Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cleaner according to one embodiment, which includes a main body, a grip unit provided on the main body to be gripped by a user, a pressure sensor unit provided on the grip unit to detect pressure applied by the user to a part of an outer surface of the grip unit, a driving unit provided at a lower portion of the main body to move the main body, and a controller to control the driving unit based on the detected pressure.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a main body, a cleaning tool assembly connected to the main body to be movable in at least one axial direction, a handle part connected to the main body and configured to receive an applied force of a user, a detection part provided in the handle part and configured to detect a magnitude and a direction of the force applied to the handle part, and a control part configured to control the movement direction of the cleaning tool assembly based on the detected direction of the force and to control the movement distance of the cleaning tool assembly based on the detected magnitude of the force. In this way, the steering performance may be improved by reducing a horizontal load felt by a user when the user holds and moves the handle of the cleaner, fatigue felt when performing the cleaning operation may be removed by removing a vertical load applied by the handle, and convenience may be improved.

Abstract: A cleaning device has a main part and a handle with which an operator can displace the cleaning device on a surface being cleaned, two counter-rotatable rollers being received in the main part such that the rollers come into contact with the floor being cleaned, the rollers being arranged in the main part such that they are only separated by a shared air gap and/or longitudinal gap.

Abstract: Embodiments include a floor surface maintenance machine, comprising a cleaning tool chamber comprising a first side, a second side, a third side and a fourth side. A rotary broom is housed in the cleaning tool chamber and substantially enclosed by the first, second, third and fourth sides thereof. The rotary broom sweeps particulate from the surface. A vacuum system generates vacuum for drawing particulate swept by the rotary broom. The vacuum system is positioned proximal to the first side. A skirt assembly extends substantially around the second, third and fourth sides of the cleaning tool chamber. The skirt assembly has a vacuum passage defined therein and in fluid communication with the vacuum system to direct air flow into the vacuum passage, thereby drawing particulate into the vacuum passage and preventing particulate accumulation at portions of the second, third and fourth sides that are distal to the vacuum system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vacuum cleaner including a first cleaning module to perform a cleaning of a floor and a second cleaning module detachably coupled to the first cleaning module and configured to perform a cleaning in a handheld manner while detached from the first cleaning module, wherein the second cleaning module includes a connecting pipe to deliver inlet force to an inlet of the first cleaning module while connected to the first cleaning module, a handle connected to one side of the connecting pipe, having an inside space, and provided in a shape in which a rear surface thereof is open, a connecting hose connecting the connecting pipe to a dust collector, and a connector having a hose support provided to support the connecting hose, and to connect the connecting pipe to the connecting hose, and the hose support is disposed to support the connecting hose rounded along an inner side of the handle in a state that the connector is coupled to an inside space of the handle.

Abstract: Apparatus for drifting away loose items from an area, has a container with an outlet port and is rotatably supported on a base member. A top member is fixedly connected to the base member above the container. The top member has a fan that is adapted to draw air from the exterior through an inlet port and discharge the air into the interior of the container to exit from the outlet port. A motor is secured to the top member, the motor being adapted to engage with and rotate the container relative to the base member and the top member, such that the air exiting from the outlet port is driven in a circular direction.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a main body including a fan motor to generate suction force, a suction unit connected to the main body to suction foreign matter from a surface to be cleaned in a state of contacting the surface, a dust collector separatably mounted to the main body to separate and collect foreign matter from air suctioned by the suction unit, and a wheel assembly to move the main body, wherein the main body is rotatable independently of the wheel assembly such that the main body rotates to change a movement direction thereof and the main body is moved in the changed direction by the wheel assembly.

Abstract: The principles and embodiments of the presently claimed invention related to a surface cleaning apparatus, such as a vacuum cleaner, having a wireless communication and control system including two or more wireless radio frequency communication devices configured to transmit and receive control instructions and responses to control the operation of various electrical components disposed within or attached to the surface cleaning apparatus.

