Abstract: The invention relates to rotary units and rotary mechanisms that are suitable for use in numerous applications. Rotary units typically include rotational components that are configured to rotate. In some embodiments, for example, multiple rotary units are assembled in rotary mechanisms such that neighboring pairs of rotational components counter-rotate or contra-rotate relative to one another during operation of the rotary mechanisms. Rotational components generally include one or more implements that are structured to perform or effect one or more types of work as the rotational components rotate relative to one another in a given rotary mechanism. In certain embodiments, implements are configured to rotate and/or to effect the movement of other components as rotational components rotate.

Abstract: A wet extraction floor cleaning device having a base assembly adapted for movement on a surface being cleaned, an operating handle pivotally attached to the base assembly, a supply tank having a supply tank outlet, and a recovery tank having a recovery tank inlet and a recovery tank outlet. The base assembly has an inlet nozzle that extends from an inlet slit proximal the surface being cleaned to a nozzle outlet. The device further includes a fluid deposition assembly that can be selectively placed in fluid communication with the supply tank outlet, a vacuum source, and first and second external pockets. The supply and recovery tanks are adapted to be selectively placed in the first and second external pockets, thereby placing the supply tank outlet in fluid communication with the fluid deposition system, the recovery tank inlet in fluid communication with the nozzle outlet, and the recovery tank outlet in fluid communication with the vacuum source inlet.

Abstract: A cleaning device for shoe soles is disclosed. The cleaning device provides a surface having a plurality of bristles designed to engage the sole of a shoe. The bristles are arranged such that one or more groups of bristles are reciprocated over the length of the surface to dislodge and remove debris on the shoe sole. The debris removed from the shoe sole is also directed away from the bristles and surface into a receptacle for later removal. Thus, the cleaning device provides for effortless removal of debris from shoe soles while cleaning any debris dislodged by the bristles.

Abstract: A vacuum attachment for a vacuum cleaner including a housing having a vacuum channel. A roller is rotatably and displaceably disposed in a region of the vacuum channel and driveable during a vacuuming operation. The roller includes at least one of bristles and baffle walls configured to be in partial contact with a floor covering during the vacuuming operation. At least one roller magnet is disposed on the roller at least one end thereof. At least one housing magnet is non-rotatably disposed on the housing axially adjacent to the at least one roller magnet and configured to interact with the at least one roller magnet so as to alternately at least one of attract and repel the roller so that the roller performs an oscillatory motion as it rotates.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly of a vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The A nozzle assembly includes a main casing having an air inlet formed thereto to draw in dust or dirt from a surface to be cleaned, a drum brush disposed in the main casing to brush away the dust or dirt adhered to the surface while rotating in contact with the surface, and a subsidiary brush unit disposed in front of the main casing to preliminarily brush away the dust or dirt adhered to the surface in front of the drum brush, and having a cover disposed in front of the main casing, and a subsidiary brush member to come in elastic contact with the surface. The subsidiary brush member is configured to change a relative position to the cover, and thus to selectively maintain a contact state or a non-contact state to the surface.

Abstract: A wet extraction floor cleaning device having a base assembly adapted for movement on a surface being cleaned, an operating handle pivotally attached to the base assembly, a supply tank having a supply tank outlet, and a recovery tank having a recovery tank inlet and a recovery tank outlet. The base assembly has an inlet nozzle that extends from an inlet slit proximal the surface being cleaned to a nozzle outlet. The device further includes a fluid deposition assembly that can be selectively placed in fluid communication with the supply tank outlet, a vacuum source, and first and second external pockets. The supply and recovery tanks are adapted to be selectively placed in the first and second external pockets, thereby placing the supply tank outlet in fluid communication with the fluid deposition system, the recovery tank inlet in fluid communication with the nozzle outlet, and the recovery tank outlet in fluid communication with the vacuum source inlet.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided that includes a vacuum cleaner main body having a suction pump, a suction nozzle portion that sucks impurities by a suction force supplied by the suction pump, a suction passage that connects the suction nozzle portion to the suction pump, an agitator installed at the suction passage, and a driving device that makes the agitator perform a linear translation. As the agitator is formed narrow and long, a bottom surface of the suction nozzle portion may maintain a small suction area. Therefore the vacuum cleaner attains a high surface pressure which is an advantage of an ordinary type suction nozzle portion, and a high drag coefficient of impurities which is an advantage of a brush type suction nozzle portion.

