Abstract: Presented are a method and apparatus for attachment and evacuation. The apparatus includes a housing having an opening, and a motor maintained within the housing, the motor operable to urge a fluid to pass through the opening. The apparatus further includes an adjustable element maintained within the opening, the adjustable element operable to change a size of the opening to a plurality of different diameters, and a knob moveably affixed to the housing, the knob operable to change the adjustable element to the plurality of different diameters.

Abstract: A hand vacuum cleaner has a handle provided at the rear end of the hand vacuum cleaner, the handle having a hand grip portion that extends upwardly and forwardly. An energy storage member is positioned above and overlying the hand grip portion, a suction motor and fan assembly that is positioned forward of the hand grip portion and a clean air outlet positioned rearward of the suction motor and fan assembly.

Abstract: A cleaning appliance is capable of performing two or more cleaning functions. The cleaning appliance may include a vacuum cleaner and a steam cleaner such that a user can vacuum a floor prior to steam cleaning the floor.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a base with an inlet facing a surface, a handle connected to the base, an air passage connecting the base inlet to the handle, and a removable handheld unit. The handheld has an inlet nozzle, a dirt separator, a vacuum fan to generate a working airflow into the inlet nozzle and through the dirt separator, and a housing joining the handheld, the dirt separator and the vacuum fan. The vacuum has a docking latch with a first latch position in which the latch holds the handheld in an operating position on the handle, and a second position in which the latch permits removal of the handheld from the operating position. The vacuum also has a safety catch with a catch member on the handle and a second member on the handheld. The catch members resiliently hold the handheld unit on the handle in a partially-removed position.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a recovery tank. The surface cleaning apparatus can further include a base, and the recovery tank can have side rails to facilitate alignment of the recovery tank with the base. The recovery tank can include a float assembly with a pivotable closure member. The recovery tank can have a lid with a handle and latch to secure the lid to the recovery tank. Further, the recovery tank can comprise a lid with a working air conduit mounted to the lid and removable from the recovery tank with the lid.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes a base. A bracket is attached to the base. Wheels are rotatably attached to the base for wheeling the base across a floor. A cleaning attachment is configured to be attached to the base and moved against the floor to clean the floor as the base is wheeled across the floor. The base is manually pushed by a handle to wheel the base across the floor. The handle is configured to be removably attached to the base by being hooked onto the bracket and then pivoted relative to the bracket into an installed position.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface in which cleaning solution is dispensed to the surface and substantially simultaneously extracted along with the dirt on the surface in a continuous operation is provided. The cleaning apparatus includes a base portion for movement along the surface and a handle pivotally connected to the base portion. A solution tank for supplying a flow of cleaning solution to the surface is removably mounted to the handle. A recovery tank is removably mounted to the handle. A suction nozzle is secured to the base portion and in fluid communication with the recovery tank. A suction source is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle for generating suction to draw dirt and liquid through the suction nozzle and into the recovery tank. A cost effective, easy to operate, and convenient mounting arrangement is provided for mounting the recovery tank to the handle.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning apparatus includes a vacuum cleaner base and a handle configured to be attached to the base. A nozzle is configured for the base to draw air through the nozzle to clean the floor as the nozzle is moved along the floor by a user pushing the base by the handle. A power head assembly includes a power head having a brushroll and an electric motor that drives the brushroll. The assembly further includes a tube structure configured to connect the power head to the base for the base to draw air through the power head and the tube structure to clean the floor as the power head is moved along the floor by a user pushing the tube structure.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning apparatus includes a vacuum cleaner base and a handle configured to be attached to the base. A nozzle is configured for the base to draw air through the nozzle to clean the floor as the nozzle is moved along the floor by a user pushing the base by the handle. A power head assembly includes a power head having a brushroll and an electric motor that drives the brushroll. The assembly further includes a tube structure configured to connect the power head to the base for the base to draw air through the power head and the tube structure to clean the floor as the power head is moved along the floor by a user pushing the tube structure.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning apparatus includes a cleaning attachment. A base has an outlet port configured to be attached to the cleaning attachment and draw air from a household surface through the attachment and exhaust the air through the outlet port. A handle is configured to have an installed position removably attached to the base for manually moving the base by the handle. The handle has an inlet port configured to be connected to a dirt receptacle and to move toward and into connection with the outlet port by movement of the handle toward and into the installed position, for the air exhausted through the outlet port to flow through the inlet port into the receptacle.

