Nozzles Patents (Class 15/322)
  • Patent number: 7870638
    Abstract: A bare floor cleaner for wet and dry bare floor surfaces comprises a base with wet and dry suction nozzles and a handle pivotally connected to the base. A diverter mounted in the working air conduit between each of the dry suction nozzle and the wet suction nozzle to a recovery tank is movable by movement of the handle between a dry suction position and a wet suction position for selectively at least partially blocking working air flow from the wet suction nozzle and the dry suction nozzle, respectively, to the recovery tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventor: John L. Jansen
  • Publication number: 20110005025
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus is provided, including a mounting shaft, a base member and a nozzle. The handle includes a connection end, and defines an axis. The base member includes a cleaning portion and a suction portion, where the cleaning portion includes at least one cleaning surface and the suction portion includes at least one suctioning device. A rotation point rotatably joins the connection end of the mounting shaft to the base member, where the base member is rotatable about the axis at the rotation point. The nozzle selectively dispenses a fluid, where the nozzle is positioned in relation to the base member such that at least a portion of the fluid is suctioned by the suctioning device in the base member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas Carrington, Mark Howie, Steven R. Selewski, Alan Belville
  • Patent number: 7836544
    Abstract: A bare floor cleaner for wet and dry bare floor surfaces comprises a base with wet and dry suction nozzles and a handle pivotally connected to the base. A diverter mounted in the working air conduit between each of the dry suction nozzle and the wet suction nozzle to a recovery tank is movable by movement of the handle between a dry suction position and a wet suction position for selectively at least partially blocking working air flow from the wet suction nozzle and the dry suction nozzle, respectively, to the recovery tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventor: John L. Jansen
  • Publication number: 20100269287
    Abstract: Steam applicators, steam applicator frames, and steam appliance systems in which a steam applicator can be maneuvered to clean and sanitize all kinds of surfaces, not merely floors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: Euro-Pro Operating LLC
    Inventors: Ognjen Vrdoljak, Mark Rosenzweig, Maximilian Rosenzweig, Aviva Rosenzweig
  • Patent number: 7802342
    Abstract: An acoustic ceiling removal tool and associated method are provided wherein an elongated tubular handle defines a longitudinal cavity, and a scraping head is connected to a distal end of the handle. The scraping head has a manifold with a proximal end in fluid communication with the longitudinal cavity and an opposing open end defining a comparatively larger cross sectional area than the proximal end, a scraper blade supported by the manifold to dispose an operative scraping edge of the scraper blade adjacent the open end of the manifold, and an elastomeric boot sealingly engaging the proximal end of the manifold and extending therefrom to circumscribe the open end of the manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: The Acker-Cowan Group, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Benjamin David Cowan, James Frank Acker
  • Patent number: 7784148
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a fluid delivery system including a supply of cleaning fluid and a fluid recovery system for drawing dirty cleaning fluid from the surface to be cleaned. The apparatus can comprise a passageway that passes heated motor cooling air in heat exchange with the cleaning fluid to heat the cleaning fluid. The apparatus can further comprise a mixing manifold that mixes first and second cleaning fluids at different concentrations for different cleaning modes. The apparatus can further comprise a fluid valve having a shape memory alloy actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Bissell Homecare, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Lenkiwicz, Alan J. Krebs, Allen W. Scott, Kurt E. Ashbaugh, Linsay M. Ulman, Evelyn M. Trudell, Gary A. Kasper
  • Patent number: 7761955
    Abstract: Apparatus for and method of cleaning or extracting liquid from carpet coupled to a truck mounted or portable carpet cleaning machine. The apparatus includes an elongated non-fixed handle that is attached to a vacuum head with two inlet ports parallel to one another. A solution manifold is attached parallel between the two ports. A plurality of spray jets derive from the spray manifold. A wheel assembly is mounted for stability of the vacuum head and are adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Inventor: Erik D. Hiltz
  • Patent number: 7757342
    Abstract: A cleaning machine for cleaning a surface is provided. The cleaning machine includes a base assembly that moves along the surface and a liquid distribution system associated with the base assembly for distributing the cleaning solution to the cleaning surface. A suction nozzle assembly is mounted to the base assembly and includes a front nozzle portion and a rear nozzle portion. The front nozzle portion defines a fluid flow path having an inlet opening and an outlet opening and the rear nozzle portion defines a fluid flow path having an inlet opening and an outlet opening. A suction source is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle for applying suction to draw the cleaning solution and dirt from the surface and through the suction nozzle assembly. The fluid flow path of the front nozzle portion is closed in response to the base assembly moving in one of the forward direction and rear direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited
