Manipulatable Nozzle With Flexible Conduit Connection To Portable Power And/or Material Supply Unit, E.g., Window Washer Patents (Class 15/321)
  • Patent number: 11540692
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus such as an extractor has a fluid flow path extending from a dirty fluid inlet head to a clean air outlet. The fluid flow path upstream of the separation stage comprises a removable portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Omachron Intellectual Property Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Ernest Conrad, Daniel Innes, Jason Thorne
  • Patent number: 11523725
    Abstract: A portable cleaner has a recovery tank, including a container for receiving and storing recovered liquid and/or dirt and an openable tank lid for covering the container. The container and the tank lid are removable from the cleaner as a unit. The portable cleaner also has a main housing configured to removably support the recovery tank in a vertical orientation in which the tank lid at least partially defines a top side of the portable extraction cleaner. In addition, a tank latch is provided in the tank lid, the tank latch configured to selectively secure and release the tank lid to the main housing when the recovery tank is supported by the main housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited
    Inventors: Juan Aviles Quintero, Israel Del Toro, Donovan Bode, Mohammed Irfan
  • Patent number: 11491516
    Abstract: Spray apparatus and uses thereof are described herein. A vacuum spray nozzle apparatus may include a first tube in fluid communication with a fluid source, a rotor coupled to the tube, a conduit in fluid communication with the passages of the first tube, and a second tube coupled to the conduit, the second tube being in fluid communication with a vacuum source. The rotor is in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid source. The conduit is substantially arched or angled such that an outlet of the conduit is offset a radial distance in a radial direction from the rotor axis, and when pressurized fluid is ejected from the outlet, during use, rotates the conduit. The vacuum spray nozzle apparatus is configured to remove components from a material through the second tube when a pressure of the system is reduced using the vacuum source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: ECP Incorporated
    Inventor: Dennis Dehn
  • Patent number: 11253053
    Abstract: A portable foam brush includes a soap reservoir, such as optionally in a base or in a wand, a foaming chamber, and an air compressor, such as optionally battery-operated air compressor. The compressor is configured for supplying air to act upon the soap from the reservoir to cause dispensing of soap to the foaming chamber. In some embodiments, the compressor may also supply air to the foaming chamber. In use, the soap and the air in the foaming chamber combine to form an air and soap foam. The brush includes a brush end configured for receiving foam from the foaming chamber and dispensing the foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Inventor: Leon Trudeau
  • Patent number: 11253815
    Abstract: In a nozzle block, a fluid is uniformly sprayed over an entire housing inside through a spray nozzle with the rotation of a nozzle coupling part, thereby increasing a contact ratio of the fluid with contaminated gas and dramatically improving the purification efficiency. Additionally, a fluid for cleaning contaminated gas is allowed to flow opposite to a flow of contaminated gas, so that the contaminated gas and the fluid cancel out, and the contact ratio increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: SAMIN SCIENCE CO., LTD
    Inventor: Hyo-Cheol Chang
  • Patent number: 11253121
    Abstract: A cleaning device, for cleaning a surface, includes a nozzle arrangement. The nozzle arrangement includes a brush compartment surrounded by a brush. The brush includes brush elements including tip portions for contacting the surface to be cleaned and picking up dirt particles and/or liquid from the surface during rotation of the brush. The nozzle arrangement further includes a bouncing element with position adjusted relative to the surface and depending on a direction of movement of the cleaning device. The bouncing element is arranged in a first position and at a first distance d1 to the surface, when the cleaning device is moved in a forward direction and in a second position and at a second distance d2 to the surface, when the cleaning device is moved in an opposite backward direction, such that d2 is greater than d1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Johannes Tseard Van Der Kooi, Egbert Van De Veen
  • Patent number: 11235357