Abstract: A motor-driven outdoor vacuum has a ground level intake and a hose intake. When a hand-operable actuator moves a first or main door into a ground pick-up position, the ground level intake, which is carried by the first door is in direct air-flow communication with the impeller and the hose intake, which is carried by the first door is closed by a spring-actuated second door carried by the main door. When the actuator is moved to a hose intake position, the main door is moved to a second position in which the hose is in air-flow communication with the impeller and the ground level intake is closed.

Abstract: A multipurpose tool for cleaning machines, having a body that is interchangeably associable with a cleaning machine provided with an electric motor; the body is movable on wheels and a front advancement part thereof is arranged transversely to a main direction of motion so as to form a housing that is open downward and accommodates a bristled roller that is moved, by virtue of transmission elements, by an electric motor accommodated within the body; the body is articulated to a coupling element that is suitable to provide a detachable connection to the machine with a dirt suction duct. The tool further includes a pair of interchangeable covers that are selectively detachably associable below the housing at an open region where the roller is located, each of the covers having at least one suction slot and elements for closing the region to the rear of the roller between the housing and the floor.

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

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

Abstract: A 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 unit used to vacuum lawn debris includes a vacuum unit body having at least first and second inlet openings and at least one flap that can be adjusted to selectively cover and open the second opening. The vacuum unit body includes a flap adjustment member that is located within the second opening and that includes a contact surface that contacts the flap. Preferably, the flap adjustment member has one end that is adapted to receive a vacuum hose. The flap adjustment member can be placed into a first position where it causes the flap to open the second opening and a second position where it permits the flap to cover the second opening. The vacuum hose has a handle that can be attached to the vacuum unit handle permitting the vacuum hose to remain permanently attached to the vacuum unit even when the vacuum hose is not being used.

Abstract: An versatile vacuum cleaner is disclosed which comprises a main body, a socket, a first cleaner, a second cleaner, a motor assembly, a cord reel, a handle, and an exhaust duct, and can be converted easily into different configurations each suitable for a specifically different type of vacuum cleaning operation. Improvements are made in details such as the arrangement or the configuration of the main body, the socket, the first cleaner, the second cleaner, the cord reel, the handle, and exhaust duct, thereby improving the operability of the vacuum cleaner and improving the performance thereof.

Abstract: A position shifting plate for an air blowing device includes a casing having an inlet defined in an underside of the casing and an outlet defined in an end of the casing. An annular neck extends from the underside of the casing and encloses the inlet. A gap is defined between the underside of the casing and the neck. A guide member extends from the underside of the casing. A shifting plate has a grated portion and a hole. A flange extends from the shifting plate and two rails extend inward from the flange so as to be movably inserted in the gap. The shifting plate movably contacts the guide member to shift the hole or the grated portion to cover the inlet of the casing.

Abstract: A device for removing dust and rubbish includes a casing provided with a suction opening, a rotating brush, a turbine operationally connected to the brush, a suction nozzle located between the brush and the turbine, and a suction pipe connected to a suction device; the brush and the turbine are rotatably supported, respectively, in a first and in a second housing; the device also includes at least a bypass duct and a first valve, the bypass duct being designed for bypassing the second housing and the turbine, the first valve being able to engage with the suction nozzle and with the bypass duct for closing the suction nozzle and opening the bypass duct.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning tool for a vacuum cleaning device has a housing having a vacuum connector connected to the vacuum cleaning device. The housing has an underside and an elongate intake opening arranged in the underside. A brush roll is arranged in the housing parallel to the elongate intake opening. A drive is arranged in the housing and drivingly coupled to the brush roll. An exchangeable vacuum shoe is detachably connected to the housing and has two wall portions extending at least approximately parallel to the brush roll. The brush roll is arranged between the two wall portions.

