Nozzles Patents (Class 15/322)
  • Publication number: 20140373304
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a base assembly for a floor cleaner configured to clean a floor through linear reciprocation movement of two rag attachment pads through which the two rag attachment pads come close to and go away from each other. More particularly, the present invention relates to a base assembly for a floor cleaner capable of simultaneously conducting cleaning and sterilization of a floor by injecting steam onto the rag attachment pads while the rag attachment pads are being reciprocally moved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Gyung Hee Haan
  • Patent number: 8914938
    Abstract: A municipal sewer cleaning system for efficiently cleaning a below grade municipal sewer line features a vacuum service truck having a vacuum source fluidly connected to a flexible vacuum hose, a compressed air source fluidly connected to a flexible air hose, and a pressurized water source fluidly connected to a flexible water hose. The system features a collar assembly having a rigid inner collar and an inflatable outer collar connected to the air hose. A tapering semi-cylindrical skirt is Ideated on a collar second end and a rigid ninety degree reducing elbow is located on a collar first end. The reducing elbow is fluidly connected to the vacuum hose and features a trough located on an elbow outside wall with a plurality of roller units inside. The water hose slides within the plurality of roller units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: Calvin E. Lee
  • Patent number: 8914937
    Abstract: This invention relates to a hinge assembly for a steam cleaner capable of pivoting in front/rear (X) and left/right (Y) directions, and more particularly, to a hinge assembly for a steam cleaner capable of being adjusted automatically in a straight direction after a swerving force is removed, when a base assembly was swerved while locking automatically a left/right directional pivoting action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: Gyung Hee Haan
  • Patent number: 8904596
    Abstract: An oil spill vacuum hose support including an S-shaped vacuum wand having a top end and a bottom end, an internal hose disposed therewithin, and a threaded hose connection attached to an upper end of the internal hose and disposed within a grip on the top end. The hose connection connects the internal hose to an industrial oil spill vacuum hose. A housing, disposed on the bottom end, houses a vacuum head attached to the internal hose terminus to suction up an oil spill. The housing is disposed between a pair of concave guidance skis which support the housing in an upright position and assist with guiding and supporting the vacuum wand. Each guidance ski includes a concave base member and a brace member. A handle is disposed on the vacuum wand to permit a user to maintain a firm grip while guiding the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventors: Leslie G. Perry, Tina S. Perry
  • Publication number: 20140352727
    Abstract: A device and method for cleaning a surface using dry steam is disclosed. A dry steam wand is fitted with a custom nozzle that permits the dry steam to be angled to clean difficult to access surfaces of a gas turbine. The nozzle includes a slit that is configured to maintain sufficient temperature and pressure to effectively remove contaminants found on gas turbines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Manuel Kenneth Bueno, Daniel Thomas Harvell, Gregory Douglas Troutman, Carlo Angelo Yon
  • Publication number: 20140345079
    Abstract: An extraction cleaner for a floor surface comprises a fluid delivery system for storing cleaning fluid and delivering the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned and a fluid recovery system for removing the spent cleaning fluid and dirt from the surface to be cleaned and storing the spent cleaning fluid and dirt. The fluid delivery system can further include a bladder housed within a tank of the recovery system, and the bladder can be closed by a fill cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Johnson, Michael Graham, Mitchell DeJonge, Kenneth MI Lenkiewicz
  • Patent number: 8850654
    Abstract: An upright bare floor cleaner with a handle assembly pivotally mounted to a base assembly. The handle includes a water tank to store a quantity of water and a fluid distribution system that includes a heater and a spray nozzle. Steam is generated by the heater and is distributed to a removable cleaning cloth that applies the steam to the surface to be cleaned. The fluid distribution system further includes an auxiliary hand tool for steam cleaning above-floor surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew P. Nolan, Alan J. Krebs, Kurt E. Ashbaugh
  • Publication number: 20140283328
    Abstract: A multi-functional cleaning system usable as both a vacuum cleaner and a steam cleaner includes (a) a body having a motor assembly for generating suction and a dust collector for collecting foreign matters, (b) a first cleaning head, such as a vacuum nozzle, . detachably coupleable to the body and having an inlet for directing the foreign matters into the dust collector, and (c) a second cleaning head, such as a steam cleaning head, detachably coupleable to the body and having an outlet for directing steam onto a surface. Attaching the body to the first cleaning head forms a vacuum cleaner configuration. while attaching the body to the second cleaning head forms a steam cleaner configuration. Electrical wiring and connectors enable operation of the blower motor only in the vacuum cleaner configuration, and include protection against water ingress that can cause malfunctioning or create a safety hazard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: EURO-PRO OPERATING LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Barrocas, Jason Boyd Thorne, Alexander J. Calvino
