Abstract: A convertible vacuum cleaner has a nozzle comprising a suction port; a cleaner body having a filter housing in which a filter is mounted, and a motor housing in which a motor is mounted, the cleaner body for being removably connected with the nozzle, the suction port being connected with the filter when the cleaner body is connected with the nozzle; a locking member slidably disposed on a side of the nozzle; a slot formed in the motor housing for receiving the locking member and thereby preventing the cleaner body from separating from the nozzle; and a unlocking means for sliding out the locking member from the slot. By sliding the locking member, which is slidably disposed in the nozzle, into or out from the slot of the cleaner body, the nozzle and the cleaner body can be connected or disconnected simply.

Abstract: A cleaning and tool storage assembly includes a housing having a base and a lid which is hingedly connected with the base. A vacuum cleaner assembly is disposed within the housing. A handle on the lid may be utilized to retain an electrical power cord. Articles, such as a hose, which are utilized in association with the vacuum cleaner, may be retained on the lid. A tray for holding items may be provided in the base of the housing. The tray may be removable from the housing to provide access to storage space. A cover for a dust bin of the vacuum cleaner may be opened with the tray in the housing.

Abstract: A removable dust collection module (5) for use with vacuum cleaners as well as a vacuum cleaner incorporating such modules and a method of detachably securing the dust collection module (5) to a vacuum cleaner housing. The dust collection module is slidably received within a vacuum cleaner housing and comprises a latch member (81) that can move from a first position, in which it engages with the housing of the vacuum cleaner (1) to retain the dust collection module within the vacuum cleaner, to a second position out of engagement with the vacuum cleaner to allow the dust collection module to be removed. The latch member is displaceable from its first to second position by activation of a slideable release member (7) which is actuated by an end user so as to lock or unlock the dust collection module.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a body having a container which collects dirt and dust. A surface cleaning head defining a primary dirt and dust collection inlet is configured to contact a surface over which the surface cleaning head is moved. A passageway connects the primary inlet to the container. A secondary dirt and dust collection inlet is remote from the primary inlet and spaced from the surface. The cleaner suctions dirt and dust through the primary and secondary inlets into the container. The primary inlet is adapted to draw surface-borne dirt and dust efficiently into the container and the secondary inlet is adapted to draw airborne dirt and dust efficiently into the container. Dampening means are provided to at least one of the primary inlet and the secondary inlet and is controlled by an actuator activated directly or indirectly by an operator of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A multi-use vacuum cleaner capable of use as an upright vacuum or as a detachable vacuum module further comprising a cyclonic dirt separator has a detachable vacuum module selectively mounted to the base and support member of an upright vacuum cleaner. The vacuum module includes the vacuum motor, motor driven fan, cyclonic dirt separator and hose. The vacuum cleaner may be operated as an upright vacuum, or alternatively, the module can be separated from the base assembly and may be used independently of and at a great distance from the base assembly for a wide variety of cleaning purposes.

Abstract: An electric vacuum cleaner including a vacuum cleaner main body, a suction tool main body connected to the vacuum cleaner main body and having an suction inlet which is open at a lower surface thereof, a dust box connected to the vacuum cleaner main body, and a grip portion for operating the vacuum cleaner main body. The suction tool main body, an interior of the vacuum cleaner main body, the grip portion and the dust box are directly connected in this order such that circulation of air is permitted. The interior of the vacuum cleaner main body and the grip portion are connected in a freely attachable and detachable manner. It is possible to perform both ordinary use (floor cleaning) using a suction tool main body and use of an attachment through a grip portion by utilizing one successive flow path so that it will not be necessary to provide a flow path switching mechanism to thereby simply the arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a suction nozzle for a vacuum cleaner for sucking air containing foreign substances. The suction nozzle of the present invention comprises a main body 100 with an inlet for sucking the air containing the foreign substances; a connection portion 110 formed at a rear surface of the main body of the suction nozzle for guiding the sucked air to a main body of the vacuum cleaner; an accessory tool 200 that is formed to be smaller than the main body of the suction nozzle and has an inlet for sucking the air containing the foreign substances; and a connection hose for allowing the accessory tool 200 to communicate with the interior of the main body of the suction nozzle. The main body 100 of the suction nozzle performs cleaning of relatively wide floors and the accessory tool 200 performs cleaning of narrow places such as corners of stairs.

