Abstract: A rotary cleaning head that may have a main disc, a cover, and vacuum heads. The cover may define an axially aligned central vacuum opening; and the main disc and cover may define therebetween a vacuum distribution hub and vacuum channels for distributing vacuum from the cover's central vacuum opening to the vacuum slots in the vacuum heads. A dual purpose seal may provide a seal between the cover and the main disc, and may also define at least part of the vacuum hub and vacuum channels. The vacuum heads may have vacuum notches or ridges that may help to collect and direct the cleaning fluid on at least part of the vacuum heads' outer surfaces into vacuum heads' vacuum slots. The rotary cleaning head may be modified to clean either hard surfaces or soft surfaces.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus is described and which includes a chassis for enclosing an electrically energizable vacuum motor; fluid pump; and first and second electrical heaters, and which when individually energized consume a given amount of electricity; and an electrical control coupled in controlling relation relative to the respective vacuum motor, fluid pump and first and second electrical heaters, and wherein the electrical control has first, second and third modes of operation; and wherein during the respective modes of operation the respective vacuum motor; fluid pump; and first and second electrical heaters are selectively energized in a predetermined manner such that the cleaning apparatus consumes less than about 20 amps of electrical power.

Abstract: A steam cleaner comprising a cleaning head; means for supplying steam to the cleaning head to be emitted thereby; means for supplying a cleaning agent to the cleaning head to be emitted thereby; and control means for controlling the emission of steam and cleaning agent by the cleaning head; wherein the control means is operable to cause or permit the emission of cleaning agent by the cleaning head while the emission of steam from the cleaning head is at least substantially prevented.

Abstract: A working device is capable of moving inside a pipe, whereby it is possible to exert the extremely large driving force in the pipe, and provided the device for performing the work sufficiently such as the cleaning, the vacuum recovering, and the forcibly drying the wet internal surface of the pipe. The device which moves along the pipe and operates on the internal surface of the pipe, comprising: material feeding pipe, pressure boundary partition, pressure boundary seal, nozzle unit, material feeding hose, traveling device, feeding device of the surface processing material, vacuum generating means, negative pressure space, and environment pressure space.

Abstract: Liquid aspirator for drawing off and sucking up liquids, having a drawing-off lip, having a suction device for sucking up the liquid into a separating space in the housing of the liquid aspirator, having an exhaust-air channel, which is subjected to a negative suction pressure and is intended for leading the air out of the separating space, having a separating device, which is arranged in the separating space and separates the liquid from the water, and having a tank for accommodating the liquid. Complex guidance of the liquid/air stream is avoided in that the housing has a hollow chamber which forms the separating space and the tank, and into which the intake channel opens and from which the exhaust-air channel is guided out of the housing; wherein the hollow chamber contains a motor-driven rotor with a rotating impact surface, and the intake channel is designed such that the air/liquid stream is directed for radial direction reversal and acceleration onto the impact surface.

Abstract: A surface cleaning head for a steam cleaner, comprising a plurality of steam outlets spaced from one another on the cleaning head, for steam supplied from a steam generator, and a steam distributing device which receives the steam and supplies it to the outlets.

Abstract: A hand-guided floor treatment device includes a bottom part, which includes at least one tool which is rotatable on a floor by a drive, as well as a guide part which includes at least one handle and is connected to the bottom part by an articulated arrangement which is developed in such a manner that the guide part, proceeding from a perpendicular, is pivotable in relation to the perpendicular in angular positions rotating in all directions and is operatively connected to the bottom part so as to transmit torque in an angularly limited manner in each angular position in relation to the perpendicular. The at least one rotatable tool is arranged in such a manner on the bottom part that when the floor treatment device is operating the at least one rotatable tool exerts permanent linear propulsion on the bottom part.

