Abstract: The present invention provides an improved steam cleaning device, comprising: a hand-held steam generator, a pole, a platform cleaning polygon housing, constructed by an upper lid and a lower lid opposite to each other, a steam-releasing apparatus disposed at the bottom of the platform cleaning polygon housing, indentation of the upper lid pivoted to clips, at least one wheeled body connected to lift said platform cleaning polygon housing off the floor; and a cleaning tool; wherein said hand-held steam generator can be selectively adapted to the pole, the platform cleaning polygon housing or at least one cleaning tool.

Abstract: A complex type cleaner includes: a cleaner body having at least one of a dust collecting container for storing dust or foreign materials and a water collecting container for storing contaminated water; and a suction head having a dust suction opening disposed at a lower portion of the cleaner body and sucking dust when the cleaner performs a vacuum cleaning and a suction head having a suction nozzle for sucking contaminated water when the cleaner performs a water cleaning. By implementing both vacuum cleaning function for sucking dust and water cleaning function in one cleaner, a cost can be reduced, users' convenience can be improved, and the cleaner can be conveniently kept in storage.

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 housing and a recovery tank removably mounted to the housing. A liquid distribution system is operatively associated with the housing for distributing the cleaning solution to the surface. A suction nozzle is secured to the housing 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. The suction nozzle includes a front nozzle portion removably mounted to a rear nozzle portion.

Abstract: According to certain embodiments of the invention, a pressure washing system delivers a cleaning fluid under pressure to a surface to be cleaned, and includes a fluid pump unit for supplying the fluid to the surface. A fluid collector captures wastewater runoff of the cleaning fluid on the surface to be cleaned. The vacuum pump unit withdraws the captured waste fluid from the fluid collector.

Abstract: A floor-scrubbing machine is provided having a main body and a cleaning fluid delivery system. At least one rotatable brush having a brush body and bristles extending from the brush body is included. The brush is carried by the main body whereby the bristles of the brush engage the floor being scrubbed. A fluid distributor is provided to distribute cleaning fluid supplied to the fluid distributor to the brush. The brush defines a recess having a sidewall and at least one opening formed in the sidewall for distributing the cleaning solution radially outward.

Abstract: A pavement cleaning vehicle includes a tow vehicle and a trailer towed behind the tow vehicle that includes a vacuum head mounted to the trailer that consumes fresh water from a fresh water holding tank on the tow vehicle in rinsing underlying pavement. Pressurized fresh water is sprayed within a spray containing spray chamber of a vacuum head through nozzles aligned transversely across the vehicle travel path. The vacuum chamber is partitioned in the vacuum head from the spray chamber by a divider extending downward but terminating short of the underlying pavement therein establishing a chamber gap through which rinse water within the spray chamber dispersed from the pavement is drawn into the vacuum chamber which is maintained at reduced air pressure by an air-water separator tank that draws air and water mix from the vacuum head into it for air-water separation. Water is then conducted to a rinse water holding tank and air is exhausted to atmosphere.

Abstract: A rotary cleaning head that may have a main disc, a cover, and vacuum heads. The cover may define an axially aligned central vacuum opening; and the main disc and cover may define therebetween a vacuum distribution hub and vacuum channels for distributing vacuum from the cover's central vacuum opening to the vacuum slots in the vacuum heads. A dual purpose seal may provide a seal between the cover and the main disc, and may also define at least part of the vacuum hub and vacuum channels. The vacuum heads may have vacuum notches or ridges that may help to collect and direct the cleaning fluid on at least part of the vacuum heads' outer surfaces into vacuum heads' vacuum slots. The rotary cleaning head may be modified to clean either hard surfaces or soft surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimizing the accumulation of soil and debris within a vacuum system of a surface maintenance machine is disclosed. A secondary fluid, such as pressurized cleaning solution, is sprayed into the vacuum system in order to reduce soil and debris accumulation within the vacuum system without applying additional fluid to a floor surface. In one embodiment of the invention, pressurized fluid is introduced directly into the vacuum extractor tool of a surface cleaning machine in order to dislodge accumulated debris on surfaces therein. A method of minimizing the accumulation of soil and debris within the vacuum system is also disclosed. The invention is applicable to a variety of portable and vehicle-based floor cleaning machines.

