Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface in which cleaning solution is dispensed to the surface is provided. The cleaning apparatus includes a distributor for dispensing solution to the surface and a solution tank fluidly connected to the distributor for supplying a flow of solution to the distributor. The solution tank has a bottom portion and an upper portion. A constant head device is fluidly connected to the solution tank such that the flow of solution from the solution tank to the distributor is substantially constant independent of the level of solution in the solution tank.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface is disclosed. The cleaning apparatus includes a base portion for movement along the surface and a handle pivotally connected to the base portion. The apparatus further includes a solution tank for supplying a flow of cleaning solution to the surface. The solution tank is removably mounted to one of the handle and the base portion. The apparatus still further includes a recovery tank removably mounted to one of the base portion and the handle and a suction source in fluid communication with the recovery tank. The apparatus yet further includes an accessory assembly including a hose portion in fluid communication with the suction source via the recovery tank and a solution tube in fluid communication with the solution tank. The maximum length of the accessory hose assembly is at least 25 greater than the minimum length of the accessory assembly.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface is disclosed. The cleaning apparatus includes a base portion for movement along the surface and a handle pivotally connected to the base portion. The apparatus further includes a solution tank for supplying a flow of cleaning solution to the surface. The solution tank is removably mounted to one of the handle and the base portion. The apparatus still further includes a recovery tank removably mounted to one of the base portion and the handle and a suction source in fluid communication with the recovery tank. The apparatus yet further includes an accessory assembly including a hose portion in fluid communication with the suction source via the recovery tank and a solution tube in fluid communication with the solution tank. The maximum length of the accessory hose assembly is at least 25% greater than the minimum length of the accessory assembly.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface in which cleaning solution is distributed to the surface and substantially simultaneously extracted along with the dirt on the surface in a continuous operation as it moves along the surface is provided. The cleaning apparatus includes a housing and a liquid distribution system operatively associated with the housing. The liquid distribution system includes a fluid source providing a supply of the cleaning solution and a distributor fluidly connected to the fluid source for distributing the cleaning solution to the surface. A liquid recovery-system is operatively associated with the housing and includes a suction nozzle and a recovery tank removably mounted to the housing and in fluid communication with the suction nozzle. A suction source is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle for applying suction to draw the cleaning solution and dirt from the surface through the suction nozzle and into the recovery tank.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface in which cleaning solution is dispensed to the surface is provided. The cleaning apparatus includes a distributor for dispensing solution to the surface and a solution tank fluidly connected to the distributor for supplying a flow of solution to the distributor. The solution tank has a bottom portion and an upper portion. A constant head device is fluidly connected to the solution tank such that the flow of solution from the solution tank to the distributor is substantially constant independent of the level of solution in the solution tank.

Abstract: A compact, hand held carpet and upholstery extractor nozzle is provided having a pair of air turbine powered vertical axis rotary scrub brushes located adjacent the extractor nozzle. The turbine has at least one ambient air inlet and an outlet that communicates with a suction tube extending from the extractor nozzle. A compact gear reduction operatively connects the air turbine to the scrub brushes. A turbine outlet baffle is preferably provided that extends from an upstream edge of the turbine outlet, into the suction tube and over and beyond the turbine outlet to direct air, liquid and debris flowing through the suction tube over and beyond the turbine outlet opening. A downstream end of the baffle is open and suction openings pass through the baffle, for providing fluid communication between the suction tube and the turbine outlet opening.

Abstract: A self propelled upright vacuum cleaner is provided that has at least one drive wheel, a transmission for selectively driving the drive wheel in forward and reverse and propelling the cleaner in forward and reverse over a floor. A bag housing pivotally connected to the floor engaging portion. An electric power switch located adjacent to a top of the bag housing. A control link extending from the transmission and up the bag housing, with a top end of the control link being located adjacent to the top of the bag housing. An upper handle assembly having a hand grip reciprocally mounted thereon and a power switch button mounted thereon. The lower end of the upper handle assembly is adapted for connection to the top of the bag housing, such that the upper end of the control link and the hand grip are automatically interconnected when the upper handle assembly is attached to the bag housing.

Abstract: A combined solution dispensing and pressurizing valve is provided so that the dispensed fluid is pressure driven to exhaust through the valve.

Abstract: A filter, separator and seal arrangement is disclosed for a wet and dry hand held vacuum cleaner. A cup-shaped filter is provided which is elongated to provide a large area for enhancing sustained air performance of the cleaner with the filter being disposed within a liquid separator so as to be generally coextensive therewith. A connection arrangement is also provided between the filter and separator so as to provide an air tight and liquid tight connection therebetween but which is also easily separable to facilitate cleaning of the two devices.

Abstract: An air filter bag is disclosed for use in vacuum cleaners. The filter bag includes a plastic collar having an annular rim for retaining the collar on a flanged inlet air duct and for establishing an air seal with the duct. The collar also includes an annular sealing lip spaced radially inward of the rim which engages a peripheral surface of the air duct thereby providing a dual sealing arrangement. In order to facilitate removal of the filter bag from the duct, the collar is provided with a tab portion integrally attached to the rim.