Abstract: A multipurpose tool for cleaning machines, comprising a body that is interchangeably associable with a cleaning machine provided with an electric motor; the body is movable on wheels and a front advancement part thereof is arranged transversely to a main direction of motion so as to form a housing that is open downward and accommodates a bristled roller that is moved, by virtue of transmission elements, by an electric motor accommodated within the body; the body is articulated to a coupling element that is suitable to provide a detachable connection to the machine with a dirt suction duct. The tool further comprises a cover that is detachably associable below the housing at an open region where the roller is located, the cover having at least one suction slot and elements for closing the region to the rear of the roller between the housing and the floor.

Abstract: A position shifting plate for an air blowing device includes a casing having an inlet defined in an underside of the casing and an outlet defined in an end of the casing. An annular neck extends from the underside of the casing and encloses the inlet. A gap is defined between the underside of the casing and the neck. A guide member extends from the underside of the casing. A shifting plate has a netted portion and a hole. A flange extends from the shifting plate and two rails extend inward from the flange so as to be movably inserted in the gap. The shifting plate movably contacts the guide member to shift the hole or the netted portion to cover the inlet of the casing.

Abstract: An upright deep cleaner including a base housing pivotally connected to an upright handle, the upright handle carrying a liquid supply tank and the base housing including a recovery tank. The liquid supply tank includes an internal siphon tube for ensuring liquid flow to a feed valve when the upright handle is in the inclined position. The base housing includes a suction nozzle adjacent a spray bar, and removable floating brush for contacting a surface being cleaned, the brush being interchangeable with a bare floor tool including a sponge, brush, and squeegee. The recovery tank includes an internal baffle for preventing foaming of solution and a tank vent housing including a sponge-type filter to prevent spray from exiting the recovery tank.

Abstract: A removable suction nozzle inlet adapter is taught for converting the suction inlet of a vacuuming nozzle from a straight line inlet to one having either a convex or concave suction inlet whereby curved carpet and/or upholstery surfaces may be vacuumed. The adapters are particularly useful for use with hand held hot water extractor nozzles upon the curved carpet surface between the step and risers of carpeted stairs and/or the curved carpet transition from the riser to the horizontal step. Further, the invention described and taught may be used to vacuum curved upholstery or carpet surfaces found in the typical household and/or automobile.

Abstract: A handheld liquid extraction cleaner includes a recovery tank mounted to the forward end of a cleaner housing with a suction nozzle and conduit on a front face of the recovery tank connected to an inlet opening in the recovery tank. A vacuum source is connected to the recovery tank through an exhaust conduit, integrally formed in the recovery tank, for drawing liquid and debris through the suction nozzle and the suction conduit and into the recovery tank A removable cleaning fluid supply tank is mounted to a rear portion of the cleaner housing, an adjustable spray nozzle is mounted to the suction conduit and a pump is positioned in a supply conduit between the spray nozzle and the cleaning fluid supply tank for supplying pressurized cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid supply tank to the spray nozzle The pump includes an impeller which is positioned in an outlet opening of a reservoir in which the cleaning fluid is deposited from the cleaning fluid supply tank.

Abstract: A cleaning head includes an applicator for applying cleaning liquid to a surface to be cleaned and an air passage for collecting liquid from the surface, enabling the head to be operated in wet mode in which liquid is applied to, and picked up from, the surface. The head also includes a cover adapted to be removably assembled with the cleaning head and which, when in place, effectively encloses the applicator while maintaining communication between the surface and the air passage, thereby enabling the head to be operated in a dry mode to pick up solid matter from the surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a nozzle adapter for a vacuum cleaner. A plenum chamber housing is adapted for engaging receipt on a vacuum cleaner nozzle. An inlet housing extends from the plenum chamber housing. A slide surface is situated on the inlet housing and is suited for receipt of the slide member thereon. The slide member includes locking tabs and laterally extending biasing means which operatively cooperates with the plenum chamber housing.