    Abstract: A pneumatic cleaning gun according to the present invention comprises a gun housing with a compressed air connection, a liquid nozzle with a nozzle cover, and an air intake tube which leads into the covered flow channel and can also be connected to a suction device via a suction hose in order to suction dirt particles through the flow channel. The cleaning gun is configured such that the air intake tube is not rigidly but pivotably mounted on the cleaning gun. The air intake tube can therefore be mounted in a plurality of different positions of use such that the user can find the most comfortable or convenient position of use and the air intake tube can be correspondingly adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: BENDEL WERKZEUGE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Lan-fen Chiang
  • Patent number: 11172799
    Abstract: An extraction cleaner includes a supply tank, a recovery tank, a pump, a suction source, a base configured to support the suction source and the pump, an external hose, and a hose attachment assembly. The hose attachment assembly has a suction conduit extending from a suction inlet connected to the proximal end of the hose to a suction outlet in fluid communication with the recovery tank. The suction conduit is removable from the base with the hose. The hose attachment assembly also has a fluid coupling which is removable with the suction conduit. The fluid coupling extends from a coupling inlet in fluid communication with the pump to a coupling outlet coupled to a supply tube having one or more portions carried within the suction conduit. The proximal end of the hose is at least partially nested adjacent the base when the suction conduit is coupled to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited
    Inventors: Douglas M. Rukavina, Donovan Bode, Juan Aviles Quintero
  • Patent number: 11096537
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner bag assembly is adapted to be removably disposed within a tank of a vacuum cleaner, and the bag assembly includes a panel assembly made from a first material and forming an enclosure having an interior volume, and an aperture extends through the panel assembly. A shield member may be disposed within the interior volume and secured to one or more portions of the panel assembly, and the shield member may comprise a second material that is different than the first material. The shield member is adapted to protect a portion of the panel assembly when the vacuum cleaner bag assembly is disposed within the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: SHOP VAC CORPORATION
    Inventors: James P. Blackwell, Jr., Robert Lent Crevling, Jr., Jonathan Miller
  • Patent number: 11089929
    Abstract: A dust collection box and a robot vacuum cleaner are disclosed. The dust collection box is used in the robot vacuum cleaner. The dust collection box includes a box body, a filter holder arranged in the box body, a dust separation structure configured to block dust, and a filter. The box body defines an air inlet and an air outlet. The filter holder defines an opening in a side surface thereof. The dust separation structure is arranged in the box body and located at an air inlet side of the opening. The filter is arranged to the filter holder and located at an air outlet side of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Inventors: Wei Hu, Xianmin Wei, Manzhi Jin
  • Patent number: 11083351
    Abstract: The present invention provides an accessory 20 for use with, and adaptable to be releasably connected to, a vacuum cleaner 1. The accessory 20 comprises a vacuum intake head 21 having a chamber 21a arranged such that when the accessory 20 is connected to the vacuum cleaner 1, the chamber 21a is in fluid communication with the vacuum cleaner 1 and adaptable to receive air and liquid from and around the surface to be cleaned. The accessory 20 further comprises a filtration device 40 adaptable to separate the liquid from the air such that substantially no liquid returns to the vacuum cleaner 1. The accessory 20 can be used with both portable and central vacuum cleaners 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Tyroc Industries Limited
    Inventor: Matthew Damian Mallon
  • Patent number: 11083170
    Abstract: A pet bathing system for use with a surface cleaning apparatus is provided and includes at least a wand override tool to allow for an easy-to-use pet bathing system. The system can be used for the bathing of pets via the application and subsequent extraction of liquid. The wand override tool includes a cleaning solution reservoir and couplers adapted to be coupled with a surface cleaning apparatus having a suction source and a cleaning fluid source and with a hand tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: BISSELL Inc.
