Abstract: A cleaning device for either carpeted or hard surfaces which utilizes pressurized cleaning fluid to clean the surface. The fluid nozzles are arranged on two or more heads which are in turn mounted on two or more arms. The arms rotate about a common axis causing the heads to move in a circular pattern. The heads rotate about their own central axis. The nozzles are angled relative to the surface being cleaned and preferably rotate towards the direction of the fluid jet. Preferably, at least two of the heads counter-rotate. Also preferably, the heads are arranged at somewhat different radial distances from the rotational axis of the arms so that their coverage patterns partially overlap. The combination of the counter rotation and the overlap provides an alternating, or beating, pattern to the angle of incidence of the fluid on the surface being cleaned.

Abstract: A portable surface cleaning apparatus comprises a base module for movement along the surface; an upright handle pivotally attached to the base module; a fluid dispensing system including at least one fluid supply tank mounted to the handle or the base module, a dispensing nozzle mounted to the base module for applying a cleaning fluid to a surface to be cleaned, and a heater for heating the fluid to be applied to the surface to be cleaned to a temperature less than boiling; a fluid recovery tank mounted to the handle or the base module for holding recovered fluid; a suction nozzle associated with the base module; a working air conduit extending between the recovery tank and the suction nozzle; and a vacuum source and fluid communication with the recovery tank for generating a flow of working air from the suction nozzle through the working air conduit and through the recovery tank to thereby recovering fluid from the surface to be cleaned through the suction nozzle and working air conduit and into the recovery

Abstract: A lightweight portable steam carpet cleaning machine comprised of two main structures, a handle assembly and the recovery tank. Connected to the machine are two hoses, the supply hose which supplies clear water to the machine and the discharge hose which takes dirty water away depositing it in a sanitary disposal. A capacity spray jet is used to apply a high volume of clear water to the carpet. A recovery tank which is less than a cubic foot in volume is used to transport the vacuum from the vacuum motor to the water pick-up. During the cleaning process, a channel is used to direct extracted water to the bottom of the recovery tank. A float switch is used to automatically activate or deactivate the discharge pump during the cleaning process.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has an electric motor driving an air impeller for creating low pressure and a pump which draws liquid material through an inlet tube from the bottom of a tank and expels it from the tank. A priming apparatus is disposed between the air impeller and the interior of the pump to place the interior of the pump in air flow communication with a low pressure area generated by the air impeller. With the interior of the pump in air flow communication with the low pressure area generated by the air impeller, the pump is able to draw liquid material received by the tank up through the pump inlet to prime the pump.

Abstract: A portable compact extractor having permanent solution and recovery tanks integrally formed in a single main tank portion, with a removable power head attached to the top of the main tank. A fill port passes through the powerhead into the cleaning solution tank and a pour spout is formed in the recovery tank. With this construction, the cleaning solution tank may be filled with water and, if desired, detergent, by pouring the water and detergent into the fill port in the power head, and the recovery tank may be emptied as desired simply by tipping the unit and pouring the contents of the recovery tank out the pour spout and down the drain, without ever having to remove any tanks, bottles or the power head from the unit, or disconnect and reconnect any tubes. A carry handle is located on the powerhead to facilitate transportation of the unit, removal of the power head from the main tank for cleaning the tanks when desired, and to facilitate pouring the contents of the recovery tank out of the pour spout.

Abstract: A utility device useful for cleaning mountain bikes or other similar items which may get muddy or dirty at a location remote from the user's home. The cleaning device has a water pump which can selectively be connected through a needle valve to a chamber containing degreaser or soaps or similar material. An air compressor is also provided to supply compressed air for filling bike tires or spraying compressed air. A vacuum motor can be provided also to provide a vacuum function along with the sprayer portion of the device. An electrical outlet provided on the device can be used to power small dc utilities when the cleaning device is plugged into a car or similar vehicle through the cigarette lighter adapter. An override switch prevents the electrical outlet from powering devices while the air compressor or pump is being used. A utility case made of neoprene or similar material provides pockets for tools or hoses for use with the other devices.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has an electric motor driving an air impeller for creating suction and a pump which draws liquid material through an inlet tube from the bottom of a tank and expels it from the tank. The vacuum cleaner also includes a non-water soluble collection bag that attaches to a tank inlet and is disposed within the tank. The collection bag filters large particulate material out of the material which is vacuumed into the tank.