Abstract: A cleaning appliance of the canister type includes separating apparatus for separating dirt from a dirt-bearing fluid flow, a floor engaging rolling assembly, and a steering mechanism for steering the cleaning appliance as it is maneuver over a floor surface and for pivoting the separating apparatus relative to the rolling assembly.

Abstract: A floor cleaning machine includes a set of obstacle sensors that detect when the machine is approaching an obstacle. If the obstacle is less than a threshold distance away from the machine, the machine may output an alert and override the operator's command with a command to reduce the speed of the machine. If the obstacle is less than a minimum threshold distance away from the machine, the machine may come to a complete stop to prevent the collision.

Abstract: A cleaning appliance of the canister type includes separating apparatus for separating dirt from a dirt-bearing fluid flow, a floor engaging rolling assembly, and a steering mechanism for steering the cleaning appliance as it is maneuvered over a floor surface and for pivoting the separating apparatus relative to the rolling assembly.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaning appliance includes a main body having a user operable handle, separating apparatus for separating dirt from a dirt-bearing air flow and a casing housing a fan unit for drawing the air flow through the separating apparatus. A support assembly is connected to the main body for allowing the appliance to be rolled along a surface using the handle. The support assembly includes a pair of domed-shaped wheels which each have a substantially circular rim. The overall size of the appliance is reduced by locating the casing between the wheels, and providing an air duct which extends between the rims of the wheels to convey the air flow from the separating apparatus to the casing.

Abstract: A portable vacuum cleaning system includes a portable vacuum unit for cleaning debris. The vacuum unit is powered by a self-contained first electric power storage device and may be carried with a strap in backpack-fashion. The system also includes a cart defining a receptacle for receiving the vacuum unit. The vacuum unit may be used when supported by the cart or when carried by an operator. A second electric power storage device is supported by the cart and electrically connectable to the vacuum unit for charging the first electric power storage device when the vacuum unit is supported by the cart. Further, when disposed in the cart, the vacuum unit is disposed at an angle of about 45 degrees allowing for ease of movement of the cart.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a base with an air inlet, a handle, a base pivot connecting the base to the handle to permit the handle to pivot between an upright parked position and a reclined operating position, a movable wheel system and a wheel system drive member. The wheel system has a wheel carriage pivotally connected at one end to the base, and at least one wheel connected to the other end. The wheel carriage pivots between a first position in which the wheel is further from the air inlet, and a second position in which the wheel is closer to the air inlet. The drive member is on the handle and positioned to contact the wheel carriage as the handle moves from the upright parked position to the reclined operating position to thereby move the wheel carriage from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: In various exemplary embodiments, a cart for holding and transporting a portable blower includes one or more of the following: a rotary member configured to receive a housing of a portable blower; a cylindrical base member for supporting the rotary member; a tubular member attached at a lower end thereof to the rotary member and the base member in such a way as to permit the rotary member to be rotatable while supported on the base member; a handle attached to an upper end of the tubular member; and at least one wheel attached to the cart for guiding the cart over a surface. The cart may also include a tube locking member for adjusting the height of the tubular member, a cord retention system for securing the cord of the blower in place, a stand for holding the cart upright, and a tool storage member.

Abstract: A scraper truck includes a main scraper mounted to a wheeled vehicle and side scrapers pivoted to the main scraper at its ends. The side scrapers are pivotally movable between extended lateral positions where the side scrapers extend outboard of the opposite ends for collecting debris located outboard of the vehicle's width, and a retracted position where the side scrapers are in overlapped juxtaposed storage positions close to and in front of the main scraper. The main scraper has a front face that is concavely shaped. The scraper mount defines a vertical pivot axis and the scraper assembly is rotatable about the vertical pivot axis upon striking an object toward an end of the scraper. A biasing mechanism is provided for biasing the scraper toward a centered forwardly-facing position, and a shear pin is configured to break prior to damage to the scraper or vehicle frame.