  • Publication number: 20140259514
    Abstract: A floor cleaning machine for cleaning a surface includes a body, a distribution nozzle supported by the body, a supply tank assembly coupled to the body in fluid communication with the distribution nozzle, a suction nozzle supported by the body, and a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle. The suction source is operable to draw fluid and dirt from the surface through the suction nozzle. The floor cleaning machine also includes a recovery tank coupled to the body in fluid communication with the suction source to receive and store fluid and dirt drawn through the suction nozzle. The floor cleaning machine is operable in a first mode to wash the surface and is operable in a second mode to sanitize the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Kevin Vail, Patrick J. Quinn, Robert A. Salo, John R. Bantum, Lucas W. Phalen, Gino S. Lovano, Phonesacksith G. Kettavong, Brent Noward, Kyle J. Wheaton
  • Publication number: 20140259510
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus may include a surface cleaning head including a cleaning pad mount that is configured to receive a cleaning pad. A steam distribution system may be provided and may include a steam unit in fluid communication with a water reservoir and may have a steam outlet in communication with the cleaning pad mount. A cleaning solution distribution system may be provided and may include a cleaning solution reservoir in communication with a dispensing outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: G.B.D. Corporation
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest CONRAD
  • Publication number: 20140259515
    Abstract: A steam cleaner having a base with a bottom and a sidewall extending from the bottom to form an outer perimeter of the base, and a handle extending from the base. A fluid tank and a steam generator are operatively associated with the handle or the base. The steam generator receives fluid from the fluid tank and convert it into steam. A first control selectively operates the steam generator. The base has a bottom steam distributor on the bottom of the base and a side steam distributor on the sidewall or a top wall of the base. The bottom distributor distributes the steam towards a first region located within the outer perimeter of the base. The side distributor distributes the steam towards a second region located outside the outer perimeter of the base. A second control selects whether to distribute steam through the bottom or side distributor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: RONALD ANDREW NUTTALL, Chih Kao Hsu
  • Publication number: 20140259516
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to an improved mop having A support arm having a handle, a mop head that is pivotally attached to said support arm, a pair of rollers disposed in said mop head, a cleaning pad rotatably carried by said rollers so that a first roller carries said cleaning pad and a second roller draws sections of said cleaning pad across a cleaning area defined by said mop head, a spray nozzle carried by said mop head that is fluidly connected to a cleaning solution container for allowing the user to select and spray a cleaning solution on the surface being cleaned, and an ultra violet light source disposed on said mop head for disinfecting said cleaning pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Nathan A. Scolari
  • Patent number: 8826489
    Abstract: A suction body for a cleaner is provided that can generate electric energy by itself using air drawn in by the cleaner. A suction body includes an ultraviolet sterilizer that radiates ultraviolet rays toward a surface to be cleaned and sterilizes the surface to be cleaned, a lighting device that emits light, a displaying device that displays a cleaning state, a fan that rotates by drawn-in air, and a generator that converts rotary energy of the fan into electric energy so as to supply the electric energy to the ultraviolet sterilizer, the lighting device, and the displaying device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jang-Keun Oh, Hyun-Ju Lee, Seung-Yong Cha
  • Publication number: 20140245560
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus has a fluid distribution system for storing and delivering fluid to a surface to be cleaned, and includes a supply tank defining a chamber with a fill opening and a fill cap pivotable between an open position and a closed position to selectively cover the fill opening and which includes a funnel for filling the supply tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventors: Gang Huang, Hui Wu
  • Publication number: 20140245561
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a steam generation system for producing steam from liquid, a liquid distribution system for storing liquid and delivering the liquid to the steam generation system, a steam delivery system for delivering steam to a surface to be cleaned, and a vacuum collection system which can be operated concurrently with the other systems. The surface cleaning apparatus can comprise an upper housing mounted to a lower cleaning foot which is adapted to be moved across a surface to be cleaned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: BISSELL HOMECARE, INC.