    Inventors: George Moyher, Jr., Eric J. Hansen, Belinda Drake, Sue A. Potter, Charles A. Martin, Brian C. Wolfe, Joseph Q. Marietta
  • Patent number: 10986975
    Abstract: A floor cleaner includes an electrically powered component and a power switch. The power switch includes a button including an actuator surface and a wall that extends away from the actuator surface. The power switch further includes a frame, the button movable relative to the frame to operate the power switch. The frame includes an inner wall that defines a button aperture, the button extending into the button aperture, an outer wall, a fluid outlet, and a fluid collection surface between the inner wall and the outer wall that directs fluid on the fluid collection surface toward the fluid outlet. The wall of the button is received in a gap between the inner wall and the outer wall of the frame so that fluid is directed along the wall of the button to the fluid collection surface and inhibited from passing through the button aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited
    Inventors: Douglas M. Rukavina, Donovan Bode, Juan Aviles Quintero
  • Patent number: 10905101
    Abstract: A pet hydro washer is described comprising a central housing containing a motor and an air inflow impeller, a fluid delivery system having a clean liquid storage tank, and a water delivery line in fluid communication with the clean liquid storage tank terminating at a nozzle, a fluid recovery system having a liquid recovery tank in fluid communication with the air inflow impeller through a first air conduit, and a suction hose in fluid communication with the liquid recovery tank, the motor configured to generate rotational movement in the air inflow impeller, a processor configured to control delivery of power to the motor, the controlling delivery of power including incrementally changing a level of power delivered to the motor, and at least one attachment head configured to wash an animal's fur through movement of at least one attachment head across the animal's fur while the air inflow impeller is operating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Radio Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher E. Mainini, William S. Groh, Richard A. Seltzer
  • Patent number: 10888208
    Abstract: A supply unit for a cleaning machine which can be connected via at least one flexible hose, has a heating device for heating water, a water pump for conveying water into or out of the heating device, a hot water and/or steam connector which is connected to the outlet of the heating device, a dirty water tank, a suction device, which preferably includes a suction turbine, for sucking dirty water from a dirty water connector into the dirty water tank. In a preferred embodiment the unit has at least one, preferably precisely one central, drive unit for driving at least one, preferably a plurality of or all components to be driven of the supply unit and/or of a cleaning machine to be connected to it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: SWISSLOGO AC
    Inventors: Helmut Barbisch, Michael Keith Ching
  • Patent number: 10780463
    Abstract: A cleaning system and wherein one or more surface cleaning devices use high-pressure, high-temperature water from a pressure module for surface cleaning, and wherein the waste water resulting from the surface cleaning is recovered, and wherein the solid waste matter within the waste water is filtered and separated into solid waste matter and clean filtered water, wherein the filtered water is reused by the cleaning apparatus and the solid waste matter is available in a form that can be disposed of by traditional means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Inventor: Mark Lukin
  • Patent number: 10743735
    Abstract: A cleaning device comprises an upper cleaning solution tank comprising an outlet, a motorized chassis located beneath the solution tank and an electronics compartment defined at least partly by splash shields and a drip shield. The splash shields define a top and sides of the electronics compartment, and the drip shield defines a bottom side of the electronics compartment and includes at least one drip hole smaller than 2 mm in diameter. A wire opening in the splash shields includes a protective cover overlying the opening, the protective covering containing at least one passage facing in a direction opposite to the solution tank allowing a wire to pass through the passage, through the wire opening, and into the electronics compartment. Fluid lines extend from the outlet towards a bottom of the cleaning device and exterior to the electronics compartment. An enclosed electronics unit may also include wire openings and protective covers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Diversey, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank Chudkosky
  • Patent number: 10736477
