Abstract: A steam cleaning device with a built-in storage for a power cord, brushes and conversion connectors can change steam output devices by switching a first conversion connector with a second conversion connector to achieve multiple function with the same device. The device further has a winding box and a brush compartment to store the power cord and various types of brushes in one body to save storage space.

Abstract: A steam/vacuum cleaning apparatus has a head case housing with a hollow space and a steam outlet seal sleeve projecting out of the head case housing. An electrical steam generator within the hollow space has an electrical heater, a boiler for generating steam from water in the boiler directed to the steam outlet seal sleeve. An electrical drafting fan assembly within the hollow space creates a negative pressure with a drafting fan, an electrical motor for driving the drafting fan, an air intake port and air exhaust port for creating an air flow path with a suction section and a discharge section. The suction section is upstream of the drafting fan and the discharge section is downstream of the air exhaust port. An air/water separating device in the air flow path is upstream of the suction section for separating and collecting water condensed from air sucked therethrough by the negative pressure.

Abstract: A system and method for cleaning and disinfecting soft surfaces such as carpets, fabrics and the like and for cleaning and disinfecting hard surfaces such as plaster, drywall, concrete, linoleum, counter tops, wood, metal, tile and the like is disclosed. The system and method uses electrolyzed alkaline water produced by an electrolysis process using a standard electrolyte solution of water and an electrolyte, wherein the electrolyte includes sodium chloride (NaCl) at a concentration between about 1% and 50%. In a preferred embodiment about a 20% concentration of sodium chloride is used. The electrolyzed alkaline water produced by this method is effective in cleaning and disinfecting both soft and hard surfaces.

Abstract: A vehicle cleaning apparatus adapted to be connected to a flexible hose of a wet vac, and having a separate connection for attaching a hose to a supply of water in which the working end of the attachment can be operated with one hand with great maneuverability inside a vehicle and, when needed, can supply a spray of water for individual spots requiring wetting as needed by the activation of a spring valve that is located a substantial distance away from the cleaning end of the attachment.

Abstract: A system and method for vacuuming an area is provided. The system and method include a plurality of modular components which can be used in multiple combinations, even while the components are mounted on a vehicle or when they are selectively and individually removed from the vehicle and used near the area being cleaned. An automatic pump-out system and method are provided for automatically pumping out wastewater and a heating system and method are provided for maintaining the heat of the water being applied to the area being cleaned at a predetermined temperature, even when the operator is not applying the water to the surface.

Abstract: A canister-type vacuum cleaner has a cleaner body having a driving portion for generating a suction force and a dust chamber for collecting contaminants that are drawn in by the suction force of the driving unit; a suction extension pipe connected to the cleaner body; a suction brush disposed at an end of the suction extension pipe to draw in the contaminants of a cleaning surface with the suction force that is transmitted via the suction extension pipe; and an electrolytic liquid supply device disposed at the suction extension pipe, for spraying an electrolytic liquid to the cleaning surface through a lower side of the suction brush.

Abstract: A steam-cleaning appliance of the invention comprises a housing in which a water storage chamber, a pump, and a steam device are mounted. The pump pumps cold water from the water storage chamber and delivers cold water to the steam device. The steam device includes a water-flowing path and a heating unit that heats water flowing through the water-flowing path. Cold water pumped by the pump penetrates into the water-flowing path via a water inlet to be heated. The increasingly heated water is sputtered into steam through a steam pipe to a nozzle of the steam-cleaning appliance.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a high pressure printing press ink cleaner comprising a vacuum header housing 20 having wheels 22 secured thereon for mobility. A water supply conduit 24 is connected at one end through connection means 26 to the housing 20 and at the other end to an external power washing device 16. The cleaning unit 14 has a head 74 thereon which contains power spray jets 62 whereby fluid spray 68 is ejected onto a surface to be cleaned. The dirty fluid is sucked up by suction ports 72 contained in the vacuum head 74 and returned through hose 64 to a wet vac 18 where it is stored in the tank 19 of the wet vac. An operator handle 28 is shown having a control trigger means 30 thereon which controls the release of the fluid and the amount of fluid to be released.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a hard floor surface with a surface maintenance vehicle including the steps of generating a foam-like aerated cleaning liquid, selectively conveying the foam-like aerated cleaning liquid to the hard floor surface and a scrubbing medium operatively coupled to the surface maintenance vehicle, scrubbing the hard floor surface with said rotating scrubbing medium and said foam-like aerated cleaning liquid so as to loosen soil from the hard floor surface leaving behind a soiled solution of cleaning liquid and soil, and removing at least a portion of the soiled solution from the hard floor surface through a fluid recovery device. Additional aspects of the present invention include devices for performing the cleaning method.