Abstract: A suction brush that includes a body in communication with a dust collection apparatus of a vacuum cleaner and having a main suction port formed through a bottom of the body, and a cover for covering the top of the body, the cover having auxiliary suction ports. A pair of floorcloth support plates are rotatably mounted on the bottom of the body, with floorcloths that are detachably attached to the bottom surfaces of the floorcloth support plates, respectively. A floorcloth rotation unit is mounted in the body so as to rotate the pair of floorcloth support plates. The suction brush also includes a first air suction flow path for guiding air, which is introduced through the main suction port, to the rear side of the body, and a second air suction flow path for guiding air, which is introduced through the auxiliary suction ports to the rear side of the body.

Abstract: An automatic cart wash apparatus. The automatic cart wash apparatus provides improved cleaning of stock carts on a regular basis over manual cleaning by store employees. The automatic cart wash apparatus includes three main stages: a debris removal (vacuum) stage, a cleaning (wash, sanitize, rinse) stage, and a drying stage. The debris removal stage uses forced air and/or suction to remove solid and generally non-soluble waste, such as a paper or other trash and debris, from a stock cart. The cleaning stage uses a selection of detergents, sanitizing agents, and rinse agents to remove soluble or sticky waste, such as food and liquids, and to kill germs, viruses, and bacteria present on the cart. The drying stage removes excess liquids from the cart making it ready for use by the next customer.

Abstract: A cleaning machine for floors and carpets includes a vacuum pick-up in front of the machine for suctioning loose material and debris off the floor. A microfiber cleaning assembly is mounted beneath the machine for cleaning the floor following the vacuum pick-up. The microfiber cleaning element may be motor driven. A source of solution delivers a controlled amount of solution or water to moisten the microfiber cloth. A vacuum motor provides suction to the forward vacuum pick-up, routes the suctioned air through a filter, and the filtered air is then delivered to an air diffuser to dry any residual moisture behind the microfiber cleaning assembly. The microfiber cleaning assembly may have two offset pads driven by a reciprocating or oscillating drive, or one or two cylindrical rollers for receiving and securing the microfiber fabric in the form of a sleeve.

Abstract: A spot cleaning apparatus comprises a fluid distribution system, a fluid recovery system, an agitation system, and a controller system to automatically monitor and control inputs and outputs to said systems for removal of spots and stains from a surface without attendance by a user. A suction nozzle and agitation device are mounted to the housing for movement over the surface to be cleaned relative to a stationary housing. Optionally, the spot cleaning apparatus can be operated in a manual mode. In one embodiment, the spot cleaning apparatus comprises a controller for continuously reversing the agitation direction of the agitatation system. In another embodiment, the spot cleaning apparatus comprises a modular strain relief assembly. In yet another embodiment, working air is recirculated to the surface to be cleaned through internal ducting.

Abstract: A spot cleaning apparatus comprises a housing, a fluid distribution system, a fluid recovery system, an agitation system, and a controller system to automatically monitor and control inputs and outputs to said systems for removal of spots and stains from a surface without attendance by a user. A suction nozzle and agitation device are mounted to the housing for movement over the surface to be cleaned relative to a stationary housing. Optionally, the spot cleaning apparatus can be operated in a manual mode.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes a housing to be moved along a surface to be cleaned. Within the housing, a cleaning ribbon is disposed between a supply reel and a take-up reel. A portion of the cleaning ribbon is held parallel to, and in substantial contact with, the surface to be cleaned, for attracting and retaining smaller debris. Another portion of the cleaning ribbon is configured to create a particle trap. A rotatable brush, also disposed within the housing, sweeps larger debris into the particle trap. The supply reel, the take-up reel, the cleaning ribbon, and/or the rotatable brush are alternatively included in a cartridge which is detachably secured within the housing.

Abstract: A suction head of a vacuum cleaner with a power brush to dislodge and remove debris from an object to be cleaned is provided. The suction head includes a head case connected to a cleaner body via a connecting tube and having a suction hold on a lower surface thereof, a power brush positioned in the head externally protruding from the head case through the suction hole allowing contact with an object to be cleaned, a supporting unit fixed in the head case for supporting the power brush to allow rotary and linear movements thereof, a rotary operating unit positioned between the supporting unit and the power brush for rotating the power brush, and a linear operating unit installed between the supporting unit and power brush for moving the power brushing linearly. With such structure, the size of the suction head is reduced and cleaning performance is improved.

