Abstract: The present invention teaches a utility, wet/dry, tank type, vacuum cleaner suitable for domestic use whereby wet or dry material may be alternately vacuumed. Two storage or receiving chambers are provided, preferably positioned one within the other. Two suction inlets, one communicating with the first chamber and the other communicating with the second chamber are provided such that wet and dry material may be selectively directed, by the user, to the appropriate chamber for collection.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting a vacuum cleaning apparatus having a first tank, a hose inlet and a suction source coupled to the hose inlet into a liquid dispensing and suctioning system includes a liquid holding tank for holding liquid, an attachment head having an outlet for dispensing liquid and an inlet for suctioning liquid, a housing attachable to the hose inlet and means including a pump disposed in the housing and coupled to the holding tank for delivering liquid from the holding tank to the outlet of the head.

Abstract: A lance tube for a sootblower device for cleaning internal surfaces of large scale combustion devices. The lance tube includes two sets of nozzles for ejecting fluid cleaning media. A readily accessible fluid flow restriction device is positioned between the two sets of nozzles and accommodates interchangeable plug elements providing different fluid flow restrictions. One set of nozzles is optimized for steam as the cleaning media whereas the other is designed for ejecting water. This lance tube configuration is especially adapted for selectively ejecting steam or water blowing medium as cleaning requirements dictate.

Abstract: A novel upright, hot water carpet cleaning extractor is disclosed. The overall configuration and operation of the extractor is similar to that of a typical upright vacuum cleaner and may be similarly operated in both the forward and reverse direction. The herein taught extractor comprises a base frame including the floor suction nozzle, suction fan, cleaning solution distributor, and a removable combination air/liquid separator and recovery tank. A manipulative push-pull handle is pivotly attached to the base frame having a removable cleaning solution supply tank supported thereon. The herein taught upright extractor is easily stored, self contained, easy to operate and requiring minimal effort by the operator.

Abstract: A canister-type vacuum cleaner is provided in which various electrical functions of the vacuum cleaner may be controlled by the user with controls on the hose handle, whether the hose is attached to the suction port or the blowport. The primary exhaust port is located substantially toward the front of the vacuum cleaner body. During normal operation, air is directed from the hose through the suction port and the motor, toward the back of the vacuum cleaner, and then redirected to the front of the vacuum cleaner, where it exits from the primary exhaust port. The vacuum cleaner is also provided with a reduced wheelbase, for greater maneuverability. Two wheels are mounted on the underside of the vacuum cleaner body, near the vacuum cleaner's center of gravity, and a caster is mounted near the front of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) is disclosed including an interchangeable brush (88) and either a removable vacuum shoe (38) for soft floor surfaces or removable squeegee and carriage assemblies (56, 68) for hard floor surfaces. A spindle (32) is rotatably mounted in the chassis (18) and includes first and second arms (36, 52). The first arm (36) is attached to a sleeve (34) for removably and pivotally receiving a pivot pin (40) of the vacuum shoe (38). The second arm (52) includes an elongated slot (54) which slideably receives a follower pin (82) of a crank arm (80) of the carriage assembly (68). The spindle (32) is rotated by an integral lever (44) pivotally connected to a linkage (46) having its opposite end pivotally connected to a second, pivotable lever (26).

Abstract: The present invention teaches a utility, wet/dry, tank type, vacuum cleaner suitable for domestic use whereby wet or dry material may be alternately vacuumed. Two storage or receiving chambers are provided, preferably positioned one within the other. Two suction inlets, one communicating with the first chamber and the other communicating with the second chamber are provided such that wet and dry material may be selectively directed, by the user, to the appropriate chamber for collection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dust pan adapted to be used with a vacuum and which allows for collected dust to be drawn up by the vacuum. The dust pan of the present invention comprises a bottom wall and side walls defining a pan unit. The bottom wall downwardly extends to substantially evenly rest on a floor surface. The dust pan further comprises tubular means adapted to be engaged with a vacuum source. The tubular means are connected at the rear of the pan unit and are in communication with the interior of the pan. The dust pan can optionally include a spring clip for releasable attachment to a broom stem portion.

