Abstract: An operator driven, ridable carpet cleaning machine is provided with a pressurized cleaning solution spray applicator located forward of a counter-rotating pair of cylindrical brushes and a pair of articulating vacuum shoes. The pressurized spray enables the delivery of sufficient cleaning solution, with agitation of the soft, carpeted surface enhanced by the counter-rotating brushes. Articulation of the vacuum shoes enables them to remain in close contact with the carpeting, maximizing the removal of the applied cleaning solution.

Abstract: A suction brush assembly of a vacuum cleaner has a housing having a suction duct to provide a suction passage for dust, a rotation roller having a plurality of ribs formed at an outer circumference, a wheel disposed at the housing, and a power transmission unit to rotate the rotation member by exerting a rotation force of the wheel to the rotation member when the wheel is rotated. The wheel and the rotation member are rotated in directions opposite to each other by the power transmission unit. When a user wants to clean fabrics such as bedclothes or a carpet, the effect of hitting of the ribs can be firmly secured due to the rotation of the rotation rollers. Therefore, the effect of removing dust remarkably increases.

Abstract: A floor cleaning apparatus such as an upright vacuum cleaner, an extractor or a powerhead for a canister vacuum cleaner includes twin agitators that are operatively connected together by means of a worm gear drive assembly.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes a housing, a nozzle opening in the housing and a dust collector carried on the housing. A suction fan is also carried on the housing. The suction fan draws air, dirt and debris from a surface to be cleaned through the nozzle opening to the dust collector. The upright vacuum cleaner also includes a first rotary agitator and a second rotary agitator, both carried on the housing. A drive motor carried on the housing drives the first rotary agitator through the belt and pulley assembly. A gear drive assembly drivingly connects the first rotary agitator to the second rotary agitator.

Abstract: A floor cleaning apparatus includes a nozzle assembly including a housing and a cooperating hood defining an agitator cavity. First and second agitators are carried by the nozzle assembly in the agitator cavity. A canister assembly is connected to the nozzle assembly. The apparatus also includes a suction generator and a dirt collector. The apparatus is characterized by the hood which includes a wall and a baffle. A first section of the wall and the baffle define a first channel that receives the first agitator. A second section of the wall and the baffle define a second channel that receives the second agitator.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes a nozzle assembly having a nozzle cavity and a canister assembly pivotally connected to the nozzle assembly. A dust bag is carried by the canister assembly. A dirty air pathway provides fluid communication between the nozzle cavity and dust bag. A suction generator generates a vacuum for drawing dirt and debris from the nozzle cavity, through the dirty air pathway to the dust bag. The dirty air pathway includes dual suction ports carried on the nozzle assembly in fluid communication with the nozzle cavity, a splitter carried on the canister assembly, dual suction hoses in fluid communication between the dual suction ports and the splitter, a removable bag mount carried on the canister assembly and a feed conduit on the canister assembly which provides fluid communication between the splitter and the removable bag mount.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly is provided for a suction cleaning device. The nozzle assembly includes a body having an edge and a bottom wall. The bottom wall includes an intake opening and a portion extending between the edge and the intake opening. At least one channel is provided within that portion. That channel extends between the edge and the intake opening and has a cross sectional area decreasing in a direction extending from the edge toward the intake opening. Air drawn through the channel is accelerated as it approaches the intake opening in order to increase the dirt, dust and debris entraining capacity of that air and overall vacuum cleaner cleaning efficiency.

Abstract: A floor cloth employed in a suction assembly of a vacuum cleaner for cleaning impurities on a cleaning surface, and an apparatus of the vacuum cleaner for rotatably driving the floor cloth. The rotatable floor cloth driving apparatus includes a rotary member rotatably disposed on a lower end of the suction assembly for supporting the floor cloth, and a rotational driving portion on-off controlled by a manipulation of a driving switch for providing a rotational driving force for rotating the rotary member on on-state. Accordingly, while drawing in air and impurities, the vacuum cleaner can also remove impurities stuck on the cleaning surface with the floor cloth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a floor cleaning apparatus including a nozzle assembly having a base section and an agitator section pivotally mounted to the base section, a canister assembly pivotally connected to the nozzle assembly, a suction generator carried on one of the nozzle assembly and the canister assembly and a dirt collector carried by one of the nozzle assembly and canister assembly.