    Inventors: Jian Yun Pi, Gang Huang
  • Publication number: 20140245559
    Abstract: A rotary cleaning device having a plurality of flush pad extractors can provide improved debris removal and reduced residual material. More specifically, a rotary cleaning device can include a plurality of flush pad extractors which are oriented generally circumferentially about a common rotation axis. These unique flush pad extractors can include a fluid applicator and a vacuum member oriented behind the fluid applicator such that during operation of the device the fluid applicator contacts a surface to be cleaned prior to contact by the vacuum member. In accordance with the present invention, the fluid applicator provides passive delivery of fluid to the surface to be cleaned. Passive delivery of fluid allows for reduced fluid usage and more controlled and even distribution of fluid across a surface without overwetting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Pearl Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Dennis Pearlstein
  • Publication number: 20140245558
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide an apparatus for cleaning airfoils inside a gas turbine compressor. In one embodiment, an apparatus for cleaning at least one airfoil within a turbine compressor, includes: a hose for applying cleaning material to the at least one airfoil; and an articulation assembly for articulating a nozzle of the hose, the articulation assembly including: a main shaft attached to the hose at a first end; and an articulating trigger for rotating the first end of the main shaft. The apparatus may further include a borescope attached to the articulation assembly and a borescope monitor for viewing the at least one airfoil via the borescope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Pablo de Jesus Diaz, Rebecca Evelyn Hefner
  • Patent number: 8823222
    Abstract: A motor assembly, especially for home appliances such as a cleaner, has an electric motor and a cooling system. The motor may be a fractional horsepower universal motor with a stator and a rotor. The cooling system has a cooling pipe thermally coupled to an element of the stator, such as a core of the stator and providing a flow path for a liquid to cool the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson Electrica S.A.
    Inventors: James Ching Sik Lau, Zhan Cai
  • Publication number: 20140215749
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cleaning device for cleaning a surface, with a nozzle arrangement (10) comprising: —a brush (12) rotatable about a brush axis (14), said brush (12) being provided with brush elements (16) having tip portions (18) for contacting the surface to be cleaned (20) and picking up dirt particles (22) and/or liquid (24) from the surface (20) during the rotation of the brush (12), —a drive means for driving the brush (12) in rotation, —a bouncing element (32) comprising a bouncing surface (33) that is configured to let the dirt particles (22) and/or liquid (24), that are released from the brush (12) during rotation, rebound to the brush (12), said bouncing surface (33) being spaced apart from the brush (12) and extending substantially parallel to the brush axis (14), and —an adjustment means (35) for adjusting the position of the bouncing element (32) relative to the surface (20) depending on a direction of movement (40) of the device, wherein the adjustment means (35) is adapted to a
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventors: Johannes Tseard Van Der Kooi, Egbert Van De Veen
  • Patent number: 8794251
    Abstract: The washing apparatus employs a cup with integrated channels for the supply of fluid to integrated spraying nozzles arranged around the rim of the cup and with a central outlet at the top of the cup for removal of fluid and fouling material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventors: Tor Mikal Østervold, Sten Terje Østervold
  • Patent number: 8790467
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning an article may include a cleaning head. The cleaning head may have a lower edge and may include an annular steam chamber and a steam nozzle. The annular steam chamber may define a vacuum chamber that may be configured to receive the article therewithin. The annular steam chamber may have a plurality of discrete apertures positioned in vertically spaced relation to the lower edge. The steam nozzle may be configured to provide steam to the annular steam chamber for discharge through the apertures into the vacuum chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Sergey G. Ponomarev