Abstract: A squeegee assembly (60) includes first and second protrusions (314) interconnected to a support (172) to which front and rear flexible blades (170a, 170b) are mounted. In preferred aspects, squeegee assembly (60) is of a curved design such that the flexible blades (170a, 170b) are spaced at the center of the support (172) where a suction tube (174) is provided and taper towards each other so that their ends are closely adjacent each other. The first and second protrusions (314) define upper and lower channel portions (324, 326) between the flexible blades (170a, 170b) so that appreciable reduction in the speed of air flow towards the suction tube (174) does not occur, which reduction may result in dropping of carried moisture.

Abstract: A floor cleaning device having a base assembly for movement along a cleaning surface is provided. The base assembly comprises a brush assembly for engaging the surface of the floor being cleaned removably mounted to a base part. A nozzle assembly is removably mounted to the base part such that the nozzle assembly is positioned adjacent to the brush assembly to prevent the brush assembly from disengaging from the base part.

Abstract: A cleaning head for cleaning the slats in a window blind includes a manifold for receiving cleaning fluid, a plurality of spaced apart fingers arranged in a row on the manifold and at least one orifice defined in each finger for spraying the cleaning fluid onto the slats. Cleaning pads may be disposed on the fingers to contact the slats. The manifold may be divided to provide a source of vacuum to a second plurality of fingers with apertures defined therein for removal of excess cleaning fluid. Another embodiment of the cleaning head has couplings extending laterally from the fingers, and spacing elements may be interposed between the couplings to vary the spacing between adjacent fingers. Yet another embodiment of the cleaning head utilizes an enclosed compartment with slots defined in upper and lower surfaces for receiving a slat through the compartment.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning and/or drying systems having heaters which provide drying air to aid in drying or combined cleaning and drying. The system is particularly adapted and beneficial for use on carpets, but can also be used to clean other surfaces such as smooth floors or upholstery. The heaters are on a portable cleaning unit used within the room being cleaned. A support unit is preferably provided outside the room or building to generate vacuum and remove moisture from the room. The support unit is typically mounted on a vehicle and can provide compressed air or other gases and cleaning fluids. Compressed air can be used to agitate and facilitate both cleaning and drying. Compressed air can also be used to apply one or more additives, such as deodorizers and fragrances. The portable unit can also be used for drying flooded carpets and the like.

Abstract: A bar jet assembly formed of a base plate having a cleaning fluid discharge chamber communicating with a cleaning fluid input surface and a discharge slot in a cleaning fluid output surface; and a pair of cover plates coupled to the fluid output surface of the base plate and forming therebetween an inclined cleaning fluid discharge orifice communicating with the base plate discharge slot.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for extracting soiled cleaning solution from carpets and other surfaces utilizing a low-profile pick-up head is disclosed. The apparatus includes a vacuum chamber or enclosed space positioned in a fluid recovery device to provide a uniform vacuum along the entire width of the device. Also disclosed is a low-profile push-pull fluid recovery device which includes a positive pressure chamber and a vacuum chamber in the push-pull head to distribute positive and vacuum pressures, respectively, along the width of the push-pull head. Methods for using such pick-up heads are also disclosed.

Abstract: A carpet grooming attachment for a motorized brush device, the attachment having a generally triangular shaped housing; the attachment attaching to the wheel axle of a motorized brush device; a brush; means for delivering fluid attached to a external surface of the housing; and means for providing suction to the housing. The means for delivering a fluid may have at least one interchangeable and adjustable spray tip to deliver the fluid. The carpet grooming attachment of the present invention may have a pre-spray hose. The invention also includes a carpet-cleaning device with an attachment and methods of cleaning carpets using a motorized brush device with a carpet grooming attachment.

Abstract: An extraction cleaning machine has a solution dispensing system and a recovery system for applying a cleaning solution to a surface and recovering the solution from the surface, and an agitation brush assembly for agitating the surface. The agitation brush assembly can include friction-type or other dampers for reducing brush bounce, and biasing elements for maintaining a constant downward force on the brush. The brush can have multiple helical rows of tufted bristles, preferably at least four rows, or can comprise a continuous helix of bristles in a twisted-wire spindle. The brush can further have a removable fabric cover for mounting over a bristle brush for contacting a surface being cleaned. The brush assembly can function in an upright extraction cleaning machine with or without an above floor cleaning tool, a hand-held extractor, or a hand-held attachment to a canister extractor or an above floor tool in upright extractor.