Abstract: A hand held vacuum cleaner portable by a user during use is disclosed. The vacuum cleaner has a housing defining a main inlet, an accessory inlet, an exhaust outlet, and a vacuum passageway interconnecting the inlets to the outlet. An impeller is driven by a motor to create a stream of air passing downstream selectively from the main inlet or from the accessory inlet to the exhaust outlet. A cover is sealingly and selectively mountable over the main inlet and the accessory inlet for selecting a stream of air passing downstream from one of the main inlet or the accessory inlet. Also, the vacuum cleaner may have a pair of clip assemblies and a strap. The clip assemblies are ideally selectively positionable between a retracted position flush with the contours of the main housing of the vacuum cleaner and an extended position wherein the strap may be attached to the clip assemblies.

Abstract: A blower vacuum unit for selective operation in a blower mode and in a suction mode, comprises: a housing having means forming an air inlet and means forming an air outlet; a motor carried within the housing, an impeller rotatably driven by the motor and positioned for drawing air into the housing through the air inlet and discharging the air from the housing through the air outlet; a debris collection conduit one end of which conduit is an operating end and the other end of which conduit is adapted for attachment to a debris collection container and means for generating an entrained air flow, using the air discharged through the air outlet, at the operating end of the debris collection conduit into the debris conduit. The housing and the debris collection conduit comprise separate components and the conduit is adapted to be releasably mounted on the housing so that the operating end of the conduit is located for co-operation with the air outlet of the housing.

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: An attachment for the majority of conventional vacuum cleaners and reversible blower devices for collecting lightweight, loose-fill packaging materials for disposal or reuse includes two, nesting sections. The first section, when used alone, releasably attaches over the bin or the body of a portable, hand held vacuum cleaner. An inlet end defines an irregular collection edge to aid in preventing entry of dust and extraneous, heavier materials. A one-way, hinged door defining perforations allows air to enter to move previously collected packaging material away prior to opening of the door to admit additional packaging material. For full sized vacuum cleaners, the first section removably mounts through an aperture formed in an end wall of a larger receptacle having a universal coupler for attachment to the hose or hose coupler of the majority of full sized vacuum cleaners. The first section may be made larger and used alone to attach to a full sized vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a converter whereby a power driven agitator brush type vacuum cleaner such as a hand held cleaner, may be converted for use with an extended vacuum hose and associated suction tools. The converter incorporates a tool caddy having storage posts upon which the suction tools may be stored both during use of the cleaner in the converted mode or when the converter is not in use.

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: A hand-held vacuum cleaner including a housing comprising mating first and second half housing elements. The housing has a handle and a nozzle. A motor is mounted within the housing for driving a shaft. A fan is mounted on the shaft for rotation therewith. A selectively separable bag assembly is mounted on the housing. A working channel is defined within the housing communicating the nozzle with the bag assembly. A connector joins a hose or similar attachment to the vacuum cleaner. The connector extends the flow path of the working air from the attachment to the nozzle. The connector comprises a first section for direct engagement with the attachment and a second section adapted for fitting over the housing in underlying registration with the nozzle. The second section includes a fluid flow channel and an edge wall surrounding the fluid flow channel and an edge wall surrounding the fluid flow channel and having an extent and configuration to fit in substantially fluid tight engagement with the nozzle.

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 vacuum cleaner has a nozzle with an opening and a vacuum pump connected to draw dirt laden air into the opening from exteriorly of said vacuum cleaner. A shield is movably mounted to the vacuum cleaner to have a first position at which a first part of the opening is blocked from passing air and a second position at which a second part of the opening is blocked from passing air. The first part of the opening may be downwardly directed and the second part may be forwardly directed. The shield may be pivotally mounted to the nozzle.