    Abstract: A remaining water suction device may include: a suction nozzle, a water separation chamber configured to be connected to a discharge port of the suction nozzle and provided with a water discharge port and an air discharge port, and a buffer tank configured to be connected to the water discharge port and store water separated from the water separation chamber. The remaining water suction device may include a water transfer pump configured to transfer the water stored in the buffer tank, a water storage tank configured to store the water transferred through the water transfer pump, a suction fan configured to provide a suction force to the air discharge port, and a suction motor configured to drive the suction fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Seongho Kim, Jong Seok Kim, Inhyung Yang
  • Patent number: 10674881
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a body, a first tank, a second tank, a vacuum motor, a fluid pump, and a controller. The body comprises a handle and an accessory connection receptacle comprising a fluid output and an electrical contact. The first tank comprises a first vessel configured to accommodate a fluid. The second tank comprises a second vessel separated from the first vessel. The controller is configured to activate the fluid pump to cause fluid contained in the first tank to be supplied to the fluid output, and to activate the vacuum motor to draw one or more of air, debris, a liquid or a portion of the fluid into the second tank. The accessory connection receptacle is configured to accommodate a correspondingly shaped accessory connector configured to mate with the accessory connection receptacle and be communicatively coupled with the fluid output and with the electrical contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: RUG DOCTOR, LLC
    Inventors: Ernest Matthew Chavana, Jr., Richard Foster, Stanley Anderson, Christopher Terpstra, Jan Valentic, Xintao Ma
  • Patent number: 10646088
    Abstract: A cleaning system is disclosed that includes a vehicle that has a cooling system for circulating a coolant, a diverter coupled with the cooling system that is configured to divert the coolant through a heat exchanger, a pump configured to pump a cleaning solution through the heat exchanger so that the heat exchanger heats the cleaning solution without mixing the coolant and the cleaning solution, and a rotary head cleaner in fluid communication with the heat exchanger for receiving the cleaning solution and applying the cleaning solution to a floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Harris Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward E. Durrant, Monte G. Taylor
  • Patent number: 10631695
    Abstract: A squeegee accessory for a wet/dry vacuum may include a housing and a squeegee assembly removably attached to a front end of the housing. The housing may include a front end including a fluid inlet, a back end including a fluid outlet, and a fluid flow path connecting the inlet and the outlet. The squeegee assembly may include a bracket, a squeegee removably disposed between first and second plates of the bracket, and an insert removably disposed between first and second blades of the squeegee. The insert may have an elongated body and a rib disposed on the elongated body, the rib touching the inner surface of the squeegee to define a barrier of an airflow path formed between the insert and the squeegee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: SHOP VAC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Randy L. Buss, Melvin E. Wolfe, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10575701
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus such as an extractor has a solid and liquid separation stage comprising a combined solid and liquid separator having a separated element outlet and, a solid and liquid collection chamber in communication with the separated element outlet. The solid and liquid separation chamber includes a screen provided therein, when the surface cleaning apparatus is in a floor cleaning orientation, the solid and liquid collection chamber has a lower region comprising a liquid collection region whereby, in operation, liquid passes through the screen and solid material collects on the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Omachron Intellectual Property Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Ernest Conrad, Dave Petersen
  • Patent number: 10561289
    Abstract: A dust collection box and a robot vacuum cleaner are disclosed. The dust collection box is used in the robot vacuum cleaner. The dust collection box includes a box body, a filter holder arranged in the box body, a dust separation structure configured to block dust, and a filter. The box body defines an air inlet and an air outlet. The filter holder defines an opening in a side surface thereof. The dust separation structure is arranged in the box body and located at an air inlet side of the opening. The filter is arranged to the filter holder and located at an air outlet side of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Inventors: Wei Hu, Xianmin Wei, Manzhi Jin