Abstract: A quick attach-detach assembly of a wet-dry vacuum cleaner for selectively mounting an air blower on a lid includes a blower housing supporting a motor and a fan mounted to the motor and a lid to which the housing can be removably secured. The lid includes an aperture, an annular wall encircling the aperture and an annular ringlike surface defined on the wall. A retaining wall portion extends over a section of the ringlike surface to define a tunnel-shaped section. The blower housing includes a face on which is defined a protrusion. When the blower housing is mounted on the lid, the protrusion of the housing face is located adjacent the tunnel-shaped section. A locking ring is mounted on the lid for limited rotation thereon. A rotation of the ring selectively locks and unlocks the blower housing from the lid.

Abstract: The present invention discloses and teaches means for effecting a vacuum seal between the cover lid, outer tank and inner tank of a dual tank utility type vacuum cleaner wherein the inner tank is telescopingly positioned within the outer tank and suspended therein from the peripheral rim of the outer tank. The peripheral rims of the cover lid, inner tank and outer tank cooperate to fluidly isolate the inner tank from the outer tank and seal both tanks from the atmosphere.

Abstract: A horizontal canister vacuum having a cover removably attached to the open end of a canister having a motor/fan assembly affixed thereto and cooperating with an air outlet to evacuate air from the interior cavity. A plurality of wheels provided for solidly supporting the canister and attached cover in a horizontal orientation when placed upon a flat surface and wherein accumulated dust particles may be emptied from the vacuum cleaner by removing the cover from the canister when the vacuum cleaner is positioned in a vertical orientation. A clam-shell configuration is provided for packaging the motor/fan assembly to direct air flow through the assembly for cooling thereof.

Abstract: This invention is a fluid evacuation system used in conjunction with a standard water closet. A wet/dry evacuation motor is used to remove foul air not only from the immediate area of the water closet but from the entire room. Should a liquid overflow occur, part of that fluid can also be removed from the top of the water closet bowl and directed into the sewer system. Additionally, an attachment is provided to allow evacuation of water and other fluids from the floor adjacent to and around the water closet.

Abstract: An improved cleaning system of the type which applies a cleaning fluid to a surface to be cleaned and then vacuums the dirty cleaning fluid from said surface is provided. The system includes a cleaning fluid pump for delivering pressurized cleaning fluid to spray nozzles attached to either a floor nozzle or a hand tool. Both the floor nozzle and the hand tool are connected to the suction and cleaning fluid connectors of the main cleaner unit by a one-step connection which connects both fluid and suction lines in a single motion. The hand tool, which is attached to the main unit by a hose assembly, has its own pinch valve for controlling the application of cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned. When the hand tool is being used the trigger which actuates the pump may be locked in the "on" position.

Abstract: A multi-use vacuum capable of use as an upright vacuum or as a canister vacuum is disclosed. A detachable vacuum module is selectively mounted to the foot and support member of an upright vacuum. The vacuum module includes the vacuum motor, motor-driven fan, vacuum bag and hose. The vacuum may be operated as an upright vacuum or, alternatively, the module can be separated from the foot and support member and may be used independently of and at a great distance from the foot and support member for a wide variety of cleaning purposes.

Abstract: A vacuum pickup of critically safe quantity and geometric shape is used in cleanup of radioactive materials. Collected radioactive material is accumulated in four vertical, parallel, equally spaced canisters arranged in a cylinder configuration. Each canister contains a filter bag. An upper intake manifold includes four 90 degree spaced, downward facing nipples. Each nipple communicates with the top of a canister. The bottom of each canister communicates with an exhaust manifold comprising four radially extending tubes that meet at the bottom of a centrally located vertical cylinder. The top of the central cylinder terminates at a motor/fan power head. A removable HEPA filter is located intermediate the top of the central cylinder and the power head. Four horizontal bypass tubes connect the top of the central cylinder to the top of each of the canisters. Air enters the vacuum cleaner via a hose connected to the intake manifold.