    Inventors: Evan A. Gordon, Sergey V. Makarov, Aaron P. Tondra, Michael A. Durbin, Robert W. Bauman
  • Patent number: 7752705
    Abstract: A portable extraction surface cleaner apparatus wherein a surface to be cleaned is heated to an elevated temperature and a cleaning fluid is applied to the surface to be cleaned sequentially or simultaneously. The cleaning fluid is removed from the surface by suction from a vacuum source. Power is applied alternatively or simultaneously to a heating element and to the vacuum source for recovering the deposited cleaning fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Bissell Homecare, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. McDowell, Eric C. Huffman
  • Patent number: 7748487
    Abstract: This invention provides a device capable of covering the surface of an object situated in a gas with a region filled with a liquid and of moving such region, capable of sucking and collecting such liquid from the surface of the object wetted by the liquid and of drying such surface, and is capable of allowing such region to adhere to and crawl along the surface of the subject, while conducting ultrasonic flaw detection or ultrasonic cleaning of the surface of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: Fukashi Urakami
  • Patent number: 7743459
    Abstract: A floor washing-drying machine includes a brush (2) adapted to scrub a floor (4) with a cleaning liquid in view of removing soil and dirt therefrom, and a wiping device (3) adapted to scrape the floor (4) in order to remove the dirty cleaning liquid therefrom. The wiping device (3) includes a front flap (5) and a rear flap (6) adapted to elastically and slidably engage the floor (4) so as to define a suction chamber (7) therebetween, with the suction chamber being fluidly connected with a suction device (8). A further elastic flap (10) is mounted to the wiping device behind the rear flap, and the width of the further flap is smaller than the width of the front and rear flaps (5, 6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Nilfisk-Advance SpA
    Inventors: Sergio Coccapani, Andrea Chignoli
  • Patent number: 7736442
    Abstract: A method for activating the surface of a base material and an apparatus thereof, which is suited to be utilized for pretreatment in electrochemical treatment such as, for example, electroplating or the like, in which the surface of a base material such as metal can be subjected to degreasing treatment and oxide film removing treatment simultaneously, efficiently and rationally, in which productivity can be enhanced and the equipment cost can be reduced, and in which a waste solution can be rationalized so that the solution can be reutilized and the environmental pollution can be prevented. A method for activating the surface of a base material in which the surface of a member to be treated is subjected to degreasing treatment or oxide film removing treatment. Pressurized carbon dioxide is dissolved in a predetermined quantity of water, thereby preparing an oxide film removing solution having a predetermined acidic concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Inventors: Hideo Yoshida, Nobuyoshi Sato, Takeshi Sako, Masato Sone, Kentaro Abe, Kiyohito Sakon
  • Patent number: 7725983
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface in which cleaning solution is dispensed to the surface and substantially simultaneously extracted along with the dirt on the surface in a continuous operation is provided. The cleaning apparatus includes a base portion for movement along the surface and a handle pivotally connected to the base portion. A solution tank for supplying a flow of cleaning solution to the surface is removably mounted to the handle. A recovery tank is removably mounted to the handle. A suction nozzle is secured to the base portion and in fluid communication with the recovery tank. A suction source is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle for generating suction to draw dirt and liquid through the suction nozzle and into the recovery tank. A cost effective, easy to operate, and convenient mounting arrangement is provided for mounting the recovery tank to the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited
    Inventor: David L. O'Neal
  • Patent number: 7725984
    Abstract: A bare floor cleaner for wet and dry bare floor surfaces comprises a base with wet and dry suction nozzles and a handle pivotally connected to the base. A diverter mounted in the working air conduit between each of the dry suction nozzle and the wet suction nozzle to a recovery tank is movable by movement of the handle between a dry suction position and a wet suction position for selectively at least partially blocking working air flow from the wet suction nozzle and the dry suction nozzle, respectively, to the recovery tank. A shut-off valve is mounted in the recovery tank to prevent fluid communication between a suction source and the recovery tank when the amount of liquid in the recovery tank reaches a first predetermined amount with the handle forward and a second predetermined amount with the handle rearward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Bissell Homecare, Inc.
