Abstract: A spot cleaning apparatus has a housing, a fluid distribution system, a fluid recovery system, an agitation system, at least one UV light emitting element, an optional steam generator, and a controller to automatically monitor and control inputs and outputs to the systems for spot and stain removal and surface sanitization without attendance by a user. A suction nozzle, agitation machine, and optionally, at least one UV light emitting element are mounted to the housing for movement over the surface to be cleaned relative to a stationary housing. Optionally, the spot cleaning apparatus can be operated in manual mode.

Abstract: A belt drive disengaging assembly for a vacuum cleaner includes a pivoting belt tensioner and an actuator assembly, wherein movement of the actuator assembly selectively pivots the belt tensioner to place tension on a belt coupled between an agitator and source of driving power, thereby coupling the agitator with the source of driving power.

Abstract: A modular auxiliary brush assembly for a vacuum cleaner includes a mounting bracket coupled to the vacuum cleaner, a spring-biased brush head, and a shaft which mounts the brush head to the mounting bracket. The spring-biased brush head is vertically adjustable to accommodate cleaning surfaces of varied heights and textures. The spring-biased brush head includes a tread which contacts a surface to be cleaned and rolls the brush head relative to the vacuum cleaner when the vacuum cleaner moves over the surface.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprises a user-controllable clutch assembly for selectively engaging an agitator assembly. The clutch assembly generally comprises an axially displaceable drive member that is selectively engageable by rotating ramps that engage stationary cam lobes. In one embodiment, the clutch module is mounted to the foot housing and is intermediately connected between the vacuum motor/fan shaft and the agitator. In a second embodiment, the clutch module is mounted axially on the agitator shaft. In a third embodiment, a linkage interconnects a handle detent pedal to the clutch module to automatically engage the clutch when a user depresses the detent pedal.

Abstract: A hand-held nozzle is attached to the end of a vacuum and fluid delivery hose of an upright deep cleaner. The nozzle includes a reservoir to contain a solution to be applied to a surface. When a solution delivery system of the deep cleaner is pressurized, water from the upright cleaner clean water tank is routed through the hose to the hand-held nozzle. The water is routed through a venturi valve connected to the reservoir, which draws the solution to the valve to mix with the water stream. The resultant mixture flows from the hand-held nozzle for application to a surface being treated. One embodiment of the solution reservoir includes a retainer cap bonded to the reservoir and utilizing a bayonet-type mounting arrangement for mounting the reservoir to a nozzle assembly.

Abstract: A bare floor cleaner has a foot with a dry suction nozzle and a handle assembly pivotally connected to the foot assembly. A diverter mounted in the working air conduit between the foot assembly and the handle assembly is movable by movement of the handle assembly between a dry suction position and a wet mop position for selectively at least partially blocking working air flow from the dry suction nozzle to a collection assembly. A fluid delivery system includes a user operated trigger for actuating the fluid delivery system to distribute fluid in the wet mop position and deactivating a motor/fan assembly. A trigger lock prevents cleaning solution from being distributed when the handle is in dry mode position. The fluid delivery system includes a heating element to raise the temperature of the cleaning solution before it is distributed to the surface to be cleaned. Support glides on the foot reduce the surface area contact between the foot pad and the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: A spot cleaning apparatus comprises a fluid distribution system, a fluid recovery system, an agitation system, and a controller system to automatically monitor and control inputs and outputs to said systems for removal of spots and stains from a surface without attendance by a user. A suction nozzle and agitation device are mounted to the housing for movement over the surface to be cleaned relative to a stationary housing. Optionally, the spot cleaning apparatus can be operated in a manual mode. In one embodiment, the spot cleaning apparatus comprises a controller for continuously reversing the agitation direction of the agitatation system. In another embodiment, the spot cleaning apparatus comprises a modular strain relief assembly. In yet another embodiment, working air is recirculated to the surface to be cleaned through internal ducting.