Abstract: A nozzle mechanism for a vacuum cleaner. The mechanism has a sliding base with an intake opening, and a suction conduit connector for a vacuum cleaner. Disposed between the intake opening and the connector is an air feed channel, in the path of which is disposed a turbine chamber having a turbine that can be driven by intake air. The turbine serves for driving a brush roller for mechanically cleaning floors. A second intake opening is provided that is connected to the turbine chamber via an intake channel that is independent of the first intake opening. The air for driving the turbine is supplied to the turbine chamber at least partially via the second intake opening and the intake channel.

Abstract: An improved machine convertible for brush-aided cleaning or vacuuming includes a pair of powered brushes counter-revolving for stroking solvent-dampened carpet cleaning particles through the carpet and along carpet fibers during initial cleaning. A separately-powered pod is detachable from the machine during brush-aided carpet cleaning and attached to a machine-mounted vacuum nozzle for carpet vacuuming to pick up the dirt-laden particles. The pod has first and second media selected to remove particles of differing sizes from air flowing through the pod. During initial carpet cleaning when vacuum is not needed, the pod may be detached and used in another area for hand-vacuuming carpeted stairs and other "small-area" places.

Abstract: A self-propelled vacuum cleaner having a transmission assembly that selectively drives the vacuum cleaner in both forward and reverse directions. The transmission arrangement includes a first stage of speed reduction in the coupling of a drive motor and a transmission input shaft interconnected by sprockets and a primary drive belt. A pinion on the input shaft drives one of a pair of meshed counter-rotating gears. A clutch/sprocket is associated with each of the counter-rotating gears and a belt couples both of these clutch/sprockets to a common sprocket which through associated elements drives the wheels of the appliance. The input pinion, counter-rotating gears, respective clutch/sprockets and common output sprocket all rotate about axes parallel to the motor shaft. An actuating mechanism selectively energizes one or the other of the clutch/sprockets for forward or reverse propulsion of the appliance.

Abstract: A squeegee apparatus for a vacuum cleaner system. The apparatus includes a main body portion having an integrally formed neck portion operable to releasably connect to a wand of the vacuum cleaner system. The main body portion forms a manifold and includes a lower end portion to which a squeegee member is releasably secured. The squeegee member includes a central portion having a pair of longitudinally parallel extending bumper portions, with the bumper portions each including saw tooth-shaped surfaces. The squeegee blade also depends downwardly from the central portion and outwardly of the bumper portions. The central portion also includes first and second pluralities of ports disposed on opposite sides of the squeegee blade, with one or the other of the pluralities of ports being alternately blocked off during use as the squeegee blade flexes into abutting contact with one or the other of the bumper portions while being moved back and forth over a work surface.

Abstract: A pressure washer attachment for a string trimmer. The attachment has a housing and a liquid accelerating pump. The housing is adapted to be connected to a shaft of the string trimmer with the pump connected to a motor of the string trimmer. A liquid supply hose can be connected to the attachment such that the string trimmer motor can operate the pump to accelerate the liquid as it is discharged from the attachment for cleaning or washing.

Abstract: An outlet chute (10) for a blower device to guide the expulsion of leaves, grass or other debris, having an inlet portion (26) and a bifurcated outlet portion (28) including a first outlet duct (30) and a second outlet duct (32) which direct debris in opposing lateral directions. A deflector vane (34) is disposed within bifurcated outlet portion (28) to deflect expelled debris to one of the first outlet duct and second outlet duct. The first outlet duct (30) allows for the expulsion of debris in substantially the same direction in which it leaves the blower housing and is configured to expel the debris closer to the ground than second outlet duct (32), which expels debris with less thrust and at higher elevation. A method of using a blower device equipped with the chute includes making a series of parallel passes with each pass in a direction opposite to that of its adjacent passes.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling dispensing of "dry" powdered compositions particularly carpet cleaning compositions wherein the confined finely divided particles descend in a stream under gravity and have oscillatory movement imparted thereto next before discharge through an orifice leading therefrom so as to agitate, separate and propel the particles therethrough; and in the case of carpet cleaning operations depositing the finely divided discharged particles onto the surface of the fibres in a substantially uniform pattern thereover followed by working same into the fibres through the application thereto of a rotary brush or beater and thereafter recovering the residues by a suitable suction or vacuum unit utilizing a rotary brush or beater and an associated two stage cyclone separator.

