Manipulatable Nozzle With Flexible Conduit Connection To Portable Power And/or Material Supply Unit, E.g., Window Washer Patents (Class 15/321)
  • Patent number: 4185354
    Abstract: A suction head for a suction cleaning appliance with means for delivering a cleaning liquid for application to a surface to be cleaned and collecting the delivered liquid from said surface having a liquid delivery duct disposed within an inner compartment itself arranged within a suction chamber. The duct is provided with fine holes whereby the liquid is delivered in a dropwise manner. The inner compartment and the suction chamber have smooth mouths arranged in a common plane so that the liquid delivered through the holes is constrained to contact the surface being cleaned before encountering air flow over that surface induced by suction in the suction chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1980
    Assignee: Vax Appliances Limited
    Inventor: Alan J. Brazier
  • Patent number: 4170805
    Abstract: An upright tank partly filled with water is disposed on a wheeled carrier. A box-shaped cover at the top of the tank is provided on the inside with an air exhaust blower and a pump, both are enclosed within an air filter attached to the underside of the cover. A return hose leading to a glass cleaner head opens above the water level within the tank. The pump pumps water percolated by a dirt percolator at the tank bottom to the cleaner through a feed hose to the glass cleaner head extending through the return hose. Dirty air and water from the cleaner return to the tank through the return hose. The blower exhausts the air within the tank therefrom. The exhausted air passes through the air filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1979
    Assignee: Yugen-Gaisha Waikei Giken
    Inventor: Moriji Kumagai
  • Patent number: 4168563
    Abstract: A system, and apparatus for cleaning carpet and textile floor coverings which provides for a first detergent spraying followed by a second jet spraying with a liquid incorporating a cationic surfactant accompanied by a substantially simultaneous suctioning off of the deposited second liquid. The apparatus of the system includes a mobile frame arrangement with two adjacent tanks, one carrying cleaning solution and the other carrying the noted surfactant. Solenoid actuated valves control the delivery of these liquids through a wand to the carpet being cleaned. The apparatus includes a power conserving feature providing for a direct coupling between the motor of the apparatus and a suction blower and a simultaneous belt drive coupling to a liquid pump. The design of the apparatus is such as to minimize the physical effort required during its use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1979
    Inventor: LeRoy 0'Bryan
  • Patent number: 4167798
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for carpets, carpet bases, upholstery and the like has a blower for producing compressed air and suction air, a compressed air main pipe, a foam producing device connected to the main pipe and a nozzle for depositing the foam on the surface to be cleaned, a suction nozzle for drawing up the foam and dirt, a separator including a filter unit and a dirt chamber, a closable opening in the compressed air main pipe and an additional cleaning device having a supply hose and a connection piece for insertion into the closable opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1979
    Inventors: Gerhard Klugl, Klaus Jahrling
  • Patent number: 4164055
    Abstract: Suction and germicidal spray producing apparatus effects rapid removal of soils and bacteria from hard surface floors in both dry and wet states, the removed dry and wet soils and bacteria being isolated and confined; the apparatus includes a head assembly carrying longitudinally spaced, resiliently flexible strips extending in parallel relation to engage the floor surface, the head assembly including support means to engage the floor surface; means is provided for applying suction to the space between the strips; and means is provided for applying cleaning liquid to the floor surface to wet that surface visibly and openly outside the space between the strips, so that the user moving the head assembly back and forth can controllably move the head and strips over the surface to assure suction removal of liquid, soils and bacteria on the floor surface, to be conducted away from the head assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1979
    Assignee: Purex Corporation
    Inventor: Robert L. Townsend
  • Patent number: 4159554
    Abstract: A recirculating system is provided for use with a cleaning machine including a recovery tank and a heated fluid solution dispensing tank for recirculating a part of the heated fluid passed from the dispensing tank to a hand-held fabric cleaning head. A normal vacuum hose connects a suction chamber in the hand-held cleaning head to the recovery tank of the machine. A dispensing fluid outlet line and a dispensing fluid return line are both preferably contained within the vacuum hose. The ends of the fluid inlet line and fluid outlet line at the machine extend laterally through appropriate fixtures from the vacuum hose to outlet and return inlet ports of the fluid dispensing tank. The far distal ends of the fluid outlet line and fluid inlet line at the hand-held head in turn connect to a block member having a third outlet for passing a portion of the dispensing fluid directly to a spray nozzle in the outlet head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1979
