Abstract: An extractor having a cleaning solution line which extends from the solution tank to a non-self-priming pump and to the normally closed valve which controls the flow of liquid on to the cleaning head. The extractor uses a manually operated priming pump to draw cleaning solution from the solution tank through the cleaning solution line to the non-self-priming pump. Following activation of the manually operated priming pump, a check valve directs the cleaning solution to the operating non-self-priming pump to effect priming of said pump. Solution is then controlably pumped past the fluid flow control valve to the cleaning head. The check valve remains open while the pump is in operation.

Abstract: A vacuum extractor has a tank assembly including an outer tank and a coaxial inner tank. The inner tank has an open top which is reversibly closed by a cover assembly which includes a vacuum source and a liquid pump. The cover assembly also includes a hose connection in communication with said inner tank and said vacuum source enabling said inner tank to receive either wet or dry materials. The outer tank is substantially closed having an input port closed by a closure member configured in the form of a measuring cup. The outer tank is used for containing a cleaning material which can be accessed through a hose which passes through an aperture in the outer wall of the tank. The hose has an external connector for supplying cleaning material to the liquid pump in the cover assembly which, in turn, supplies the cleaning material to a cleaning tool. The unit is supported by casters which are recessed into the bottom of the tank assembly.

Abstract: A wet vacuum/extractor having a first cleaning solution line which extends from a cleaning solution tank to a non-self-priming pump and a second cleaning solution line which extends from the pump to a normally closed fluid flow control valve which controls the flow of liquid on to the cleaning head. The vacuum priming system of the present invention opens the second cleaning solution line to the vacuum generated between the cleaning head and the vacuum fan. This vacuum beyond the output of the pump draws solution from the solution tank into the operating pump. Once the pump is thus primed, the second cleaning solution line is closed to the vacuum and the pump now pumps the solution past the closed fluid flow control valve to the cleaning head.

Abstract: A final filter is provided for cleaning the cooling air drawn into the motor driven pump of a vacuum cleaner featuring a centrifugal separator. The final filter comprises a large area foam block filter and a sheet filter element received in a filter tray which is slideably received in a filter plenum disposed between the centrifugal separator and the motor/pump combination of the vacuum cleaner. The filter tray is supported horizontally within the filter plenum to define an inlet manifold and an outlet manifold having optimum flow characteristics and a detent is provided for snap locking the slideable filter tray within the filter plenum.

Abstract: The specification discloses a wet vacuum/extractor including an add-on liquid dispensing system. A liquid supply tank removably mounts on the vacuum and couples with the vacuum exhaust for momentarily pressurizing the tank to prime the liquid dispensing system. A remote pump is included at the wand handle and is powered by low voltage current from the vacuum.

Abstract: The present invention is a surface cleaning liquid extractor for vacuum cleaning a surface. The extractor has an open top recovery tank, a housing which seats upon the recovery tank and a convenient carrying handle which latches the housing and the recovery tank together. The extractor also has a floating splash damper positioned within the recovery tank for floating upon the surface of liquid collected in the tank to minimize splashing of the liquid. The top surface of the floating splash damper includes a domed portion for engaging the suction opening of the extractor and sealing off the suction from the recovery tank when the recovery tank has filled with liquid.

Abstract: An appliance provided with a base which has a working end and a handle structure provided with a lower barrel portion which is pivotally attached to the base. The barrel portion is provided with a pair of peripheral slots that cooperate with the pivotally mounted arms of a lift-off mechanism so that the working end of the appliance is selectively raised and lowered by the user pivoting the handle structure. An end of the barrel is provided with a pair of spaced-apart recesses which cooperate with the detent on a locking plate so that the handle structure may be locked into its storage position and provided with a maximum pivot limit in its operative range.

Abstract: A conversion attachment for a wet-dry vacuum cleaner provides for the application of a mixture of water and detergent through a spray assembly mounted adjacent to a vacuum nozzle on a cleaning head. The attachment includes a spray nozzle and associated liquid flow lines for connection to a source of water, a detergent container, and a siphon for injecting detergent into the pressurized flowing water. The attachment may also include a substitute wand and cleaning head. The siphon includes a slideable valve member which, in one position, permits mixing of the detergent and water for supply to the spray nozzle. In another position, the valve member blocks flow of all liquid to the spray nozzle.

Abstract: An aerosol cartridge is used to supply foam detergent directly to a polyurethane open cell sponge roller having discrete spaced radial cavities open to the outside for receiving the foam and transfer the same to the fabric of upholstery and the like. The cavities constitute working chambers which tend to be compressed as the lands between the same flex and compress in pressure contact with the fabric upon rolling thereover to thereby force the foam through the fabric, and which then suck the foam back through the fabric as the chambers expand on the back side of the roller. The cavities may be in the form of cylindrical holes burned into the sponge whereby the pores at the inner surfaces of the holes are generally closed by a skin effect.

Abstract: A dry rotary shaver having a floating shear plate which is supported beneath its periphery by resilient spring means. The spring support is fixed within the shaver head, prevents shear plate rotation, and acts as a means to retain the shear plate and rotary cutting element in place when the shaver head is removed from the shaver housing. Furthermore, the spring support may incorporate stop means to prevent hang up of the shear plate on the shaver opening in the event the shear plate is forceably pressed inwardly, as by a finger.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided with a suction nozzle and a cylindrical rotary brush. The brush includes a plurality of generally longitudinally extending rows of uniform bristle tufts. Alternate tufts in alternate rows are spaced at about twice the distance as the remaining more closely spaced tufts and prepare the carpet for sweeping by the latter.PRIOR ART OF INTERESTU.S. Pat. Nos. 1,044,488, Case, 11/19/12; 1,970,355, Bennet, 8/14/34; 2,281,798, Prince, 5/5/42; 2,459,007, Taylor, 1/11/49; 2,659,921, Osborn, 11/24/53; 3,716,889, Goldstein, 2/20/73; 3,815,170, Brooks et al, 6/11/74.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONVacuum cleaners have long been considered one of the most effecient devices for removing debris from carpets and the like.

Abstract: A floor sweeper having, in addition to its main brush roller, one or more auxiliary brushes for sweeping debris into the path of the main brush. Each auxiliary brush includes a brush body having an annular array of outwardly downwardly inclined brush bristles. A flexible drive ring is mounted concentric to said bristles and adjacent the roots thereof on the underside of the brush body. Both the ring and bristle tips are disposed in fixed parallel planes and the assembly is mounted on an axis which is fixed and inclined from the vertical in a manner so that the rearward brush edge will, upon forward sweeper movement, rotate transversely inwardly beneath the sweeper housing with a debris disturbing and flicking action. Downward force on the sweeper causes the drive ring to deform upwardly and to deflect the adjacent bristles in a direction away from the carpet to keep the brush-carpet friction forces generally equalized.