    Inventor: John L. Jansen
  • Patent number: 7725985
    Abstract: A surface cleaning implement has a suction nozzle, a fan in fluid communication with the suction nozzle, a suction-driven turbine motor for driving the fan and a magnetic coupling between the fan and the motor. The surface cleaning implement can be in the form of an accessory tool that has a housing with a suction opening adapted to be connected to a vacuum hose and mounting the suction nozzle, the fan and the motor and the housing mounts a recovery tank that is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle. The accessory tool can further comprise a fluid dispensing assembly for storing and distributing fluid to the surface to the cleaned. The fluid dispensing assembly can comprise a turbine-driven fluid pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Bissell Homecare, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan J. Krebs
  • Patent number: 7703170
    Abstract: A self-cleaning wet dry vacuum cleaning device for collecting and disposing of waste material and specifically animal waste, the device including a waste collection system for collecting and breaking up the waste, the waste collection system including a self-cleaning intake nozzle, a vacuum in communication with the waste collection system for providing suction to the intake nozzle, a waste storage system in communication with the vacuum for storing waste vacuumed into the intake nozzle, a fluid dispensing system having a fluid reservoir including a piston system, the piston system for consistently dispensing fluid from the fluid reservoir to the intake nozzle and a leash system, all of which are all integrated with or removably engageable with the device's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventor: Lawrence Orubor
  • Patent number: 7694382
    Abstract: A floor cleaning tool is described and which includes a vacuum chamber having a fluid intake end, and a fluid exhaust end; a coupling member defining a fluid passageway extending therethrough, and which is integrally coupled to the fluid intake end of the vacuum chamber; and a floor engagement member having a plurality of inlet ports, and which is releasably secured to the coupling member by means of a mortise and tenon joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: USP Holding Corp.
    Inventors: Steve Williams, Michael Genteman, David Wood
  • Patent number: 7681278
    Abstract: An apparatus main body having wheels and configured to run on a floor includes an electrolysis device, which electrolyzes a cleaning water to alkaline water and acid water. A pressurizing pump selectively sucks and pressurizes the alkaline water or acid water obtained by electrolysis by the electrolysis device. A spray nozzle mechanism sprays the cleaning water comprising the alkaline water or acid water pressurized by the pressurizing pump on the floor. A suction nozzle is mounted behind the spray nozzle mechanism in the apparatus main body and is opened to the floor. A suction mechanism sucks the cleaning water sprayed on the floor together with a contaminant. A reservoir tank, which is mounted in the apparatus main body, stores the sucked cleaning water together with the contaminant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Inventor: Saburo Chugun
  • Patent number: 7669280
    Abstract: A steam nozzle attachment for a steam cleaner having a substantially rectangular frame with a steam outlet positioned between the front and rear walls of the frame is provided. A plurality of baffles to distribute steam are disposed substantially perpendicular to the steam nozzle between the side walls of the frame. A replaceable fabric pocket that fits snugly over the frame is provided to distribute cleaning steam to the surface to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Euro-Pro Operating, LLC.
    Inventor: Maximilian Rosenzweig
  • Patent number: 7661175
    Abstract: A snap-together wet nozzle for use with a vacuum assembly is described, as well as a removable squeegee assembly for use in combination with a wet nozzle for a vacuum assembly. The snap-together wet nozzle includes an elongated, generally U-shaped nozzle housing having outwardly tapering walls, spaced apart closed ends, and a connecting tube passageway for association with a vacuum-producing means, such as a wet/dry vacuum, and further includes a squeegee assembly capable of being insertably mounted within the elongated, generally U-shaped nozzle housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Robert Hollis
  • Patent number: 7653958
    Abstract: A steam mop having a main body including a water pump for pumping water from a water tank to a steam generator in response to any movement of the mop is provided. Movement of the mop causes a pump actuator to slide within a frame. The actuator has a camming surface with a pump piston rod biased against the camming surface that causes the pump piston rod to move in and out of a pump cylinder when the actuator moves. This operates a the pump to pump water to the steam generator for feeding steam to a steam pad mounted on a mop steam frame connected to the steam generator outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Euro-Pro Operating, LLC
    Inventors: Maximilian Rosenzweig, Ognjen Vrdoljak
  • Patent number: 7617564
    Abstract: In combination, a removable tool may be selectively attached to the cleaning wand of a carpet extractor to alternatively clean hard surfaced floors, such as grouted tile and when not attached, clean carpeted floors. The removable tool may be sold as an aftermarket item for existing carpet extractors. A method of using the carpet extractor with the removable tool allows the apparatus to fulfill dual purposes, e.g., cleaning hard surfaced floors and when the tool is attached to the cleaning wand, and when the tool is removed from the wand to clean carpeted floors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Alto U.S. Inc.