Abstract: The present invention is an accessory brush attachment for a vacuum cleaner including an accessory motor and an accessory housing having a front end and a back end. The accessory housing encloses the accessory motor. The accessory housing has an intake aperture for reception of dirt, liquid and air drawn into the accessory housing in response to a vacuum produced by the vacuum cleaner. A rotatable brush is disposed within the intake aperture for contacting a surface to be cleaned. A means interconnects the brush and the accessory motor for allowing the accessory motor to rotate the brush. The housing includes first means for mounting the accessory brush attachment at a first point to the canister of the vacuum cleaner and a second means for mounting the accessory brush attachment at a second point to the vacuum cleaner housing.

Abstract: A hand-held vacuum cleaner includes provision for snap-on attachment of a power brush to a rigid dust bowl thereof. Cooperating electrical contacts in the power brush and the dust bowl connect a brush motor in the power brush for concerted operation with a vacuum cleaner motor in the cordless vacuum cleaner. Cooperating latch members in the dust bowl and the power brush enable snapping the two elements together and facilitate their separation. Clam-shell construction is utilized to accept parts of the latch members and a contact retainer supporting both electrical contacts for application of power from the cordless vacuum cleaner to the power brush. An integrated base provides means for retaining both the vacuum cleaner and the power brush attachment.

Abstract: The present invention is a vacuum cleaner and accessory attachment assembly including a vacuum cleaner and an accessory attachment. The vacuum cleaner includes a motor, a housing enclosing the motor and a fan driven by the motor for producing a vacuum. The vacuum cleaner also includes a canister removably attached to the housing for reception of air and foreign matter into the canister in response to the vacuum produced by the fan. The vacuum cleaner further includes a power source and electrical wiring interconnecting the power source and the motor. The accessory attachment is removably mounted to the vacuum cleaner and includes a motor, and means for electrically connecting the motor to the vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner includes means for allowing the speed of the motor of the vacuum cleaner to change while allowing the speed of the motor for the accessory attachment to remain constant.

Abstract: A cordless vacuum cleaner includes provision for snap-on attachment of a power brush to a rigid dust bowl thereof. Cooperating electrical contacts in the power brush and the dust bowl connect a brush motor in the power brush for concerted operation with a vacuum cleaner motor in the cordless vacuum cleaner. Cooperating latch members in the dust bowl and the power brush enable snapping the two elements together and facilitate their separation. Clam-shell construction is utilized to accept parts of the latch members and a contact retainer suppporting both electrical contacts for application of power from the cordless vacuum cleaner to the power brush. An integrated base provides means for retaining both the cordless vacuum cleaner and the power brush attachment.

Abstract: The fireplace cleaning device comprises a partial open ended container, substantially box-like in construction, for removing ashes from the hearth. A holding element is mounted on top of the container for supporting a portable vacuum device. The vacuum intake of the device has access to the interior for creating a draft therein when ashes are picked up and deposited therein. The removal of ashes is achieved with practically no spillage or the release of dust in the residence.

Abstract: In apparatus wherein a fluid flow path is defined within a housing and leads from an inlet in the housing to an outlet therefrom, a shell-like member having a first opening therein for establishing communication with a length of hose and a second opening remote from the first opening bounded by an edge formation, configured so as to surround the housing inlet when the second opening is brought into overlying registration with the inlet, and means carried by the housing and hose assembly respectively for releasably securing the shell-like member to the housing with the second shell opening presented in overlying registration to the housing inlet.

Abstract: Structure for converting a powered brush vacuum cleaner selectively to define a powder carpet cleaning apparatus. The conversion structure includes a shroud received within the nozzle. In one form, the shroud is movably mounted within the nozzle for selective disposition in a retracted position, permitting use of the nozzle in the normal vacuum cleaning manner, and in an operative position blocking the entrance to the suction passage for permitting the unit to be used as powder carpet cleaner. The shroud defines a smooth inner surface surrounding a portion of the brush for effectively preventing clogging of the brush during the carpet cleaning operation. An opening is provided in the nozzle wall for access to the movable shroud in effecting manipulation thereof between the retracted and operative positions. In another form, the shroud is fixedly mounted within the nozzle and a closure is removably installed for closing the entrance to the suction passage when it is desired to use the unit as a carpet cleaner.

