is encountered to avoid damage to the brushes or to the object. An air recirculating system is employed for prolonging the life of the final outlet filter, and an impermeable trash bag may be used for disposing of the contents of a primary scrim collection bag.

Abstract: A mobile litter pickup vehicle has a pair of forward corner brushes independently mounted on articulated arms so that the brushes may be moved in the event an obstacle is encountered to avoid damage to the brushes or to the object. An air recirculating system is employed for prolonging the life of the final outlet filter, and an impermeable trash bag may be used for disposing of the contents of a primary scrim collection bag.

Abstract: A motorized power head for a machine for cleaning upholstery, carpeting or hard floors includes a spray nozzle for distributing a clean spray solution on a selected area enclosed by the power head. A cylindrical rotating brush is driven by a two-speed motor housed in the power head to work the solution into the carpet to clean the selected area. A suction nozzle picks up the spent solution together with loosened dirt and grime. The power head may be used as a close-up applicator with a handle adjacent the power head, or as a stand-up applicator with an extension inserted between the handle and the power head. The brush is easily removed for replacement or for converting the apparatus for different applications.

Abstract: A portable carpet cleaning machine has a tank for storing a cleaning solution and a hand-actuatable spray nozzle for applying the solution under pressure. A vacuum motor drives a fan which produces a vacuum in a recovery tank for storing spent solution. Air flows through the recovery tank and the vacuum fan to exhaust. A fast-acting, heat-sensitive thermostatic switch is connected in electrical circuit and in heat transfer relation with the vacuum motor winding to interrupt the flow of current in the motor winding immediately upon sensing a temperature rise in the winding above a predetermined temperature and in a very short time after overflow water is passed from the recovery tank to the vacuum fan.

Abstract: An integral gimbal housing is trunnion mounted beneath and to the rear of the frame of a floor scrubber. The gimbal housing includes a vertical pivot shaft to which a yoke is mounted. A spring biases the gimbal housing to the use position. The yoke swings laterally and includes a rearwardly extending tubular receptacle which receives a forwardly extending tube of the squeegee so that the squeegee assembly has independent rotation about a horizontal axis and the squeegee adjusts to uneven surfaces. Torsion springs bias a vertical pivot shaft in the gimbal housing to the center position.