    Inventors: Billy Joe Stuthers, Leonard Wayne Rowan, Shawn Wright, Emert R. Whitaker
  • Patent number: 7617563
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface in which cleaning solution is dispensed to the surface and substantially simultaneously extracted along with the dirt on the surface in a continuous operation. The cleaning apparatus comprises a first source for distributing a first liquid onto said surface. An activating device operatively connected to the first source to activate the first source to distribute the first liquid onto the surface. A pump operatively connected to the first source to draw under pressure the first liquid to the surface. A second source for distributing a second liquid onto the surface, wherein the second liquid from the second source is drawn to the cleaning surface by gravity alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Healthy Gain Investments Limited
    Inventors: Timothy T. Hertrick, Charles A. Lang, Edgar A. Maurer, Vincent L. Weber
  • Publication number: 20090265876
    Abstract: A floor cleaning attachment is configured to attach to a pressure washer lance to receive a flow of fluid. The floor cleaning attachment includes a housing that defines a suction space and includes an attachment point configured to attach to the pressure washer lance to receive the flow of fluid. A rotatable brush is coupled to the housing, a vacuum producing member is coupled to the housing, and a valve is coupled to the housing and movable between a first position in which the flow of fluid is directed onto a floor, a second position in which the flow of fluid is directed to the vacuum producing member to produce a partial vacuum, and a third position in which the flow of fluid is directed to the rotatable brush to rotate the brush.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventors: Michael R. Gardner, Klaus K. Hahn
  • Publication number: 20090223014
    Abstract: A gum removal tool's open-ended housing defines a chamber. A turbo nozzle is mounted in the chamber with its output end facing the open end of the housing. A high-pressure water supply can be coupled to the turbo nozzle. The open end of the housing has structures/devices coupled thereto for supporting movement of the housing on a surface as well as movement of air therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: William E. Clemons
  • Publication number: 20090212068
    Abstract: A liquid spray nozzle assembly for an outlet pipe of an air blower, the nozzle assembly includes an outer annular member adapted to be secured to the outlet pipe, an inner member radially spaced from and secured to the outer member to define air flow passages, the inner member having a central opening and a lower surface with vanes extending therefrom; and a supply pipe extending into the central opening such that the air flowing through the central opening will act to shear the liquid exiting the supply pipe against the edge of the opening to break up the liquid into droplets that will be carried along in a dispersed pattern with the air flowing between the outer annular member and the inner member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: Roll, LLC
    Inventor: Craig Rappin
  • Publication number: 20090183334
    Abstract: A handheld steam appliance emits steam under pressure from the nozzle of a handheld component to deliver steam under pressure from a nozzle in order to clean or to condition articles and surfaces. The steam is produced from water that is heated within a boiler chamber of the appliance. A liquid substance, such as a cleaning agent, is introduced from a separate chamber into a mixing chamber as the steam is also introduced, and mixed therewith so that the mixture can be emitted from the nozzle of the appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventor: Paul J. Carrubba
  • Publication number: 20090183335
    Abstract: A vacuum accessory tool comprises a nozzle body that forms a suction nozzle and that has an electrical element comprising one or a combination of an illumination element adapted to illuminate a surface to be cleaned, an ion generator or ozone generator to purify a surface to be cleaned and eliminate odors. The tool can further include a power generator for supplying power to the electrical element. The illumination element can further emit light in the ultraviolet spectrum to illuminate stains on the surface to the cleaned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron P. Griffith, Eric R. Metzger, Eric C. Huffman, Douglas A. Jackson