Abstract: A spot cleaning apparatus comprises a housing, a fluid distribution system, a fluid recovery system, an agitation system, and a controller system to automatically monitor and control inputs and outputs to said systems for removal of spots and stains from a surface without attendance by a user. A suction nozzle and agitation device are mounted to the housing for movement over the surface to be cleaned relative to a stationary housing. Optionally, the spot cleaning apparatus can be operated in a manual mode.

Abstract: A portable surface cleaning apparatus comprises a fluid dispensing system including at least one fluid supply tank, a dispensing nozzle connected to the fluid supply tank through a fluid supply conduit for applying a cleaning fluid to a surface to be cleaned, a fluid recovery tank for holding recovered fluid, a suction nozzle, a working air conduit extending between the recovery tank and the suction nozzle, a vacuum source in fluid communication with the recovery tank for generating a flow of working air from the suction nozzle through the working air conduit and to the recovery tank to thereby recover fluid from the surface to be cleaned through the suction nozzle and working air conduit and into the recovery tank, and a power drive mechanism for selectively propelling the portable cleaning apparatus over the surface to be cleaned

Abstract: A liquid extraction cleaner comprises a solution dispensing system, a liquid recovery system, and an agitation brush assembly. The solution dispensing system includes a cleaning solution supply tank affixed to the cleaner and fluidly connected to a solution spray nozzle through a trigger-operated manual solution spray pump. The supply conduit interconnecting the cleaning fluid supply tank and the spray nozzle traverses a passage formed integrally with the air-liquid separator housing, spray nozzle being mounted in the passage at a front portion of the cleaner. The liquid recovery system includes a air-liquid separator fluidly connected with a suction nozzle and a suction source for drawing liquid and debris into the air-liquid separator, and a recovery tank releasably mounted to the air-liquid separator for collecting recovered liquid. The agitation brush assembly is mounted in a lower forward portion of the cleaner for contact with a surface being cleaned.

Abstract: A hand-held nozzle is attached to the end of a vacuum and fluid delivery hose of an upright deep cleaner. The nozzle includes a reservoir to contain a solution to be applied to a surface. When a solution delivery system of the deep cleaner is pressurized, water from the upright cleaner clean water tank is routed through the hose to the hand-held nozzle. The water is routed through a venturi valve connected to the reservoir, which draws the solution to the valve to mix with the water stream. The resultant mixture flows from the hand-held nozzle for application to a surface being treated. One embodiment of the solution reservoir includes a retainer cap bonded to the reservoir and utilizing a bayonet-type mounting arrangement for mounting the reservoir to a nozzle assembly.

Abstract: A portable surface cleaning apparatus comprises a fluid dispensing system including at least one fluid supply tank, a dispensing nozzle connected to the fluid supply tank through a fluid supply conduit for applying a cleaning fluid to a surface to be cleaned, a fluid recovery tank for holding recovered fluid, a suction nozzle, a working air conduit extending between the recovery tank and the suction nozzle, a vacuum source in fluid communication with the recovery tank for generating a flow of working air from the suction nozzle through the working air conduit and to the recovery tank to thereby recover fluid from the surface to be cleaned through the suction nozzle and working air conduit and into the recovery tank, and a power drive mechanism for selectively propelling the portable cleaning apparatus over the surface to be cleaned

Abstract: A hand-held nozzle is attached to the end of a vacuum and fluid delivery hose of an upright deep cleaner. The nozzle includes a reservoir to contain a solution to be applied to a surface. When a solution delivery system of the deep cleaner is pressurized, water from the upright cleaner clean water tank is routed through the hose to the handheld nozzle. The water is routed through a venturi valve connected to the reservoir, which draws the solution to the valve to mix with the water stream. The resultant mixture flows from the hand-held nozzle for application to a surface being treated. One embodiment of the solution reservoir includes a retainer cap bonded to the reservoir and utilizing a bayonet-type mounting arrangement for mounting the reservoir to a nozzle assembly.