  • Patent number: 10562078
    Abstract: Spray apparatus and uses thereof are described herein. A vacuum spray nozzle apparatus may include a first tube in fluid communication with a fluid source, a rotor coupled to the tube, a conduit in fluid communication with the passages of the first tube, and a second tube coupled to the conduit, the second tube being in fluid communication with a vacuum source. The rotor is in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid source. The conduit is substantially arched or angled such that an outlet of the conduit is offset a radial distance in a radial direction from the rotor axis, and when pressurized fluid is ejected from the outlet, during use, rotates the conduit. The vacuum spray nozzle apparatus is configured to remove components from a material through the second tube when a pressure of the system is reduced using the vacuum source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: ECP Incorporated
    Inventor: Dennis Dehn
  • Patent number: 10457384
    Abstract: An emission-capturing apparatus includes a tank having an inlet and an outlet. The apparatus further includes a muffler fluidly coupled with the outlet to intercept fluid exiting the outlet, permit passage of gas through the muffler, and inhibit passage of liquid through the muffler. The apparatus further includes a hose having a tank end and a coupler end. The tank end is coupled to the inlet. The apparatus further includes a coupler coupled to the coupler end of the hose. The coupler has a drain hole. The coupler is configured to be coupled to a surface having an ejection port, to completely cover the ejection port when the coupler is coupled to the surface and to support the coupler end of the hose in a position to receive an emission when the drain hole is aligned with the ejection port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
    Inventors: James Perdue, Jeffrey Slump, Bartley Beasley, Bret Bell
  • Patent number: 10448797
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner including a debris collection container having an outer perimeter and a lid removably coupled to the debris collection container. The lid has a periphery that extends along the outer perimeter of the debris collection container. The vacuum further includes a suction source coupled to the lid and removable from the debris collection container with the lid. The suction source includes a motor and an impeller driven by the motor. The vacuum cleaner further includes an exhaust passageway downstream from the suction source for discharging an airflow from the debris collection container. The exhaust passageway extends radially outward from the impeller and toward the periphery of the lid. The vacuum cleaner further includes an exhaust outlet port in communication with the exhaust passageway. The exhaust outlet port extends along a majority of the periphery of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: TTI (MACAO COMMERCIAL OFFSHORE) LIMITED
    Inventors: Brent Gregorich, Brandon Causey
  • Patent number: 10426311
    Abstract: A portable liquid dispensing apparatus is described, which comprises a battery, a heating element, a liquid reservoir, a pump, an outlet, and a pipe, extending from the reservoir to the outlet and passing adjacent the heating element. In operation, the pump drives liquid from the reservoir into and through the pipe while the power source causes the heating element to heat the liquid passing through the portion of the pipe adjacent to the heating element to be expelled from the outlet at a temperature greater than the ambient temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Steam E Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Martin Whitbread, Jared Brading
  • Patent number: 10238261
    Abstract: A self-contained device capable of steam cleaning and removal of residue such as chewing gum and the like from surfaces is portable and well balanced so that one person can remove residue of chewing gum or the like in just a couple of seconds. The device includes an elongated housing having wheels on a lower end portion and a handle on an upper portion and the cleaning solution to be turned into steam is heated quickly by a gas burner after being preheated at several stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: GUMWAND, INC.
    Inventors: Scott Genoa, Shihui Xu
  • Patent number: 10188251
    Abstract: Embodiments include a waste recovery system for a floor surface maintenance machine. The waste recovery system comprises a squeegee assembly having a squeegee frame, a squeegee retainer extending below the squeegee frame and a reservoir integrally defined in the squeegee retainer. The reservoir can have an inlet passage proximal to the floor surface, an outlet passage fluidly coupled to the fluid suction path and leading to the waste recovery tank, and a fluid trap portion positioned between the inlet and outlet passages. The fluid trap portion can retain backflow waste in the fluid suction path. The reservoir is positioned at a clearance distance from the floor surface in a direction normal to the floor surface such that the reservoir forms the lowest portion of the waste recovery system in the direction normal to the floor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventors: Eric S. Nortrup, Nicholas E. Boers, Brent Caudill