Abstract: An aqueous surface cleaning composition consists essentially of water and a surfactant. The surfactant is incorporated, preferably, at a concentration of 10-100 parts per million, by weight as a proportion of the entire composition, and more preferably is within the range of about 70-93 ppm. The preferred surfactant is sodium octyl sulfate, which is resistant to combining or interacting with ozone and has the desired foaming characteristics. Other ozone resistant surfactants may be employed, alone or in combination with one another. The liquid cleaning composition is used advantageously in a fluid cycling cleaning system or a recycling system in which the liquid is provided from a canister to a cleaning tool head, then returned over a vacuum conduit to the canister for filtration and reuse.

Abstract: A carpet extractor valve assembly (340,522) alternately directs cleaning solution to a base-mounted spray bar (74,526) or to a remote distributor (438,614) of an accessory tool (16,524). The valve assembly includes an inlet port (344), which receives cleaning fluid from a handle-mounted reservoir (14,574), and first and second discharge ports (400, 442), connected to the spray bar and the accessory tool, respectively. First and second valve members (352,354) include first and second poppets (362, 444), which are biased by a spring (384) to normally-closed positions in which the first and second discharge ports are sealed. A trigger-operated actuation rod (410) actuates the first valve member to release cleaning fluid to the spray bar. A quick connect coupling (464,466,608,610) connects the remote distributor with the second discharge port and opens the second valve member thereby.

Abstract: An adapter plate, removably mounted with respect to the cleaning tool head of a continuous flow recycling cleaning device, supports a fluid flow barrier. The barrier is formed of multiple resilient filaments parallel to one another and packed closely together to resist air passage through the barrier. The filaments are supported in cantilevered fashion, and are individually and locally deformable as the tool head is placed in an operating position near a floor or other surface to be cleaned. The barrier thus conforms to the topography of the surface being cleaned, to achieve a better seal. The barrier is used in combination with a more porous layer, e.g., a carpet tile or a less tightly packed filament arrangement, to channel air from outside of the tool head into an intake compartment while blocking passage to an exhaust compartment inside the tool head.

Abstract: A vacuum system is described in which a hollow vacuum housing is provided with an intake plenum leading from an open bottom housing end of the housing to a vacuum line connector. A vacuum pump is attached to the vacuum line to produce suction through the intake plenum. A hot air housing is situated within the hollow vacuum housing and includes a hot air discharge plenum. The hot air discharge plenum is defined by a wall within the intake plenum, leading from an open bottom end that is substantially circumscribed by the intake plenum. A hot air blower on the hot air housing moves hot air downwardly. The hot air moves against the surface being cleaned or dried and is subsequently drawn back upwardly through the intake plenum. At least one and preferably two compressed injection air discharge lines are positioned within the hot air housing.

Abstract: A removable suction nozzle inlet adapter is taught for converting the suction inlet of a vacuuming nozzle from a straight line inlet to one having either a convex or concave suction inlet whereby curved carpet and/or upholstery surfaces may be vacuumed. The adapters are particularly useful for use with hand held hot water extractor nozzles upon the curved carpet surface between the step and risers of carpeted stairs and/or the curved carpet transition from the riser to the horizontal step. Further, the invention described and taught may be used to vacuum curved upholstery or carpet surfaces found in the typical household and/or automobile.

Abstract: A hot water heater for generating substantial instantaneous hot water by positioning a plurality of burners adjacent one end of a heat transfer section. The heat transfer section includes an elongated housing which has a plurality of tubes carried therein. Water is circulated through the elongated housing for being heated by the products of combustion being generated by the burners being drawn within the elongated tubes by means of a vacuum. A combustion chamber in which the burners are carried is frusto-conical in shape with the large diameter end being exposed to the atmosphere and the small diameter end being in communication with the heat transfer section.

Abstract: A liquid floor finish application applicator comprising a mobile unit and a wand unit. The mobile unit comprises a handle and wheels. In the cart is positioned one or more sources of floor finish, and a pump for delivering the floor finish to a length of liquid conduit. The wand comprises a distribution head typically a mop installation. The wand also comprises a spray head that can deliver the liquid floor finish to the floor. The conduit is in liquid communication with the wand. The spray head is configured to avoid dripping between finish application. The drip free head results from the aperture size of the spray aperture surface. The lengthy conduit between the cart and the wand permits ease of application by a two man team. A first man operates the cart while a second man operates the wand.