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: A convertible vacuum cleaner has a nozzle comprising a suction port; a cleaner body having a filter housing in which a filter is mounted, and a motor housing in which a motor is mounted, the cleaner body for being removably connected with the nozzle, the suction port being connected with the filter when the cleaner body is connected with the nozzle; a locking member slidably disposed on a side of the nozzle; a slot formed in the motor housing for receiving the locking member and thereby preventing the cleaner body from separating from the nozzle; and a unlocking means for sliding out the locking member from the slot. By sliding the locking member, which is slidably disposed in the nozzle, into or out from the slot of the cleaner body, the nozzle and the cleaner body can be connected or disconnected simply.

Abstract: A vacuum dustpan having a housing with an inlet to the level of the floor surface into which dust and debris can be directed. A vacuum motor induces a vacuum to transfer the debris to a collection chamber within the housing. The vacuum dustpan is usable in locations such as shops, hair salons, kitchens and other environments where debris collects and periodically swept.

Abstract: An appliance comprises a moving member, a drive motor, and a linkage drivingly connecting the drive motor to the moving member, the linkage including first and second magnetic coupling members The magnetic clutch may have first and second magnetic coupling members. Each magnetic coupling member has a first surface, which includes at least first and second magnets. Each of the first and second magnets have an outer pole and the outer poles of each of the first magnets and the outer poles of each of the second magnets are of reverse polarity, wherein at least one of the first and second magnetic coupling members is moveably mounted with respect to the other of the first and second magnetic coupling members in a direction perpendicular to the first faces.

Abstract: A conversion valve arrangement for converting a vacuum cleaner from floor use to off-the-floor use. A valve door located in the suction duct leading from the nozzle body shuts off the suction airstream to the nozzle body when the vacuum cleaner is moved into the upright stored position. A projection on the motor housing located beneath the handle engages a resilient member cooperating with a crank arm on the valve door to close the valve door when the handle is moved to the upright position. The resilient member is comprised of a front valve arm and a rear valve arm pivotally linked together. The motion of the rear valve arm is transmitted to the front valve arm in one direction by a stop. The motion of the rear valve arm is transmitted to the front valve arm in the opposite direction by the stiffness of a spring disposed between them.

Abstract: A handle for a vacuum cleaner includes a generally rigid pipe portion connected to a generally flexible hose portion. The hose portion is fixedly connected to the main body of the vacuum cleaner. The pipe portion is selectively connectable to the main body of the vacuum cleaner in the manner of a handle or releasable from the main body in the manner of a wand. The pipe portion is formed by a straight, hollow tube having no internal bends. The handle may have an upwardly extending handle portion and a gripping portion, wherein the gripping portion extends forwardly and downwardly from the handle portion so that, when the vacuum cleaner is in use in an upright mode, the gripping portion extends generally transverse to the forearm of the user. A cap may also be provided at the distal end of the rigid pipe portion, the cap being movable between a first position in which the end of the pipe portion is closed by the cap and a second position in which the end of the pipe portion is not closed by the cap.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a floor nozzle having a brushroll chamber with an outlet aperture. An upper assembly is secured to the floor nozzle and is adapted to pivot relative to the floor nozzle about a generally horizontal pivot axis. A dirt cup is removably secured to the upper assembly. The dirt cup includes a dirt collection chamber, a forward inlet duct, and a rear inlet duct spaced from the first inlet duct. A brushroll shut-off mechanism selectively blocks the outlet aperture. The airflow shut-off mechanism includes a housing with a dirty air passage in communication with the outlet aperture and a dirt passage door that pivots within the dirty air passage to block airflow through the dirty air passage when the upper assembly is moved to a fully upright position.

Abstract: The invention provides a vacuum cleaner (10) comprising dirt and dust separating apparatus (52) for separating dirt and dust from an airflow and having an inlet (59), and a cleaner head (22) having an outlet (32) communicating with the inlet (59) of the dirt and dust separating apparatus (52). The dirt and dust separating apparatus (52), or a part (58) thereof incorporating the inlet (59), is movable into an alternative position in which the outlet (32) of the cleaner head (22) is not in communication with the inlet (59) of the dirt and dust separating apparatus (52) and in which an alternative dirty air inlet (100) may be connected to the inlet (59) of the dirt and dust separating apparatus (52) characterized in that the inlet (59) of the dirt and dust separating apparatus (52) is adapted to cooperate releasably with the outlet (32) of the cleaner head (22).