Abstract: The present invention involves a solvent vapor transfer device for holding an absorbent pad, which receives and disperses solvent vapors over a lacquer-based residue on a textile. A solvent is poured or dripped into an absorbent pad portion of the vapor transfer box, from which solvent vapors are released. The solvent vapors pass through the vapor transfer box and concentrate in a vapor chamber over the lacquer-based residue and textile. As the solvent vapors come into continuous contact with the lacquer-based residue, the residue begins to dissolve and soften. Upon sufficient dissolution, minute quantities of the liquid solvent may be applied directly to the partially dissolved residue and quickly suctioned into an extraction vacuum. This process may be repeated as necessary to achieve complete removal of the residue.

Abstract: A steam jet apparatus for a vacuum cleaner, which can be removably mounted to a handle of a vacuum cleaner body to supply a jet of steam to a cleaning surface, and which employs the power supply and switch for the vacuum's attachment accessories. The steam jet apparatus includes a housing comprising a reservoir with an open upper side for holding water, and a steam jetting nozzle formed to be interconnected with the reservoir. A steam generating device is disposed in the reservoir, and when in operation, generates steam from the water in the reservoir. The apparatus has a cover assembly comprising an inner cover connected to the housing to cover an upper side of the reservoir and the nozzle for supporting the steam generating device. The cover assembly includes a cover connected in electrical and fluid communication with the inner cover.

Abstract: A steam jet apparatus of a vacuum cleaner removably mounted to a handle of a vacuum cleaner body to supply a jet of steam to a cleaning surface, and employs the power supply terminal and switch for the vacuum's attachment accessories. The steam jet apparatus includes a body having a reservoir; a steam generation device in the reservoir; a steam jetting nozzle disposed at one end of the body; and a connection structure disposed at the other end of the body to removably attach the apparatus to the handle. The connection structure has a power terminal to connect to the power supply terminal of the handle and the steam generation device. The reservoir and steam jetting nozzle are interconnected by a steam pathway which can be a pipe or a plurality of opposingly placed barricades in the reservoir.

Abstract: A floor cleaning unit is provided. The floor cleaning unit includes a base for movement along the surface. A nozzle assembly is removably attached to the base for pick up and removal of liquid and dirt. Such attachment is accomplished by providing the nozzle assembly with a slide latch that slidably engages a channel formed in the base.

Abstract: A method for utilizing a decal removal apparatus provides a low pressure steam to a surface having a decal thereon at a decal area. The applicator has a plate having a seal connected to the bottom portion of the plate defining a cavity therein. An outlet communicates steam from a conduit into the cavity when to cavity is placed against the decal area. The low pressure steam moisturizes the adhesive connecting the decal to the vehicle so that the decal may then be relatively easy removed from the vehicle mechanically or otherwise.

Abstract: An oral cavity cleaning device including a cleaning head having a liquid feed port and a waste port, a liquid feed passage connected to the liquid feed port through which liquid is fed, via a pump, to the cleaning head and into the oral cavity via the liquid feed port to wash the oral cavity, a waste passage connected to the waste port through which waste liquid in the oral cavity sucked and drained in the cleaning head, and a cleaning member mounted on the cleaning head covering the liquid feed port and the waste port, the cleaning member being made of a porous material having liquid-permeating property. The cleaning member is substantially cylindrical in shape and includes a hole into which the cleaning head is removably inserted.

Abstract: An ovate-shaped container cover includes one layer of cover material that substantially covers a container, while a second layer of cover material adapted with an elastic border for gripping the walls of a container is substantially adjacent to the walls of the container. The container cover, when placed atop a container, is capable of forming a dome. Further disclosed is an automated method for manufacturing container covers of the ovate design described above.

Abstract: A device for cleaning floor mats, carpets or the like by suction includes a suction nozzle (1) having a tubular handle (2) and a suction head (5), delimiting a suction chamber (11) wherein emerges a compressed fluid intake tube (6) connected to a compressed fluid source (7). The compressed fluid intake tube (6) includes a capillary tube (6) extending globally parallel to the tubular handle (2) and emerging in the suction chamber (11), the capillary tube (6) extending from the upper part of the suction tube (5) to the median part of the head (5) and the suction head comprises at least an air intake orifice (13, 15).