  • Patent number: 8776304
    Abstract: A device for collecting waste and for disintegrating and self-cleaning and evacuating waste, the device including a waste collection system for collecting the waste, a fluid dispensing system for disintegrating the waste which is collected by the waste collection system, and a discharge system for evacuating the disintegrated waste from the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Lawrence Orubor
  • Patent number: 8769763
    Abstract: A floor cleaning device includes a base. A cleaning fluid supply tank is carried by the base. A source of pressure communicates with the cleaning fluid supply tank which pressurizes a cleaning fluid held in the cleaning fluid supply tank to an above atmospheric pressure. A fluid delivery system delivers pressurized cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid supply tank to a surface to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited
    Inventors: Gregg M. Kloeppel, Mark Ilko, Andrew A. Amberik, Allan L. Horst, Glenn Matusz
  • Publication number: 20140173847
    Abstract: An extraction cleaner for cleaning a floor surface includes a liquid distribution system and a liquid recovery system. The liquid recovery system includes a motor, and a motor cooling air pathway provides cooling air to the motor and removes heated cooling air from the motor. A duct system delivers heated motor cooling air to a supply tank of the extraction cleaner to heat liquid contained therein, and also drains liquid from the supply tank away from the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventor: Tom Minh Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8752236
    Abstract: A steam vacuum cleaner, having a suction port assembly including a suction hole formed on a bottom surface thereof and a dust receptacle detachably attached to the suction port assembly; a pump disposed in the suction port assembly to suction dust-laden air from an object being cleaned and to transfer the dust laden air to the dust receptacle; a steam unit disposed on the suction port assembly; a floorcloth unit disposed on the suction port assembly to scrub the object using steam supplied from the steam unit; and a handle member hinged with a portion of the suction port assembly, wherein the handle member has a variable length. Floorcloth plates having a plurality of steam passages radially formed on the bottom surface thereof may be rotatably mounted on the bottom surface of the suction port assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jang-Keun Oh, Hyoun-Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 8726456
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a chandelier includes a hand-held cleaning head formed by a first and second section joined to one another at a common base and transversely spaced apart from one another as they extend from the base to define a cleaning chamber between them. The cleaning chamber has an open top, an open bottom, and an open end so that a string of chandelier crystals may be positioned within the cleaning chamber. A hot water-spraying nozzle is formed in the cleaning head. The cleaning chamber is in fluid communication with a remote vacuum source and a remote source of hot water and hot air under positive pressure. Crystals disposed within the cleaning chamber are cleaned by hot water from the water-spaying nozzle and the vacuum pulls ambient air and dirt to the source of negative pressure. The crystals are dried by ambient air and the hot air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventor: Keith S. Campbell
  • Patent number: 8713749
    Abstract: A cleaner spotter tool for a wet/dry vacuum cleaner having a fluid containing tank, an extractor nozzle housing coupled to the tank, a fluid delivery pump mounted in the nozzle housing, a tubing fluidly coupled to both the tank and the pump for delivering fluid from the tank to the pump, and a spray nozzle on the nozzle housing coupled to the pump for spraying fluid out of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Koblenz Electrica S.A. de C.V.