Abstract: A system for cleaning building ductwork utilizing the equipment generally used to clean carpets. The system utilizes the vacuum unit and liquid waste tank from a carpet cleaning system. A flexible hose runs between the waste tank and the building ductwork. A water injection system is connected to the hose and is used to spray a stream of water into the air flowing through the flexible ductwork which will entrap any particles contained therein. The "dirty" water flowing out of the hose will flow to the waste tank for collection and disposal.

Abstract: A microprocessor is used to control various components of a carpet cleaning machine to improve its functionality. In various aspects of the invention, the microprocessor is software controlled, and can provide sequential operating instructions to the operator, enforce start-up and shut down sequences, store an electronic record of operating parameters for future use, provide auto--and remote diagnostics, and provide remote control. In another aspect of the invention the microprocessor can affect the operation of the entire system by dynamically controlling the speed of the motor. In another aspect of the invention, a more effective muffler can be attached to the exhaust of the motor, thereby greatly reducing the noise level. In still other aspects of the invention, the microprocessor can operate an ignition kill switch to the motor, solenoid and/or clutch controls for the fluid and air pumps, an energy cutoff switch for the heater, and software updates via modem.

Abstract: A mobile surface contaminant extracting and water recycling apparatus comprises a standard truck, pickup, trailer or other wheeled container that is modified by the addition of a clay-based flocculent powder wastewater treatment unit. Mounted in combination with the wheeled container and the wastewater treatment unit is a vacuum steam cleaning unit. Steam is sent from the cleaning unit and sprayed by pressure guns onto the contaminated surface of a parking lot or other surface to be cleaned. The surface contaminants become emulsified in water condensed from the steam, which contaminated water then is vacuumed up by cleaning wands and returned by hose to the steam cleaning unit on the truck bed. From the steam unit, the contaminated water is piped to the adjacent truck-mounted wastewater treatment unit. The water is churned in the latter unit in the presence clay-based powder. The resultant floc sludge is deposited on top of porous cloth on a draining tray or trays.

Abstract: A wet/dry vacuum device includes a canister unit that is pivotally mounted to an upstanding portion of a support carriage for movement between a lowered, in-use position and a raised, emptying position. Also pivotally attached to the upstanding portion of the support carriage is a lifting assist lever upon which the canister unit rests for movement between the lowered and raised positions. Interposed between the carriage and the lifting assist lever is a device, such as linear acting, fluid spring, for assisting in manually tilting the canister unit. The fluid spring is preferably interconnected to each of the carriage and the lifting assist lever through respective loss motion connections which enable a rather large tilting range for the canister unit while minimizing the required length of the fluid spring.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for cleaning industrial and commercial operations hard surfaces, e.g., concrete and asphalt slabs, walls, tanks, grates, and ship hulls, contaminated by oil and chemical spills or barnacles. The methods and apparatus of the present invention produce a high velocity airflow about only the periphery of the area being cleaned by the device to provide improved entrainment and removal of cleaning fluid and dislodged debris. High velocity streams of cleaning fluid are directed against the surface from nozzles disposed on rotating arms of a hub suspended within the portable housing of the slab cleaner. The spent cleaning fluid and dislodged debris are removed by the application of a vacuum to a chamber extending about the periphery of the housing to create the high velocity airflow. Thus, high velocity airflow is developed without fear that the slab cleaner will be sucked down and become temporarily stuck on the surface being cleaned.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cost effective and simple apparatus for cleaning surfaces, engines or other machinery parts of environmentally sensitive materials and also containing this material with its cleaning agent for shipment to a permitted recycling facility. Generally the invention comprises a device for cleaning a hazardous material contained on a surface. The device comprises a wash assembly, a vacuum member operatively adapted with said wash assembly, and a delivery member, operatively associated with the wash assembly, for delivering a cleaning agent to the surface. In the preferred embodiment, the wash assembly comprises a hood adapted to engage the surface and a conduit, operatively associated with the hood, for channeling the hazardous material and the cleaning agent into the vacuum member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of using a suction cleaning device which provides liquid dispensing, scrubbing, squeegeeing, and suction drying in a single, compact, self contained device. The suction cleaning device includes a cleaning device housing, a handle connected to the housing, an absorbent cleaning member mounted on the housing and movable between an extended and a retracted position, and a pair of squeegee blades. The device includes a suction system which draws the water from the floor surface which has been cleaned into a tank mounted on the housing which collects the liquid from the floor surface. A clean water bottle is provided on the housing for delivering cleaning liquid to the floor and a rechargeable battery power source provides power to the suction motor. The cleaning device is compact and lightweight and leaves the floor in a substantially dry state.