Abstract: A beater bar assembly for use within a vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The beater bar assembly is capable of both axial oscillation (horizontal motion) and axial rotation, thereby providing an efficient cleaning motion.

Abstract: An improved suction head of a vacuum cleaner with a power brush is provided. A head case of the suction head is connected to a cleaner body with a connecting tube, and a power brush is positioned in the head case so as to allow the power brush to be in both rotary and linear motion. A two degree-of-freedom motor installed on both a moving frame and a fixed frame of the power brush allows the power brush to move in both a rotary and linear fashion. Thus, it is possible to reduce the size of the suction head while also improving cleaning performance.

Abstract: An endpiece for a vacuum cleaner comprising a plate (3) having a lower surface which rests on the ground and optionally fitted with elements such as brushes (8), optionally comprising channels which direct suctioned air to a suction opening (5), also having an upper surface (4) which is fitted with a tube (6) which communicates with said opening and which is connected to a suction unit located close to the tube or at a distance therefrom in the case of an installation having a centralized suctioning unit. The lower surface (7) of the plate (3) comprises at least three suction channels (9,10) between which a wiping device (12) is mounted, said two channels (9,10) being disposed to the front and to the rear of the wiping device (12) in the direction of displacement of said endpiece on the ground during vacuuming.

Abstract: A hard floor surface cleaning apparatus includes an aerator, a rotating scrub medium engaging the hard floor surface, a fluid conveyor, and a fluid recovery device. The aerator is configured to produce a foam-like aerated cleaning liquid from a cleaning liquid. The fluid conveyor is coupled to the aerator and is configured to deliver the aerated cleaning liquid onto the scrub medium. The fluid recovery device is configured to remove soiled solution from the hard floor surface.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes a housing to be moved along a surface to be cleaned. Within the housing, a cleaning ribbon is disposed between a supply reel and a take-up reel. A portion of the cleaning ribbon is held parallel to, and in substantial contact with, the surface to be cleaned, for attracting and retaining smaller debris. Another portion of the cleaning ribbon is configured to create a particle trap. A rotatable brush, also disposed within the housing, sweeps larger debris into the particle trap. The supply reel, the take-up reel, the cleaning ribbon, and/or the rotatable brush are alternatively included in a cartridge which is detachably secured within the housing.

Abstract: A power brush assembly for vacuum cleaners is disclosed. In the power brush assembly, a casing is set in the suction part of a vacuum cleaner and defines a suction nozzle used for sucking dust-laden air under pressure into the suction part of the vacuum cleaner. A power brush is set within the casing such that the brush is rotatable and reciprocable to the left and right. This power brush is used for brushing dust and impurities on a target surface. A drive motor generates a rotating force for allowing the power brush to rotate and reciprocate to the left and right within the casing. A power transmission mechanism connects the drive motor to the power brush so as to transmit the rotating force of the drive motor to the power brush.

Abstract: A floor cleaning apparatus includes a cleaning element and a vibratory agitation device. The cleaning element is configured to adjoin a floor in scrubbing engagement with the floor. The vibratory agitation device has an output member, and is operative to impart oscillation to the output member. The output member is connected with the cleaning element to impart oscillation to the cleaning element upon operation of the vibratory agitation device when the cleaning element is in scrubbing engagement with the floor.

Abstract: A device for removing excess grease from a cooking utensil includes a hollow housing having a vacuum assembly received therein. The housing includes a nozzle tapered towards a vacuum tip that is in communication with an interior storage reservoir. A drain port in communication with the reservoir is disposed on a side of the housing allowing a user to easily drain the reservoir. A second embodiment includes a motor driven belt, a portion of which protrudes from the vacuum tip for absorbing grease.

Abstract: A suction tool for an electric vacuum cleaner includes: a suction tool body which is connected to the vacuum cleaner body and has a suction inflow passage therein for conducting a suction air stream from a suction port, to the vacuum cleaner body; and a movable brush which is provided inside the suction inflow passage formed in the suction tool body and is driven by a driver device. In this tool, the movable brush sways and reciprocates back and forth about a support shaft, perpendicular to the direction of the suction inflow stream. Alternatively, the tool may have a linear motor which operates so as to reciprocate a rod which is liked at one end of it with oscillatory plate pivoted inside the suction tool. Further, this movable brush may be formed of a unit which is composed of a sweeping member having a pair of front and rear sweeping parts and a moving brushing part embedded in between, wherein the front sweeping part is shorter than the rear sweeping part.