    Inventors: Marco Antonio Cortes Ruiz, Felix Rodriguez Perfino, Richard Arthur Kohler
  • Patent number: 8701256
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for removing condensed metal from the surfaces of metal processing chambers, such as, vacuum induction melting (VIM) furnaces having, for example, condensed Mg or Ti, are disclosed. The methods and apparatus provide a robotic arm end positioned in the furnace having a nozzle operatively connected to a source of dry ice. The robotic arm end directs a stream of dry ice particles against the surface of the furnace to displace condensed metal. The displaced metal is collected for reuse or disposal. Aspects of the invention provide a safe and automated process for cleaning process chambers and recovering metal that can typically be dangerous when performed by conventional methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Mars Metals, Inc.
    Inventor: Aaron P. Mars
  • Publication number: 20140090670
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus is provided that includes a first nozzle configured to direct a cleaning jet towards a contaminated surface at a pressure sufficient to remove contaminants from the surface. At least one second nozzle is configured to direct a rinsing jet towards the contaminated surface to remove cleaning fluid therefrom, wherein the rinsing jet is directed at a pressure sufficient to isolate the cleaning jet from an ambient environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: THE BOEING COMPANY
  • Publication number: 20140083467
    Abstract: Steam cleaning spray nozzle systems and methods of use are described herein. The spray nozzle includes a substantially rigid conduit a support member in fluid communication with a steam source. A portion of the conduit is angled. During use, sufficient eccentric force is produced by the steam to rotate the support member such that steam is ejected from the substantially rigid conduit at an oblique angle relative to the center to of the substantially rigid conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Dehn's Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Dennis Dehn
  • Patent number: 8677552
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus, and in particular a steam mop, comprises a steam delivery system for generating and distributing steam onto a surface to be cleaned. The steam mop further comprises a handle assembly mounted to a foot assembly that has a manifold configured to supply steam from a steam generator to the surface to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan J. Krebs
  • Patent number: 8661612
    Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid wiper device formed of a circular obstacle and intended for a floor cleaning machine that operates with liquid and has a scrubbing-brush that is rotatably driven around a vertical shaft by a motor and arranged and intended for the scrubbing of floors and similar surfaces. According to the invention, the device is formed of ring pieces that are interconnectable into a ring shape and have wiper strips carried thereby. The wiper strips have a thickened upper fastening end portion while the remaining part of the wiper strips has essentially a plate shape. The wiper strips have essentially a T-shaped cross-sectional profile, said ring pieces having a number of recesses distributed along the length extension thereof, and the wiper strips are received in and retained by the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Qleeno AB
    Inventors: Ludvig Brunnström, Patrik Andreasson
  • Patent number: 8661606
    Abstract: A vacuum nozzle for removing liquid from surfaces includes a nozzle body defining an internal enclosed vacuum chamber wherein the chamber is of a size and shallow depth so as to enhance water flow therethrough, the nozzle body also having a vacuum source connector in fluid communication with the chamber and adapted to receive a vacuum source conduit, and the nozzle body also having a hard outer bottom surface and defining a plurality of vacuum suction ports opening between the chamber and the bottom surface. The vacuum nozzle also includes at least one injection member, wherein the at least one injection member is configured to inject a fluid below the nozzle body, whereby the nozzle, when connected to a suction source is placed on a saturated surface effects removal of water therefrom through the ports and chamber to the vacuum source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventors: Paul Kappos, Mark D. Kappos, Dennis L. Pearlstein
  • Publication number: 20140053364
    Abstract: The dry steamer apparatus delivers steam and heated air to produce dry steam to treat a surface as a method of eradicating bed bugs or other insect pests, and/or for cleaning purposes. The apparatus provides a vacuum to immediately remove the dry steam, and dead pests and other debris. A treatment substance dispensing assembly may also be provided, to dispense treatment substances onto the surface after steaming and vacuuming. The apparatus may incorporate the vacuum, or may attach to an external vacuum, for example the central vacuum unit of a home. Where the vacuum is part of the apparatus, the vacuum fan may have its exhaust connected to supply air to an assembly to produce the heated air, and if applicable, to the treatment substance dispensing assembly to dispense the treatment substance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Bug Elimination and Prevention Corporation