  • Patent number: 7552505
    Abstract: A cleaning system for cleaning the outer skin of aircraft of all types is provided with a cleaning head (1). This cleaning head (1) is fastened to an arm, which is mounted on a system support, for example, on a low-bed truck. The cleaning head (1) is provided with one or more rollers (2, 7, 13), whereby openings (5, 9, 11) are provided in hollow shafts (3, 8, 12). A cleaning medium, steam and polishing agent can be introduced via said openings, and the waste water contaminated with the dirt particles that are removed from the outer skin of the aircraft can be suctioned off also via said openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Inventor: Jan Dieter Eberl
  • Patent number: 7549191
    Abstract: A water jet-assisted blowing and vacuum apparatus for cleaning gutters having a curved end attachment member for connection to an elongated air conduit to reach into gutter areas, and a pressurized water nozzle mounted to the air conduit curved end member and oriented to loosen gutter debris adjacent the operating free end of the curved end attachment member. The water nozzle can be mounted internally or externally of the curved end attachment member, as well as positioned so as to be removed from or closely adjacent to the operating end of the curved end attachment member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Shop Vac Corporation
    Inventors: Craig A. Seasholtz, Cory F. Girton
  • Patent number: 7544254
    Abstract: This disclosure provides an approach for cleaning an ion implanter. In this disclosure, there is a vacuum device having an in-take port adapted to receive a contaminant removing hose. The vacuum device and hose are configured to provide constant suction to the ion implanter. A dry ice blaster having a dry ice dispensing hose is configured to supply dry ice. A sealing plate is adapted to attach to an access section of a processing region of the ion implanter. The sealing plate has a first opening configured to receive the contaminant removing hose and the dry ice dispensing hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul S. Buccos
  • Publication number: 20090126144
    Abstract: A portable surface cleaning apparatus has a first tank connected to the housing and with a body of a liquid protectant composition therein, a second tank mounted to the housing with a body of water therein, and a fluid delivery system with an inlet in fluid communication with each of the first and second tanks and an outlet in fluid communication with a spray nozzle for spraying a mixture of the liquid protectant and water onto a surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary A. Kasper, Eric J. Hansen
  • Patent number: 7533442
    Abstract: A floor cleaning device comprises a base portion for movement along a surface and a handle portion pivotally connected to the base. The base portion further includes a suction nozzle and a brush assembly for agitating the surface, wherein the brush assembly and the nozzle assembly are in a first position raised off of the surface for vacuuming the surface, and the nozzle assembly is lowered to a second position contacting the surface for collecting and picking up liquid and dirt from the surface. A method of cleaning a surface by first dry vacuuming the surface using a cleaning unit in which the nozzle assembly is raised to pick up particles and then wet vacuuming the floor with the nozzle assembly lowered to collect and pick up dirt from the floor mixed with cleaning solution distributed on the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Healthy Gain Investments Limited
    Inventors: Jeffery A. Morgan, David A. Bradshaw, Douglas E. Gerber, Charles A. Lang, Adam C. Sclafani, Kevin L. Thomas, Vincent L. Weber, Robert S. Wilson, Siu Wai Hui, Wing Leung Ng
  • Publication number: 20090113658
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a fluid delivery system including a supply of cleaning fluid and a fluid recovery system for drawing dirty cleaning fluid from the surface to be cleaned. The apparatus can comprise a passageway that passes heated motor cooling air in heat exchange with the cleaning fluid to heat the cleaning fluid. The apparatus can further comprise a mixing manifold that mixes first and second cleaning fluids at different concentrations for different cleaning modes. The apparatus can further comprise a fluid valve having a shape memory alloy actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: BISSELL HOMECARE, INC.