Abstract: A vacuum floor cleaning system is provided having a carpet fiber agitating brush which oscillates in a plane horizontal to the floor. The vacuum floor cleaning system of the present invention includes generally a base member supported above the floor by wheels. The base member defines a nozzle opening positioned in close proximity to the floor and an air flow path between the nozzle and a dirt accumulation container. The base member serves as a mounting container for an electric motor, a suction producing fan, and a carpet fiber agitating brush bar.The electric motor is mounted to a motor baseplate in the base member and drives a rotating motor shaft which protrudes from a motor housing. The suction fan is mechanically coupled to and rotatably driven by the motor shaft to produce an air flow along the air flow path from the floor to the dirt accumulation container.

Abstract: Apparatus for agitating a cleaning agent into a carpet comprises a housing within which a first and a second roller are each mounted for rotation in a first angular direction. A platen is mounted intermediate the rollers. A belt agitator comprising a fabric substrate having a pile surface is trained about the first and second rollers and extends under the platen. The rollers the platen support rectilinear movement of the belt agitator in the first direction to bring a portion of its surface sequentially from a first position within the housing to a contacting position in which the portion of the surface is in agitating contact with a carpet and, thereafter, to a second position within the housing.

Abstract: A cleaning machine includes a body, a head attached to the body and movable relative thereto in a reciprocating manner, and a motor mechanism for reciprocally moving the head. The cleaning machine also includes one or more spray nozzles for applying one or more solutions to the textile, and a suction head for reciprocating movement over the textile to agitate the textile and to remove the solution(s) and soil from the textile. Preferably, the cleaning machine includes two reciprocating heads which move in opposing directions so that each head offsets the vibrations produced by the other. In such a manner, a cleaning machine provides reduced fatigue for the operator while achieving improved cleaning.

Abstract: A device for removing an adhered foreign substance, such as chewing gum, from surfaces employs a reciprocating scraper that separates the substance from the surface to be cleaned. A liquid, such as cleaning solution or solvent, is optionally discharged in the vicinity of the end of the scraper to augment the separation. A vacuum device draws air and loosened matter into an opening in the nozzle and traps it in a container. Optionally, the vacuum device is attached to a nozzle movable away from and toward the scraper by pushing a handle. When the nozzle moves toward the scraper, it activates the vacuum device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of removing dust deposited on a surface of a vehicle body using a dust-removing brush to release the dust from The surface of the body to remove through aspiration be suction air is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of:horizontally floating the brush with the brush being held in contact with the surface of the vehicle body to allow the dust to be released from the surface of the vehicle body; and flowing the suction air along the bristles from the end region to the root region thereof to effect to aspirate out the released dust as a result of the horizontal floating movement of the brush.

Abstract: A sweeping unit for a sweeping machine to clean a floor area, has a driven pair of closed loop sweeping belts for engaging the floor, the driven sweeping belts including a first portion fixed in position relative to a mounting platform and a second movable portion. First rollers constrain the first portions of the driven sweeping belts relative to the mounting platform, and second guide rollers, which are movable relative to the mounting platform, constrain the second portions of the belts, respectively. The width of the floor area that is swept when the sweeping machine moves in a working direction, is variable as the second guide rollers are moved manually or automatically. The sweeping unit may be combined with a scrubber device having similar width adjustment features.

Abstract: A surface finishing device having a vibration generator fixedly supported to a device body, a vibration transmitting member disposed at a lower portion of the device body and a heat source incorporated in the vibration transmitting member. The invention also discloses a surface finishing device of the above type further having a fluid-agent outlet opening defined in or in the vicinity of the vibration transmitting member and for discharging a fluid agent or a solution containing the agent.

Abstract: Multiple side-by-side vacuum nozzles are reciprocated along paths of travel parallel to the preferred path of travel of carpet cleaning apparatus. The vacuum nozzles are propelled through a drive mechanism which moves each vacuum nozzle out of phase with the movement of every other nozzle. Cleaning fluid discharge members associated and movable with each vacuum nozzle direct cleaning fluid onto the carpet adjacent their respective vacuum nozzles.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a floor cleaning apparatus which includes a nozzle-like structure for a vacuum cleaner. The apparatus is for vacuum cleaning and polishing hard floors and is moved by the operator in a desired direction. The apparatus includes a chassis defining a longitudinal axis and at least two working plates for working on the surface of the hard floor. The working plates are movably mounted on the chassis so as to perform respective reciprocal movements counter to each other and in a direction ninety degrees to the desired direction in which the apparatus is moved by the operator. The plates conjointly define a total depth extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the chassis and work plate takes up one-third of this depth. The other one of the work plates takes up two-thirds of this depth. The work plates have a flat shape and at least one of the work plates is pervious to air.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning the faces of plastic forming metal molds in which brush members opposite to the mold faces are vibrated by a suitable vibration-applying member. The tips of the brush members beat and break flashes of residual plastic stuck to the metal mold faces, thereby to remove the flashes. The thus removed flashes are sucked and taken out from the metal mold faces by sucking means, thus cleaning the metal mold faces.