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner, performing a cleaning operation using a nozzle casing coupled to a suction pipe or using the suction pipe free from the nozzle casing, is disclosed. This vacuum cleaner does not force a user to change an existing cleaning tool with another tool even when it is desired to clean a limited or narrow area that does not allow use of the nozzle casing during the cleaning operation. In this vacuum cleaner, the suction nozzle unit consists of a nozzle casing provided with a suction nozzle for sucking dust-laden air from a surface into the casing. This casing also has a mounting unit provided with a fitting bore communicating with the suction nozzle. A hollow cylindrical suction pipe is removably fitted into the fitting bore, with a dusting brush part formed along the lower edge thereof. A spring-biased locking bolt removably locks the position of the suction pipe within the mounting unit of the nozzle casing.

Abstract: The invention is a floor care appliance such as vacuum cleaner having a pivoting valve arrangement for maintaining suction from the appliance housing to the suction nozzle. A valve is provided for sealing off suction to the suction nozzle when the housing is in the upright or off the floor mode position. When the housing is in the upright position maximum suction is directed to the accessory hose. When the housing is moved to the floor mode maximum the valve is moved to the open position and suction is directed to the suction nozzle for floor cleaning. The valve is located in a valve body assembly pivotally connected over the rear duct of the suction nozzle. The valve body is partially located in the housing and pivots with the housing. A roller and cam arrangement cause the valve located in the valve body to move back and forth between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A multi-operational battery powered vacuum cleaner (1) comprising a hand held vacuum cleaner (1) releasably mounted within a caddy (15) which has a detachable handle (51) and a floor engaging head (19). The hand held unit (1) may be released from the caddy to be used in a first hand held operation, it may alternatively be mounted within the caddy with the handle attached for use as an upright vacuum cleaner, whilst in a third mode the handle (51) may be removed from the caddy while the hand held unit remains mounted in the caddy to provide a compact vacuum cleaner system with a floor engaging head (19). The cleaner further comprises a first spring biased latch member (27) mounted within the caddy (15) to releasably restrain the hand held unit therein, together with a second latch member (53) mounted within the handle (57) for releasably connecting the handle to the caddy (15).

Abstract: A conversion valve arrangement for converting a vacuum cleaner from floor use to off-the-floor use. A valve door located in the suction duct leading from the nozzle body shuts off the suction airstream to the nozzle body when the vacuum cleaner is moved into the upright stored position. A projection on the motor housing located beneath the handle engages a resilient member cooperating with a crank arm on the valve door to close the valve door when the handle is moved to the upright position. The resilient member is comprised of a front valve arm and a rear valve arm pivotally linked together. The motion of the rear valve arm is transmitted to the front valve arm in one direction by a stop. The motion of the rear valve arm is transmitted to the front valve arm in the opposite direction by the stiffness of a spring disposed between them.

Abstract: A large area surface cleaning tool comprises a housing defining a substantially hollow interior, and having a perimeter portion that terminates downwardly in a surface facing peripheral bottom edge that defines a suctioning bottom opening, and having a selectively movable portion for permitting access by debris to the interior of the housing, when, in use, at least a portion of the surface facing peripheral bottom edge is in contact with a surface. An elongate wand has an inlet end disposed in dust and debris suctioning relation with respect to the substantially hollow interior of the housing and is connected in fluid communication and in debris transfer relation via an internal airflow passageway to an opposite outlet end disposed exteriorly to the housing in fluid communication and in debris transfer relation with a vacuum source.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is reconfigurable between at least two positions. The vacuum cleaner has at least one motor and fan assembly for receiving power and producing airflow during use of the vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner also has at least one sensor adapted to sense a change in the position of the vacuum cleaner and to alter the power provided to the at least one motor and fan assembly in response thereto.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a floor nozzle having a brushroll chamber with an outlet aperture. An upper assembly is secured to the floor nozzle and is adapted to pivot relative to the floor nozzle about a generally horizontal pivot axis. A dirt cup is removably secured to the upper assembly. The dirt cup includes a dirt collection chamber, a forward inlet duct, and a rear inlet duct spaced from the first inlet duct. A brushroll shut-off mechanism selectively blocks the outlet aperture. The airflow shut-off mechanism includes a housing with a dirty air passage in communication with the outlet aperture and a dirt passage door that pivots within the dirty air passage to block airflow through the dirty air passage when the upper assembly is moved to a fully upright position.