Abstract: A base has wheels, including a drive wheel, for wheeling the base over a floor. A nozzle is fixed to the base for a fan in the base to draw air from the floor through the nozzle. A handle is connected to the base for propelling the base by manually applying a force to the handle. A drive assist motor, which is not configured to drive the fan, has an output shaft coupled to the drive wheel. The controller is operative in a driving mode to power the motor to rotate the drive wheel in a direction corresponding to a direction of the force applied to the handle. The controller is operative in a non-driving mode to refrain from powering the motor to rotate the drive wheel.

Abstract: The bagger attachment for a leaf blower has a large container that accommodates full size trash bags. The container is a barrel mounted on a wheeled cart and includes a cover that is hinged to the container and securely closed by a C-clamp. The exhaust conduit of a leaf blower is secured in an aperture in the cover. A filter is mounted on the cover to allow air from the vacuum to escape the container, permitting the collected leaves and debris to remain inside the container. A flexible hose is attached to the suction end of the blower for pulling the leaves and debris into the container. A trash bag is placed in the container. The container also includes a pivoting platform inside the barrel for supporting the trash bag thereon. A door is provided for allowing access to the interior of the container.

Abstract: This invention provides a device capable of covering the surface of an object situated in a gas with a region filled with a liquid and of moving such region, capable of sucking and collecting such liquid from the surface of the object wetted by the liquid and of drying such surface, and is capable of allowing such region to adhere to and crawl along the surface of the subject, while conducting ultrasonic flaw detection or ultrasonic cleaning of the surface of the object.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a floor cleaning machine comprising a brush adapted to scrub the floor with a cleaning, i.e.

Abstract: An apparatus main body having wheels and configured to run on a floor includes an electrolysis device, which electrolyzes a cleaning water to alkaline water and acid water. A pressurizing pump selectively sucks and pressurizes the alkaline water or acid water obtained by electrolysis by the electrolysis device. A spray nozzle mechanism sprays the cleaning water comprising the alkaline water or acid water pressurized by the pressurizing pump on the floor. A suction nozzle is mounted behind the spray nozzle mechanism in the apparatus main body and is opened to the floor. A suction mechanism sucks the cleaning water sprayed on the floor together with a contaminant. A reservoir tank, which is mounted in the apparatus main body, stores the sucked cleaning water together with the contaminant.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a synthetic grass surface, the apparatus comprising a plenum head and a manifold, the plenum head disposed within the manifold and having a compressed air inlet and at least one air outlet through which air can be expelled against the synthetic grass surface for dislodgement of coarse and fine particulate material and to entrain the dislodged particulate material into the manifold which extends above the plenum head, said manifold including an outlet located in an upper region of the manifold for expelling the fine particulate material, and an outlet in a lower region of the manifold for distributing the coarse particulate material back to the synthetic grass surface, wherein the plenum head is mounted for rotation within the manifold about a substantially vertical axis.

Abstract: Traveling equipment for a cleaner comprises: a traveling motor mounted to a cleaner head part and for generating a normal torque and a reverse torque; a traveling shaft penetrated and coupled to the traveling motor and supplied with the torque of the traveling motor; traveling wheels coupled to both sides of the traveling shaft; an operation mode selection means for selectively regulating the automatic back and forth operation function and manual function; a control means for outputting a control signal upon receiving a signal selected by the operation mode selection means; and a driving means for driving the traveling motor upon receiving the control signal of the control means. By this, the user's convenience is raised and the simplicity of the components is acquired.

Abstract: A base has wheels, including a drive wheel, for wheeling the base over a floor. A handle, including a handgrip, is connected to the base for propelling the base by manually applying a force to the handgrip. A motor has an output shaft coupled to the drive wheel. A controller has different operative modes. They include a driving mode in which the controller powers the motor to rotate the drive wheel in a direction corresponding to a direction of the force applied to the handle, and a non-driving mode in which the controller refrains from powering the motor to rotate the drive wheel while a user grasps and applies force to the handgrip to propel the base.