  • Patent number: 10081899
    Abstract: A hand-held laundry treating apparatus includes a portable body, a supply tank including a tank body provided at the portable body, a water chamber provided in the tank body to store water therein and a detergent chamber provided in the tank body to store detergent therein, a suction tank including a suction chamber provided at the portable body to store liquid therein, and a liquid transferring part for supplying liquid stored in the supply tank to laundry and transferring liquid remaining in laundry to the suction tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Bosung Seo, Junghoon Lee
  • Patent number: 10064532
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: NILFISK A/S
    Inventors: Horace Kurt Betton, Mark Wayne Baxter, Lance Ronal Joseph Koty, Christopher Isamu Ryan
  • Patent number: 9993848
    Abstract: Disclosed is a novel nozzle adapter for a spray bottle. The nozzle adapter coupled to a nozzle of spray bottle to allow a fluid chemical composition of sanitizing fluid to be forcefully discharged through it into the small opening cut outs of a knife block. The nozzle adapter serves as a guard to enter the opening and protect a splash back from occurring when the user applies a sanitizing fluid spray solution by pressure into the inside portion of the knife block slots which are of various sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: The Academy of Bacteriology, LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth G. Lockard
  • Patent number: 9918606
    Abstract: A bare floor cleaner has a base and a handle pivotally connected to the base. The handle is movable between a dry mode position and a wet mode position. A fluid delivery system of the bare floor cleaner includes a source of cleaning fluid and a fluid distributor in fluid communication with the source of cleaning fluid for dispensing cleaning fluid onto a surface to be cleaned. A recovery system of the bare floor cleaner includes a disabling mechanism for disabling the recovery system when the fluid distributor is dispensing cleaning fluid onto the surface to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventors: Phong H. Tran, Gary A. Kasper
  • Patent number: 9901656
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for treating carpet that includes a hollow tube having a first end and a second end, wherein the tube further includes: a plurality of injection holes located near the second end of the tube, a pointed tip located at the second end of the tube, and a lug moveably attached to the tube; the method including inserting the tube into a carpet by penetrating the pointed tip into the carpet; lifting the tube up via the lug such that a portion of the carpet is pulled away from padding located underneath the carpet; and inserting fluid into the tube at the first end of the tube such that the fluid is injected into the carpet via the injection holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Injectinator, LLC
    Inventor: Jerome P. Behr
  • Patent number: 9901237
    Abstract: A telescopic extension device for cleaning systems comprising at least one first external tubular assembly and one second internal tubular assembly slidingly coupled with each other so as to vary its own extension. Each tubular assembly comprises two channels for the passage of the fluid streams produced by a vacuum cleaner also capable of producing steam. In a preferred embodiment, the duct featuring the greater diameter is used to suck the air and the particles of dirt whereas the other duct makes steam flow outward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Spival S.P.A.
    Inventor: Paolo Spinelli
  • Patent number: 9878351
    Abstract: An escalator step cleaner for cleaning escalator steps having a plurality of parallel tread ridges separated by tread grooves has a cleaning pad assembly configured to extend generally perpendicular to the direction of motion of the escalator steps and clean the escalator steps while the escalator is in motion. The cleaning pad assembly has a rigid upper plate and a flexible disposable bottom pad having a cleaning contact surface. The contact surface carries a plurality of spaced parallel pad ridges separated by pad grooves that matingly engage between the tread ridges of the escalator steps and cause dislodgement of the accumulated debris. The cleaning pad assembly can be secured on a hand-held cleaning tool or on a motorized cleaning tool with rotating brushes and a vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: RENAELC, INC.