    Inventor: Kailash C. Vasudeva
  • Publication number: 20140041147
    Abstract: A surface cleaner including a base; a handle assembly coupled to the base and configured to move the base along a surface in at least a forward direction and a rearward direction; a steam generating device configured to receive water and generate steam; a nozzle disposed on the base and in fluid communication with the steam generating device, the nozzle configured to receive steam from the steam generating device and dispense the steam onto the surface; and a first and second supply tanks coupled to the handle assembly and adapted to contain first and second fluids, respectively, to be distributed onto the surface, each of the first and second supply tanks including forward-facing portions, wherein each of the forward-facing portions is at least partially transparent such that the first and second fluids within the first and second supply tanks, respectively, are visible from a front of the surface cleaner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventors: Chad Pagoria, Christopher M. Charlton
  • Patent number: 8640299
    Abstract: An indoor/outdoor cleaning system includes a portable pressurized housing for containing cleaning fluids (water, chemicals, and mixtures thereof). Multiple hoses connect the interior of the housing with a cleaning wand. The wand includes a handle, a hollow trunk portion and a cleaning head. The multiple hoses have outlets adjacent the cleaning head for feeding water, cleaning chemicals, or surface treating fluids thereto. The outlets open adjacent a cleaning pad, which pad, which pad is attached to the cleaning head via a mechanism that allows the pad to move either in a linear or sinusoidal (rocking) motion or the combination of both motions thereof. A variety of cleaning pad accessories (brush, sponge, sanding pad, buffing pad, etc.) can be optionally attached to the cleaning pad based on the type of surface to be cleaned or treated. A suction conduit, disposed in the cleaning head, functions to draw used fluids away from the surface for safe disposal thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Albert Tetteh
  • Patent number: 8607404
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus, and in particular a steam/vacuum mop, comprises a steam delivery system for generating and distributing steam onto a surface to be cleaned and a vacuum source mounted to at least one of the foot assembly and the handle assembly and in communication with multiple suction inlets, where one of the suction inlets are intermittently blocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan J. Krebs
  • Publication number: 20130312212
    Abstract: A steam generating device has a handle and a nozzle or pad attached to the handle for treating a surface. The handle includes a heat exchanger, a water reservoir, a fluid conduit in fluid communication with the water reservoir and heat exchanger, and a fluid delivery system for moving water from the water reservoir, through the fluid conduit, and into the heat exchanger. A fuel powered heater is positioned on a side of the wall of the heat exchanger opposite the interior space of the heat exchanger. A first section of the wall of the heat exchanger transfers heat from the heater to water located in the heat exchanger for generating steam from the water located in the heat exchanger. A second section of the wall of the heat exchanger includes an opening that allows steam to exit the heat exchanger and handle and flow through the nozzle or pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventors: Tara L. Kowalski, Wayne Rees, Ronald H. Spang, Jennifer R. Harris, Xiaolan Wei
  • Patent number: 8591668
    Abstract: System for washing and sterilizing endoscopes provided with multiple channels held by a sheath, comprising a machine connected by means of multiple connectors provided with safety valves to at least one case with hermetic closure into which the endoscope is positioned, in which each of the channels of the endoscope is connected by means of a connector, the inner space of the case is connected to at least one additional connector, in such a way as to inject the washing and sterilization liquids and/or the gases for emptying the channels or drying, into each of the channels of the endoscope and into the space of the case, in which the case is also provided with an outlet connector for system circulation, in which the case is detached after the working cycle of the machine and its inner space remains in sterile conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Cisa S.p.A.