Abstract: An extraction cleaner for cleaning a floor surface includes a liquid distribution system and a liquid recovery system. The liquid recovery system includes a motor, and a motor cooling air pathway provides cooling air to the motor and removes heated cooling air from the motor. A duct system delivers heated motor cooling air to a supply tank of the extraction cleaner to heat liquid contained therein, and also drains liquid from the supply tank away from the motor.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for cleaning or otherwise treating a floored surface that includes a platform adapted to support the weight of an operator. In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is capable of generally performing 360° turns to facilitate the treatment of difficult to access portions of the floored surface.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus includes a fluid delivery system having a manifold with a plurality of release openings for delivering a cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned. A plurality of hooded members are configured to direct cleaning fluid delivered from the plurality of release openings toward the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: A floor cleaning machine has a housing and a movable hood that covers over vacuum and liquid hoses of the machine that are visible in prior art floor cleaning machines. The vacuum and liquid hoses are each pivotally connected to a wall of the machine housing and are also pivotally connected to a transparent dome provided on the hood. These connections reduce stresses on the hoses when the hood is moved and allow the dome to pivot relative to the hood. The floor cleaning machine also has a pair of slit orifices that eject fan spray patterns of cleaning liquid that are non-coplanar and do not intersect each other. Furthermore, the floor cleaning machine has an oscillating brush assembly that includes a brush that is replaceable without using tools. The brush height can be adjusted via an adjustment member provided on the oscillating portion of the assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for collecting material from a surface. The apparatus comprises a chassis, a holding tank, a material collector and a pumping system. The chassis comprises wheels for relocating the apparatus on the surface. The holding tank is for receiving the material and is operatively coupled with the chassis. The holding tank has a material-entry aperture in a bottom surface. The material collector comprises a suction device, which is operatively coupled with the material-entry aperture. The suction device has an inlet that can be disposed adjacent the surface. The pumping system is operatively connected with the holding tank for depressurizing the holding tank and thereby gathering the material at least partially via suction through the inlet of the suction device and the material-entry aperture in the holding tank.

Abstract: An extractor has a plurality of fluid delivery needles mounted to a housing in fluid communication with a fluid distribution system and positioned to penetrate a carpet surface to deliver a cleaning solution below the surface of the carpet and into the carpet nap. Soiled cleaning fluid is removed from the surface with suction. A method of cleaning a carpet or a pet coat having a nap comprises injecting cleaning fluid, such as a foam detergent, directly into the nap and removing soiled cleaning fluid from the carpet.

Abstract: An electric sweeping washing device includes a sweeping washing brush and a water collection system design. The sweeping washing brush includes a body; a sweeping roller brush disposed anteriorly at the body; and a dust collecting box for raking dust; a water absorbing scrubbing roller brush disposed posteriorly at the body; a sprinkler head; and a water absorbing scraper for absorbing water from the water absorbing scrubbing roller brush and raking dirty water. The water collection system design includes a tank divided into a clean water chamber and the dirty water chamber, wherein the sprinkler head, the clean and dirty water chambers, a water absorbing scraper, and the dust collecting box are connected via tubes; a spray motor for withdrawing clean water from the clean water chamber and delivering it to the sprinkler head; and an air intake motor for providing vacuum pressure to the dirty water chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fragrance dispenser assembly in the inside of an outer shell. The dispenser includes a bracket, a shelf and a fragrance dispensing unit located within an outer shell. The shelf may have a releasable attachment mechanism for the fragrance dispenser unit. The invention also includes the fragrance dispenser unit and a fragrance source.

Abstract: A random orbit scrubber comprises a main body having a front end and a rear end, a squeegee assembly coupled to the rear end of the main body, and a cleaning head assembly coupled to the front end of the main body. The cleaning head assembly can include a cleaning element structured for contact with a floor surface. The cleaning head assembly can further include a motor that is operable to impart rotational and orbital movement on the cleaning element.

Abstract: A floor washing-drying machine including a scraping device that is capable of automatic orientation. The scraping device follows changes of direction of the machine by a simple and effective orienting mechanism so as to wipe all the surface washed by a washing mechanism, without leaving any wet portions on the surface. An idle mode mechanism is achieved by a bushing to which the scraping device is connected. The bushing is mounted in an idle and axially slidable mode on the brush rotation shaft.