Abstract: A steam mop. A housing contains a water reservoir for storing water and a heating plate outside the water reservoir. The reservoir dispenses water to the heating element which heats the dispensed water to produce steam substantially instantaneously. The reservoir preferably includes a mechanism for dispensing additional water to the heating element on demand to produce a “burst of steam.” Preferably an absorbent cloth to which is attached a relatively stiff perimeter frame adapted to fit around the bottom of the housing is provided, the cloth assembly being easily removable for cleaning.

Abstract: This invention relates to a steam/vacuum cleaning apparatus comprised of a head case assembly, an air/water separating device and at least one external connecting member; wherein the head case assembly includes a housing, an electrical steam generator and an electrical drafting fan assembly both contained in the housing. The fan assembly has a suction section and a discharge section. The air/water separating device is arranged upstream of the suction section of the fan assembly for inducing air flow and collecting condensed water.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and an apparatus for the ultrasound-aided cleaning of stationary utility surfaces, comprising one or more ultrasonic generators (1), ultrasonic transducer devices (2) and one or more sonotrodes (3) which are substantially of an areal configuration, wherein the unit of the sonotrode (3), the ultrasonic transducer device (2) and the generator (1) can be guided in mobile fashion on a fluid cushion delimited by a sealing lip system (8, 9), over the utility surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: The vacuum cleaner and steamer apparatus of the present invention has a fluid assembly for generating and delivering true steam to a surface to be cleaned and a vacuum assembly for drawing deposited steam and other matter from the surface. The apparatus also includes a cleaning fluid reservoir for holding cleaning fluid and a waste reservoir for holding vacuumed matter. Preferably, both reservoirs are removable. Highly preferred embodiments have a housing 20 within which the cleaning fluid and waste reservoirs are received and retained. The fluid assembly preferably includes the cleaning fluid reservoir, a fluid pump for pumping cleaning fluid therefrom, a heater within which the cleaning fluid is turned into steam, and a sprayer head for spraying the steam upon the surface to be cleaned. The vacuum assembly preferably includes a vacuum fan driven by an electric motor, a vacuum head through which matter is drawn, and the waste reservoir.

Abstract: A molded component or boot is removably fitted to the narrow edges of a commercial carpet cleaning wand otherwise in contact with carpet to be cleaned. Wider bearing surfaces of the attachment or boot allow for smoother action of the carpet cleaning wand over the carpet, without skip or chatter due to directional nap, such as associated with short nap carpets (e.g., berbers or indoor/outdoor carpet). Functional life of the carpet cleaning wand is extended indefinitely through removal and replacement of the attachment. Screw mounting or other simple removable elements facilitate rapid field service. Lightweight molded plastic contributes to ergonomic aspects without impeding any “spray down” or vacuum functions of the wand.

Abstract: An extraction cleaning machine comprising dispensing and recovery systems, the dispensing system including a system for generating heat with an exothermic reaction upon activation for heating the cleaning solution prior to dispensing of the cleaning solution onto a surface. The cleaning solution dispensing system comprises a cleaning solution reservoir to which the heat of the exothermic reaction can be added and a dispenser. The heat of the exothermic reaction can also be added in line to the cleaning solution between the cleaning solution reservoir and the dispenser. The recovery system includes a suction nozzle, a recovery tank and a vacuum source for drawing recovered liquid from the suction nozzle into the recovery tank. A method of cleaning a surface comprises the steps of heating a cleaning solution by an exothermic chemical reaction, applying the cleaning solution to the surface and recovering the cleaning solution from the surface.