    Inventors: Silvano Pieroni, Eros De Pian
  • Patent number: 8567004
    Abstract: A device for recovering a liquid disposed on a solid surface is provided. The device for recovering a liquid comprises a suction device for providing suction to a pickup head and a blowing device for providing an airflow to the pickup head. The pickup head comprises at least an input port for receiving an airflow and a blower opening for providing the airflow to the solid surface. A blower deflector directs the airflow through the blower opening at an acute angle to the solid surface. The airflow and an airborne portion of the liquid is received at a suction opening which is in fluid communication with at least an output port for being connected to a suction device providing suction. The received airflow with the airborne portion of the liquid is provided through the at least an output port. A divider is disposed between the blower opening and the suction opening. A separator is in fluid communication with the suction device and the at least an output port of the pickup head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Inland Technologies Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Guy Charles Boulanger, Adel al Taweel
  • Publication number: 20130276257
    Abstract: A rotary surface cleaning machine for cleaning floors, including both carpeted floors and uncarpeted hard floor surfaces including but not limited to wood, tile, linoleum and natural stone flooring. The rotary surface cleaning machine has a rotary surface cleaning tool mounted on a frame and coupled for high speed rotary motion relative to the frame. The rotary surface cleaning tool has a substantially circular operational surface that performs the cleaning operation. The rotary surface cleaning tool is driven by an on-board power plant to rotate at high speed. The rotary surface cleaning tool is coupled to a supply of pressurized hot liquid solution of cleaning fluid and a powerful vacuum suction source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Roy Studebaker, William Edward Bruders, Brett Alan Bartholmey, Bill Elmer Richardson, Wolfe Kevin Adrew
  • Patent number: 8561254
    Abstract: Systems and methods for transferring heat and/or sound during liquid extraction and/or cleaning processes are disclosed. A fluid extraction system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a fluid extractor having an outlet positioned to deliver extracted waste fluid, and a fluid tank operatively coupled to the extractor. A blower, having an air intake and an air outlet through which blower air passes, is operatively coupled to the extractor outlet to draw the extracted waste fluid from the extractor. A muffler is positioned at least partially within the liquid tank and has a flow path along which the blower air passes. In particular embodiments, the muffler can also provide a heat exchanger function, for example, to heat cleaning fluid provided to the extractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Sapphire Scientific
    Inventor: Michael J. Roden
  • Publication number: 20130269144
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing waste material from a surface is provided. In an embodiment, the apparatus includes a vacuum suction head and a waste receptacle for storing waste material that are vacuumed through the suction opening head. The waste receptacle has a discharge port through which waste material stored within said waste receptacle may be discharged for emptying said waste receptacle. Chemical solution held in a fluid reservoir is pumped to one or more fluid nozzles to break up material during, before or prior to vacuuming.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: Lawrence Orubor
  • Publication number: 20130255028
    Abstract: A rotary cleaning device having a plurality of flush pad extractors can provide improved debris removal and reduced residual material. More specifically, a rotary cleaning device can include a plurality of flush pad extractors which are oriented generally circumferentially about a common rotation axis. These unique flush pad extractors can include a fluid applicator and a vacuum member oriented behind the fluid applicator such that during operation of the device the fluid applicator contacts a surface to be cleaned prior to contact by the vacuum member. In accordance with the present invention, the fluid applicator provides passive delivery of fluid to the surface to be cleaned. Passive delivery of fluid allows for reduced fluid usage and more controlled and even distribution of fluid across a surface without overwetting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Pearl Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Dennis Pearlstein
  • Patent number: 8539635
    Abstract: A portable vacuum wand for use with a surface maintenance machine, for collection of debris remote from the machine. The vacuum wand is detachable from a rear squeegee assembly of the surface maintenance machine, and includes a handle and a wand head. A vacuum conduit of the vacuum wand is adapted to be coupled to the rear squeegee assembly when not in use so as to provide vacuum to the rear squeegee assembly. A method of cleaning a floor surface with a surface maintenance machine and a portable vacuum wand is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventors: Kevin L. Shinler, John C. Ickes, Matthew Betteker, Bruce M. Becker