Abstract: A self-propelled mobile vacuum system comprising a vacuum source that provides suction for the removal of debris, a collection tank for storing debris collected by said vacuum source suction, and at least two rolling drive systems for maneuvering the vacuum system within a work space. A motor provides power to the vacuum source and the two rolling drive systems, and the system has an overall width within the range of 24 to 48 inches, an overall length within the range of 5 to 10 feet, and an overall height within the range of 60 to 84 inches.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an upright vacuum cleaner with a swing brush. The upright vacuum cleaner comprises an upright cleaner body having a suction nozzle, a drive unit mounted in the cleaner body for moving the cleaner body forward or rearward, a grip unit slidably mounted to the upper end of the cleaner body, the grip unit having a sensor for sensing a sliding direction of the grip unit, a control unit for controlling the drive unit to be operated, such that the cleaner body is moved forward or rearward, based on information sensed by the sensor, a movement converting unit for converting a rotating movement of the drive unit to an angular reciprocating movement, and a swing brush connected to the movement converting unit for performing the angular reciprocating movement. The swing brush is mounted in a suction nozzle of the cleaner body while being in contact with the floor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an upright vacuum cleaner having a movement control grip that is capable of performing switch between automatic operation mode and manual operation mode on the movement control grip. The grip comprises a grip body, having a square section, connected to the upper end of a cleaner body while being bent to the cleaner body, upper and lower guide members vertically connected to each other while surrounding the grip body such that the upper and lower guide members can be slid along the outer surface of the grip body, a grip returning unit disposed at the grip body for resiliently returning the upper and lower guide members to their original positions, and a grip sensor unit mounted at the grip body for sensing the forward or rearward movement direction of upper and lower guide members relative to the grip body.

Abstract: A floor-cleaning machine (10) has a chassis (12) that is mobile on a surface and carries an agitating mechanism (14) to engage the surface. A fluid delivery system (18) conveys fluid from a reservoir (16) to the surface proximate the agitating mechanism (14). The fluid delivery system (18) includes a flow control valve (20) having a body (24) and a flow control member in the form of a ball (22) constrained within the body (24) and rotatable about an axis. A first passage (30) and a second passage (32) are defined in the ball (22), with the second passage (32) having a cross sectional area smaller than a cross sectional area of the first passage (30). The ball (22) is pivotable between a high flow position and a low flow position. In the high flow position, the ball (22) is positioned to allow fluid flow from a upstream duct (26) to a downstream duct (28) through the first passage (30).

Abstract: A cleaner for cleaning a surface comprises a floor-engaging portion for moving along the surface. A magnet and a hall effect sensor located in the cleaner handle generates a control signal. The control signal is provided to a control circuit which controls one or more operational features of the cleaner. One such operational features includes at least one pump for mixing and distributing cleaning solution to the surface. In an alternate embodiment, the control circuit controls an electric motor for propelling the cleaner over the surface.

Abstract: The invention provides an upright vacuum cleaner with a swivel and swing handle fitted to the upper end of the upright portion of the vacuum cleaner using a ball and socket joint and a connecting bolt. Because of the ball and socket joint and a spiral spring surrounding the connecting bolt between the ball and socket joint and the upper end of the upright portion of the vacuum cleaner, the handle can freely swivel and rotate at any angle relative to the upright portion to provide enhanced flexibility in maneuvering the vacuum cleaner, thus effectively reducing the bodily stress and strain involved in using a vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A combined floor edger and grinder having a grinding disk which can be adjusted from engaging the floor while flat to engaging the floor along a front, back or side edge of the disk, depending on the height adjustment of the wheels on either side of the frame. The wheels, shroud and handle can also be adjustable relative to the frame for moving the frame straight back and forth or at an angle such that with the disk adjusted to engage the floor on one side of the frame the wheels and handle can be adjusted such that they are angled with respect to a wall for use as an edger whereby a user can push the device along the edge of a wall in a straight line while edging. The shroud and disk sizes may be easily changed for different jobs. The shroud can be open or close ended.