Abstract: An attachment is disclosed for converting a rotary type lawnmower to a vacuum cleaner for picking up debris, such as grass cuttings, from sidewalks, driveways, and the like. The attachment includes a baffle member for positioning across the opening in the bottom of the housing of the rotary cutter blade. The baffle member has an opening through which air is pulled by the rotating cutter blade to lift and entrain debris from a sidewalk, driveway, or the like, and carry it into the housing for discharge through the discharge port of the housing. Means are provided for releasably attaching the baffle member to the housing so that the baffle can be attached when it is desired for the mower to act as a vacuum cleaner and removed when the mower is to function in the normal manner.

Abstract: An attachment is disclosed for converting a rotary type lawnmower to a vacuum cleaner for picking up debris, such as grass cuttings, from sidewalks, driveways, and the like. The attachment includes a baffle member for positioning across the opening in the bottom of the housing of the rotary cutter blade. The baffle member has an opening through which air is pulled by the rotating cutter blade to lift and entrain debris from a sidewalk, driveway, or the like, and carry it into the housing for discharge through the discharge port of the housing. Means are provided for releasably attaching the baffle member to the housing so that the baffle can be attached when it is desired for the mower to act as a vacuum cleaner and removed when the mower is to function in the normal manner.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner conversion and storage pedestal for receiving and supporting a vacuum cleaner and adapting the cleaner to flexible hose cleaning tasks is disclosed having a wheeled base or bed releasably fastenable to the bottom of the cleaner with a vacuum transmitting conduit in the base positionable in substantially airtight relation with the suction mouth of the cleaner and communicating with a coupler for joining a flexible air hose to the conduit so that the pedestal supported cleaner may be used in much the same manner as a conventional canister type cleaner. A leg may be pivotably supported beneath the base, movable between a stowed horizontal position and an extended position for supporting the cleaner and pedestal on a stairway with wheels of the base resting on one step surface and the leg resting on the next lower step surface so as to adapt the upright vacuum cleaner to vacuuming stairways and the like.

Abstract: An attachment is disclosed for converting a rotary type lawnmower to a vacuum cleaner for picking up debris, such as grass cuttings, from sidewalks, driveways, and the like. The attachment includes a baffle member for positioning across the opening in the bottom of the housing of the rotary cutter blade. The baffle member has an opening through which air is pulled by the rotating cutter blade to lift and entrain debris from a sidewalk, driveway, or the like, and carry it into the housing for discharge through the discharge port of the housing. Means are provided for releasably attaching the baffle member to the housing so that the baffle can be attached when it is desired for the mower to act as a vacuum cleaner and removed when the mower is to function in the normal manner.

Abstract: An attachment for converting a conventional filament trimmer into a vacuum or blower for removal of grass clippings. The attachment includes a fan housing removably mounted to the trimmer in either a vacuum or blower mode of operation and a fan removably mounted to the rotatably driven shaft of the trimmer. The fan housing has an air inlet scoop and air discharge chute.

Abstract: In a marine vessel adapted to carry liquids such as crude oil which embodies a certain amount of solid residue, apparatus is provided for removing the latter from the vessel's storage tanks. The liquid crude is normally removed by a manifolded discharge or eductor system communicated with the suction side of a pump. The eductor system includes a plurality of individually controlled open ended discharge conduits, each conduit being fixedly positioned with its inlet port spaced above the floor of the tank to withdraw liquid from the tank. A portable cleaning apparatus is provided to remove accumulated sludge and the like from the tank floor, which cleaning apparatus is adapted to removably engage a discharge conduit whereby to ingest sludge from the latter.