Abstract: A rotary positive blower is driven by a drive device and has an intake port and an exhaust port. A plurality of conduit arrangements each having an inlet coupled to the exhaust port and an outlet, each of the plurality of conduit arrangements have a first predetermined diameter in at least a given portion; and a restriction is disposed in at least one of the plurality of conduit arrangements between the inlet and the outlet of this at least one arrangement, the restriction has a predetermined length and a second predetermined diameter less than the first predetermined diameter to cooperate in reduction of noise and improved efficiency of the drive device and the rotary positive blower.

Abstract: A self-contained, closed-loop, hard surface and carpet cleaning apparatus includes a carpet cleaner with a power unit and a vacuum tank. A cleaning tool is connected to the power unit via a supply hose, and to the vacuum tank via a return hose. At the operator's business location, the vacuum tank is initially filled with a supply of fresh water passed through a water softening unit. At the job site, the water is pumped from the vacuum tank to a re-circulating tank through a series of filters. Ozone is added to the re-circulating tank to cleanse the water. The water is then passed through charcoal filters, and to the power unit. A cleaning agent is added to the water by the power unit. The water is also heated, pressurized, and delivered by the power unit to the cleaning tool via the supply hose. After the water is sprayed onto a surface being cleaned, it is immediately extracted and drawn back to the vacuum tank through the return hose.

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 vacuum cleaner has an electric motor driving an air impeller for creating suction and a pump which draws liquid material through an inlet tube from the bottom of the tank and expels it from the tank. A priming apparatus is disposed in the tank chamber in fluid communication with the pump and a valve is selectively actuable to establish a pressure differential across liquid in the priming apparatus to thereby prime the pump.

Abstract: A cleaning and extracting unit which includes a housing comprising upper and lower housing sections removably attached to each other. When attached to each other, the lower and upper housing sections collectively define a pair of vacuum pump chambers and a fluid pump chamber. The unit may be provided with one vacuum pump which is received into one of the vacuum pump chambers, or a pair of vacuum pumps which are connected to each other in series and received into respective ones of the vacuum pump chambers. The unit is also provided with a fluid pump which is received into the fluid pump chamber, as well as a heater which is received into a heater chamber defined by the lower housing section.

Abstract: A lightweight portable steam carpet cleaning machine 10 comprised of two main structures, a handle assembly 45 and the recovery tank 12. Connected to the machine are two hoses, the supply hose 58 which supplies clear water to the machine and the discharge hose 60 which takes dirty water away depositing it in a sanitary disposal. A 27 capacity spray jet 44 is used to apply a high volume of clear water to the carpet. A recovery tank 12 which is less than a cubic foot in volume is used to transport the vacuum from the vacuum motor 24 to the water pick-up 56. During the cleaning process, a channel 84 is used to direct extracted water to the bottom of the recovery tank 12. A float switch 36 is used to automatically activate or deactivate the discharge pump 26 during the cleaning process.

Abstract: A grout- and hard-surface cleaner has a water-blast nozzle (5) positioned on a cleaning enclosure (1) to direct a high-pressure and low-volume jet stream of water (36, 37) and optional cleaning material at an attitude onto a surface (4) being cleaned. Resilient and preferably rubberlike surfaces (14) are provided on bottom portions (2) of walls of the cleaning enclosure to facilitate sliding-seal contact with the cleaning enclosure and to provide sliding ease of movement with water and optional cleaning fluid to provide lubricity between the surface being cleaned and the bottom edges of the cleaning enclosure. A wet-vacuum suction tube (12) positioned on a top suction portion (3) of the cleaning enclosure provides low-pressure and high-volume suction pressure that is that provides a level of suction for sliding-seal contact of the cleaning enclosure against the surface being cleaned.

Abstract: An upright water extraction cleaning machine having an assembly of tanks efficiently stored on and interconnected to the machine is shown. The tank assembly has at least two tanks nested with one another and having one-way valve mechanisms on the bottom thereof. The two tanks are slidably mounted to one another and the tank assembly is slidably mounted and operatively connected to the machine. With this structure, the user can quickly and easily remove and refill the tanks and continue operation of the machine with a minimum amount of interruption and delay.