Abstract: An autonomous floor cleaning robot includes a transport drive and control system arranged for autonomous movement of the robot over a floor for performing cleaning operations. The robot chassis carries a first cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arranged to suction loose particulates up from the cleaning surface and a second cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arraigned to apply a cleaning fluid onto the surface and to thereafter collect the cleaning fluid up from the surface after it has been used to clean the surface. The robot chassis carries a supply of cleaning fluid and a waste container for storing waste materials collected up from the cleaning surface.

Abstract: An automatic robot for cleaning smooth surfaces includes a base having a traveling device, a water feed line and a water drain line. The traveling device is configured to automatically move the base on a smooth surface to be cleaned. The water feed line is configured to apply water to the smooth surface using a capillary effect. The water drain line is configured to drain dirty water from the smooth surface.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a main hopper having a surface cleaning configuration and a sander-salter configuration. In the surface cleaning configuration, the main hopper has a debris-laden airflow ingress, an airflow egress, and a debris dumping egress, and is sealed to the ambient surroundings other than the debris-laden airflow ingress and the airflow egress. In the sander-salter configuration, the main hopper has a sander and salt receiving ingress and a sand and salt egress. In use, in the surface cleaning configuration, the debris-laden air enters the main hopper through the debris-laden airflow ingress, air exits the main hopper through the airflow egress, and the debris exits the main hopper through the debris dumping egress. In use, in the sander-salter configuration, the sand and salt enter the main hopper through the sander and salt receiving ingress, and the sand and salt exit the main hopper through the sand and salt egress.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided with a dispensing system for applying a treating agent stored on the vacuum cleaner to the surface to be cleaned. The dispensing system can include at least one container for storing a supply of liquid treating agent and a dispenser for dispensing the liquid treating agent to the surface to be cleaned. The dispenser can include a porous a diffusion media that is configured to diffuse the treating agent through the dispenser and onto the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: A method of removing debris from piping within a high-rise building plumbing network includes inserting a portion of a flexible optical device and flexible water conduit into an opening defined by a plumbing system, the flexible water conduit operably coupled to a water pressure device. The method also includes coupling an end of a vacuum conduit, operably coupled to a vacuum assembly, to the opening and producing an image of a plumbing channel defined by the plumbing system with the flexible optical device. Next, the method includes maneuvering the portion of the flexible optical device within the plumbing system until the image of the plumbing channel depicts a debris at least partially obstructing the plumbing channel, inducing a stream of fluid directed at the debris, and then inducing a vacuum within the plumbing system sufficient to remove the debris from the plumbing system.

Abstract: A steam frame for a steam appliance has a body, a passageway in the body for passage of a fluid medium, and a member such as an unbalanced rotatable turbine in fluid communication with the passageway, where the member is capable of being engaged by the fluid medium to produce vibrations in the body for enhanced cleaning performance. A steam attachment includes a body, a pad covering at least a portion of the body, and a heating element coupled to the body. The heating element is configured to increase the temperature of the pad for enhanced cleaning performance. The heating element and vibration-producing member may be used separately or together.

Abstract: A suction nozzle for use in a vacuum cleaner includes a suction opening through which air is drawn in from a surface to be cleaned, a sterilization chamber having at least one inlet and at least one outlet, the sterilization chamber being in fluid communication with the suction opening through the at least one inlet, and a sterilization unit disposed in the sterilization chamber to sterilize the air drawn into the sterilization chamber. The air drawn into the sterilization chamber revolves while moving from the at least one inlet to the at least one outlet.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus, and in particular a fluid delivery or steam mop, comprises a handle and a base housing pivotally attached to the handle. The base housing can be used in two positions, whereby opposing sides of the base housing can selectively engage a surface to be cleaned. A manifold can pivot relative to the base housing, such that fluid can be delivered to the surface to be cleaned in both of the two use positions.