Abstract: A device is capable of collecting dust and drawing dust and is provided with a machine tool mounted thereon and externally connected with an extension tube. The device comprises a fixation seat for mounting the machine tool which has a first opening, and a second opening; a vacuum cleaner mounted in the interior of the fixation seat; a first window disposed slidably at the first opening of the fixation seat; a second window disposed slidably at the second opening of the fixation seat. By controlling the first window to remain open and the second window to remain close, the vacuum cleaner removes the dust produced by the machine tool. On the contrary, by controlling the first window to remain close and the second window to remain open, the second opening removes dust in other areas via the extension tube.

Abstract: A self-moving device and method for the complete and full automatic examination of floor surfaces of all kind as well as for a particularly efficient suction of dust therefrom. In each case, the robot is controlled so as to explore the adjacent area and to detect the potential obstacles using special sensors before storing them in a data field. The displacement towards a new location is then carried out using the stored data until the whole accessible surface has been covered. One of the main constituent members of the robot includes an extensible arm that rests on the robot and on which contact and range sensors are arranged. When the robot is used as an automatic vacuum cleaner, an air flow is forced into the robot arm and the cleaning effect can further be enhanced by providing one or more circular rotary brushes at the front end of the arm. This device can essentially be used for domestic or industrial cleaning purposes with a view to replace traditional vacuum cleaners.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a receptacle, a motor assembly in air flow communication with the receptacle, and a lid on the receptacle. The vacuum cleaner also includes a hose inlet on the receptacle, a debris opening, and a door opening and closing the debris opening. The debris opening may be on the receptacle or in the lid of the vacuum cleaner. Alternatively, the vacuum cleaner may include an adaptor that is attached to the hose at one end and removably connected to the hose inlet at the other end, where the debris opening is on the adaptor. The vacuum cleaner may have an adaptor that is removably connected to the hose at one end and removably connected to the hose at the other end, where the debris opening is on the adaptor.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a receptacle, a motor assembly in air flow communication with the receptacle, and a lid on the receptacle. The vacuum cleaner also includes a hose inlet on the receptacle, a debris opening, and a door opening and closing the debris opening. The debris opening may be on the receptacle or in the lid of the vacuum cleaner. Alternatively, the vacuum cleaner may include an adaptor that is attached to the hose at one end and removably connected to the hose inlet at the other end, where the debris opening is on the adaptor. The vacuum cleaner may have an adaptor that is removably connected to the hose at one end and removably connected to the hose at the other end, where the debris opening is on the adaptor.

Abstract: A multifunctional dust-abating gun includes a main coupler for coupling with a dust-abating fitting, an inflation needle for inflating balls, or an inflation fitting for inflating rubber life rings, thereby performing the functions of dust abatement or inflation of tires or balls. The main coupler may be coupled with a quick coupler which, in turn, is coupled with a sprayer fitting, dust-suction fitting, or dust-abating fitting, thereby performing the functions of water spraying, dust suction, or dust abatement. The quick coupler includes a U-shaped groove to allow easy and quick engagement/disengagement with/from a dust-abating barrel, a sprayer fitting, or a dust-section fitting. Alternatively, the main coupler may be coupled with an inflation device that includes a freely rotatable main body to prevent a pressure gauge on the main body from being damaged.

Abstract: A blower nozzle (30) and a vacuum nozzle (40) extending in parallel with each other are connected to a main body (10) housing therein a fan (19) and a motor (20). The main body (10) is provided with a dust bag (50). In a vacuum mode, air is directly sucked from the vacuum nozzle and is introduced into the dust bag by the rotation of the fan. In a blower mode, the air similarly sucked from the vacuum nozzle is directed toward the blower nozzle.

Abstract: A method for operating an upright wet extractor having a base and a handle. The base includes a floor cleaning tool and has a hand held cleaning tool permanently attached thereto. A motor fan unit is operated to generate a suction force and this suction force is selectively communicated to a suction inlet of one of the hand held cleaning tool and the floor cleaning tool. When the suction force is communicated to the hand held cleaning tool suction inlet, pressurized cleaning fluid is also supplied to that tool, and when the suction force is supplied to the suction inlet of the floor cleaning tool, a brush unit is rotated in the floor cleaning tool.