Abstract: A remote controlled carpet cleaner includes a rectangular outer support frame of structural steel. A gasoline engine drives a vacuum pump and through a pulley and belt assembly is also powers a liquid pump. The exhaust gas from the engine is directed to a heat exchanger which is used to heat water which is pumped through the heat exchanger by the liquid pump. A liquid injector allows carpet cleaning chemicals to be mixed with the water as it enters the pump. The liquid injector is connected to a plurality of solenoid valves. Each solenoid valve is connected to a tank containing a carpet cleaning chemical. When a solenoid valve is opened, a specific carpet cleaning chemical in drawn into the liquid injector and mixed with the water entering the pump. The opening and closing of the solenoid valves is controlled by servo motors operated by a radio controlled receiver.

Abstract: A portable compact extractor having permanent solution and recovery tanks integrally formed in a single main tank portion, with a removable power head attached to the top of the main tank. A fill port passes through the powerhead into the cleaning solution tank and a pour spout is formed in the recovery tank. With this construction, the cleaning solution tank may be filled with water and, if desired, detergent, by pouring the water and detergent into the fill port in the power head, and the recovery tank may be emptied as desired simply by tipping the unit and pouring the contents of the recovery tank out the pour spout and down the drain, without ever having to remove any tanks, bottles or the power head from the unit, or disconnect and reconnect any tubes. A carry handle is located on the powerhead to facilitate transportation of the unit, removal of the power head from the main tank for cleaning the tanks when desired, and to facilitate pouring the contents of the recovery tank out of the pour spout.

Abstract: The herein disclosed invention relates to an improved carpet extractor having powered brushes for scrubbing a floor surface and which may be converted to an above the floor mode for upholstery cleaning or the like. A pair of air driven turbines are disclosed, one for driving the floor scrubbing brushes when in the floor cleaning mode and one for driving a cleaning solution supply pump when in the above floor cleaning mode. A unique linkage mechanism is taught whereby only one turbine or the other is energized depending upon the cleaning mode selected by the operator.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprising a moisture cleaner device which is easily attached and removed. The moisture cleaner device comprises a frame providing the circulation track of the moisture cleaner; a working roller and a driven roller mounted sideways in the top and lower part of the said frame; a first coupling means for attachment and removal of the lower part of the moisture cleaner to the vacuum suction head section; a second coupling means for attachment and removal of the top part of the moisture cleaner to a connecting pipe; and a moisture cleaner mounted to the surface of the frame. Because the peripheral surface of the working roller is uneven, when the vacuum suction head portion is moved back and forth, the working roller and driven roller are rotated, the moisture cleaner thus being operative such that the moisture cleaner contacts the floor as the normal vacuum suction cleaning proceeds.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has an electric motor driving an air impeller that creates low pressure inside the tank of the vacuum cleaner. The motor also drives a pump impeller which is located in the tank and draws liquid material from the bottom of the tank and expels it from the tank. Near an inlet to the pump is a priming mechanism having bellows which are compressed to force liquid material up into the pump. Portions of the pump, including the inlet and the outlet as well as the priming mechanism, are attached to a tank extension which fits over the top of the tank. The lid of the vacuum cleaner, which carries the motor and air impeller, fits over the tank extension when the vacuum cleaner is used for liquid material. The tank extension and its associated pump components are removable from the tank to facilitate use of the vacuum cleaner on dry material.

Abstract: A continuous flow recycling cleaning system includes a canister containing a liquid cleaning solution, and a dispensing conduit for conveying the cleaning solution from the canister to a cleaning tool head for direct application to a carpet, upholstery fabric or other material at an application area. A recovery conduit is connected to the cleaning tool head for returning recovered cleaning solution, along with air and extracted soil, to the canister. The system includes at least one ozone injector selectively positioned along a fluid flow pathway that includes the canister, the dispensing and recovery conduits, and the cleaning tool head. The fluid flow pathway further can include a counterflow conduit and an ozone-introduction conduit provided solely for the injection of ozone. Each injector is coupled to an ozone generator, to combine the ozone with the cleaning solution flowing through the injector.

Abstract: A water extraction cleaner comprises a system for delivering clean solution to a surface to be cleaned, a system for extracting dirty solution and air from such a surface, and a housing supporting the delivery system and the extraction system. The housing defines a recess for receiving a pair of tanks, an upright front surface of the recess being complementary to upright rear surfaces of the tanks. The housing is also provided with a pivot surface spaced from the upright surface of the recess and engageable by lower end portions, the pivot surface being formed and disposed to hold the upright surfaces of the tanks in snug engagement with the upright recess surface. Each of the tanks may be mounted on the housing by tilting the tank to insert the lower end portion thereof into the recess and then rotating the tank to an upright position about the pivot surface.