Abstract: A squeegee assembly for removing liquids from a floor. The squeegee assembly includes a frame that is movable in a direction of travel and that includes a base and opposed walls defining a channel extending along the width of the frame, and a squeegee blade partially disposed in the frame within the channel adjacent one of the walls. The squeegee blade has a first longitudinal edge positioned adjacent the base of the channel and a second longitudinal edge extending outward from the channel. The squeegee assembly also includes a jam member that is engageable with the frame within the channel so that the squeegee blade is positioned between the frame and the jam member to couple the squeegee blade to the frame.

Abstract: A padeye cleaning system includes a housing having an outlet designed to be positioned in communication with the opening in a padeye cover with a media inlet for introducing a pressurized media flow into the housing and through both the housing and the opening in the padeye cover for releasing a pressurized media flow into the padeye receptacle. A media exhaust port is provided for removing the released media flow from the receptacle.

Abstract: A municipal sewer cleaning system for efficiently cleaning a below grade municipal sewer line features a vacuum service truck having a vacuum source fluidly connected to a flexible vacuum hose, a compressed air source fluidly connected to a flexible air hose, and a pressurized water source fluidly connected to a flexible water hose. The system features a collar assembly having a rigid inner collar and an inflatable outer collar connected to the air hose. A tapering semi-cylindrical skirt is Ideated on a collar second end and a rigid ninety degree reducing elbow is located on a collar first end. The reducing elbow is fluidly connected to the vacuum hose and features a trough located on an elbow outside wall with a plurality of roller units inside. The water hose slides within the plurality of roller units.

Abstract: This invention relates to a hinge assembly for a steam cleaner capable of pivoting in front/rear (X) and left/right (Y) directions, and more particularly, to a hinge assembly for a steam cleaner capable of being adjusted automatically in a straight direction after a swerving force is removed, when a base assembly was swerved while locking automatically a left/right directional pivoting action.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dry cleaning device including a first cleaning unit that performs cleaning by generating a rotational air current inside a first housing having a first opening and by colliding cleaning media with a to-be-cleaned object that is attached to the first opening, the first cleaning unit being disposed at a first surface of the to-be-cleaned object; and a second cleaning unit that performs the cleaning by generating a second rotational air current inside a second housing having a second opening and by colliding second cleaning media with the to-be-cleaned object that is attached to the second opening, the second cleaning unit being disposed on a second surface of the to-be-cleaned object, so that the first opening and the second opening are facing each other, wherein the cleaning is performed from the first surface and second surfaces of the to-be-cleaned object.

Abstract: The concept is to use a material that is a microwave susceptor as a heat source to provide the energy necessary to instantly turn water into steam. One or more surfaces of susceptor are housed in a steam chamber. When the steam is generated, the pressure built up inside the steam chamber exhausts the steam through an exhaust duct that directs the steam to the cleaning surface. A sponge or other cleaning element is attached to the bottom of the product to allow the user to scrub the cleaning surface.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus includes a housing with an on-board hydrogen peroxide generator which produces a hydrogen peroxide solution in situ from fluid stored within an on-board supply tank of the surface cleaning apparatus, and further delivers the generated hydrogen peroxide solution to a cleaning pad attached to the housing of the surface cleaning apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a handheld floor treatment device, comprising a floor part (1), which has a liquid supply (11), and a liquid in-take (13) and a structurally separated suction unit that contains at least one suction turbine (17). The invention further relates to a handheld floor treatment device, comprising a floor part (1) having a bow (5), which encompasses the floor part (1) at least in some sections and which is connected to the floor part (1) by means of a first joint (4) that can be adjusted in the treatment direction (6), and further comprising a guide part (2) attached to the bow (5), the guide part having a handle (3).

Abstract: A floor treatment apparatus is provided that includes a chassis that supports at least one cleaning element. The chassis is supported by a plurality of wheels, one which is steerable via a steering wheel interconnected to a housing also associated with the chassis. The chassis provided includes a plurality of movable housing members, one of which is associated with the steering wheel. To access the internal components of the floor treatment apparatus, the front housing is rotated or moved away from the other housings wherein the steering wheel does not require disconnection to allow this movement.