Abstract: A tool for cleaning hard, nonabsorbent surfaces, of various compositions, such as concrete, ceramic tile, or the like, and of varying degrees of roughness or smoothness. The tool includes a movable platform with an outer housing and a structure which defines an interior cavity, the structure being spaced apart from the housing and nested beneath it. A liquid used in the cleaning operation is fed into the cavity through two nozzles located on the ends of a tube. Disposed horizontally, the tube is rigidly attached, in its midsection, to a hollow shaft which is supported vertically by a rotatable bearing/seal component. The latter allows a stationary liquid supply hose to deliver liquid at high pressure, via the hollow shaft, to the tube. The nozzles are positioned so that their flow streams discharge downwardly at a slight angle to the vertical. So discharged, the flow stream imparts a tangential force to the tube causing it to rotate.

Abstract: A carpet extractor includes a base assembly 1 including a housing 10 which selectively receives a recovery tank 22 for collecting dirty cleaning fluid. A nozzle assembly 67 is mounted to the base housing and provides a fluid flowpath 182 for dirty cleaning fluid from the floor surface to the recovery tank. The nozzle assembly is pivotable from a first position, in which the fluid flowpath communicates with the recovery tank, to a second position, in which the nozzle assembly is spaced from the recovery tank to allow the recovery tank to be removed from the base housing. A second flowpath 138 is formed on the recovery tank between the tank and a nozzle plate 136. The flowpaths have openings 218, 140, respectively, at their lower ends, which are located either side of two longitudinally spaced brushrolls 60, 62. A flap valve 474 selectively closes both flowpaths during above floor cleaning.

Abstract: A system and method for vacuuming an area is provided. The system and method include a plurality of modular components which can be used in multiple combinations, even while the components are mounted on a vehicle or when they are selectively and individually removed from the vehicle and used near the area being cleaned. An automatic pump-out system and method are provided for automatically pumping out wastewater and a heating system and method are provided for maintaining the heat of the water being applied to the area being cleaned at a predetermined temperature, even when the operator is not applying the water to the surface.

Abstract: A shield useful, in conjunction with an air gun with a medium conduit, in flushing debris from a blind hole. It comprises a case, an exhaust clearance, a hanger, a bottom clearance, and at least one guide with a clearance, and a plug useful for plugging an unused guide clearance. The medium conduit is inserted through a guide clearance which directs a medium, such as compressed air or nitrogen or liquid, towards the blind hole. The medium and debris from the blind hole flow out the exhaust clearance.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a cyclonic power system and method of using the system to clean flat surfaces. The cyclone power system includes a driven spindle that is mounted for rotation about its longitudinal axis. There are a plurality of radially extending straight rod extending from the spindle. Curved blades are connected at one end to the spindle and at their other end to the free end of a straight rod. The centrifugal force, generated as a result of the rotation of the driven spindle is not effective to cause the straight rods, which are constructed of stainless steel, to lengthen and since the curved blades are connected to the straight rods, the centrifugal force is not effective to lengthen the curved blades. In an embodiment of the invention a perforated disc is secured to the bottom surface of the spindle and to the free ends of the straight rods. In this embodiment the water and debris is pulled up through the perforations in the disc.

Abstract: A bridge surface preparation, maintenance and painting system has a truck-mounted man lift with an extensible platform on which robot arms and cameras are mounted. Inflatable bags isolate the area of the bridge being worked on, and an apron catches debris such as from sand blasting. An operator sits at a remote control console on a truck, directs the man lift platform into position, controls the inflating of the barriers and operates and guides the robot arms through master-slave controls while watching video displays. The machine is used for surface preparation, undercoating, finish coat painting and bridge inspections.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a high pressure printing press ink cleaner comprising a vacuum header housing 20 having wheels 22 secured thereon for mobility. A water supply conduit 24 is connected at one end through connection means 26 to the housing 20 and at the other end to an external power washing device 16. The cleaning unit 14 has a head 74 thereon which contains power spray jets 62 whereby fluid spray 68 is ejected onto a surface to be cleaned. The dirty fluid is sucked up by suction ports 72 contained in the vacuum head 74 and returned through hose 64 to a wet vac 18 where it is stored in the tank 19 of the wet vac. An operator handle 28 is shown having a control trigger means 30 thereon which controls the release of the fluid and the amount of fluid to be released.