Abstract: A combination floor sweeping and scrubbing machine is as compact and maneuverable as an equivalent machine which only sweeps or scrubs, while retaining typical hopper and tank volumes. Its operator can change it from sweeping to scrubbing or vice versa at any time by moving a few controls and without adding or removing any parts. It has one debris hopper and one horizontal cylindrical rotating brush and they function in both the sweeping and scrubbing modes. A vacuum system supplies dust control during sweeping and vacuum pickup of dirty solution during scrubbing. In the scrubbing mode a single tank supplies scrubbing solution and receives dirty solution picked up from the floor.

Abstract: An improved scrub head for a cleaning wand to be used with a floor cleaning machine. The scrub head is supplied with vacuumized air and pressurized cleaning solution through the wand from the machine. The scrub head has a nozzle for applying cleaning solution to the floor, a powered rotating tool such as a brush or a pad for scrubbing the floor, and a vacuum pickup shoe or squeegee for picking up soiled cleaning solution. The squeegee, when used, has flexible lips of a novel and improved design. The rotating tool is driven by an air turbine which takes in its air from essentially clean ambient atmosphere, and a valve selectively and automatically connects the vacuumized air to either the turbine outlet, thus causing the turbine and tool to rotate for scrubbing the floor, or to the pickup shoe or squeegee for picking up soiled cleaning solution and debris.

Abstract: A convertible vacuum cleaner providing a detachable upright handle permits the vacuum cleaner to be used as an upright cleaner for cleaning rugs, carpets, and the like. A detachable portable hand cleaner handle is also provided which is mounted when the cleaner is to be used as a portable hand cleaner. A resiliently biased, releasable connector is mounted on the filter bag to detachably connect the filter bag to either of the handles. The connector is connected to the upright handle. The connector is resiliently connected to the bag so that the bag remains in proper extended position in all operating positions of the upright handle. A receiver having a socket and a mating blade on the handles permits the two handles to be selectively mounted on the power unit of the cleaner. The portable handle provides a shoulder strap which is retracted into the handle by a reel when not in use and is locked at any selected extended position when the shoulder strap is in use.

Abstract: A combination cleaner is provided which combines both vacuum cleaning and brushing or waxing capabilities. All operative elements are contained within a main body (11) and driven by a motor (17) through a driving train and a clutch assembly (19). The vacuum cleaning portion of the combination cleaner includes a vacuum fan (18), as well as a filter net (16) located within a frontal hood (14) of the combination cleaner. Waxing brushes (21) are mounted on a bottom portion of the combination cleaner and the combination cleaner may be selectively used in accordance with a plurality of brushes. The cleaner provides both vacuum cleaning and waxing capabilities through actuation of the clutch assembly (19) for providing a multi-purpose and multi-effective combination cleaner being used at the discretion of an operator.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided that is alternatively operable as a stand alone, upright vacuum cleaner and as a canister vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner includes a nozzle assembly having a beater brush, a suction fan and a motor that drives both the beater brush and suction fan. A dirt tube assembly includes a first air flow passageway that directs dirt from the nozzle assembly to a dirt box and also includes a second air flow passageway that directs dirt from the nozzle assembly to a handle. The handle includes an air flow passageway that is coupled to the second air flow passageway in the dirt tube assembly. The handle is alternatively interconnectable with a cap for sealing the handle air flow passageway to operate the vacuum cleaner as a stand alone, upright vacuum cleaner wherein dirt is directed from the nozzle by the nozzle suction fan through the first air flow passageway to the dirt box.