Abstract: An extractor-type surface cleaning machine includes a base or foot having a suction nozzle and a handle that is pivotally coupled to the foot and moveable between upright and inclined positions. The recovery tank is removably securable to the foot and fluidly communicates with the suction nozzle and the accessory. The recovery tank defines a collection chamber and a passage having an inlet in communication with the suction nozzle and an outlet. A valve member is moveable between a closed position substantially covering the outlet and an open position. Movement of the handle to the upright position moves the valve member to the closed position to block the passage during cleaning with the accessory hose. Movement of the handle to the inclined position allows movement of the valve member to the open position so that suction from the collection chamber is communicated to the suction nozzle for floor cleaning.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the present invention provides a steam cleaning device, the device comprising a supply of water for generating steam, and a steam cleaning head for ejecting steam generated from said supply of water in proximity to a surface to be cleaned, wherein the steam cleaning head comprises a portion for receiving a composition adapted to be used in conjunction with such a steam cleaning device, the portion being perfused by steam during ejection by said steam cleaning head of steam generated from said supply of water. This has the advantage that the composition may be changed by a user dependent only on the user's requirements and the rate of consumption of the composition, and independently of both the rate of consumption of water by the steam cleaning device and any need to remove, clean or replace a cleaning cloth mounted on the steam cleaning head.

Abstract: Steam applicators, steam applicator frames, and steam appliance systems in which a steam applicator can be maneuvered to clean and sanitize all kinds of surfaces, not merely floors.

Abstract: A floor cleaning machine includes a cleaning system, a drive mechanism, and at least one steerable front wheel driven by the drive mechanism. The floor cleaning machine also includes two independently suspended rear wheels. A platform is located along a geometrical center axis between the two rear wheels. The platform is configured to support an operator of the floor cleaning machine in a standing position. A maximum vertical distance between the platform and the floor is 200 millimeters.

Abstract: A floor cleaning machine has a housing and a movable hood that covers over vacuum and liquid hoses of the machine that are visible in prior art floor cleaning machines. The vacuum and liquid hoses are each pivotally connected to a wall of the machine housing and are also pivotally connected to a transparent dome provided on the hood. These connections reduce stresses on the hoses when the hood is moved and allow the dome to pivot relative to the hood. The floor cleaning machine also has a pair of slit orifices that eject fan spray patterns of cleaning liquid that are non-coplanar and do not intersect each other. Furthermore, the floor cleaning machine has an oscillating brush assembly that includes a brush that is replaceable without using tools. The brush height can be adjusted via an adjustment member provided on the oscillating portion of the assembly.

Abstract: An upright bare floor cleaner with a handle assembly pivotally mounted to a base assembly. The handle includes a water tank to store a quantity of water and a fluid distribution system that includes a heater and a spray nozzle. Steam is generated by the heater and is distributed to a removable cleaning cloth that applies the steam to the surface to be cleaned. The fluid distribution system further includes an auxiliary hand tool for steam cleaning above-floor surfaces.

Abstract: An autonomous floor cleaning robot includes a transport drive and control system arranged for autonomous movement of the robot over a floor for performing cleaning operations. The robot chassis carries a first cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arranged to suction loose particulates up from the cleaning surface and a second cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arraigned to apply a cleaning fluid onto the surface and to thereafter collect the cleaning fluid up from the surface after it has been used to clean the surface. The robot chassis carries a supply of cleaning fluid and a waste container for storing waste materials collected up from the cleaning surface.

Abstract: A floor cleaning machine has a housing and a movable hood that covers over vacuum and liquid hoses of the machine that are visible in prior art floor cleaning machines. The vacuum and liquid hoses are each pivotally connected to a wall of the machine housing and are also pivotally connected to a transparent dome provided on the hood. These connections reduce stresses on the hoses when the hood is moved and allow the dome to pivot relative to the hood. The floor cleaning machine also has a pair of slit orifices that eject fan spray patterns of cleaning liquid that are non-coplanar and do not intersect each other. Furthermore, the floor cleaning machine has an oscillating brush assembly that includes a brush that is replaceable without using tools. The brush height can be adjusted via an adjustment member provided on the oscillating portion of the assembly.