Abstract: A clutchless, direct drive, self-propelled vacuum cleaner includes a nozzle base having a suction inlet and a housing pivotally mounted on the nozzle base. A suction source is mounted to one of the nozzle base and the housing. A filter chamber is located in one of the nozzle base and the housing. A drive motor is mounted to one of the nozzle base and the housing, the drive motor having an output shaft. A transmission is directly coupled to the output shaft of the motor. A driven wheel is directly coupled to the transmission. Also disclosed is a height adjustment mechanism for the vacuum cleaner, the height adjustment mechanism employing the drive assembly of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A clutchless, direct drive, self-propelled vacuum cleaner includes a nozzle base having a suction inlet and a housing pivotally mounted on the nozzle base. A suction source is mounted to one of the nozzle base and the housing. A filter chamber is located in one of the nozzle base and the housing. A drive motor is mounted to one of the nozzle base and the housing, the drive motor having an output shaft. A transmission is directly coupled to the output shaft of the motor. A driven wheel is directly coupled to the transmission. Also disclosed is a height adjustment mechanism for the vacuum cleaner, the height adjustment mechanism employing the drive assembly of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner power head (40) for vacuum cleaning and having two counter rotating agitators 52 and 54. Motor (60) rotates agitators (52) and (54) through transmission (70), and also rotates suction fan (65) to provide suction air to the rotary brush agitators. Exterior housing 48 and inner housing (49) provide air suction passageways to direct suction air through fan (65) and out of the housing to a dirt collection bag (34). Self-propelled function is provided by using user force on handle (32) to create differential contact friction between the two counter-rotating rotary brush agitators so that a net traction force is generated that propels power head (40) in the direction the user is pushing.

Abstract: A portable surface cleaning apparatus comprises a fluid dispensing system including at least one fluid supply tank, a dispensing nozzle connected to the fluid supply tank through a fluid supply conduit for applying a cleaning fluid to a surface to be cleaned, a fluid recovery tank for holding recovered fluid, a suction nozzle, a working air conduit extending between the recovery tank and the suction nozzle, a vacuum source in fluid communication with the recovery tank for generating a flow of working air from the suction nozzle through the working air conduit and to the recovery tank to thereby recover fluid from the surface to be cleaned through the suction nozzle and working air conduit and into the recovery tank, and a power drive mechanism for selectively propelling the portable cleaning apparatus over the surface to be cleaned

Abstract: A floor surface treatment apparatus having a wheeled vehicle including a support for a floor surface treatment unit, the support being moveable relative to the vehicle. A floor surface treatment unit is pivotally carried by the support for swinging movement relative thereto. The support is configured to raise and lower the unit relative to the floor surface, upon movement of the support relative to the vehicle, through a range of working positions in which the unit maintains a generally vertical orientation relative to the floor surface and is generally in contact therewith and a servicing position in which the unit is swung up relative to the vehicle above the floor surface to a position in which the unit is generally angled relative to the floor surface.

Abstract: A self-propelled vacuum cleaner includes a base having a suction inlet. An upright housing is pivotally mounted to the base. A suction source is disposed in one of the base and the upright housing to generate an airflow at the suction inlet. A dust collection chamber is mounted to one of the base and the upright housing and communicates with the suction inlet and the suction source. A drive motor is mounted to the base. A driven wheel is operatively connected to the drive motor. A handle assembly is mounted to the upright housing, wherein the handle assembly includes an upper handle, a handle grip assembly slidably mounted to the upper handle, and a neutral return spring fastened to the upper handle and engaging the handle grip assembly to urge the handle grip assembly to a neutral position.