    Inventors: Allen W. Scott, Kurt E. Ashbaugh
  • Publication number: 20090113657
    Abstract: A steam vacuum cleaner includes: a base assembly provided with a vacuum cleaning unit composed of a wet type motor and a dust receptacle; a main assembly provided with a water bag, a pump, a heater, and so on; and a neck assembly for connecting the main assembly rotatable with respect to the base assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventor: GYUNG-HEE HAAN
  • Patent number: 7527699
    Abstract: A surface cleaning system having a storage container, debris collection apparatus and debris conduit is disclosed. Water discharged from spray nozzles configured in a circular arrangement forces debris into a debris collection ring and then a debris conduit. An auger, water pressure or air pressure is used to force the debris through debris conduit into the storage container for disposal. The design of the debris collection apparatus also facilitates the capture of most of the water used to force the debris into the debris collection apparatus. Accordingly, the system is able to reuse the water thereby extending the surface area that may be cleaned with a specified amount of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Inventor: Robert L. Mendenhall
  • Patent number: 7513008
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing sediment from a waterway using a high pressure water spray and a suction line (22) is disclosed. The high pressure water is directed through a pressure line (20) that may be mounted inside the suction line (22). The high pressure water helps to suspend sediment that has settled in the waterway. Water and suspended sediment is then vacuumed up by the suction line (22) and deposited outside the water for further treatment or disposal. The apparatus (12) is designed to be hand-held by an individual situated in the waterway, such that great control over which specific locations within the waterway are being treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Inventor: Randall L. Tucker
  • Publication number: 20090056053
    Abstract: A portable machine uses two pairs of rollers to squeeze water from a carpet piece, such as a wet floor mat from a car. A motor provides a driving force to the lower rollers and the upper rollers are driven by frictional engagement with the lower rollers. After passing through the two sets of rollers, the mat exits the back of the machine and falls into a basket. After processing by the machine, the car mat is substantially dry and able to be placed into a car interior without fear of mold formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: Jon Kolquist
  • Patent number: 7478455
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hand-held cleaning device, as well as an associated method of cleaning a garment. The device comprises: a handle section having an interior and a garment cleaning solution reservoir located within the interior. The device further comprises a main section having a housing that defines an inner chamber, as well as a motor positioned within the inner chamber of the housing. The device also comprises a pump coupled to and powered by the motor, as well as a dirty fluid reservoir located at the bottom of the inner chamber. The device further includes a plurality of tubes connected to the pump and extending forwardly from the pump and terminating a plurality of solution dispensing spray jets. The device yet further includes a fan located in the inner chamber of the housing for creating a pressure differential to draw the dirty fluid material into the dirty fluid reservoir. Significantly, the handle section is removably coupled to the main section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Inventor: Lisa Ann Heim
  • Patent number: 7475448
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing unit for a steam cleaner with a hand grip for dispensing steam is provided. The liquid dispenser injects a liquid, such as soap, into the steam to be applied to the dirt or stain to be removed. The dispenser includes a housing with at least one liquid cleaning agent tank adapted to fit onto the nozzle connection of the cleaner hand grip. The liquid dispensing unit includes a manually controlled pump for controlling the amount of liquid cleaning agent injected into the steam. The dispenser housing includes a nozzle end for receiving the same cleaning attachments that fit onto the hand grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Euro-Pro Operating, LLP
    Inventors: Maximilian Rosenzweig, Semih Karahanoglu
  • Publication number: 20080271279
    Abstract: A mobile foam producing unit (10) includes a first hose and hose assembly (110) and a second hose assembly (120). Water is provided to the mobile foam producing unit (10) by a supply hose (100). A foam gun (140) provides for the dispensing of a foam. A sanitizer gun (160) provides for a sanitizing solution being dispensed with water as well as, in another mode, a rinse mode wherein only water is dispensed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Joe D. Slone, Nicolas A. Granucci, David E. Sugg
  • Publication number: 20080263812
    Abstract: A floor cleaning tool is described and which includes a vacuum chamber having a fluid intake end, and a fluid exhaust end; a coupling member defining a fluid passageway extending therethrough, and which is integrally coupled to the fluid intake end of the vacuum chamber; and a floor engagement member having a plurality of inlet ports, and which is releasably secured to the coupling member by means of a mortise and tenon joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Steve Williams, Michael Genteman, David Wood
  • Publication number: 20080189900
