Abstract: A disinfecting device is presented having a UV light source for radiation of a cleaning medium to eradicate the medium of infestation agents such as molds, viruses, bacteria and dust mites. The device enhances the disinfection of the medium by providing mechanisms for enhanced penetration of the UV light into the cleaning medium. The device also offers enhanced heat dissipation to promote effective use of the device. Also provided are safety mechanisms to promote the safe and advantageous use of the UV device.

Abstract: Handle has status indicators viewable by operator while viewing location being cleaned and using handle in ordinary cleaning position, and light illuminating location being cleaned. Indicators are LED lamps. Light is an LED lamp. Microphone senses particles and illuminates an indicator. Indicators and light are provided in a housing section that forms part of a housing for handle. Housing section may be integrated with the remainder of the housing, or may be unit that fits into remainder of housing. Light has central axis generally parallel, within approximately five degrees from parallel, with cleaning axis of handle. Indicators each have a central axis generally parallel, within approximately 5 degrees from parallel, with cleaning axis of handle. The indicators have limited beam angle. Indicator viewable over grasping section of handle from towards distal end of handle. The cleaner may be a vacuum cleaner, which may be a central vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A disinfecting device is presented having a UV light source for radiation of a cleaning medium to eradicate the medium of infestation agents such as molds, viuses, bacteria and dust mites. The device enhances the disinfection of the medium by providing mechanisms for enhanced penetration of the UV light into the cleaning medium. The device also offers enhanced heat dissipation to promote effective use of the device. Also provided are safety mechanisms to promote the safe and advantageous use of the UV device.

Abstract: A vacuum-operable feces collector includes a primary housing having an outer wall for defining a cavity therein. The housing further has a rear portion provided with a plurality of vents. The device further includes a vacuum mechanism for collecting the excrement from a support surface. Such a vacuum mechanism includes an elongated hose and further includes a cage removably positionable within the auxiliary housing and a motor and a rotary fan operably connected thereto. The motor and the fan are housed within the cage wherein the cage has a plurality of outlet openings and an inlet port disposed upstream therefrom for assisting the fan to direct air outwardly from the auxiliary housing. A storing mechanism is operably connected to the vacuum mechanism and includes a disposable bag removably connected to the hose.

Abstract: A floor care apparatus includes a housing carrying a suction generator, a dirt collection vessel and an electroluminescent light source.

Abstract: A floor cleaning apparatus includes a housing, a dirt collector, a suction generator, a wand, a hose, a light source, a light director and a light transmitter. The light source is provided on the apparatus at a first point while the light director is provided on the apparatus at a second point remote from the first point. The light transmitter extends between the first and second points. The light source, transmitter and director all function together to direct light from the light source past the wand onto a work area to be cleaned.

Abstract: A lighting device for a vacuum cleaner is provided with a cleaning attachment, a housing adapted to attach to the cleaning attachment, and at least one lighting device. The lighting device is further provided with an electric circuit including a battery and a switch operably connected to the battery and the lighting device to regulate electric current between the battery and the lighting device. The lighting device includes a timing device adapted to deactivate the lighting device after a predetermined amount of time after activation by the switch.

Abstract: A vacuum system has a cabinet that can be mounted to a wall. The cabinet includes a hose connectable to a vacuum source. The hose is extendible from the cabinet between extended and retracted positions. A rotatable shaft drives the hose and a power source causes the rotatable shaft to rotate. A sensor measures the speed of rotation of the shaft and signals a controller to stop the power source when the speed falls below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel design for a recirculating vacuum cleaner nozzle that addresses the problem of pluming by venting some internal fluid to the atmosphere. The nozzle guides fluid flow around an inner shroud within a housing. The distal end of the nozzle is exposed to the atmosphere such that air passes rapidly across its face from the outside edges to the inner duct. This rapidly moving airflow picks up dust and debris and carries it to the interior of the inner duct. Dusty air within this duct is preferably cleaned with a separator. After the fluid is cleaned, it may be sent back to the nozzle to pick up more debris. Use of the nozzle of the present invention in conjunction with a separator allows sufficient air to enter the nozzle to prevent pluming and allows the same amount of air to exit via shaped vent holes while retaining dust in the system.