Abstract: A dual mode carpet cleaning machine capable of being used in both a traditional deep cleaning mode and a fast drying surface cleaning mode. A selection mechanism provides selective communication with different sets of application jets. One set of application jets delivers a first cleaning solution that penetrates deeply into a carpet. After agitation with a scrub brush the device removes the cleaning solution and unwanted soil through a vacuum nozzle. The other set of jets delivers a lower flow rate of a second cleaning solution that does not penetrate deeply into the carpet. In addition, a novel cleaning solution is disclosed for use with the machine in differing concentrations, depending on the desired application. The carpet cleaning solutions dry more quickly when applied to carpet than previous solutions; the combined performance of the system displays similar cleaning efficiencies to previous carpet cleaning machines but obtains significantly reduced drying times.

Abstract: A hand-held nozzle is attached to the end of a vacuum and fluid delivery hose of an upright deep cleaner. The nozzle includes a reservoir to contain a solution to be applied to a surface. When a solution delivery system of the deep cleaner is pressurized, water from the upright cleaner clean water tank is routed through the hose to the hand-held nozzle. The water is routed through a venturi valve connected to the reservoir, which draws the solution to the valve to mix with the water stream. The resultant mixture flows from the hand-held nozzle for application to a surface being treated. One embodiment of the solution reservoir includes a retainer cap bonded to the reservoir and utilizing a bayonet-type mounting arrangement for mounting the reservoir to a nozzle assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning floor surfaces and the like includes a cleaning head and a vacuum head to apply water on the surface for a continuous cleaning and vacuum operation. A single water passage of the apparatus is adapted to be connected to an automatic central water supply and drain system to supply water to and withdraw used water from the apparatus alternately through the single water passage in a controlled manner. Fresh water and used water containers are provided for temporarily storing the fresh and used water respectively. A valve device is used to selectively direct the water flow from the single water passage to the fresh water container and water flow from the used water container to the single water passage. Dirt particles are separated from water and air, and are collected in a removable bin for periodic dumping. The apparatus of the invention assures a fully automatic and efficient wet cleaning and vacuuming operation.

Abstract: A MACHINE FOR CLEANING VEHICLE WINDOWS of the type which includes a swivelling cross-member which supports a tube terminating in a cleaning nozzle or wiper through which a cleaning fluid is expelled, which machine comprises a main body (1) in which are located all receptacles, pumps, electrical-current connections, water inlets and outlets, and control means of the machine as a whole, means for supporting a cleaning wiper (4) in a raised arrangement relative to the main body (1), a cleaning wiper (4) which receives, via a flexible tube (3), a duct (16) for the expulsion of cleaning fluid and a duct (17) for the suction of impurities and dirty water, means for the preparation and expulsion of the cleaning fluid through the cleaning wiper (4), means for retaining the cleaning fluid in the central area of the cleaning wiper (4), means for drawing in and evacuating the cleaning fluid, once it has been used, together with the residues resulting from the cleaning performed, means, based on a microprocessor or a set

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

Abstract: Personal care apparatus is disclosed and basically is comprised of cleansing liquid and rinsing liquid reservoirs, a pair of pumps that deliver liquid from the reservoirs to a pair of valved liquid delivery lines, a source of low-pressure air suction, a suction hose connected to the source of low pressure air suction, and a hand-held applicator element that is co-operably connected to the suction hose and to the pair of valved liquid delivery lines. The hand-held applicator element has a contact surface adapted to contact human skin surfaces without causing injury.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for extracting soiled cleaning solution from carpets and other surfaces utilizing a low-profile pick-up head is disclosed. The apparatus includes a vacuum chamber or enclosed space positioned in a fluid recovery device to provide a uniform vacuum along the entire width of the device. Also disclosed is a low-profile push-pull fluid recovery device which includes a positive pressure chamber and a vacuum chamber in the push-pull head to distribute positive and vacuum pressures, respectively, along the width of the push-pull head. Methods for using such pick-up heads are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an articulated joint (1) to joint tubes with two ducts (2, 3), particularly for a suction, steam production and/or cleaning apparatus, comprising a central portion (4), provided with a rotation system with maximum angle of 170°, a front body (5) and a rear body (6), carrying suction, steam production and/or cleaning ducts (2, 3), the passage of steam and/or cleaning products occuring through a front duct (7) and a rear duct (8), said front duct (7) and rear duct (8) having one end within watertight means, provided in said central part (4), allowing the passage of steam and/or cleaning product, and at the same time allowing the rotation of the articulated joint (1) in every position.