Abstract: A suction nozzle for a floor care appliance such as an upright vacuum cleaner having at least a fist channel located above an agitator to carry air and dirt to a suction passageway. The cleaner has several embodiments, one of which has a single channel and a single agitator. Another embodiment has front and rear suction ducts, a channel, and a single agitator. Yet another embodiment has the single channel and dual agitators. Still yet another embodiment has front and rear suction ducts and dual agitators. Further yet still, another embodiment has front and rear suction ducts, a channel, and dual agitators. Several embodiments of an agitator drive assembly are provided using various means to provide rotary power to the agitator(s).

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: An upright vacuum cleaner includes a housing, a nozzle opening in the housing and a dust collector carried on the housing. A suction fan is also carried on the housing. The suction fan draws air, dirt and debris from a surface to be cleaned through the nozzle opening to the dust collector. The upright vacuum cleaner also includes a first rotary agitator and a second rotary agitator, both carried on the housing. A drive motor carried on the housing drives the first rotary agitator through the belt and pulley assembly. A gear drive assembly drivingly connects the first rotary agitator to the second rotary agitator.

Abstract: A carpet extractor includes a base assembly 1 including a housing 10 which selectively receives a recovery tank 22 for collecting dirty cleaning fluid. A nozzle assembly 67 is mounted to the base housing and provides a fluid flowpath 182 for dirty cleaning fluid from the floor surface to the recovery tank. The nozzle assembly is pivotable from a first position, in which the fluid flowpath communicates with the recovery tank, to a second position, in which the nozzle assembly is spaced from the recovery tank to allow the recovery tank to be removed from the base housing. A second flowpath 138 is formed on the recovery tank between the tank and a nozzle plate 136. The flowpaths have openings 218, 140, respectively, at their lower ends, which are located either side of two longitudinally spaced brushrolls 60, 62. A flap valve 474 selectively closes both flowpaths during above floor cleaning.

Abstract: A floor cleaning apparatus such as an upright vacuum cleaner, an extractor or a powerhead for a canister vacuum cleaner includes twin agitators that are operatively connected together by means of a worm gear drive assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning fabrics, floor coverings, and bare floor surfaces utilizing a soil transfer cleaning medium is disclosed. A method of mechanically removing soil from a surface intended to be cleaned includes the steps of successively and repeatedly: wetting a portion of a cleaning medium with a cleaning liquid; extracting any soil and at least some of the cleaning liquid from the previously wetted portion of the cleaning medium; and wiping the surface intended to be cleaned with the portion of the cleaning medium so as to transfer soil from the surface intended to be cleaned to the cleaning medium. Portable and vehicle-based devices may be utilized to practice the method of cleaning.

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

Abstract: A mobile sweeper having a wheel supported housing to be moved forward and backward over a surface to be swept of debris. A pair of parallel elongated rotary brushes are mounted in the housing for rotation and extend in the direction of their elongation transversely to the direction of normal forward movement of the housing. These rotating brushes project downwardly through a bottom opening in the housing for sweeping an underlying surface of leaves and other debris. The drive for the brushes drives the rotary brushes in counter rotation whereby debris is swept upwardly between the brushes. A vacuum shredder fan is also mounted in the housing and communicates through a vacuum chute with the bottom opening of the housing for drawing in debris swept up by the brushes and chipping, shredding or mulching and discharging the shredded debris through a discharge chute for collection.