Abstract: A self-propelled appliance comprises a base, electric motor mounting the base, a handle moveably depending from the base and a drive wheel mounted in the base and operatively connected to the motor. The control circuits comprising an enable switch and a base switch control the communication of power from the power supply to the motor relative to a gripping of the handle by a user of the appliance and a selective positioning of the handle relative to the base.

Abstract: A leaf collection system for lawn blower/vacuums is disclosed. The collection system includes a port coupling fitted to the exhaust port of a blower/vacuum, a dust cover, and a unique disposable collection bag. The disposable collection bag is constructed of an environmentally friendly, bio-degradeable plastic that will quickly decompose along with the organic leaves and lawn debris collected therein. Both sides of the collection bag has several rows of T-shaped slits and two rows of straight or I-shaped slits that allow air to escape from the bag but retain the leaves and lawn debris deposited therein. The collection bag is shaped to fit inside the dust cover that is fixed to the port coupling. The port coupling includes an elastic lock ring that secures the collection bag to the coupling. The dust cover envelops of the collection bag and shields the operator from the dust that passes through the collection bag.

Abstract: An extraction machine for cleaning a floor surface has a front and a rear and is movable by an operator relative to the floor surface in a forward direction of travel to clean the floor surface. The extraction machine also has a cleaning solution dispenser capable of dispensing a cleaning solution onto the floor surface and a recovery system for extracting a dirty solution from the floor surface. A towline is connected at one end to the extraction machine and is configured for being supported by the operator at an opposite end thereof such that movement of the operator in the forward direction of travel causes tensioning of the towline. The tension in the towline applies a pulling force to the extraction machine to move the extraction machine in the forward direction of travel.

Abstract: An extraction surface cleaning apparatus is provided having an extraction head adapted to be moved over a floor surface to be cleaned, a handle mounted to the extraction head for grasping by a user and propelling the extraction head over the floor surface, and an application and recovery system fluidly interconnected with the extraction head and movable therewith to apply at least one of water and cleaning solution to the floor surface and extract the same in combination with any dirt entrained therein. A detector is mounted to the extraction head for detecting the relative speed of the extraction head relative to the floor surface and generating a signal representative of such relative speed. An indicator is operably interconnected with the detector and is adapted to receive the signal generated by the detector and provide an indication to a user representative of the signal.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating the surface of a floor includes a wheeled vehicle having a generally central vertical longitudinal plane. A lift unit is mounted on the wheeled vehicle and is capable of up and down movement in the central vertical longitudinal plane of the vehicle. A floor surface treating unit is carried by the lift unit generally underneath the lift unit and has an elongate head. The head has a pivotal connection with the lift unit for rotation of the head on a generally vertical pivot axis in the plane and generally at the center of length of the head for rotation of the head on the pivot axis to different angular positions with respect to the plane of the wheeled vehicle. A locking mechanism associated with the lift unit and the floor surface treating unit releasably locks the head in a selected angular position.

Abstract: A sweeper includes a sweeper body mounted on at least one pair of wheels. At least one brush is coupled to a forward end of the sweeper body for sweeping garbage from a ground surface and a suction device is coupled to the sweeper body. The suction device communicates with the forward end of the sweeper body. A garbage container assembly is mounted inside the sweeper body, for receiving garbage drawn into the sweeper by the suction device. A basket is movable into and out of the garbage container assembly and a lift mechanism is coupled to an underside of the basket. The lift mechanism is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. In the extended position, the basket is tiltable to dump garbage contained in the basket.

Abstract: A self-propelled appliance, such as a vacuum cleaner includes a magnetic field sensor and magnet. A relative position between the magnetic field sensor and the magnet can be changed by a user of the appliance. The magnetic field sensor generates a signal indicating a magnetic field sensed by the sensor. Therefore, the magnetic field sensor signal indicates the relative position of the magnet to the sensor. This relative position signal is interpreted as a speed and direction request for a means for propelling the appliance. The magnetic filed sensor is, for example, a Hall effect sensor. The means for propelling includes, for example, a brushless d.c motor, sensorless motor or switched reluctance motor. Forward and reverse propulsion is provided without the use of a clutch. The appliance includes a reduced number of wearing components.