Abstract: A sewer-cleaning tool includes a sleeve is sized to have an inside diameter incrementally greater than the outside diameter of the pipe. A sleeve is sized to have an inside diameter incrementally greater than the outside diameter of the pipe. A scoop, having a spoon shaped main body, is carried by a lower portion of the sleeve. A fence assembly includes left and right fence segments attached along their lower edges to the scoop and at an upper rear location to the sleeve. A reinforcement assembly includes left and right rods connected to an upper and forward location on the left and right fence segments, respectively, and to the sleeve. In operation, a water hose delivers water upstream of the cleaning tool, causing debris to be washed to the tool and evacuated, while the water moves through the fence assembly, increasing the ratio of debris to water collected.

Abstract: A barrel washing apparatus (10) for cleaning barrels, particularly wine barrels (16). A wand assembly (14) has a spray head (22) mounted on a fluid supply tube (28) which is bent in a particular fashion such that it can be inserted through a bung hole (20) of a wine barrel (16). A suction tube (24) has a cut away portion (38) in a distal end (36) thereof for abutting the bottom of the wine barrel (16). The suction tube (24) is also bent in a particular fashion. A barrel stopper (26) is adapted for holding the fluid supply tube (28) and the suction tube (24) in position in the bung hole (20) of the wine barrel (16). A service cart (12) has a pressure pump (55) for providing fluids under pressure to the spray head (22) via a fluid line (50), A vacuum apparatus (62) provides vacuum for removing fluids from the wine barrel (16) via the suction tube (24) and a vacuum line (52) and for depositing the fluids in a sump (63). A sump pump (64) removes the fluids from the sump (63).

Abstract: A system for rinsing and cleaning a wafer carrier and a semiconductor wafer mounted thereon during a polishing process is provided. The system comprises a head spray assembly that includes a spray nozzle and a spray cavity. At least a part of the head spray assembly is moveably positionable between a park position and a spray position. The spray position is proximate to the wafer carrier such that liquid discharged from the spray nozzle is in liquid communication with the wafer carrier and the semiconductor wafer. The liquid as well as the materials rinsed from the wafer carrier and semiconductor wafer may be retained in the spray cavity and channeled out of the head spray assembly.

Abstract: Cavitation is produced through injection of pressurized water from an injection outlet of an injection nozzle 17a toward the pavement surface in liquid of a liquid storage part T1 formed on the pavement surface. A clogging object in a cavity of a pavement is isolated by impactive force of the cavitation, and the isolated clogging object is removed by suction with water.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, the tool includes: a housing having a front wall, a back wall, a top wall connecting the front and back walls, an interior surface, a liquid-delivery opening, and a soil-uptake opening, the soil-uptake opening being connectable to a vacuum source; a first squeegee blade depending from the front wall; a second squeegee blade depending from the back wall; an interior space defined by the interior surface, first squeegee blade, and second squeegee blade; a diverter valve connected to the housing, the diverter valve having at least an inlet, a first outlet, a second outlet, and a diverter, the diverter capable of selectively directing the flow of a pressurized liquid from the inlet to either the first outlet or the second outlet, the diverter valve being connectable to a pressurized-liquid source; a high-pressure nozzle connected to the first outlet of the diverter valve, the high-pressure nozzle constructed and arranged to deliver a liquid into the interior space via the liquid-de

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

Abstract: A glass surface cleaning machine includes a supporting frame which has a fluid receiving chamber provided therein and includes a supporting arm frontwardly extended therefrom, a wiper blade transversely mounted on a front edge of the supporting arm of the supporting frame for wiping on a glass surface, and a vacuum device supported by the supporting frame. The vacuum device includes at least a fluid suction nozzle supported underneath the wiper blade and in communication with the fluid receiving chamber and an impeller to create a low pressure within the fluid receiving chamber with respect to the atmosphere pressure so as to create a sucking effect for removing fluid from the glass surface through the fluid suction nozzle and directing the fluid to deposit in the fluid receiving chamber.