    Inventors: Arlen M. Knight, William R. Hachtmann
  • Patent number: 4158248
    Abstract: A self-contained mobile cleaning unit mounted within a vehicle and including selectively engageable elements powered by the vehicle engine to drive auxiliary apparatus necessary to the cleaning process. The selectively engageable auxiliary apparatus includes a pump and a vacuum blower. The cleaning apparatus is controlled in its operation by a series of switches mounted in parallel such that the apparatus will not function unless all of the switches are actuated. A quick release interconnecting apparatus permits the operator to secure the necessary conduits to the exterior of the vehicle and transmit the cleaning liquid and vacuum to the point of operation, the waste liquid being returned to the vehicle and stored therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1977
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1979
    Inventor: Michael C. Palmer
  • Patent number: 4156952
    Abstract: A self contained compact carpet soil extractor includes a vacuum tube for singularly supporting a vacuum head, nozzles through which the cleaning solution is dispensed, a pivotally mounted powered brush and motor means for driving the brush; additionally, the source of vacuum, a supply of cleaning solution under pressure and a waste tank are directly or indirectly suspended from the vacuum tube. One variant includes means for supporting a quantity of the cleaning solution upon the vacuum tube and a further variant relies upon external sources to provide vacuum and cleaning solution. Support upon the carpet for the extractor is provided by the mouth of the vacuum head, the brush and a curved spring skid; the force exerted by the brush and the depth to which the brush extends into the carpet nap is primarily a function of the bristle length with respect to the plane defined by the vacuum head mouth and the skid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1977
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1979
    Assignee: Chemko Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick E. Lynch, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4153968
    Abstract: A cleaning device including a generating unit, a remote cleaning head having a dispensing chamber through which a heated cleaning solution is applied to a surface to be cleaned, and a closed circuitous system connected to a source of an aqueous liquid, a source of detergent, and the dispensing chamber of the remote head. As the cleaning device is used, liquid and detergent simultaneously enter the circuitous system and are mixed and circulated therein while simultaneously being heated to and maintained at a preselected temperature of about 180.degree. F. to provide a continuing supply of heating cleaning solution at the cleaning head.During use of the device, a suction blower creates a vacuum which extends from a tank within the generating unit through a flexible hose and into a suction chamber in the cleaning head. Thus, spent cleaning solution and entrained soil and debris will be drawn from the surface and into the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1979
    Inventor: Larry M. Perkins
  • Patent number: 4154578
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a carpet on location without removing the carpet to a cleaning plant, the method comprising washing the carpet on location with an alkaline solution and neutralizing the alkaline residue left on the carpet after washing by blowing a spray of an acid solution under pressure into the washed carpet and removing the blown acid solution from the carpet after blowing by drawing a vacuum over the washed and blown carpet. The washing step also comprises blowing a heated spray of the alkaline solution under pressure into the carpet and removing the blown alkaline solution and loosened dirt from the carpet after blowing by drawing a vacuum over the blown carpet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1979
    Inventor: William F. Bane
  • Patent number: 4151627
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus providing in one unit, a vacuum cleaner for cleaning wet as well as dry surfaces, and a liquid reservoir with means for converting the liquid into steam. Means are also provided for applying steam to a surface while reclaiming excess deposits of steam into the unit through the vacuum system. The application and reclamation system may also be utilized to dye or tint surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1975
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1979
    Assignee: Magi Clean, Inc.