    Inventors: Patrick C. Gehm, Michael S. Knight
  • Patent number: 9856115
    Abstract: A system for cleaning and conditioning handrails. A cleaning pad is curved to approximate the shape of a handrail, and is disposed on an arm. The arm may be mounted on a support structure, allowing it to be rolled up to an escalator handrail and left to do the cleaning while the escalator runs. When mounted, the arm may include a spring or piston to keep the arm in a particular position. A second cleaning pad may be included to dry or polish the handrail, the handrail going first through the cleaning pad and second through the drying pad. The arm may be hand-held, allowing a user to reach up or down steps or an incline. The cleaning pad may be mounted such that it rotates about the arm for storage, maintenance or better reach, such as around bends or corners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventors: Christian E Thomsen, Rob Drew
  • Patent number: 9770681
    Abstract: An integrated tank has a debris-storage chamber, a water-storage chamber, and a muffler system. The muffler system is disposed proximate the water-storage chamber. The muffler system includes a bypass muffler and a discharge muffler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Southwest Rockies Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Clayton G. Spurgeon, Clinton L. Spurgeon, Steven C. Spurgeon
  • Patent number: 9764929
    Abstract: A system for cleaning and conditioning handrails. A cleaning pad is curved to approximate the shape of a handrail, and is disposed on an arm. The arm may be mounted on a support structure, allowing it to be rolled up to an escalator handrail and left to do the cleaning while the escalator runs. When mounted, the arm may include a spring or piston to keep the arm in a particular position. A second cleaning pad may be included to dry or polish the handrail, the handrail going first through the cleaning pad and second through the drying pad. The arm may be hand-held, allowing a user to reach up or down steps or an incline. The cleaning pad may be mounted such that it rotates about the arm for storage, maintenance or better reach, such as around bends or corners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Inventors: Christian E Thomsen, Rob Drew
  • Patent number: 9752292
    Abstract: A vehicle for re-establishing safe roadway conditions after a car accident by cleaning the roadway. The vehicle includes a first tank containing clean water; a second tank containing a washing liquid for washing oil and other fluids off the road; and a suction tank containing emulsion obtained by collecting the washing liquid and the oil materials. The vehicle also includes a high-pressure water gun; a suction system for removing the emulsion from the roadway; and a suction tube for removing debris from the road, such as broken glass and pieces of plastic. The high-pressure water gun and suction system are powered by an internal combustion engine which powers a pump and three-way distributor which pumps pressurized oil through a hydraulic circuit. There is also a level sensor to measure the quantity of liquid in the suction tank so that the combustion engine is switched off when suction tank is full.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: SICUREZZA E AMBIENTE S.P.A.
    Inventor: Angelo Cacciotti
  • Patent number: 9737187
    Abstract: An extractor includes a base movable along a surface having an agitator. The extractor also includes a distribution nozzle, a suction nozzle, and a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle and operable to draw fluid and dirt from the surface, a recovery tank in fluid communication with the suction source to receive and store the fluid and dirt drawn, a supply tank supported by the base and in fluid communication with the distribution nozzle to supply cleaning fluid, a pump in fluid communication with the supply tank and the distribution nozzle to deliver fluid from the supply tank to the distribution nozzle, a motor operable to drive the agitator and the pump, and a drive mechanism coupled to the motor, the agitator, and the pump and operable to selectively connect the agitator and the pump to the motor to alternately drive the agitator and the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited
    Inventor: John Bantum
  • Patent number: 9731053
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel microdermabrasion system that provides safe and effective treatment for skin conditions such as acne, aging and sallow skin, fine wrinkles, surface skin scars, and other visually unappealing cosmetic skin disfigurements. This new invention provides a universal attachment and air flow/suction regulator which permits micro diamond chip based, crystal free microdermabrasion using a variety of standard vacuums and home based cleaning vacuums. Whereas currently available microdermabrasion devices have required a dedicated internal built in vacuum, this new invention allows the use of the universal attachment to most types of vacuums.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Inventor: Nili Alai
  • Patent number: 9723964
    Abstract: A floor cleaning machine for cleaning a floor surface includes a recovery tank having an inlet conduit and a flow divider. The flow divider includes a divider inlet in downstream fluid communication with the inlet conduit. The flow divider divides the flow into at least two separate flow paths. Each separate flow path includes a first flow path portion for directing the flow in a first direction away from the divider inlet, a second flow path portion directing the flow in a second flow direction that is substantially different from the first flow direction, and a flow redirector portion for redirecting the flow from the first flow direction to the second flow direction. The recovery tank also includes a tank body in downstream fluid communication with the flow divider. The tank body collects dirty fluid from the floor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Kevin Vail