Abstract: A self-propelled vacuum cleaner includes a base having a suction inlet. An upright housing is pivotally mounted to the base. A suction source is disposed in one of the base and the upright housing to generate an airflow at the suction inlet. A dust collection chamber is mounted to one of the base and the upright housing and communicates with the suction inlet and the suction source. A drive motor is mounted to the base. A driven wheel is operatively connected to the drive motor. A handle assembly is mounted to the upright housing, wherein the handle assembly includes an upper handle, a handle grip assembly slidably mounted to the upper handle, and a neutral return spring fastened to the upper handle and engaging the handle grip assembly to urge the handle grip assembly to a neutral position.

Abstract: A clutchless, direct drive, self-propelled vacuum cleaner includes a nozzle base having a suction inlet and a housing pivotally mounted on the nozzle base. A suction source is mounted to one of the nozzle base and the housing. A filter chamber is located in one of the nozzle base and the housing. A drive motor is mounted to one of the nozzle base and the housing, the drive motor having an output shaft. A transmission is directly coupled to the output shaft of the motor. A driven wheel is directly coupled to the transmission. Also disclosed is a height adjustment mechanism for the vacuum cleaner, the height adjustment mechanism employing the drive assembly of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: An apparatus performing multiple different cleaning operations for cleaning fabrics, floor coverings, and bare floor surfaces is disclosed. A device according to the present invention selectively utilizes soil transfer and solution extraction technology. In one embodiment, an apparatus is disclosed having a cleaning implement in selective wiping contact with a surface to be cleaned, a cleaning solution dispenser which selectively wets with a cleaning solution a portion of the cleaning implement or a portion of the surface or both, a first selectively controllable vacuum extractor tool which when operating removes some of the dispensed cleaning solution and soil from the cleaning implement, and a second selectively controllable vacuum extractor tool which when operating removes soil and some of the cleaning solution directly from the surface intended to be cleaned. A method of use of such an apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A carpet extractor (10) operable in either a restorative cleaning mode or a maintenance cleaning mode includes a constant rate pump (96) which dispenses clean solution through a manually operated valve (98) to one of two lines (100, 102) having nozzles which restrict dispensing to high and low solution flow rates. In the preferred form, clean solution is dispensed at the high flow rate directly upon the carpeted surface and at the low rate upon the agitating brush (88). When restorative cleaning is desired, the valve (98) is manually moved to dispense at the high flow rate and a switch (110) is also manually moved resulting in the chassis (18) being propelled at a slow working speed. When maintenance cleaning is desired, the valve (98) is manually moved to dispense at the low flow rate and the switch (110) is also manually moved resulting in the chassis (18) being propelled at a fast working speed.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner power head (40) for vacuum cleaning and having two counter rotating agitators 52 and 54. Motor (60) rotates agitators (52) and (54) through transmission (70), and also rotates suction fan (65) to provide suction air to the rotary brush agitators. Exterior housing 48 and inner housing (49) provide air suction passageways to direct suction air through fan (65) and out of the housing to a dirt collection bag (34). Self-propelled function is provided by using user force on handle (32) to create differential contact friction between the two counter-rotating rotary brush agitators so that a net traction force is generated that propels power head (40) in the direction the user is pushing.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner power head (40) for vacuum cleaning and having two counter rotating agitators 52 and 54. Motor (60) rotates agitators (52) and (54) through transmission (70), and also rotates suction fan (65) to provide suction air to the rotary brush agitators. Exterior housing 48 and inner housing (49) provide air suction passageways to direct suction air through fan (65) and out of the housing to a dirt collection bag (34). Self-propelled function is provided by using user force on handle (32) to create differential contact friction between the two counter-rotating rotary brush agitators so that a net traction force is generated that propels power head (40) in the direction the user is pushing.