    Inventor: William B. Wisdom
  • Patent number: 4146944
    Abstract: A carpet cleaning machine having a scrub brush, independent means for selectively delivering cleaning and rinse solutions, and vacuum means for removing the solutions and entrained dirt. A cleaning head is moved about the carpet on a pair of wheels by an attached operating handle which includes means for controlling the volume and timing of the release of the solutions. The wheels are so located, with respect to the center of gravity of the head, that the scrub brush is normally in contact with the carpet. However, in response to appropriate manipulation of the operating handle, the head is pivoted about the axis of the wheels and the scrub brush is lifted from the carpet and the vacuum nozzle brought in contact with the carpet. A pump is used to deliver rinse solution from a reservoir to the head by a flexible hose and the vacuumed waste is delivered to a remote collection chamber through a flexible hose and a portion of the operating handle. To protect the rinse solution pump, a bypass loop is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1979
    Assignee: General Signal Corporation
    Inventor: Louis J. Pinto
  • Patent number: 4142270
    Abstract: This invention relates to a vacuum cleaning machine which is capable of operating in a wet or dry environment. It may also be used as a "steam" cleaning machine by applying a hot solution of cleaning solution to a surface to be cleaned and subsequently vacuuming up the deposited cleaning solution. The machine may also be used as a "dry" vacuum cleaner without substantial modification. The particular aspects of the machine to which this application is directed is a baffle system which when combined with a strainer-float system and a right angled elbow member, combine to permit operation in a "wet" mode, but prevent the ingress of the detergent and foreign matter into the air motivating system of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1979
    Inventor: Jelle G. Nauta
  • Patent number: 4139922
    Abstract: A reversible electric motor is mounted in a frame and is connected to front and rear rotary brushes mounted transversely in the frame adjacent the front of the machine with a transverse vacuum nozzle being situated between the brushes. A transverse spray nozzle bar is situated forwardly of the front brush and a further spray nozzle bar is situated rearwardly of the rear brush. A transverse ground engaging drive roller is mounted adjacent the rear of the machine and is also connected to the electric motor. A handle extends upwardly and rearwardly from the rear of the machine and carries controls for the electric motor and for the spray nozzle bars. The vacuum nozzle and the spray bars are connected by flexible hoses to a remotely situated solution tank and recovery tank unit which also includes a source of vacuum such as a vacuum cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1979
    Inventor: Chester Fitch
  • Patent number: 4138760
    Abstract: A carpet washing attachment for a tank-type, wet - dry vacuum cleaner comprising a fluid tank in a form of a hollow collar of a size and shape to fit around the vacuum tank and being supported on the top and depending along the sides thereof. A pump in the tank delivers a washing solution through a duct which extends along the vacuum hose and wand to terminate in a nozzle adjacent the suction head. A quick disconnect coupling at the fluid tank enables the washing attachment to be inactivated, and another at the connection between the vacuum hose and the wand enables a quick change to a shorter wand for cleaning upholstery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1979
    Inventor: Michael D. Cadle
  • Patent number: 4138761
    Abstract: This invention relates to a vacuum cleaning machine which is capable of operating as a wet or dry pickup without any substantial modification in the basic structure of the machine. To convert from a machine capable of operation as a wet pickup machine to a dry pickup machine requires only that the operator open the containment vessel and install a suitable paper or cloth bag over an elbow member protruding into the containment vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1979
    Inventor: Jelle G. Nauta
  • Patent number: 4137599
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to cleaning of carpets, upholstery and the like by "wet" processes such as the hot water extraction process. In particular, the invention provides an improved method and apparatus for cleaning surfaces comprised of fabric or fabric-like material wherein a cleaning liquid is sprayed over the surface immediately prior to subjecting said surface to suction, such as by a vacuum apparatus. The apparatus is provided with a cleaning head having a vacuum motor mounted thereon to increase the vacuum being pulled at the inlet to the cleaning head, a certain vacuum level being usually pulled by vacuum apparatus in a mobile tank remote from the cleaning head. Sediment-laden liquid pulled into the cleaning head is channeled to the remote mobile tank while only air is pulled through the vacuum motor mounted on the cleaning head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1976
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1979
    Inventor: Chester G. Steyer
  • Patent number: 4136420
    Abstract: In a carpet soil extracting wand having nozzles for dispensing a cleaning solution and a vacuum head for extracting the mixture of dirt and cleaning solution, a powered brush reciprocally travels through a predetermined arc to scrub the carpet. Bias means are included to allow variation in the pressure exerted by the reciprocating brush upon the pile of the carpet. For manually operated carpet soil extractors, the handle is pivotally positionable for ease of use while the interconnecting conduits to sources of vacuum and cleaning solution are maintained rigid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1979
    Assignee: Chemko Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Gilbert C. Cyphert, Patrick E. Lynch, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4127913