Abstract: A dust collecting direction switching portion is provided at a wall at the back of the main body of an upright type vacuum cleaner. The dust collecting switching portion having a switch valve is branched into three directions. The branch in the first direction forms a duct for allowing a coupling hose to be fitted to a suction opening directed toward a floor surface, the branch in the second direction forms a rib communicating with a dust collecting portion inside the vacuum cleaner, and the branch in the third direction forms a rib allowing a hose to collect dust at a relatively narrow space between pieces of furniture. In operation, in response to an operation of a knob related to the switch valve, the switch valve switches one of the first and third direction ducts in association with the operation to communicate with the rib in the second direction.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner (10) for cleaning edges and spots comprising a cleaning head (12) including a motor and fan assembly (14), a valve assembly (31), and a two-duct system (16) that includes a central duct (22) leading to a main inlet (29) and a pair of side ducts (24, 26) leading to a pair of edge cleaning fittings (28). Valve assembly (31) includes a valve mechanism that is selectively positionable to direct suction from one of the central duct and the side ducts, in order to perform regular vacuuming or edge or spot cleaning.

Abstract: A vacuum system for machine shop dust, particulate matter, and the like. Blast gates control the flow of vacuum generated by a dust collector to individual machines that may or may not accommodate vacuum ductwork and the like. The blast gate has a rotating blade inside a chassis with a DC motor effectively using a slip clutch or an increased current feedback system to limit the rotation driving of the rotating blade. Importantly, a small aperture serves to allow air flow into the chassis gap through which the rotating blade rotates in order to ensure the particular matter does not lodge inside the chassis thereby preventing the proper operation of the rotating blade. A central controller having a microprocessor or the like may be programmed or programmable and serve to individually control a selected number of blast gates based upon a feedback mechanism.

Abstract: A larger scrubbing machine and a smaller scrubbing machine are provided in combination. The larger scrubbing machine scrubs larger floor areas and the smaller scrubbing machine scrubs smaller floor areas that are typically inaccessible by the larger machine. When the larger machine is being used, the smaller scrubbing machine is attached thereto. When a smaller floor area is to be cleaned, the smaller scrubbing machine is removed from the larger scrubbing machine. The smaller scrubbing machine includes a scrubber assembly and a motor that is powered using an electrical power source located on the larger machine. A spring is operatively connected to this scrubber assembly for ensuring desired contact between the brush bristles and the floor area being cleaned. Two spaced pairs of wheels provide a uniform plane of contact during scrubbing by the scrubber assembly.

Abstract: An upright wet extractor includes a base assembly, a manipulative handle pivotally attached to the base assembly, and a motor driven agitator brush. A cleaning solution dispensing tank is removably attached to the handle assembly by a pivotable latch member. In a floor cleaning mode, cleaning solution is selectively supplied by gravity from the dispensing tank to a floor cleaning spray nozzle through a supply tube which is controlled by a pinch valve. In an attachment hose cleaning mode, cleaning solution is selectively supplied by a motor driven pump from the dispensing tank to an attachment hose spray nozzle which is controlled by a trigger valve. A suction motor/fan assembly is carried by the base assembly which is selectively in fluid communication with a floor suction nozzle in the floor cleaning mode and an attachment hose suction nozzle when in the attachment hose cleaning mode.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner is provided and includes an upper section with a handle (15) and a lower cleaning nozzle section (14, 14') having a main suction opening (18) formed in the underside (16) thereof. A suction source (M) is provided and an edge cleaning tool (60) having a suction bore (64) formed therethrough is releasably connected to the cleaning nozzle section (14'). A suction hose (20) selectively connects one of the main suction opening (18) of the nozzle (14') and the suction bore (64) of the edge cleaning tool (60) with the suction source (M). First and second laterally spaced casters (30a, 30b) extend from the underside (16) of the nozzle (14, 14') and each caster (30a, 30b) is pivotable respectively about a vertical axis (D,E). First and second laterally spaced fixed wheels (32a, 32b), each rotatable about a single rolling axis (C), are also provided and positioned forward of the first and second casters (30a, 30b).