Abstract: The VAC-BRUSH is a multi-functional apparatus used in the cleaning and vacuuming of gunite or marble plaster swimming pools. It can be used as a vacuum alone or in combination with a brush system ahead of the suction line thereby permitting the brushed particles to immediately be drawn into the filtration system and not into suspension.

Abstract: The mower attachment includes a wheeled platform having a platform upon which a conventional power lawn mower is adapted to be mounted with the wheels of the power mower spaced from the ground. An upstanding peripheral rim is provided on the platform to inhibit lateral movement of the mower when mounted on the platform. The center portion of the platform is provided with an opening adapted to be located below the rotatable blade of the mower and is in communication with a leading head portion having an intake opening whereby suction created by the rotating mower blade causes loose debris on the ground to be drawn through the intake opening to the opening in the bottom of the platform .

Abstract: A structure is disclosed for receiving and securing one or more vacuum motors in the motor housing of a vacuum suction machine. The structure acts as an adapter to permit vacuum motors of different circumferential, as well as axial dimensions to fit into, and be secured in a housing of one shape and design. The same housing can be used with many different motor configurations and thus provide a wider range of static lift pressures and air volumes at reduced manufacturing cost.

Abstract: An air booster power nozzle for use in combination with a vacuum cleaner having a motor/fan unit for creating a vacuum, the power nozzle including an enclosed base having a suction inlet for air and an air outlet spaced from the suction inlet, a power source and a motor energized by the power source, a suction-creating fan rotatably supported by the motor and sited relative to the enclosed base adjacent the air outlet; the motor/fan units of the vacuum cleaner and of the power nozzle operating in tandem for creating an extremely high suction and vacuum at the power nozzle to forcefully remove debris from the surface being cleaned and to preclude plugging of the power nozzle or the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A mist sprayer including an air blower, a spray head having a spray opening at a front end thereof and attached to the air blower, and a mist liquid vessel attached to the spray head. The spray head comprises a vessel attachment section to which the vessel is attached, and a spray tube provided inside the front of the spray head. A liquid intake at one end of the spray tube is opened in the vessel attachment section and a nozzle thereof at other end is positioned near the outlet of the spray head. An air hole is opened in the vessel attachment section to let air inside the vessel.

Abstract: A canister vacuum cleaner includes a floor cleaning unit having a rotatable brush driven by a brush motor and a remotely disposed canister having a vacuum or suction motor for providing suction to perform cleaning operations. The floor cleaning unit is mechanically and pneumatically interconnected with the canister through a rigid wand and a wand handle and hose assembly. The wand handle and hose assembly includes a wand handle, disposed between the rigid wand and a flexible hose, with a three-position electrical control switch mounted thereon. The control switch enables the deenergization of both the brush motor and the vacuum motor in a first position, enables the energization of the vacuum motor only in a second position and enables the energization of both the vacuum motor and the brush motor in a third position.

Abstract: An improved drivable automatic floor cleaning machine includes a carriage supporting a fresh liquid compartment, a dirty liquid compartment, a cleaning rotor, a travel roller pair, and a rearward suction nozzle. The improvements include an adjustable machine frame with a depending protective curtain surrounding the periphery of the rotor remote from the suction nozzle, the machine frame being adjustable, preferably automatically, to accommodate rotors of different diameters, and to confine the cleaning liquid beneath the machine for improved efficiency and range of operation using either battery or rectifier power.

Abstract: A device for attachment to commercial lawn mowers which provides improved means for collection of spent debris. The device generally includes a debris chute which attaches to the lawn mower at its debris outlet, a gasoline-motor-driven mechanical blower and a debris collection receptacle. First and second sections of flexible tubing are utilized to respectively attach the chute and blower, and the blower and collection receptacle.