    Abstract: A fabric cleaning device having a container for cleaning solution, a movable tank for waste water and a cleaning head removably attached to the tank by a vacuum hose for cleaning the fabric requires external connections to a source of electricity and a source of pressurized water. A portion of the hose is formed rigidly to provide a handle. A vacuum pump mounted on a removable tank-sealing cover for creating a vacuum within the tank has an air outlet operatively connected to a spray gun by a detachable hose. A filter connected to the pump cleans air discharged through the outlet. The spray gun is mounted on the container and has a normally closed valve for selectively discharging cleaning fluid onto the fabric. Water directed through a hose and tank mounted coupling from the source to a discharge nozzle with a normally closed valve mounted in the cleaning head selectively rinses dirt and cleaning fluid from the fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1978
    Inventor: Clifford L. Monson
  • Patent number: 4123818
    Abstract: A low-cost accessory for a conventional tank-type wet-pickup vacuum cleaner which converts such a vacuum cleaner into a self-contained hot water extraction type of carpet shampooer and floor cleaner suitable for use by homeowners. The accessory includes a reservoir which attaches compactly to the vacuum cleaner. The reservoir is intended to be filled with a cleaning solution of hot water and detergent and includes means for feeding the cleaning solution to a spray nozzle located behind the vacuum pickup nozzle. A hand-controlled valve permits the operator to dispense cleaning solution and to interrupt the flow of solution while vacuuming the wetted floor or carpet. In a preferred embodiment the reservoir is a pressurizable toroidal shaped tank which fits around the vacuum cleaner. The reservoir is pressurized by an integral manual air pump. An indicating pressure relief valve provides a measure of air pressure and prevents over pressurization of the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1976
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1978
    Inventor: Mathew Hurwitz
  • Patent number: 4118002
    Abstract: A connecting apparatus connects a wet dry vacuum cleaner in a vertically spaced relationship with a solution tank. Cleaning solution is dispensed from the solution tank to the article to be cleaned, such as a carpet, and thereafter extracted from the article by the wet dry vacuum cleaner. The connecting apparatus allows a pre-existing vacuum cleaner to be combined with the solution tank, or allows the vacuum cleaner to be disassociated from its associated apparatus of the cleaning solution - extraction type cleaning apparatus. The connecting apparatus itself comprises a plurality of elongated arm members extending essentially from a common connection point, and bracket members are attached to each arm member to contact the vacuum cleaner and solution tank for retaining the vacuum cleaner and solution tank in an essentially vertically spaced relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1978
    Inventor: Robert N. Bartlett
  • Patent number: 4114231
    Abstract: This invention relates to an air flow system for a vacuum cleaner which, because of the nature of the machine, must be able to operate in wet or damp environments without the ingestion of water into the motor. The housing for the motor is of a bulbous shape manufactured of an insulating material and is arranged to have a bulbous shaped insulating cap fitted on the housing in a spaced apart relationship, such that two air flow channels are produced between the housing and cap by a pair of rib structures integrally cast in said housing structure. Air is drawn into the bottom of the cap and moves upwardly between housing and cap, passes through the housing and through the motor fan, through the motor to provide the necessary cooling and thence is expelled to atmosphere by passage out of ports in the housing to pass into another section of the housing-cap structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1978
    Inventor: Jelle G. Nauta
  • Patent number: 4112538
    Abstract: A carpet cleaning machine of the portable type that is characterized by a compact frame arrangement for supporting dispensing and pick-up systems for liquid type carpet cleaners. The cleaning liquid and dirty liquid are simultaneously applied to and picked up from a carpet by means of a manually operated carpet cleaning tool. The machine is further characterized by auxiliary dirty fluid collecting means mounted on a separate wheeled auxiliary frame. The auxiliary fluid collecting means is disconnectably located in the flow of dirty fluid from the carpet cleaning tool to a main collecting means on the machine with said auxiliary collecting means being adapted to be removed from emptying without preventing continuation of the carpet cleaning operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1976
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1978
    Inventor: Jack A. Bates
  • Patent number: 4109340
    Abstract: A carpet cleaning machine mounted on a truck or van for transport to the work site. The main power for the machine is developed by an internal combustion engine which drives an injection pump, a vacuum pump, and a sump pump. A reservoir maintains and stores a supply of cooling water-cleaning fluid for removing heat generated by the engine. Coolant-cleaning fluid is drawn from the engine by the injection pump for transmission to the carpet cleaning injection nozzles. The coolant may be further heated as it is drawn from the engine by means of a heat exchanger which removes heat from the engine exhaust gases. The coolant may be further heated by deliberately employing an inefficient injection pump. The vacuum pump draws water from the carpet through a filter or sump which may be discharged through the sump pump when a predetermined coolant level is achieved in the sump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1978
    Inventor: Leonard E. Bates
  • Patent number: 4106155