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner is provided and includes an upper section with a handle (15) and a lower cleaning nozzle section (14, 14') having a main suction opening (18) formed in the underside (16) thereof. A suction source (M) is provided and an edge cleaning tool (60) having a suction bore (64) formed therethrough is releasably connected to the cleaning nozzle section (14'). A suction hose (20) selectively connects one of the main suction opening (18) of the nozzle (14') and the suction bore (64) of the edge cleaning tool (60) with the suction source (M). First and second laterally spaced casters (30a, 30b) extend from the underside (16) of the nozzle (14, 14') and each caster (30a, 30b) is pivotable respectively about a vertical axis (D,E). First and second laterally spaced fixed wheels (32a, 32b), each rotatable about a single rolling axis (C), are also provided and positioned forward of the first and second casters (30a, 30b).

Abstract: The herein disclosed invention relates to an improved carpet extractor having powered brushes for scrubbing a floor surface and which may be converted to an above the floor mode for upholstery cleaning or the like. A pair of air driven turbines are disclosed, one for driving the floor scrubbing brushes when in the floor cleaning mode and one for driving a cleaning solution supply pump when in the above floor cleaning mode. A unique linkage mechanism is taught whereby only one turbine or the other is energized depending upon the cleaning mode selected by the operator.

Abstract: The problem with suction lines on vacuum cleaners is that the connected vacuum hose must be lifted during when the suction pipe is rotated. To eliminate this problem, the invention teaches that an elbow is interposed between the suction pipe and the suction hose which is mounted by means of a rotating knuckle, as a result of which the suction hose can be adjusted as required, and the suction pipe can be ergonomically manipulated by means of an angled gripping area of the handle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a suction apparatus to be connected to a machine of the textile processing or prepration industry connected to a suction system (1a, 1b, 14) with a work area (a) and a first suction apparatus (3) which is stationary in the surrounding of the work area for the aspiration of fibers, small parts and/or particles (dirt) from the work area. With it a machine cleaning system is created which is able to clean problem zones of the work area of a machine without imosing a load on the space surrounding the machine. This is achieved if a second suction line (4, 16) in form of a hose that is flexible at least in sections the end (6) of which opening towards the work area (A) of the machine is freely movable for cleaning while its end attached to the machine is connected to the suction system (1a, 1b, 14) in order to introduce the aspired dirt into the suction system.

Abstract: A cleaning machine is provided with a recovery tank for containing recovered liquid from a floor or other surface that is being cleaned. The recovery tank has a chamber that houses the recovered liquid and within the chamber are a recovery inlet and a vacuum conduit. The recovery inlet carries the recovered fluid for discharge into the chamber and the vacuum conduit is used in creating a desired vacuum to cause the recovered liquid to be drawn into the chamber. The recovery tank is disposed on a cleaning tank for containing a liquid cleaning solution that is applied to the surface for cleaning purposes. The recovery tank covers an access opening in the cleaning tank for receipt of the liquid cleaning solution. A vacuum motor produces the vacuum and is located next to the cleaning tank below the recovery tank. Sealing members insure a proper seal at the junctions for the recovered liquid and the vacuum when the removable tank is joined to the cleaning tank.

Abstract: A suction line has a stiff suction tube and a flexible suction hose having a connecting end. A connector for connecting the connecting end of the flexible suction hose to the stiff suction tube to form the suction line having free ends is provided. One of the free ends of the suction line is connected to a vacuum source. The other free end of the suction line can receive a vacuuming tool. The stiff suction tube has a longitudinal axis. The connector is rotatable about an axis extending transverse to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A novel dust and debris removal and collection system including a distributed vacuum transport system is provided for connection to a plurality of machines located in one or more shop areas. The central vacuum airflow generation equipment is preferably remotely operated to ensure vacuum generation when a machine is being operated for which dust and debris removal is desired. In order to prevent undesired loss of vacuum, a central valve is used having a outlet port for connection to one or more vacuum sources, and a plurality of inlet ports, each associated with one of a plurality of machines located in the one or more shop areas. The central valve is operated to apply vacuum from the one or more vacuum sources to only that one of the plurality of machines which is in operation, thereby preventing a loss of vacuum to other, non-operating machines.

