Abstract: A chemical intake system for a pressure washer having a spray nozzle and an internal tank comprises a connector in fluid communication with the spray nozzle. The connector can be selectively placed in fluid communication with either the internal tank to draw chemical therefrom or with an external container to draw chemical therefrom.

Abstract: An improved fluid bypass valve includes a valve housing having an inlet port, an outlet port and a bypass port, all of which are in fluid communication with a valve chamber within the valve housing. A shuttle having a fluid passage therein is disposed within the valve chamber and moves between a first travel limit position, in which fluid communication between the fluid passage and the bypass port is blocked and a second travel limit position, in which such fluid communication is permitted. First and second fluid seals are disposed in contact with interior surfaces of the valve housing on opposite sides of the bypass port, and the shuttle is disposed in sealing and sliding engagement with both the first and second fluid seals when the shuttle is in the first and second travel limit positions.

Abstract: A spray nozzle assembly which can provide any of multiple high-pressure spray patterns is durably and affordably built by disposing the spray-forming apertures on a distinctly formed, hard, flat plate fixed to the end of a rotatable barrel with multiple channels. As the barrel rotates within a coupler sleeve, individual channels are sequentially directed into a liquid flow path established by the coupler. Liquid flowing through a selected channel passes through the aperture in the plate associated with that channel, forming a desired spray pattern. A cap that may be mounted over the plate and a portion of the barrel protects against debris becoming lodged between the plate and the barrel, and may have a separate aperture aligned with a separate channel in the barrel to allow production of a low pressure spray pattern.

Abstract: A valve with a backflow preventer has a valve housing with a fluid inlet, a main flow channel, and a fluid outlet formed therein. A valve element is provided in the valve housing to selectively actuate the valve. The valve element is rotatable between an open position in which a fluid flow path exists between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet along the main flow channel and a closed position in which no fluid flow path exists between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. A chamber is formed in the valve housing in a position which is offset from the main flow channel. The chamber has an opening in fluid communication with the atmosphere, and a ball is provided in the interior of the chamber. The ball is movable between a first position in which the ball prevents fluid backflow from the fluid outlet to the fluid inlet and a second position in which the ball substantially blocks the opening in the chamber.

Abstract: A retainer plate assembly for securing valves of a pressure washer pump within a pump housing comprises a contoured plate and cooperating hook bolts. The contoured plate is adapted to follow the contour of the pump housing and to fit securely against the portions of the pump housing holding the valves.

Abstract: A caddy is placed on a tank where the tank has receptacles beneath it for removably receiving casters. The caddy has support elements which are spaced apart at the spacing of the receptacles around the tank and the caddy being adapted to be placed on the tank with the support elements thereof removably fastened at the receptacles beneath the tank. A plurality of the receptacles around the tank enable the caddy to be placed at various positions around the tank. The invention is particularly useful with the tank of an electric vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A pressure washer for delivering a liquid under high pressure has an inlet conduit connected to a liquid supply and an outlet conduit connected to a spray nozzle which can be operated to control the delivery of liquid through the nozzle. A bypass conduit enables recirculation of the liquid from the outlet conduit to the inlet conduit. A bypass system, disposed between the outlet conduit and the bypass conduit, includes a shuttle valve which moves between first and second positions at which it respectively blocks or opens the liquid path from the outlet conduit to the bypass conduit.