Abstract: A liquid extraction cleaner comprises a solution dispensing system, a liquid recovery system, and an agitation brush assembly. The solution dispensing system includes a cleaning solution supply tank affixed to the cleaner and fluidly connected to a solution spray nozzle through a trigger-operated manual solution spray pump. The supply conduit interconnecting the cleaning fluid supply tank and the spray nozzle traverses a passage formed integrally with the air-liquid separator housing, spray nozzle being mounted in the passage at a front portion of the cleaner. The liquid recovery system includes a air-liquid separator fluidly connected with a suction nozzle and a suction source for drawing liquid and debris into the air-liquid separator, and a recovery tank releasably mounted to the air-liquid separator for collecting recovered liquid. The agitation brush assembly is mounted in a lower forward portion of the cleaner for contact with a surface being cleaned.

Abstract: A coil cleaning tool for attachment to a vacuum cleaner hose includes a flattened tubular housing having opposed planar side faces connected by top and bottom walls, the top and bottom walls having a narrow width such that the entire tubular housing is very narrow and lender. The tubular housing includes a first end capable of being releasably coupled to a vacuum cleaner hose and a second end having a tapered construction and defining an air intake opening. A light housing having a battery powered LED is mounted atop the top wall of the tubular housing for illuminating a cleaning area. Each side face of the tubular housing may also define an auxiliary air intake opening with a slidable cover such that the air intake openings may be selectively opened or closed for the most efficient and convenient cleaning of hard to reach areas.

Abstract: A floor cleaning apparatus includes a housing, a dirt collector, a suction generator, a wand, a hose, a light source, a light director and a light transmitter. The light source is provided on the apparatus at a first point while the light director is provided on the apparatus at a second point remote from the first point. The light transmitter extends between the first and second points. The light source, transmitter and director all function together to direct light from the light source past the wand onto a work area to be cleaned.

Abstract: A multiple functional vacuum cleaner has a main casing, a head casing disposed on the main casing, a lower container disposed on the main casing, a handle connected to the main casing and the head casing, a press button, and a spring. The head casing has a front mouth, and a rear insertion plate. A nozzle is connected to the front mouth. A dust extractor fan is disposed in the main casing. An inflator device is disposed in the main casing. The main casing has an upper front chamber, a rear opening, and a rear inner flange. The upper front chamber of the main casing receives the press button and the spring. An illuminator device is disposed in a rear portion of the main casing.

Abstract: A new and improved vacuum cleaner is disclosed which would be powered solely by battery means and/or self-generated power means. The vacuum cleaner would preferably be a standard push-type vacuum cleaner and would include a rechargeable battery which would be externally mounted. The vacuum cleaner would also have a top-mounted light which would face forward and assist a user in vacuuming. The light would be powered by a generator that would produce power when the wheels of the vacuum cleaner are turned.

Abstract: A coil cleaning tool for attachment to a vacuum cleaner hose includes a flattened tubular housing having opposed planar side faces connected by top and bottom walls, the top and bottom walls having a narrow width such that the entire tubular housing is very narrow and lender. The tubular housing includes a first end capable of being releasably coupled to a vacuum cleaner hose and a second end having a tapered construction and defining an air intake opening. A light housing having a battery powered LED is mounted atop the top wall of the tubular housing for illuminating a cleaning area. Each side face of the tubular housing may also define an auxiliary air intake opening with a slidable cover such that the air intake openings may be selectively opened or closed for the most efficient and convenient cleaning of hard to reach areas.

Abstract: A hand held, battery powered vacuum cleaner has a sealed light compartment over the vacuum opening with a lens that directs a light beam onto the plane of the surface being cleaned at least as close to the nozzle as one inch. The light chamber is smoothly integrated into the top of the nozzle so that the nozzle may illuminate and clean in spaces having low vertical clearance.