Abstract: A three-tank carpet spot cleaning device having a cleaning fluid tank, a rinse water tank, and a recovery tank. In use, a user uses cleaning fluid to spot treat the spot, and then is able to rinse all residue of the cleaning fluid from the carpet using the rinse water.

Abstract: A method of more effectively disinfecting a surfaces by application of a disinfectant foam that remains in contact with the surface. The invention also includes a portable cleaning machine that provides on-the-go generation of a disinfectant foam that can be applied to a surface so that the foam clings to the surface for an extended period of time sufficient to disinfect the surface. Once the surface is disinfected the machine includes equipment for rinsing the surfaces and vacuuming away any remaining residue.

Abstract: A steam cleaner includes a steam boiler having a steam outlet, a control valve having a plug rod moved to close/open the steam outlet, a hose holding a steam tube and a steam nozzle head at one end of the steam tube for steam output control, a push bar pivoted to the steam boiler and turned between a first position where the plug rod is moved forwards to open the control valve and a second position where the plug rod is returned to close the control valve, a return spring adapted to hold the push bar in the second position, and a pull cable inserted through the hose and connected between one end of the push bar and a trigger at the steam nozzle head for pulling the push bar from the second position to the first position upon pressing of the trigger.

Abstract: A wet dry cannister vacuum having an upper and lower chamber separated by an intermediate wall. A blower (1) in the upper chamber providing a low and high pressure head communicating with respectively with low and high pressure compartments. A valve (2) opening from the low pressure compartment through the intermediate wall to the lower chamber. Another valve (8) opening from the high pressure compartment through the intermediate wall into the lower chamber. A water reservoir in the bottom of the lower chamber. A duct (15) opens on one end near the bottom of the lower chamber and on the other end to ambient air pressure. In operation, before wet or loose dry material is vacuumed, a small amount of water is introduced into the lower chamber by length of flexible hose being attached to the duct (15) and to a water source on the other. After priming, an attachment for cleaning may be attached to the hose, such as a shampoo wand (25).

Abstract: Carpet cleaning apparatus includes a cleaning wand having a vacuum head and an elongated member forming a passageway for transporting material removed from a carpet by the vacuum head. A cleaning liquid spray nozzle is located at the front of the vacuum head and another cleaning liquid spray nozzle is located at the back of the vacuum head. Two control valves are attached to the elongated member, each controlled by a separate moveable handle, allowing the operator to selectively spray in front or in back of the vacuum head as desired.

Abstract: Carpet cleaning apparatus includes a cleaning wand having a vacuum head and an elongated member forming a passageway for transporting material removed from a carpet by the vacuum head. A cleaning liquid spray nozzle is located at the front of the vacuum head and another cleaning liquid spray nozzle is located at the back of the vacuum head. Two control valves are attached to the elongated member, each controlled by a separate moveable handle, allowing the operator to selectively spray in front or in back of the vacuum head as desired.

Abstract: A cleaning assembly for cleaning surfaces includes a tank and motor housing with a fluid pump assembly, a blower assembly and a vacuum assembly located within the tank and motor housing. The tank and motor housing is adapted to contain a fluid. The fluid pump assembly includes a pump motor configured to pump the fluid in the tank and motor housing through a sprayer hose and onto the surfaces. The blower assembly includes a blower motor configured to blow air through a blower hose and onto the surfaces for directing movement of the fluid on the surfaces. The vacuum assembly includes a recovery tank and a vacuum motor configured to vacuum the fluid with the vacuum motor off of the surfaces, through a separate vacuum hose and into the recovery tank for cleaning the surfaces.