    Abstract: It is a new steam broom for floor cleaning with a boiler (C) for steam production connected to two ducts for steam delivery, the delivery duct (CF) for front jets and the delivery duct (C1) for lower jets and a detergent delivery duct (CD), the opening or closing of the valve (VU) for steam output from the boiler is controlled by the operation device (DA), connected to the arm (M1) of the handle (M), so that the rotation of said arm (M1) around the hinge (M?) causes the displacement of said operating device (DA), thus causing the opening of said output valve (Vu). Said boiler (C) comprises two pressure gauges (P1) and (P2), a device for jet deflection (D) shuts one or more delivery ducts (CF), (C1) and (CD) by compressing them.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: Pierantonio Milanese
  • Publication number: 20080178415
    Abstract: A system for removing material from a surface comprises at least one conduit that also has an outlet at a distal end. A straight stream nozzle may be disposed within the outlet and the conduit. Another end of the conduit is fixed with respect to the vehicle and is in communication with a fluid source. A cam assembly may be in mechanical communication with the conduit and be adapted to provide an oscillation motion at the distal end within the conduit's elastic range. The straight stream nozzle may be adapted to direct a stream of fluid to a removal mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: David R. Hall
  • Patent number: 7392566
    Abstract: A cleaning machine for cleaning a surface is provided. The cleaning machine includes a base assembly that moves along the surface and a liquid distribution system associated with the base assembly for distributing the cleaning solution to the cleaning surface. A suction nozzle assembly is mounted to the base assembly and includes a front nozzle portion and a rear nozzle portion. The front nozzle portion defines a fluid flow path having an inlet opening and an outlet opening and the rear nozzle portion defines a fluid flow path having an inlet opening and an outlet opening. A suction source is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle for applying suction to draw the cleaning solution and dirt from the surface and through the suction nozzle assembly. The fluid flow path of the front nozzle portion is closed in response to the base assembly moving in one of the forward direction and rear direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Inventors: Evan A. Gordon, Sergey V. Makarov, Aaron P. Tondra, Michael A. Durbin, Robert Bauman
  • Publication number: 20080142047
    Abstract: This disclosure provides an approach for cleaning an ion implanter. In this disclosure, there is a vacuum device having an in-take port adapted to receive a contaminant removing hose. The vacuum device and hose are configured to provide constant suction to the ion implanter. A dry ice blaster having a dry ice dispensing hose is configured to supply dry ice. A sealing plate is adapted to attach to an access section of a processing region of the ion implanter. The sealing plate has a first opening configured to receive the contaminant removing hose and the dry ice dispensing hose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Paul S. Buccos
  • Publication number: 20080135639
    Abstract: A method and a device_for cleaning a dirty surface, wherein water is squirted from a nozzle against the dirty surface in order to wash away the dirt with the water, characterized in that compressed air is supplied to the water in a mixing chamber, which is located upstream of the nozzle, at a predetermined pressure, after which the water is squirted against the dirty surface in a spray of droplets, downstream of the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Antonius Paul Leo Maria Winters
  • Publication number: 20080134459
    Abstract: An apparatus main body having wheels and configured to run on a floor includes an electrolysis device, which electrolyzes a cleaning water to alkaline water and acid water. A pressurizing pump selectively sucks and pressurizes the alkaline water or acid water obtained by electrolysis by the electrolysis device. A spray nozzle mechanism sprays the cleaning water comprising the alkaline water or acid water pressurized by the pressurizing pump on the floor. A suction nozzle is mounted behind the spray nozzle mechanism in the apparatus main body and is opened to the floor. A suction mechanism sucks the cleaning water sprayed on the floor together with a contaminant. A reservoir tank, which is mounted in the apparatus main body, stores the sucked cleaning water together with the contaminant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Saburo Chugun
  • Publication number: 20080127444
    Abstract: [Problem] Provision of a cleaning device for removing foreign matter such as machining dust, or cutting oil (machining oil) which remains on a surface, an inside surface of a casting core-derived hollow, an inside surface of a threaded hole or the like of a work such as an auto part, which device has a reduced size and exhibits particularly high cleaning efficiency [Means to Solve the Problem] The cleaning device comprises: a cleaning chamber 3 provided with an opening 2; a work holding jig 4 disposed in the cleaning chamber 3; a driving unit 5 for rotationally driving the jig 4 by means of a servo motor, the driving unit being disposed outside the cleaning chamber 3; cleaning nozzles 6 mounted on the jig 4 and a liquid discharge port 7 for discharging a cleaning liquid from the cleaning chamber 3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: Shigayamashita Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kaoru Ichihashi
  • Patent number: RE41367
    Abstract: A cleaning head for carpets, walls or upholstery, including a rigid, exterior, open-bottomed main body which defines the surface subjected to the cleaning process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Hydramaster North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Roy Studebaker