Abstract: The invention embodies a machine to wash surfaces which comprises:a suction element positioned at least at its front,a front humidifier element which can possibly be shut off and which cooperates with an absorbing sheet,a sprayer which can possibly be shut off, and roller brushes. The machine also may advantageously comprise a rear absorbing sheet and an intermediate dryer.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning, waxing, polishing and otherwise treating the surface of a floor, including such floors as wood, tile, vinyl, concrete and the like is provided. The apparatus includes a carriage or frame with a handle for guiding and maneuvering. Attached to the carriage are several containers for dispensing several selected types of fluids or solutions to the floor where a reciprocating scrubber, such as steel wool or a buffing pad operates with the solutions to effectively clean, strip, wax or polish the floor surface. In addition, there is a vacuum means which removes and carries away any excess liquid, solution or dirty cleaning fluids from the floor surface.

Abstract: A device for scrubbing surfaces having two crank-rocker mechanisms wherein a scrubber element is mounted on the rocking link of each crank-rocker mechanism, the scrubber elements having recessed portions arranged so that as the crank-rocker mechanisms operate, the scrubbers scrub overlapping areas but do not collide.

Abstract: A device for scrubbing carpets having an augularly oscillating scrubber mounted on a frame.

Abstract: A device for scrubbing carpets having two angularly oscillating scrubbers with recessed portions arranged so that as the scrubbers angularly oscillate, they scrub overlapping areas but do not collide.

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

Abstract: A wall washing device is provided with self contained liquid spray means, wall and window surface scrubbing means such as brushes or sponges and means for providing a curtain of high velocity, in-rushing air around a wall washing sight. This air serves to dry the freshly laundered wall and window surfaces and also to confine the washing liquids and retard their egress from the wall washing sight. The high velocity, in-rushing air curtain is delivered through a perimeter aperture which is spaced-apart from the window/wall surfaces, in accordance with a first embodiment; and is provided by forceably drawing atmospheric air inwardly at the perimeter of the wall washing sight in accordance with a second embodiment. The device is adapted to ascend and descend between a pair of vertical mullions of the building. The device is further adapted to provide its wall and window washing function during either the ascending or descending runs or both. The device moreover is intended for remotely controlled operation.

Abstract: A self-propelled machine includes a main housing supported on front and rear drive rollers and has an operator control handle extending from the rear. Front and rear elongated working brushes are driven in orbital movement in horizontal planes, with the front brush being positioned ahead of the front roller and the rear brush position behind the rear roller. A pressurized supply tank for the working solution includes agitating and aerating means for creating a foam, and includes an adjustable control gate for controlling the flow of foam through dispensing passages to the floor surfaces ahead of the front brush. The drive rollers act as squeegees. A collection system includes vacuum pickup nozzles adjacent each of the drive rollers for picking up material from the floor surface, which material is collected in a collection tank.

Abstract: A self-propelled machine includes a main housing supported on front and rear drive rollers and has an operator control handle extending from the rear. Front and rear elongated working brushes are driven in orbital movement in horizontal planes, with the front brush being positioned ahead of the front roller and the rear brush positioned behind the rear roller. A supply tank for the working solution includes agitating and aerating means for creating a foam dispensed from a pressurized tank through a flow control gate, and applied to the floor surface ahead of the front brush. The drive rollers act as squeegies. A collection system includes vacuum pickup nozzles adjacent each of the drive rollers for picking up material from the floor surface which is collected in a collection tank.

Abstract: A surface treating device such as a surface grinder in which power is transmitted to the operative elements of the assembly by a flowing gas, for example, air. The device is attached to a source of at least a partial vacuum, such as a vacuum cleaner. The motor fan unit of the vacuum cleaner together with a rotatable fan housed in the device form the power generating source which in turn operates the grinding member of the surface treating device in order to treat the work surface with an oscillating motion in a plane generally parallel thereto.