Abstract: A tank type liquid vacuum cleaner includes, an intake hose, a L-shaped air inlet tube, a liquid tank, an anti-overflow cylinder in the liquid tank, a ball valve in a ball valve containing tube disposed within the anti-overflow cylinder, an air outlet, a suction fan, and a three-stage switch, whereby the vacuum cleaner effectively cleans up dust, debris, dirty air, and the like, can be easily disassembled for cleaning the internal surface of the liquid tank, and can be readily converted to an air cleaner when the intake hose is removed therefrom. Further, the cleaner is constructed so that the liquid in the liquid tank is prevented from spilling when the vacuum cleaner accidentally falls over on the floor.

Abstract: A multiple function, modular vacuum cleaning system is described having a vacuum head which is releasably mounted on a waste recovery tank to form a first, portable wet/dry vacuum cleaning machine. The wet/dry vacuum cleaning machine in turn can be mounted on a cleaning solution tank to provide a second portable machine having wet extraction as well as wet and dry vacuum capabilities.

Abstract: A multi-function cleaner provided with three rotating shafts that are connectable with a scrubbing brush, a floor wax polisher and an air extractor vane wheel to permit the cleaner to perform the functions of scrubbing, polishing and dust extraction. The shafts are driven by a motor through a gearing arrangement to rotate the shafts at different speeds. The shaft connectable to the scrubbing brush includes a water outlet which receives water from an inlet forming part of a handle for the cleaner and the air extractor vane wheel is carried by a detachable cover provided with an extended sucker for facilitating the dust suction operation.

Abstract: A control switch is disclosed for a two-speed vacuum cleaner motor and the like. The switch provides three sensors which operate in response to the mounting of three different types of accessories on a vacuum cleaner. One sensor causes low motor speed operation when an accessory is mounted requiring low speed operation. Another sensor operates to provide high speed motor operation when a high speed accessory is mounted. The third sensor prevents motor operation when an accessory is not mounted on the outlet of the vacuum cleaner. The control switch provides a high speed/low speed switch and a power switch. The power switch is automatically moved to its open or OFF position in response to the mounting of an accessory. Copnsequently, the high speed/low speed switch cannot operate to start the motor, and is therefore provided with low cost contacts. The control switch and motor provide plug-type connectors which automatically connect the internal motor wiring when the switch is installed.

Abstract: A vacuum machine for collecting hazardous materials is adapted for wet or dry applications without diminishing the storage capacity of the reservoir.

Abstract: A portable floor scrubbing machine, which preferably is battery-powered, may operate in two distinct modes: either as a walk-behind floor scrubber or as a manually-operated, scrub-and-recover system using a floor wand having a cleaning solution dispenser and convertible brush/squeegee at the working end of the wand for use in locations with difficult access.

Abstract: An attachment for the intake hose of a suction cleaner for dispensing liquid to the surface to be suctioned, near the intake to the suction nozzle. A liquid supply tank is supported near the suction nozzle. A valve dispenses the liquid. In one embodiment, a surface engaging brush or roller communicates with the valve. When the surface engaging element engages the surface, it opens the valve to dispense liquid from the tank to a liquid dispensing bar. A second embodiment uses a float valve which normally closes the communication between the inlet to the valve and the outlet from the valve to the dispenser bar. An additional conduit communicates with the nozzle to supply suction to the float valve, and when the suction inlet to the suction nozzle is partially obstructed, e.g. against the surface being suctioned, this increases the vacuum above the suction nozzle. The suction communicates through the additional conduit to the float valve to open the communication from the valve inlet to the dispenser bar.