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

Abstract: A motor-driven, fixed or adjustable spray system is provided, in which the motor overrides and augments the natural rotational force supplied by the input water pressure through one more inclined spray nozzles, thereby increasing the strike force and efficient water impacting of the floor surface. This enhances water delivered from one or more nozzles to impact into the floor surface such as cement, tile, pebble-reinforced concrete, patio stones, linoleum and the like and thereby dislodge various contaminants compared to conventional floor cleaning systems. The spray system may be adjustable from about horizontal to vertical and is also adapted to utilize cleaning pads such as from fibers, cloths, abrasive pads, etc. Use of the cleaning pads may also be augmented by the water spray. Rotary movement of the spray system and/or the cleaning pads may be effected by electrical power, including battery power, or by an equivalent pneumatic (i.e., air driven) power, hydraulic power, etc.

Abstract: A steam jet apparatus of a vacuum cleaner removably mounted to a handle of a vacuum cleaner body to supply a jet of steam to a cleaning surface, and employs the power supply terminal and switch for the vacuum's attachment accessories. The steam jet apparatus includes a body having a reservoir; a steam generation device in the reservoir; a steam jetting nozzle disposed at one end of the body; and a connection structure disposed at the other end of the body to removably attach the apparatus to the handle. The connection structure has a power terminal to connect to the power supply terminal of the handle and the steam generation device. The reservoir and steam jetting nozzle are interconnected by a steam pathway which can be a pipe or a plurality of opposingly placed barricades in the reservoir.

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

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

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

Abstract: The invention is a cleaning tool housing assembly and a replaceable cleaning assembly. The manifold, in combination with a fluid intake element, also delivers fluid (under pressure through holes in the manifold located in a longitudinal channel) to a sponge. Two spaced apart fluid barriers are longitudinally disposed in the sponge. As fluid is introduced into the center of the sponge, between the fluid barriers, the fluid travels toward the opposite surface of the sponge. The fluid is prevented from traveling laterally due to the fluid barriers. As vacuum pressure, negative pressure, is exerted on the outer portions of the sponge (on each side of the fluid barriers), fluid is pulled back through the sponge, through the manifold and through the nozzles into the hollow housing body.

Abstract: A steam cleaning device includes a conduit with a passageway to be aligned and in fluid communication with a duct of a steam generating member secured in a housing. A steam delivering head is removably inserted into and is aligned with the passageway of the conduit such that a channel thereof is in fluid communication with the passageway and such that steam generated by the steam generating member is released out through the passageway and a channel of the steam delivering head. Thus, when the steam delivering head is removed from the passageway, water scales attached to the duct and the channel can be removed by cleaning the same.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning a surface, comprising brush means including a body (16) which carries bristles (17) engageable with the surface; means for effecting movement of the bristles relative to the surface, to provide an agitating cleaning action thereon; said bristle-carrying body further being provided with steam delivery means (20, 21) for applying steam to said surface in a region thereof engaged by said bristles. The apparatus may be for cleaning a conveyor belt (10), with the brush in the form of a drum (16) rotatable about an axis (18) parallel to the conveyor belt with the steam passing through the drum and emerging through peripheral apertures (21), the brush being disposed within a hood (15) with an extraction system for loosened dirt and water.

Abstract: A steam output control structure includes a hose extended from the housing of a steam cleaner and having a grip at the end, a control valve mounted in the grip for output f steam, a heat-resisting high-tension tube connected between the control valve and the steam output port of the steam cleaner, the control valve having a spout for steam output and a valve rod supported on a spring member and adapted to close the steam passage between the spout and the heat-resisting high-tension tube, and a control knob pivoted to the grip and adapted to open the valve rod for letting steam pass from the heat-resisting high-tension tube to the spout.

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. Mounted within or adjacent to the main body portion coplanar with the bottom thereof is the fluid-applying device, which includes a slot at an acute angle to the plane of the bottom of the body located adjacent the plane of the bottom of the body, configured such that the fluid is applied in a thin sheet which flows out of the slot and into the upper portion of the surface to be cleaned and subsequently into the vacuum source for recovery.