  • Patent number: 9706893
    Abstract: A liquid extraction cleaning device comprises a main unit, a liquid pump, a flexible hose, and a hand tool. The main unit comprises a vacuum pump. The hand tool comprises a vacuum inlet port, an agitator, a spray nozzle, and a grip portion. The vacuum inlet port of the hand tool is operatively connected to the vacuum pump via the hose passageway in a manner such that the vacuum pump is capable of drawing fluid through the vacuum inlet port and into the hose passageway. The spray nozzle is operatively connected to the liquid pump in a manner such that the liquid pump is capable of forcing liquid out of the spray nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: RUG DOCTOR, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Wall, Ann Marie Morrow, Walter Haug, Phuong Le, Charles Michael Ostendorf, Schubert Pereira, Ernest Matthew Chavana, Jr., Vincent Lau, Jason Edward Hill, Jason Tilk, Evan Spirk, Lindsey Tufts, Craig Saunders, Paul Stephens
  • Patent number: 9700186
    Abstract: A vacuuming device for neutralizing flammable powders. The device includes a container having an upper chamber and a lower chamber separated by a baffle, with the upper chamber being in fluid communication with the lower chamber proximate an outer annular region of baffle. A liquid such as water is disposed in the lower chamber, and an air jet drawn into the lower chamber via a vacuum inlet line. In one embodiment, the air jet passes through the liquid for generation of a tangential flow that causes the body of liquid to rotate within the lower chamber. The rotation in the lower chamber can also cause the air in the upper chamber to rotate, so that liquid droplets entrained therein migrate to the outer wall centrifugally. Flammable particles entrained in the air jet are wetted and neutralized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Vista Outdoor Operations LLC
    Inventor: Scott E. Moore
  • Patent number: 9661976
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: SHARKNINJA OPERATING LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Barrocas, Jason Boyd Thorne, Alexander J. Calvino
  • Patent number: 9642447
    Abstract: An electrical cord management apparatus that is operable to position an electrical cord of a electrically powered device being held by a user such that the electrically powered device is in front of the user wherein the electrical cord management apparatus is configured to maintain the electrical cord extending outward from the electrically powered device behind the user. The electrical cord management device includes a planar body having a first slot and a second slot configured to releasably secure the body to a user. Extending outward from the body away from a user is a support arm. The support arm extends outward and is further mounted to extend at a downward angle so as to maintain a desired position of the electrical cord engaged therewith. The support arm a keeper secured thereto that is operable to releasably secure a portion of an electrical cord therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Inventor: Horace Davis
  • Patent number: 9574764
    Abstract: A steam generating device has a handle and a nozzle or pad attached to the handle for treating a surface. The handle includes a heat exchanger, a water reservoir, a fluid conduit in fluid communication with the water reservoir and heat exchanger, and a fluid delivery system for moving water from the water reservoir, through the fluid conduit, and into the heat exchanger. A fuel powered heater is positioned on a side of the wall of the heat exchanger opposite the interior space of the heat exchanger. A first section of the wall of the heat exchanger transfers heat from the heater to water located in the heat exchanger for generating steam from the water located in the heat exchanger. A second section of the wall of the heat exchanger includes an opening that allows steam to exit the heat exchanger and handle and flow through the nozzle or pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Tara L. Kowalski, Wayne Rees, Ronald H. Spang, Jennifer R. Harris, Xiaolan Wei
  • Patent number: 9486615
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a system for treating skin includes a handpiece assembly comprising a tip and a main body portion, the main body portion comprising an interior cavity and at least one canister configured to store at least one of a treatment material and a waste material. The treatment material and/or the waste material is in fluid communication with the tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Edge Systems LLC
    Inventors: Roger Ignon, Ed F. Nicolas
  • Patent number: 9351619
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a base, and a mechanical beater and a vibrating member connected thereto. A first suction inlet in the base is associated with the mechanical beater. A second suction inlet in the base is associated with the vibrating member. An airflow path is in fluid communication with the first and second suction inlets and flows to a debris collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Zenith Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Mark D. Bosses