Abstract: A floor cleaning machine has a housing and a movable hood that covers over vacuum and liquid hoses of the machine that are visible in prior art floor cleaning machines. The vacuum and liquid hoses are each pivotally connected to a wall of the machine housing and are also pivotally connected to a transparent dome provided on the hood. These connections reduce stresses on the hoses when the hood is moved and allow the dome to pivot relative to the hood. The floor cleaning machine also has a pair of slit orifices that eject fan spray patterns of cleaning liquid that are non-coplanar and do not intersect each other. Furthermore, the floor cleaning machine has an oscillating brush assembly that includes a brush that is replaceable without using tools. The brush height can be adjusted via an adjustment member provided on the oscillating portion of the assembly.

Abstract: A pipe conditioning tool comprising a drive unit to move the tool along a pipe and a work head rotatable about an axis of the pipe to condition a surface of the pipe, the drive unit includes a frame extending to opposite sides of the pipe, the frame having legs extending radially beyond the work head to provide support for the tool upon removal from said pipe.

Abstract: A floor cleaning apparatus is provided, including a dirt collection device for picking up dirty liquid from a floor surface to be cleaned as well as a dirty liquid tank, into which the dirty liquid can be transferred. In order to provide a floor cleaning apparatus of this type, which can be handled in a more user-friendly manner, it is proposed that the floor cleaning apparatus has a tank rinsing mechanism with at least one rinsing line, which includes at least one inlet opening for rinsing liquid, which can be provided for the tank rinsing mechanism, as well as at least one outlet opening for delivering rinsing liquid into an interior of the dirty liquid tank.

Abstract: A multi-functional cleaning system usable as both a vacuum cleaner and a steam cleaner includes (a) a body having a motor assembly for generating suction and a dust collector for collecting foreign matters, (b) a first cleaning head, such as a vacuum nozzle, . detachably coupleable to the body and having an inlet for directing the foreign matters into the dust collector, and (c) a second cleaning head, such as a steam cleaning head, detachably coupleable to the body and having an outlet for directing steam onto a surface. Attaching the body to the first cleaning head forms a vacuum cleaner configuration. while attaching the body to the second cleaning head forms a steam cleaner configuration. Electrical wiring and connectors enable operation of the blower motor only in the vacuum cleaner configuration, and include protection against water ingress that can cause malfunctioning or create a safety hazard.

Abstract: A steam cleaner having a base with a bottom and a sidewall extending from the bottom to form an outer perimeter of the base, and a handle extending from the base. A fluid tank and a steam generator are operatively associated with the handle or the base. The steam generator receives fluid from the fluid tank and convert it into steam. A first control selectively operates the steam generator. The base has a bottom steam distributor on the bottom of the base and a side steam distributor on the sidewall or a top wall of the base. The bottom distributor distributes the steam towards a first region located within the outer perimeter of the base. The side distributor distributes the steam towards a second region located outside the outer perimeter of the base. A second control selects whether to distribute steam through the bottom or side distributor.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus is disclosed having an upper portion mounted to a surface cleaning head, a portable surface cleaning unit mounted to the upper portion, an above floor cleaning wand removably receivable in the upper portion, and a wand lock having a locked position in which the wand is secured to the upper portion and an unlocked position in which the wand is removable from the upper portion. The upper portion may stabilize the wand when the wand is drivingly connected to the cleaning head. An electrified flexible air flow conduit may electrically connect the surface cleaning head to the cleaning unit.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus may include a surface cleaning head including a cleaning pad mount that is configured to receive a cleaning pad. A steam distribution system may be provided and may include a steam unit in fluid communication with a water reservoir and may have a steam outlet in communication with the cleaning pad mount. A cleaning solution distribution system may be provided and may include a cleaning solution reservoir in communication with a dispensing outlet.

Abstract: A cleaning system comprises a power plant, a regenerative blower having a power input shaft, a suction port, and a discharge port, an interface assembly configured for transmitting power from the power plant to the regenerative blower, a pump configured for generating pressurized water, and a heat exchanger system configured for heating the pressurized water.