Abstract: A cyclonic power wash system including a roving sprayer and retrieval unit that uses high pressure, high temperature water for selectively cleaning large, flat, concrete or asphalt surfaces and can retrieve a substantial portion of the dispensed water along with the matter picked up from the surfaces. The sprayed water is reclaimed by the retrieval rotor that is power driven. The roving sprayer and retrieval unit can function as a stand alone unit or in combination with a component carrying platform that includes a reclamation tank in which the retrieved water and matter is processed and separated so that the separated water can be reused by the roving sprayer and retrieval unit. A rotary union in the roving sprayer and retrieval unit, prevents water, passing from the inlet of the rotary union to the discharge thereof, from leaking through or around a seal that is formed by pressing together a pair of hard, durable sealing surfaces.

Abstract: A window washing accessory cleaning tool adapted for use with a water extraction cleaning machine has a solution spray nozzle integrated therewith and a combination suction and scrubbing head rotatably mounted with respect to the solution spray nozzle. The cleaning solution spray nozzle is provided on one side of a dual conduit support member and a head is rotatably mounted to the dual conduit support member. A foam applicator/scrub pad is provided along one end of the head and a suction nozzle opening defined by a squeegee blade and a rigid flange are provided one the other side of the head. With this structure, the applicator/scrub pad and suction nozzle can be rotated with respect to the cleaning solution spray nozzles, thereby making the accessory cleaning tool adaptable for a wide variety of cleaning operations. Preferably, the window washing accessory cleaning tool is removably mounted to the end of the flexible hose.

Abstract: Electrolyzed oxidizing water, or EO water, flows from an EO water reservoir through a regulator and into a line for mixing with conventional tap water. The tap water passes through a strong, permanent magnet which aligns molecules within the water in order to reduce the plating of mineral deposits within the equipment. The combined EO water and tap water solution is supplied to a water pump has another permanent magnet. A water heater heats the solution which flows through a control valve to a carpet cleaning wand. The wand is connected to a vacuum hose for evacuating the solution as it is dispensed into the carpet. The waste water solution flows through the vacuum hose and into a waste water tank. A vacuum is drawn on the waste water tank by a conventional vacuum pump. The waste water solution is circulated in the waste water tank so that any sediment in the solution collects at the bottom of the tank.

Abstract: A universal vacuum cleaner comprising an inlet aperture, cylindrical top cover, a cylindrical liquid container, a centrally placed outlet pipe, a nozzle, a detachable pick up tray, an air pump, and a central outlet pipe. The cylindrical top cover is positioned on the cylindrical liquid container and includes an elbow member positioned therein, where the elbow member is positioned in association with the inlet aperture. The outlet pipe is positioned in the cylindrical top cover and includes a filter. The nozzle is positioned within the elbow member. The nozzle directs liquid tangentially into the cylindrical top cover. The detachable pick up tray is positioned within either the cylindrical top cover or the cylindrical liquid cover and includes a coarse filter. The air pump is associated with the centrally placed outlet pipe. The air pump is capable of pulling air and foreign matter through the universal vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: Spray nozzles are frequently used for distributing pressurized fluid onto a surface to be cleaned. The spray nozzle according to the invention is ideally suited for use with a water extraction cleaning machine and for distributing a fan-shaped spray pattern onto the surface to be cleaned. The spray nozzle includes a nozzle body with a fluid flow path extending therethrough. An arcuate deflector plate is provided a spaced distance from the outlet of the fluid flow path. A pinpoint spray of pressurized cleaning solution is directed onto the downwardly and outwardly extending concave deflector surface for creating a fan-shaped spray pattern. The contour of the concave deflector surface can comprise a variety of concave surfaces such as a cylindrical surface, a parabolic surface and a hyperbolic surface. The incorporation of a concave deflector surface is ideally suited for containing and controlling the spray pattern for increasing fluid flow rates and pressures.