Abstract: A system and method for cleaning and disinfecting soft surfaces such as carpets, fabrics and the like and for cleaning and disinfecting hard surfaces such as plaster, drywall, concrete, linoleum, counter tops, wood, metal, tile and the like is disclosed. The system and method uses electrolyzed alkaline water produced by an electrolysis process using a standard electrolyte solution of water and an electrolyte, wherein the electrolyte includes sodium chloride (NaCl) at a concentration between about 1% and 50%. In a preferred embodiment about a 20% concentration of sodium chloride is used. The electrolyzed alkaline water produced by this method is effective in cleaning and disinfecting both soft and hard surfaces.

Abstract: A cleaning assembly for cleaning surfaces includes a tank and motor housing with a fluid pump assembly, a blower assembly and a vacuum assembly located within the tank and motor housing. The tank and motor housing is adapted to contain a fluid. The fluid pump assembly includes a pump motor configured to pump the fluid in the tank and motor housing through a sprayer hose and onto the surfaces. The blower assembly includes a blower motor configured to blow air through a blower hose and onto the surfaces for directing movement of the fluid on the surfaces. The vacuum assembly includes a recovery tank and a vacuum motor configured to vacuum the fluid with the vacuum motor off of the surfaces, through a separate vacuum hose and into the recovery tank for cleaning the surfaces.

Abstract: A filter for a carpet cleaning device and method for using therefor includes a casing and a partition that extends into the casing to define a primary chamber and a secondary chamber within the casing. A main siphon with an inverted U-shape is mounted in the partition. One end of the siphon extends into the primary chamber while the other end of the siphon extends into the secondary chamber. An auxiliary siphon is located within the secondary chamber, and a pump is attached in fluid communication with the auxiliary siphon. During operation, a wastewater/debris stream is transported into the filter. The stream collects in the primary chamber and establishes a primary fluid level therein. As the primary fluid level rises, carpet fibers and other insoluble debris settle in the primary chamber. Once the primary fluid level is even with the siphon, wastewater fluid is transported from the primary chamber to the secondary chamber and establishes a secondary fluid level therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning an object surface generally includes a junction, a holding tank for containing a cleaning solution therein and a compressor in fluid communication with the holding tank. The holding tank is in fluid communication with a first inlet of the junction and the compressor is in fluid communication with a second inlet of the junction. The compressor supplies an amount of compressed air to the holding tank to create a positive pressure in the tank thereby forcing an amount of cleaning solution out of the tank into the first inlet of the junction. The compressor also supplies an amount of compressed air to the second inlet of the junction where it is combined with the cleaning solution supplied at the first inlet of the junction to produce an atomized mist discharged from an outlet of the junction.

Abstract: In order to keep the dimensions of the drive motor as small as possible in a combined high pressure cleaning and suction appliance incorporating a drive motor whose drive shaft drives both a high pressure pump and a suction fan, it is proposed that the drive shaft of the drive motor be connected to the high pressure pump and to the suction fan via a respective coupling, and that there be provided switching means which, on each occasion, selectively close one of the two couplings and open the other one.

Abstract: A portable steam cleaner eliminates the need for the heavy, self-contained machine that houses the water pump, vacuum system, solution tank, and wastewater recovery tank. It moves the vacuum system and recovery tank from the self-contained unit to a module that the technician wears on his back. The water pump itself becomes a separate unit that attaches to any external tank of water at the job site, such as a bathtub. This external tank serves as the solution tank. Because the portable steam cleaner breaks the machine into small, manageable modules, a technician can easily transport the equipment to a job site. With the smaller steam cleaner, the technician has a great degree of flexibility, so he can maneuver the steam cleaner with ease and efficiency. Finally, because the recovery tank rests on the technician's back, he can effortlessly drain the tank simply by opening a valve.

Abstract: A cyclonic power wash system uses high pressure, high temperature water for selectively cleaning large, flat, concrete or asphalt surfaces. The sprayed water is reclaimed by vacuuming it through holes in the bottom of a reclamation ring attached to the underside of the mobile cyclone sprayer, filtering the vacuumed water and returning it to a storage tank for re-use by the system. The filtration tank initially filters out large matter in an inlet trough and smaller matter in a plurality of cascading chambers. A rotary union in the sprayer prevents the water, passing from the inlet of the rotary union to the discharge thereof, from leaking through or around a seal formed by pressing together a pair of hard, durable sealing surfaces, for example, silicon carbide, one of which is non-rotatably slidingly received in an upper recess of the union's fixed housing and the other, affixed to a spindle rotatably received and retained in a lower recess of the housing.