Abstract: A chassis frame is supported on a front steering axle and a rear steering axle. Between the two axles and beneath the chassis frame, a hollow support serving as a main blow duct is pivotingly disposed. Raisably and lowerably connected to the support via levers is a sweeping-brush roller. Connected to the support are blowing nozzles which lead air supplied by a fan mounted on the chassis frame into a blow duct formed by a cover plate disposed in front of the sweeping-brush roller. Disposed within the blow duct are two suction ports which are connected via dirt-suction pipes to a vacuum-sweepings container disposed on the chassis frame. The outlet of the vacuum-sweeings container is connected at a dismantling point to an air-suction duct which is in turn connected to the intake of the fan. This cleaning vehicle can be used for snow clearance by opening a flap and closing another flap in an air-outlet pipe piece and by moving an operating lever from a middle position into either of two end positions.

Abstract: A hand-held combination power brush and suction cleaner unit having control means to selectively adjust and shut off suction air flow for brush working a surface without vacuum pick-up and with reserve motor power, the unit being particularly suited for use with dry particle cleaners.

Abstract: A dual vacuum cleaner is disclosed which includes generally a power unit, a small tank, and a large tank. The power unit includes a motor and an impeller, and is complementary to an access opening of the small tank and also complementary to an access opening of the large tank. The power unit may be fastened to either the small tank or the large tank for selective operation as a small portable vacuum cleaner or as a large wheeled tank-type vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing cleaning suds includes a reservoir containing a cleaning solution connected to the outlet of a vacuum cleaner or the like. The apparatus includes a flexible hose connected to the upper portion of the reservoir through which air passes from the vacuum cleaner outlet to a venturi nozzle at the remote end of the hose. An inner supply tube extends along the interior of the flexible hose and connects to the cleaning solution within the reservoir through a pressure reducing ball valve. The outlet of the supply tube is movable toward and away from the venturi to regulate the flow of the cleaning solution. Cleaning solution delivered to the venturi through the supply tube is formed into suds which are expelled onto a surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: Also proposed is apparatus for cleaning hard and soft surfaces by simultaneous application thereto of liquid and vacuum using a tool and which is equipped with a conversion device to permit dry vacuum cleaning with entrainment of dry soil in the liquid for subsequent collection in a soil and liquid vessel. The device (FIG. 4) comprises a 2-way valve (7) by which liquid flowing through a first pipe (5) can be caused to flow alternatively to a head (1) of a tool, or, through at least one branch pipe (9) to a second pipe (6) or pipe insert (11) by which suction is applied to the head (1) of the tool to entrain the dry soil flowing therein. The branch pipe or pipes normally terminate in one or more spray nozzles and may be located at various different positions in the path of flow of the dry soil induced by vacuum.

Abstract: In an apparatus for picking up dog excrement in conjuction with a street sweeper, which picks up by suction over a suction duct, a separating container for the dog excrement picked up is connected ahead of the dirt container of the street sweeper, the two containers being joined to each other over a suction line. By these means, contamination of the sweeper is avoided.

Abstract: The hand vacuum cleaner comprises a fan arranged in a vacuum cleaner housing, and a dust collector. The handle of the vacuum cleaner is connectable with the housing. At the suction stub of the vacuum cleaner there may be attached an intermediate pipe which is to be connected with a suction tool. An intermediate pipe is provided which is detachably positioned between the vacuum cleaner housing and the handle. Locks are provided to attach this intermediate pipe to the vacuum cleaning housing and the handle, such having a clamp handle for releasing and tightening of the clamps.

Abstract: High velocity exhaust air from within a vacuum cleaner is directed radially outwardly from a motor-driven impeller into a first duct. A second duct is provided that includes an effective large area opening for permitting exhaust air to diffuse quietly to the external atmosphere. A valve arrangement is provided for interconnecting the first duct alternately to a hose receptacle opening in which an outlet hose may be placed, or to the second duct to ensure especially quiet operation of the vacuum cleaner. The valve arrangement may comprise a chamber in flow communication with the first duct and having two, alternate outlets: the hose receptacle opening and a second opening leading into the second duct. A hinged door may be utilized for normally blocking the hose receptacle opening, but which is moved into sealing relation with the second opening simply by insertion of an end of an outlet hose into the hose receptacle opening.