Abstract: A low-profile and highly-maneuverable vacuum cleaner having improved functionality including, alone or in combination, a headlight, a sidelight, anti-ingestion bars, side brushes, a squeegee, and a scent cartridge for use in cleaning floors, floor coverings, carpets, upholstery, and other surfaces. One embodiment includes a tortuous air flow path created by baffles that divert air flow. The tortuous path creates quieter air flow through the vacuum housing. The tortuous air flow arrangement is for cooling the internal parts of a vacuum cleaner. Another embodiment includes an indicator light assembly for the vacuum cleaner visually providing the user with the vacuum's current operation status. In another embodiment, the rear wheels are recessed within the head housing and slightly offset rearwardly of the rear wall of the head housing to provide enhanced maneuverability.

Abstract: A low-profile and highly-maneuverable vacuum cleaner having improved functionality including, alone or in combination, a headlight, a sidelight, anti-ingestion bars, side brushes, a squeegee, and a scent cartridge for use in cleaning floors, floor coverings, carpets, upholstery, and other surfaces. One embodiment includes a tortuous air flow path created by baffles that divert air flow. The tortuous path creates quieter air flow through the vacuum housing. The tortuous air flow arrangement is for cooling the internal parts of a vacuum cleaner. Another embodiment includes an indicator light assembly for the vacuum cleaner visually providing the user with the vacuum's current operation status. In another embodiment, the rear wheels are recessed within the head housing and slightly offset rearwardly of the rear wall of the head housing to provide enhanced maneuverability.

Abstract: A portable surface cleaning apparatus having a floor-traveling base module and an upright handle pivotally mounted to the base module, a liquid dispensing system including a dispensing nozzle associated with the base module and fluidly connected to a fluid supply chamber, a fluid recovery system including a suction nozzle associated with the base module and fluidly connected to a vacuum source and a recovery chamber, a window in the base module, and an illumination source behind the window for illuminating an area underneath and in front of the base module.

Abstract: An interchangeable control panel module removably mountable to the housing of the powered unit of a hand-held vacuum cleaner may be configured to provide the feature mix of a given product model without requiring redesign of the housing of the powered unit to accommodate the feature mixes of different product models. The feature face of the interchangeable control panel module is aesthetically continuous with the housing of the powered unit and may be configured to include at least one of an on/off power switch, a headlight and a battery charge indicating bar graph.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a housing having a nozzle that incorporates an agitator cavity. A rotary agitator is received in the agitator cavity. A light source is held in an illumination compartment carried on the housing. A first window divides the illumination compartment from the agitator cavity and a second window provides an outer facing for the illumination compartment. The light source illuminates the agitator which is viewed through the first and second windows.

Abstract: A portable surface cleaning apparatus having a floor-traveling base module and an upright handle pivotally mounted to the base module, a liquid dispensing system including a dispensing nozzle associated with the base module and fluidly connected to a fluid supply chamber, a fluid recovery system including a suction nozzle associated with the base module and fluidly connected to a vacuum source and a recovery chamber, a window in the base module, and an illumination source behind the window for illuminating an area underneath and in front of the base module.

Abstract: The invention provides a vacuum cleaner (2) having a cleaner head (8) comprising a dirty air inlet (12) and a passage 20) forming an airflow path for dirty air entering the dirty air inlet (12). Access means (24, 26) are provided for allowing access to the airflow path (20) to facilitate cleaning thereof and or removal of blockages therefrom. A transparent portion is provided in an outer casing (22) of the cleaner head (8) to allow the interior of the airflow path (20) to be visually inspected. The improved vacuum cleaner facilitates use and maintenance of the vacuum cleaner (2) by enabling a user to easily and quickly detect and remove blockages in the airflow path (20) between the dirty air inlet (12) and dust separating apparatus (6).

Abstract: A carpet extractor is disclosed having scrub brushes located behind a transparent suction nozzle, whereby the brushes are visible through the nozzle. A main frame of the extractor is formed with transparent portions adjacent to the ends of the brushes, so that he brushes are also visible from the sides of the extractor. Headlights are provided on either side of the suction nozzle for illuminating the floor adjacent to the suction nozzle. The headlights are formed so that a portion of the light emitted by the headlights passes through a transparent portion of the main frame adjacent to the brushes and illuminates the brushes for improved viewing of he brushes. The headlights are also formed so that a portion of the light emitted by the headlights passes through the edge walls of the suction nozzle and illuminates the soiled cleaning liquid traveling through the nozzle.