    Abstract: Apparatus for washing contaminated laboratory containers such as test tubes, flasks and the like. A tube, one end of which is connected to a source of negative pressure and the other end of which is inserted into a contaminated container, has a length sufficient to reach the bottom of the container to remove by aspiration material therein. A pump is connected to a source of washing material and, when actuated, delivers washing material into the container. Actuation of the pump interrupts aspiration during delivery of washing material. The washing material thus delivered to the container and contaminants are withdrawn by aspiration from the container after the pump is deactuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1976
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1978
    Assignee: Cortex Research Corporation
    Inventor: Egil Fosslien
  • Patent number: 4089470
    Abstract: Toward apparatus for providing selectively a stream of one or a combination of first and second fluids is disclosed to include independent storage means for the fluids, pressure generating means for the respective fluids, atmospheric break means to preclude backwash of fluids and mixing means for selectively mixing the fluids as desired for delivery to a site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1976
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1978
    Assignee: Strahman Valves, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard D. Strahman
  • Patent number: 4087881
    Abstract: A carpet cleaning machine wherein cleaning fluid is continuously dispensed to an in-place carpet from manually manipulatble tools and wherein dirty fluid is continuously picked up from the carpet and conveyed to a dirty fluid collecting means. The machine is characterized by a plurality of individually operated tools connected to a common machine frame and common operating components mounted therein thereby providing for the simultaneous work efforts of a plurality of tool operators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1976
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1978
    Inventor: Jack A. Bates
  • Patent number: 4083077
    Abstract: A hand tool is constructed for detachable connection to a fluid cleaning machine such as a steam cleaning unit. A hollow head has convexly rounded front and rear edges to promote smooth back and forth sliding motion over fabric. Forward and rearward regions of the head constitute a suction chamber and a spray chamber respectively. A fluid solution line is surrounded and protected by a flexible suction hose that is releasably coupled to a neck of the hand tool. A flow control interconnects the fluid solution line and a spray nozzle in the spray chamber. Baffles positioned across a lower opening of the suction chamber reduce wrinkling and ridging tendencies of the fabric as it is being cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1975
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1978
    Inventors: Arlen M. Knight, William Hachtmann
  • Patent number: 4069541
    Abstract: A liquid application and vacuum pick up cleaning apparatus wherein more thorough cleaning is facilitated by subjection of liquid on a surface being cleaned to agitation at ultrasonic frequencies for causing cavitation of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1978
    Assignee: U.S. Floor Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Williams, William R. Kimball
  • Patent number: 4068340
    Abstract: A lightweight mobile and efficient apparatus for cleaning fabrics by the simultaneous application thereto of steam and vacuum comprises a trolley having a lower deck which supports a water tank and a vacuum tank, and a detachable upper deck on which at least one motor, pump and ancillary components thereof are mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1978
    Assignee: Steam Vacuum Extraction Limited
    Inventor: Raymond John Forward
  • Patent number: 4046989
    Abstract: Means for varying the heating rate of an immersion heater in a hot-water extraction unit comprising a solution tank in which an electrical immersion heater is mounted in order to decrease the warm-up time of the unit. In the preferred embodiment, the means comprise (a) a first heating element having a first watt rating; (b) a second heating element having a second watt rating, lower than the first watt rating; and (c) means for selectively actuating one or the other of the two heating elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1976
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1977
    Assignee: Parise & Sons, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl Parise, Ralph Eugene Blackman, James M. Wimsatt
  • Patent number: 4019218
    Abstract: A self contained carpet soil extractor having a carrier for a cleaning solution, waste water and an attached floor wand for cleaning the carpet requires only an external connection to a source of electricity. The cleaning solution is directed through nozzles within the wand to scrub and permeate the pile of the carpet. An agitator brush within the wand, in combination with the chemical action of the cleaning solution, loosens embedded dirt. A source of vacuum within a mouth of the wand draws the resulting mixture of cleaning solution and dirt from the carpet and conveys the mixture into the waste tank of the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1976
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1977
    Assignee: Chemko Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Gilbert G. Cyphert
  • Patent number: 4015589
    Abstract: This invention relates to steam cleaners for cleaning rugs, upholstery, and the like which comprise (a) a liquids pump, (b) a soap tank adapted to contain a mixture of water and detergent during use of the steam cleaner and having an outlet at the bottom thereof, and (c) means of fluid communication between the outlet at the bottom of the soap tank and the liquids pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1976
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1977
    Assignee: Parise & Sons, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Wimsatt, Carl Parise
  • Patent number: 4009728