Abstract: A convertible vacuum cleaner operable in both on-the-floor and above-the-floor cleaning operations is shown. Depending upon the location of the handle which is pivotally supported by the vacuum foot, a conversion valve interconnected to the handle automatically converts the vacuum between on-the-floor and above-the-floor cleaning operations. The conversion valve includes a flapper valve member which is actuated between a first position blocking fluid communication between the vacuum motor and the brush roll chamber and a second position blocking fluid communication between the vacuum motor and the accessory hose. The valve member is actuated between these two positions by a pin and actuator arm provided on the pivotally mounted valve member. The pin is received in a contoured groove formed on the motor housing and the motor housing is securely mounted to the handle and pivotally mounted with respect to the foot and valve member.

Abstract: A multi-use power foot suitable for use for both dry vacuum cleaning and water extraction procedures is disclosed. The power foot has a dry suction chamber in fluid communication with an outlet and a water suction chamber in fluid communication with the outlet. A diverter valve member is mounted within the housing to selectively restrict the air flow from one of the chambers to the outlet. A rotating brush is mounted in the opening of the dry suction chamber to agitate the surface to be cleaned in both the dry vacuum cleaning and water extraction modes. Spray nozzles are mounted to the underside of the power foot to direct a water based cleaning solution to the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: A suction and blowing device exhibits three air conduits connected to a source of pressurized air and partially terminating in a common transport conduit and has a selectable control body located between the air conduit entrance openings and the pressurized air source for regulating the entrance of the pressurized air into the air conduits. The device allows for the selective direction of pressurized air to one or more of the three air conduits to perform completely different functions such as: suction with an injector nozzle, vacuum cleaning using an injector nozzle and an additional cleaning pressure jet, blowing using a nozzle with large dynamic pressure and air velocity, and blowing using an injector nozzle and high air through-put.

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: A vacuum cleaning tool comprising a housing having a base that is provided with at least one intake opening over which is provided a brush chamber in which is disposed a brush roller having bristles that project into the intake opening. A flow channel connects the brush chamber to a connector that can communicate with a vacuum line of a vacuum cleaning unit. A turbine chamber is disposed in the flow channel and accommodates an air turbine that can rotatably drive the brush roller. The housing also has a wet intake opening that is disposed approximately in the plane of the base of the housing. Parallel to the brush chamber and the flow channel, the housing has a wet intake channel that connects the wet intake opening to the connector. Respective controllable flow blocking devices are disposed in the wet intake channel and in the flow channel.

Abstract: A multi-use power foot suitable for use for both dry vacuum cleaning and water extraction procedures is disclosed. The power foot has a dry suction chamber in fluid communication with an outlet and a water suction chamber in fluid communication with the outlet. A diverter valve member is mounted within the housing to selectively restrict the air flow from one of the chambers to the outlet. A rotating brush is mounted in the opening of the dry suction chamber to agitate the surface to be cleaned in both the dry vacuum cleaning and water extraction modes. Spray nozzles are mounted to the underside of the power foot to direct a water based cleaning solution to the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: A device for cleaning rows of machines, such as textile machines, which can travel along the machines and has a blower guided above the machines, whose pressure side is connected to a distributor station. At least two hoses are attached via connecting pieces to the distributor station which have different openings directed to the machines. A slider is located on the distributor station which distributes the air supplied to the distributor station in accordance with its position on the connecting pieces. A number of hoses can be attached to the device, and the hose to be charged with air can be easily selected by a slider which can travel along the row of connecting pieces. The slider has a through-hole which, when the slider is moved, successively coincides with the connecting pieces. A flexible hose which leads to the pressure side of the blower and surrounds the through-hole, is attached to the side of the slider facing away from the connecting pieces.

Abstract: A cleaning head assembly for a vacuum cleaning apparatus of the wet, dry and wet/dry types includes a rotatably driven brush carried within and laterally spanning the head assembly. A pair of floating vacuum heads are positioned on opposite sides of a housing for the brush, and each defines a portion of a vacuum pathway having an inlet opening adjacent to the surface to be cleaned, which extends from the inlet opening to a dirt collection zone within the vacuum cleaning apparatus. The floating vacuum heads are each attached to the brush housing in a manner permitting relative movement therebetween. In this regard, a track fixed to the brush housing engages a generally vertically extending flange extending from a vacuum head such that the flange moves within the track to control movement of the vacuum head relative to the brush housing. A roller spaces the flange from the track to minimize frictional contact therebetween, and a stop pin limits relative movement between the vacuum head and the track.