Abstract: An automatic swimming pool cleaner is equipped with an electrically-powered light source that is securely mounted on, or above the exterior of the housing of the pool cleaner so that the light source illuminates a generally spherical space above and 360° around the pool cleaner. The light source is contained in a transparent hollow receptacle fabricated from an impact-resistant, rigid, light transmitting material. In a pool cleaner with a detachable handle, the handle's horizonal gripping member is constructed from a transparent annular tube in which the light source is axially mounted, the ends of the tube being provided with a waterproof seal where they are joined to the handle brackets. The light source can be one or more lamps or bulbs, preferably of a tubular configuration, such as an array of fluorescent tubes of the folded type that have a socket at one end, the free end being held by a resilient supporting member.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a suction nozzle lamp which can light and observe a forward are of a suction nozzle for collecting dust or alien substances without being overheated. A reflection plate with a predetermined shape is formed inside a lower case forming a suction nozzle with a suction opening for sucking dust or alien substances, and a window is formed at the forward area of the reflection plate and at the lower case to light the forward area after light is reflected by the reflection plate. A suction nozzle lamp is formed between the reflection plate and the window. A strip-type electric bulb is located between the reflection plate and the window by first and second terminals or a socket terminal, thereby emitting enough light to the forward area of the suction nozzle to perform cleaning without being overheated.

Abstract: There is provided an accessory attachment with a built-in light for attachment to a vacuum cleaner. The accessory is preferably of modular design and is detachably connected in air flow relationship to a hose of the vacuum cleaner at one part, is adapted for detachable connection to an attachment such as a crevice tool at one part, and is detachably connected to a power source at one part, preferably a portable power source such as a battery pack, or the power supply line of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner, which has a cleaning attachment through which dirt and dust are drawn, includes a lighting device that illuminates a surface to be cleaned. The lighting device includes a bulb in a groove that is formed at the cleaning attachment's front, thus horizontally illuminating the surface. Preferably, the bulb is a halogen lamp which is of predetermined length. The groove includes a plurality of air holes so that outside air can flow into the groove. A filter is provided in the air holes to prevent dust and dirt from getting into the groove. The lighting device may be detachably mounted on the cleaning attachment, and includes a case and a bulb installed in the case for illumination. The case includes a plurality of locking pieces that securely fit into a slit formed on the cleaning attachment so that the lighting device is connected to the cleaning attachment.

Abstract: A vacuum is described which includes a housing having first, second, and third openings, a vacuum motor connected to the first opening of the housing, an elongated tube connected by one end to the second opening of the housing, and a receptacle removably connected to the third opening of the housing. The vacuum is useful for the removal and disposal of animal feces.

Abstract: A self-contained portable device for collecting dust and other particulate matter or the like. There is a housing with partially open sides sufficiently large to allow the entrance of an operator's hands. A sensor is activated when the operator's hands are placed within the device. The sensor activates the vacuum motor and light source so that the work area is illuminated and particulate matter and dust can be drawn away from the work area. A removable and disposable filter bag collects the dust particles and can be disposed of when full. The operator does not come in contact with any contaminated dust or particulate matter in disposing of the filter bag.

Abstract: A system for repairing damaged airfoils for gas turbine engines includes a plurality of rigid attachment tools. Each attachment tool is individually shaped to access a leading edge of the damaged airfoil of a particular stage of the gas turbine engine. The attachment tools enable repair of the damaged airfoils without disassembling of the gas turbine engine.

Abstract: The present invention is a hand held tool for removing coatings from a substrate. The hand held tool includes a housing having a front section with an outlet, a mid section with an inlet, and a rear section, a heat source disposed within the front section of the housing for emitting heat through the outlet, and a vacuum source disposed within the mid section of the housing for providing suction through the inlet. The hand held coating remover further includes a power source disposed within the rear section for supplying power to the heat source and the vacuum source, a control panel having a heat controller for adjusting and controlling the heat emitted from the heat source through the outlet and a vacuum controller for adjusting and controlling the suction provided by the vacuum through the inlet, and a blade located adjacent to the inlet and resiliently coupled to the housing.