  • Patent number: 8528159
    Abstract: The steam cleaner with seal flap comprises a handle assembly further comprising a sprayer tube that channels pressured water to a sprayer nozzle to spray the pressured water to the area or surface to be treated and a collector tube channeling the used water back to the main unit where the used water is stored in a storage tank; a collector head assembly, located at a free end of the collector tube of the handle assembly, collecting the used water from the treated surface through a vacuum aperture at the lower end with a vacuum aperture edge being a pressure seal; and a seal flap movably attached to the head assembly to provide a secondary seal cover to preserve vacuum pressure in case the vacuum aperture edge is lifted from the floor surface. The seal flap also guides the water spray onto to the target surface area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: Kyu Lee
  • Publication number: 20130219651
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a chandelier includes a hand-held cleaning head formed by a first and second section joined to one another at a common base and transversely spaced apart from one another as they extend from the base to define a cleaning chamber between them. The cleaning chamber has an open top, an open bottom, and an open end so that a string of chandelier crystals may be positioned within the cleaning chamber. A hot water-spraying nozzle is formed in the cleaning head. The cleaning chamber is in fluid communication with a remote vacuum source and a remote source of hot water and hot air under positive pressure. Crystals disposed within the cleaning chamber are cleaned by hot water from the water-spaying nozzle and the vacuum pulls ambient air and dirt to the source of negative pressure. The crystals are dried by ambient air and the hot air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventor: Keith S. Campbell
  • Publication number: 20130213436
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for removing dirt, in particular oil, extreme dirt, etc. on a surface, in particular on a road pavement, wherein the device is integrated into a vehicle or associated with the vehicle, comprising nozzles (5, 9) for spraying cleaning liquid onto the area, brushes (3, 12) for mechanically treating the soiled area, and a suction apparatus (6) for suctioning the emulsion containing the removed dirt. Said device is designed and further developed in such a way that the cleaning liquid can be heated using the waste heat of the vehicle by means of a heat exchanger (2) in order to achieve a low use of cleaning liquid and a mode of operation that is gentle to surfaces and at the same time the least possible energy requirement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventor: Norbert Fischer
  • Patent number: 8510909
    Abstract: Electrical household appliance comprising a base (1) for the generation of steam, having a liquid tank (6) mounted removably on a receiving socket (10) and having a steam generator located outside of said tank (6), the steam generator being supplied by gravity by a supply line from the tank (6) and having a steam outlet through which the steam can escape towards a work tool, such as a crease-removing brush, said supply line comprising an inlet orifice located on the receiving socket (10), and said tank (6) comprising a closed enclosure (61) having only one outlet orifice (52) which connects the said inlet orifice when the tank is placed on the receiving socket (10), which appliance is characterized in that said tank (6) connects leaktightly onto said receiving socket (10) and in that said appliance has a vent line admitting air to the outlet orifice (52) of the tank, said vent line having one end connected to the exterior which is higher than the outlet orifice (52) of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Rowenta Werke GmbH
    Inventors: Dierk Spatz, Martin Krebs, Matthias Hahn
  • Publication number: 20130180075
    Abstract: A belt cleaning system to clean a conveyor belt having a carrier surface includes a dry ice blasting device and a debris recovery subsystem. The dry ice blasting device includes a delivery system having at least one nozzle disposed adjacent the conveyor belt. Dry ice pellets are discharged from the nozzle onto the conveyor belt carrier surface, whereby the dry ice pellets remove the debris from the carrier surface. The debris recovery subsystem includes a collector housing disposed adjacent to the conveyor belt carrier surface. The collector housing contains the debris removed from the conveyor belt carrier surface and directs the debris away from the conveyor belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventors: Richard P. Ficarra, Thomas C. McGraw, Gordon B. Reid, Derek A. Bryl