Abstract: A vapor cleaning device having a boiler installed in a case for boiling water. Water vapor is guided to a cleaning tool by a high temperature conduit having a holder. A variety of cleaning tools, and an extension piece may be attached to the holder. The extension piece includes ends that may be connected to another extension piece, the variety of cleaning tools and the holder. A strap attached to the case enables the cleaning device to be easily transported.

Abstract: The carpet/floor cleaning wand has a vacuum tube with a first section extending roughly parallel to the ground and a second section angled in an upwards direction from the first section. A vacuum hose connects the vacuum tube to a vacuum source. A vacuum head is connected to the first section of the vacuum tube, the vacuum head having bristles therearound and a squeegee attached to the front of the vacuum head. A wheel assembly is releasably mounted onto the vacuum tube. A brush assembly having a motor and a brush is mounted behind the vacuum head. A spray assembly is comprised of a spray manifold mounted behind the vacuum head, a plurality of spray heads emanating from the spray manifold, a fluid feeding tube extending from the spray manifold and to a flow regulator.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a surface has a handle joined to a cleaning head operable to dispense liquid onto a surface to be cleaned, mechanically work up dirt, film and particulates from the surface into a vacuum unit. The cleaning head has a cylindrical core supporting a sleeve that rotates on a cylindrical member as the head moves relative to the surface to be cleaned. Nozzles located within the cleaning head discharge liquid into the core and sleeve. The sleeve distributes the liquid onto the surface to be cleaned. A modification of the apparatus has nozzles located adjacent the sleeve that dispenses liquid to a surface. The sleeve when subjected to vacuum picks up the liquid and dirt from the surface. A further modification has a cleaning head with an internal chamber closed with a removable base and pad. A nozzle located within the chamber discharges liquid to the pad. The liquid and dirt collected by the pad are drawn into the chamber by vacuum.

Abstract: In order to further develop a cleaning device comprising a cleaning liquid tank and a dirty liquid tank as well as a pump in flow communication with the cleaning liquid tank for spraying a surface to be cleaned and a suction unit for receiving the sprayed cleaning liquid and transferring it into the dirty liquid tank in such a manner that it is more service-friendly and less noisy it is suggested that the pump and the suction unit be held in a separate housing which can be introduced into a frame of the cleaning device in the form of an insert.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing coatings from all surfaces of a deck tiedown on a marine vessel (ships) using an ultra high pressure waterjetting and a vacuum attachment to contain the effluent water and debris. A rotating ultra high pressure nozzle designed to clean all areas of the tiedown by being manipulated in multiple directions and elevations is enclosed in a pressure receiver that seals to the deck surface. All removed coatings, paint, rust, and deposits are removed to a remote vacuum recovery system. This method cleans all areas of the tiedown with no damage to the substrate and provides a superior surface for the application of coatings with no detrimental effects to surrounding deck areas and eliminating foreign object damage to surrounding equipment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for conditioning of textile, e.g. cotton, fibers as they are removed from bales for processing. A source of a conditioning liquid and a source of pressurized air are each in flow communication with a plurality of atomizing nozzles secured to a reciprocating fiber take-off device located above a plurality of aligned bales of fibers. As the removal apparatus moves back and forth across the upper surface of each bale, the nozzles dispense conditioning liquid directly onto the exposed upper surface of each bale. The fibers are thereafter entrained in an air flow for transport to further processing station(s).