Abstract: A portable vacuum cleaner with removable flashlight is disclosed. The invention is broadly characterized as a vacuum cleaner housing having a front portion and a rear portion with vacuum cleaner components such as an impeller, motor, and filter disposed therein; a stand-alone flashlight housing of conventional design having a contained power source disposed therein; and a connector electrically coupling the contained power source of the flashlight to the vacuum cleaner components so that the vacuum cleaner is operable by utilizing power from the flashlight power source. In an alternative embodiment, the vacuum cleaner has its own dedicated contained power source so that the vacuum cleaner may be operated independently of the flashlight. In preferred form, the flashlight is disposed in the cleaner housing and removably engaged therewith by way of a latch. External contacts on the flashlight beneficially connect with cleaner housing contacts to deliver power to the vacuum cleaner components.

Abstract: This invention is a portable support apparatus composing a mounting frame or yoke which can be supported about the hips of a worker or be attached to a machine or robot. A pivoting assembly pivots a rod having one end secured to the pivoting assembly to adjust the rod angle relative to the mounting yoke. A head assembly attachment means is secured to the rod at its other end, and is adjustable to a plurality of pitch angles relative to the rod to facilitate contact with the surface to be worked on. A head assembly is attached to the rod which may support a variety of material-removing devices including stabbers, brushes, and scrapers, all of which can rotate circularly or eccentrically or vibrate to facilitate removal of material from surfaces. The head assembly also may include fluid projection nozzles, and vacuum apertures for connection to vacuum systems for removal of materials. The head assembly may also be adapted for use as a tool for the application of various substances or a surface.

Abstract: An illuminated belt view for a vacuum cleaner wherein light is transmitted, via a light pipe, from a remote light source to an area directly underneath a transparent belt view window. The transparent belt view window is formed in the vacuum cleaner hood to allow the operator to observe the operating condition of the belt therein, the belt being operable to transfer rotational motion from a motor output shaft to a rotary brush. Illumination of the belt in the area of the belt view window allows the belt and the operating condition thereof to be observed during low ambient light conditions. Use of light from the light source, which is primarily a headlight, removes the need for an independent light source for the belt view window without significantly decreasing the amount of light which is transmitted to the area in front of the machine.

Abstract: A system including an apparatus for cleaning an inside surface of a duct. The system includes a traveling portion and a remote-control monitor portion. The traveling portion includes a traveling truck and the truck carries a compressed air ejector and a video camera, and the remote-control monitor portion receives images from the video camera to control remotely the traveling portion while monitoring a front view of the traveling portion in accordance with the signal coming from the video camera. The compressed air ejector is equipped with a rotating nozzle for ejecting compressed air toward the duct inside surface in an oblique direction in front of the traveling truck. An air compressor can be carried by the truck or the compressed air can be fed to the nozzle ejector via a hose from outside the duct.

Abstract: A system for detecting and removing foreign object debris from an enclosed region is capable of insertion through a small-sized opening. A source of light is optically transmitted through a first window in the outer peripheral surface of an elongated borescope adjacent its distal end to illuminate a debris containing region. An image of the region is transmitted through a second window in the distal end of the borescope to a remote television monitor. A vacuum conduit extends to a flexible tip end which is proximate to the distal end of the borescope and is connected to a source of vacuum to create a suction at the tip end. An elongated guide sleeve serves to slidably receive the vacuum conduit. The tip end of the vacuum conduit is movable relative to the guide sleeve between a retracted position substantially coincident with the first end of the guide sleeve and an extended position whereat the tip end of the vacuum conduit is distant from the first end.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner headlight system incorporating a light pipe is provided. The light pipe includes reflex optics to control the distribution of light across the width of the output edge of the light pipe, as well as to prevent light from escaping through the sides of the light pipe. A reflex optical reflector is also part of the system, for reflecting light from a light bulb into the light pipe without requiring a metallized mirror.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner nozzle structure having a low profile nozzle housing enclosing a lamp. Light-reflective sheets of glossy vinyl are affixed to the top, bottom and rear wall surfaces defining the lamp space and cooperate with the lamp to provide an extended range of illumination directly in front of the nozzle. The reflective sheet material is selected to provide enhanced diffuse illumination closely adjacent the lower front portion of the nozzle body.

