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: 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: A heat exchanger for heating cleaning liquid with exhaust gasses from an internal combustion engine that have been treated by a catalytic converter further includes an arrangement for injecting fuel into the gases to further provide heat in the exchanger.

Abstract: A mobile cleaning system in which an extraction blower is driven by a hydraulic circuit including a pump driven by the engine of the transport vehicle and a motor connected to the blower. The improvement comprises a heat exchanger for transferring heat from the hydraulic circuit to liquid extracted by the vacuum created by the blower.

Abstract: The vacuum nozzles in a rotary surface cleaning appliance are skewed with respect to the path of travel of the nozzles to enable the nozzles to glide smoothly over the surface being cleaned. A flexible mount for each nozzle on a rigid, radial vacuum duct permits the nozzle to accommodate irregular and different textured surfaces being cleaned.

Abstract: A drive system for a surface cleaning appliance having a pair of rotatable head structures employs a worm gear positioned between the head structure in engagement with two spur gears on, respectively, the two head structures.

Abstract: A hood with a depending side wall has vacuum passages formed in the inner surface thereof. An inner shroud positioned internally of the hood cooperates therewith in forming the vacuum passages and has a lower edge elevated above the surface to be cleaned. A foramenous skirt depends from the lower edge of the hood sidewall to contact the surface to be cleaned. The vacuum passages are connected to a source of vacuum. A rotating spray assembly inside the shroud sprays cleaning liquid onto the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: The appliance employs two rotatable head structures, each of which carries for rotation therewith at least one spray nozzle for depositing cleaning fluid and at least one vacuum nozzle for extracting cleaning fluid and debris. The relative positioning of the two head structures is such that the vacuum patterns of the vacuum nozzles of the two structures overlap. In a preferred mode, each head structure carries a plurality of spray nozzles and a like number of vacuum nozzles. The angular spacing between the spray nozzles and the vacuum nozzles on each head may be adjusted. A hydraulic motor powered by the pressurized cleaning fluid may be employed to drive the rotatable head structures.

Abstract: A cleaning system utilizes heat from an internal combustion engine to heat cleaning liquid which is sprayed onto a surface to be cleaned. The internal combustion engine drives a vacuum pump which withdraws air and cleaning liquid through a vacuum nozzle for retrieving cleaning liquid and soil. The heated air leaving a vacuum pump is combined with heated exhaust gasses from said engine and heat from the mixture is extracted to heat the cleaning liquid. The cleaning liquid may be further heated by heat extracted from the engine by a cooling system.

Abstract: A hood with a depending side wall has vacuum passages formed in the inner surface thereof. An inner shroud positioned internally of the hood cooperates therewith in forming the vacuum passages and has a lower edge elevated above the surface to be cleaned. A foramenous skirt depends from the lower edge of the hood sidewall to contact the surface to be cleaned. The vacuum passages are connected to a source of vacuum. A rotating spray assembly inside the shroud sprays cleaning liquid onto the surface to be cleaned.