Abstract: A particular multi-functional cleaning machine, in accordance with the principles of the invention, includes a water-tank and a liquid delivery line extending from the water tank to a high-pressure spray gun. The liquid delivery line has an inner end, a pump, and an outer end, with the inner end connected to the water tank, and the outer end connected to the high-pressure spray gun. The machine also has a cleaning-liquid draw line which is connected to the liquid delivery line using a cleaning-liquid injector. Because the machine has a separate cleaning-liquid draw line, an operator is able to choose from among any of a number of different cleaning liquids stowed in containers on the machine, and to draw a particular liquid through the draw line, into the liquid delivery line, where it may be combined with water from the water tank and subsequently sprayed onto a surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: A clean and capture tool 1 to service floor surfaces. The tool 1 includes brackets between which there extends a circular cleaning head 3. The head 3 includes an outer cover 6 below which there is located a rotatably driven arm 3 which directs water sprays at the floor surface. The cover 6 includes a downwardly facing peripheral channel 8 to which a vacuum is delivered to withdraw water and loosened dirt and waste material from the surface being cleaned.

Abstract: A particular multi-functional cleaning machine, in accordance with the principles of the invention, includes a water-tank and a liquid delivery line extending from the water tank to a high-pressure spray gun. The liquid delivery line has an inner end, a pump, and an outer end, with the inner end connected to the water tank, and the outer end connected to the high-pressure spray gun. The machine also has a cleaning-liquid draw line which is connected to the liquid delivery line using a cleaning-liquid injector. Because the machine has a separate cleaning-liquid draw line, an operator is able to choose from among any of a number of different cleaning liquids stowed in containers on the machine, and to draw a particular liquid through the draw line, into the liquid delivery line, where it may be combined with water from the water tank and subsequently sprayed onto a surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: An area-rug cleaning method has steps of air spray (1) for removing dry-extractible dirt with angularly directed air pressure; immersion shampoo (9) for removing immersion-extractible dirt with immersion-shampooing that does not molest rug fibers; scrub wash (16) for removing adhered dirt such as stains, odors and urine with rotational scrub washing; vacuum extract (18) for removing wash fluid with dry vacuum extraction; water rinse (20); cool dry (23); dry clean (24) for removing wash-resistant dirt; acid condition (25) for neutralizing base cleaning agents with an acid-based catalyst; and pad rub (26) for rubbing nap of the area rugs with a cloth pad to provide a shine finish.

Abstract: A mobile cleaning system in which an extraction blower is driven by a hydraulic circuit including a pump driven by the engine of the transport vehicle and a motor connected to the blower. The improvement comprises a heat exchanger for transferring heat from the hydraulic circuit to liquid extracted by the vacuum created by the blower.

Abstract: A portable surface cleaning apparatus has a base for movement along a surface to be cleaned and an upright handle pivotally attached to a rearward portion of the base. A fluid dispensing nozzle for applying fluid to the surface and a suction nozzle for picking up fluid and debris from the surface are associated with the base. Supply tanks are removably mounted to the handle or base while a recovery tank is removably mounted to the handle or base. An outlet in each supply tank includes a valve to close the outlet when the supply tank is removed from the base. A protrusion in a bottom surface of the supply tank defines a measuring volume for concentrated cleaning solution and is further adapted to stabilize the supply tank in the base or handle. The supply tank also includes an aperture through a lower portion selectively closed by a drain plug. A conduit connecting each supply tank to a dispensing nozzle includes a check valve restricting fluid flow to a direction from the tank and to the nozzle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water extraction cleaning machine having a variable solution mixing valve adapted to create cleaning solution mixtures of variable constituent ratios. Clean water and detergent are provided from tanks supported on the water extraction cleaning machines. The size of the detergent inlet opening can be altered through rotation of a control knob provided on the outside of the water extraction cleaning machine. The knob is interconnected to at least one member which is adapted to vary the size of one of the detergent fluid inlet and the clean water inlet so that the ratio of constituent elements can be altered depending upon the cleaning application.

Abstract: A hood with a depending side wall has vacuum passages formed in the inner surface thereof. An inner shroud positioned internally of the hood cooperates therewith in forming the vacuum passages and has a lower edge elevated above the surface to be cleaned. A foramenous skirt depends from the lower edge of the hood sidewall to contact the surface to be cleaned. The vacuum passages are connected to a source of vacuum. A rotating spray assembly inside the shroud sprays cleaning liquid onto the surface to be cleaned.