Abstract: Disclosed is an upright-type electric vacuum cleaner which comprises a suction port body provided with a rotary brush and a main body case supported tiltably on the suction port body. Improvements are made in details such as the arrangement for supporting the main body case in the suction port body, the arrangements of mounting a handle onto the main body case, the configuration of a main body duct, the arrangement of a rotary brush, the arrangement of a cover of the main body case, and the arrangement of a T-shaped joint for connecting the main body duct and a dust filter means, thereby increasing the strength and rigidity of each of these parts and improving the performance of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: An illumination system for a vacuum cleaner including a thermoplastic injection molded lens which, cooperating with a reflector surface, provides a high level of optical efficiency. The lens includes separate prism and diffusion areas which focus light immediately ahead of the cleaner. The lens and reflector allow a low wattage bulb to be utilized and thereby avoid excessive generation of heat and the requirement for a bulb socket for heat dissipation.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner main chassis incorporates a light plate for providing light from a relatively narrow slot extending across the front of the chassis onto a floor surface to be cleaned. The light plate is generally planar and transmits light therethrough within its plane from an input edge of the plate to an opposite output edge thereof. The plate output edge resides in the chassis front slot while the rest of the plate is enclosed within the chassis so that light emerges from the chassis only through its front slot. The slot is relatively close to the floor surface for illuminating an area thereof beginning relatively adjacent the chassis. Lamps located adjacent the relatively rearward input edge of the light plate are thus positioned relatively remote from a suction nozzle and rotatable bar brush located in a forward area of the chassis, which avoids preempting critical space in such area or interfering with operation of such elements.

Abstract: This invention concerns a car cleaner and air pump shaped like an elephant. It can be used as a vacuum cleaner, e.g. sucking in dirt, and at the same time as an air pump, e.g. pumping pressurized air into a tire. This elephant-shaped car cleaner and air pump consists of an elephant-shaped cover, a dirt sucking device, an air pumping device, a lighting signaling device and an electric power system. The characteristic of the dirt sucking device is that dirt is sucked through the trunk and collected in the dirt bag set in the body by means of a blowing wheel turned by a motor. The characteristic of the air pumping device lies in pumping air by means of a cylinder and a piston that is moved by a set of worm-gear wheel and rod turned by the same motor that is used in the dirt sucking device.

Abstract: There is disclosed a suction cleaner having a motor, a body portion housing the motor, and interengageable attachments adapted to be attached to the body portion for cleaning operations requiring different motor speeds. A safety switch is provided within a headlight shroud. Attaching elements are provided on each attachment so that the attachment may be affixed to the body portion of the cleaner. The attaching members are covered by the headlight shroud and are exposed by the shroud when the shroud is pivoted to an open position. The safety switch has a first switch position which disconnects the motor from an electrical circuit and a second switch position which causes the motor to run at a relatively slow speed and a third switch position which causes the motor to run at a relatively high speed. Each attachment is provided with a pin which actuates the safety switch to run at either a high speed for off-the-floor cleaning operations or a low speed for on-the-floor cleaning operations.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning a carpet using a cleaning fluid and a reciprocating head member that contacts the carpet. The cleaning fluid is applied to the carpet through a slot in the reciprocating head member. The head member further includes scrubbing means and vacuum means that are reciprocated with the cleaning fluid slot. The drive means for the reciprocating head member moves the head member back and forth along the same path at a rate of about 125 to about 585 cycles per minute. The slot for the cleaning fluid is fixedly spaced from the inlet to the vacuum means and the head member is reciprocated a distance greater than the spacing between the slot and the inlet to the vacuum means. The drive means in this embodiment is part of a body member whose mass is sufficiently greater than that of the head member so that when the drive means reciprocates the head member at a high rate, the distance moved by the head member is greater than the distance moved by the body member.

Abstract: An apparatus for scanning and cleaning computer printout ribbons is provided with an electromagnetic clutch drive which facilitates connection and reversal of direction of the motor drives for transporting the ribbon in a forward or reverse direction of travel. This increases the production rate of the apparatus. Also, a magnetic means is provided to remove metal particles from the ribbon in combination with a vacuum means which uses suction to clean lint, dirt and other foreign matter from the ribbon as it travels from a supply chuck means to a take up chuck means.