    Abstract: A water valve assembly for mounting on the vacuum return wand of a steam cleaner a water valve of the type having an outwardly biased actuating member which prevents the passage of water in its normal position and permits the passage of water when pressed inwardly. The assembly comprises (a) two mating mounting brackets shaped to receive portions of the peripheries of the vacuum return wand and the water valve, (b) a shaft passing through the mounting brackets between the vacuum return wand and the water valve, (c) a lever arm mounted on shaft between the two mounting brackets, and (d) means for urging the two mounting brackets together so as to firmly grasp the vacuum return wand and the water valve therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1976
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1977
    Assignee: Parise & Sons, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl Parise
  • Patent number: 3992747
    Abstract: An improved tool is disclosed for cleaning hard surface floors. The tool includes a scrubbing block which is pivotally mounted on the lower end of a handle that may be manipulated by a person standing by the tool. A housing is mounted about the scrubbing block and is connected with the scrubbing block by leaf springs so as to permit the housing to "float" with respect to the scrubbing block. The housing includes a bottom surface and curved, generally transverse, front and rear channels that are disposed adjacent to the front and rear of the housing, that are open to the floor, and that are connected with a vacuum conduit. Squeegee blades are disposed in the channels and are carried therein by support members pivotally mounted on the housing. The support members include a plurality of depending feet which support the housing so that its bottom surface is above the floor to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1975
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1976
    Assignee: Service Master Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Austen B. Hufton
  • Patent number: 3964925
    Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning carpets is provided. The apparatus includes a nozzle for applying liquid such as water to the carpet and also includes air nozzles or openings for drying the carpet. Specifically, a vacuum nozzle is employed to pull in air and water from the carpet, with a hose connecting the vacuum nozzle to a vacuum tank which is associated with a vacuum blower. An exhaust air nozzle or opening is positioned near the vacuum nozzle, with a hose connecting this nozzle to an exhaust outlet associated with the vacuum blower. The vacuum nozzle and the exhaust air nozzle or opening are positioned so that warm exhaust air from the vacuum blower is emitted from the exhaust air nozzle or opening, passes at least partly through the carpet, and is at least partly returned with water through the vacuum nozzle to the tank. In one form, the exhaust air nozzle or opening can be opened and closed remotely through suitable linkages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1974
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1976
    Assignee: The Scott & Fetzer Company
    Inventor: Jack L. Burgoon
  • Patent number: 3959845
    Abstract: A system for cleaning particulate matter from a mining car in which a nozzle directs a high pressure fluid against packed particles within the mining car to loosen the same, and withdraws the packed particles and fluid from the mining car with a vacuum flow thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1974
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1976
    Assignee: Browning-Ferris Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Cradeur, Ronald Webb Holloway
  • Patent number: 3942217
    Abstract: A carpet cleaning machine of the portable type that is characterized by a compact frame arrangement for supporting dispensing and pick-up systems for liquid type carpet cleaners. The cleaning liquid and dirty liquid are simultaneously applied to and picked up from a carpet by means of a manually operated carpet cleaning tool. The machine is further characterized by auxiliary dirty fluid collecting means mounted on a separate wheeled auxiliary frame. The auxiliary fluid collecting means is disconnectably located in the flow of dirty fluid from the carpet cleaning tool to a main collecting means on the machine with said auxiliary collecting means being adapted to be removed for emptying without preventing continuation of the carpet cleaning operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1974
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1976
    Inventor: Jack A. Bates
  • Patent number: 3939515
    Abstract: Improved apparatus for cleaning upholstery, carpets, rugs and the like by either shampooing or dry vacuuming includes baffle means arranged for selectively conditioning the apparatus for either operation without changing existing connections so that the conditioning is performed quickly and efficiently to enhance the selected cleaning operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1975
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1976
    Inventor: Stanley F. Platek
  • Patent number: 3939527
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus having a molded plastic housing and an upwardly and rearwardly projecting casing terminating at a handle. The lower portion of the housing includes a forward suction nozzle with an opening into a recovery tank and a molded plastic cover hingedly mounted over the recovery tank. The cover includes a downwardly projecting baffle adjacent the suction nozzle opening into the recovery tank. Suction is generated by a blower at the rear of the recovery chamber and a shield positioned in front of the blower prevents liquid flow from the recovery chamber into the blower. The cover includes a raised portion extending out over the top of the shield and downwardly to a juncture with the forward baffle, the raised portion thereby defining a passageway around and over the shield whereby air is free to flow from the recovery chamber over the shield and into the blower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1973
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1976
    Assignee: Clarke-Gravely Corporation
    Inventor: Terry H. Jones