Abstract: A motorized power head for a machine for cleaning upholstery, carpeting or hard floors includes a spray nozzle for distributing a clean spray solution on a selected area enclosed by the power head. A cylindrical rotating brush is driven by a two-speed motor housed in the power head to work the solution into the carpet to clean the selected area. A suction nozzle picks up the spent solution together with loosened dirt and grime. The power head may be used as a close-up applicator with a handle adjacent the power head, or as a stand-up applicator with an extension inserted between the handle and the power head. The brush is easily removed for replacement or for converting the apparatus for different applications.

Abstract: The invention comprises a cleaning apparatus having interchangeable cleaning solution supply reservoirs, a fluid pump, a vacuum fan, and a removable recovery tank, all cooperatively arranged in a housing of a unique compact design. The cleaning apparatus also includes a hose having separate hand tools which can be adapted for use on appropriate surfaces. Because different cleaning applications require a different cleaning solution to be supplied through the cleaning solution supply reservoir, each interchangeable cleaning solution bottle contains a cleaning solution appropriate for a particular cleaning application. The supply bottles can be quickly and easily changed so that the user may conveniently and efficiently switch between various cleaning applications. This process has the advantage that unused cleaning solution does not need to be disposed of or stored when switching to a cleaning application that requires a different cleaning solution.

Abstract: A portable carpet cleaning machine has a tank for storing a cleaning solution and a hand-actuatable spray nozzle for applying the solution under pressure. A vacuum motor drives a fan which produces a vacuum in a recovery tank for storing spent solution. Air flows through the recovery tank and the vacuum fan to exhaust. A fast-acting, heat-sensitive thermostatic switch is connected in electrical circuit and in heat transfer relation with the vacuum motor winding to interrupt the flow of current in the motor winding immediately upon sensing a temperature rise in the winding above a predetermined temperature and in a very short time after overflow water is passed from the recovery tank to the vacuum fan.

Abstract: An upright wet extractor includes a base assembly, a manipulative handle pivotally attached to the base assembly, and a motor driven agitator brush. A cleaning solution dispensing tank is removably attached to the handle assembly by a pivotable latch member. In a floor cleaning mode, cleaning solution is selectively supplied by gravity from the dispensing tank to a spray nozzle through a supply tube controlled by a pinch valve. In an attachment hose cleaning mode, cleaning solution is selectively supplied by a motor driven pump from the dispensing tank to an attachment hose spray nozzle controlled by a trigger valve. A suction motor/fan assembly is carried by the base assembly which is selectively in fluid communication with a floor nozzle in the floor mode and hose nozzle in the attachment mode. Conversion between floor mode and attachment mode is carried out by manual operation of a knob of a multi-functional valve/switch assembly.

Abstract: A drive system for a surface cleaning appliance having a pair of rotatable head structures employs a worm gear positioned between the head structure in engagement with two spur gears on, respectively, the two head structures.

Abstract: A floor washer with a housing having a plurality of spray nozzles therein rotatable to different angular relationships to a floor. A nozzle angular relationship to the floor is set prior to use of the washer and held in a fixed position during use of the washer.

Abstract: A system for cleaning carpets and other textiles utilizing an applicator wand with which a cleaning liquid is spray-applied to the carpet and with which the cleaning liquid and loosened debris are removed from the carpet under the influence of a vacuum created by a vacuum pump. The applicator wand includes an operator-controlled aerator valve through which air can be introduced into the flow of cleaning liquid routed to the dispensing nozzles of the wand to thereby permit an operator to readily adjust the condition of the liquid being applied to the carpet between an aerated and a non-aerated condition. In addition, the applicator wand utilizes a flow restrictor valve to limit the strength of the vacuum generated at the lower edges of the wand at an amount acceptable to pull a substantial amount of liquid from the carpet while preventing the creation of an undesirable seal between the lower edges of the wand and the carpet.

Abstract: The control device for steam-generating appliances has at least one component having a variable internal volume that is accommodated in the handle of a fixture of the steam-generating appliance, and is filled with a nonconducting fluid. The component has a variable internal volume which can be directly or indirectly compressed by a user, and is connected, through an actuation tube, to a pressure transducer. The transducer is accommodated inside the body of the steam-generating appliance, and in turn actuates a respective steam delivery control valve.

Abstract: A cleaning system capable of passing through a manway entry point into a storage tank to be cleaned is disclosed. A remotely controllable robotic cannon for spraying diluent or water is provided which has a light source and CCTV camera axially mounted on the cannon nozzle assembly. Mounting systems permit sidewall or overhead deployment of the system as desired. Operators situated remotely can view and control the cleaning system via TV monitors.