Abstract: The invention concerns a massage apparatus operating by suction and mobilization of the skin tissue, in the form of a manually operated set (1), essentially comprising a housing connected to a suction source and including an inner chamber (4) open on its surface designed to be in contact with the patient's body and means for exerting a mechanical action on the skin fold formed inside said chamber (4) during the massage. The invention is characterized in that the suction chamber extends transversely over the whole width of the housing and is open at its two lateral ends; the means for exerting a mechanical action consist of at least two mobile sets (7, 8) laterally arranged on each housing (3) side, resting sealed against the side walls and obstructing the lateral openings of the suction chamber.

Abstract: A carpet extractor includes a base assembly 1 including a housing 10 which selectively receives a recovery tank 22 for collecting dirty cleaning fluid. A nozzle assembly 67 is mounted to the base housing and provides a fluid flowpath 182 for dirty cleaning fluid from the floor surface to the recovery tank. The nozzle assembly is pivotable from a first position, in which the fluid flowpath communicates with the recovery tank, to a second position, in which the nozzle assembly is spaced from the recovery tank to allow the recovery tank to be removed from the base housing. A second flowpath 138 is formed on the recovery tank between the tank and a nozzle plate 136. The flowpaths have openings 218, 140, respectively, at their lower ends, which are located either side of two longitudinally spaced brushrolls 60, 62. A flap valve 474 selectively closes both flowpaths during above floor cleaning.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner brush having a case and a rotary element on which a floor cloth is attached. The rotary element is rotatably disposed on a lower portion of the case. A housing is disposed in the case, having a motor disposed therein, the motor rotatably driving the rotary element. A first and second bushing into which the driven shaft of the rotary element is provided with a blocking element protruding from a bottom surface of the case in the shape of a cylinder along a circumference of the first bushing for preventing dust and dirt from flowing into the first bushing. A ring element protrudes from an upper and inner circumference of the first bushing toward an outer circumference of the driven shaft, the ring element prevents dust and dirt from flowing into the housing. Dust and dirt are thereby prevented from flowing into the housing and damaging various components such as the motor and gears in the housing.

Abstract: The invention is an agitator configuration for a floor care appliance such as an upright vacuum cleaner. The floor care appliance is provided with at least two agitator chambers each having at least one rotary agitator member disposed therein. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a vacuum cleaner suction nozzle is provided with symmetric left and right agitator disposed adjacent one another. A front agitator assembly comprised of a left and right agitator half-section is disposed in the left and right agitator chambers, respectively. A rear agitator is located rearward of the front agitator assembly and is also comprised of a left and right agitator half-section disposed in the left and right agitator chambers, respectively. A plurality of brush members extend from each agitator half-section arranged in a helical pattern around the circumference of each of the agitator-half-sections.

Abstract: A cleaning device for smooth floor surfaces has a housing having a working chamber and a drive chamber. First and second cleaning rollers are rotatably supported in the working chamber and extend transversely to a working direction of the cleaning device substantially across an entire width of the cleaning device. A drive is arranged in the drive chamber and drives the first and second cleaning rollers about a horizontal axis of rotation. The first and second cleaning rollers are height-adjustably arranged in the housing such that an adjusting device acts on the first and second cleaning rollers and moves them into a working position or into a parking position, respectively. The first and second cleaning rollers have a mantle surface projecting in the working position downwardly past a bottom plate of the housing to act on a floor surface.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided having a suction nozzle comprised of a transparent agitator housing and an opaque suction nozzle body. The agitator housing forms a downwardly disposed nozzle chamber divided into a right and left agitator chamber. The right and left agitator chambers each have a forward or front suction duct adjacent the front edges of the respective agitator chambers. The right and left agitator chambers also each have a rearward or rear suction duct adjacent the rear edges of the respective agitator chambers. A nozzle liner is also disposed within the nozzle chamber partially forming a right and left dirt and air passage over the right and left agitator chambers, respectively, to fluidly connect the respective front suction ducts with the rear discharge ports located in the rear of each of the right and left agitator chambers. The rear suction ducts are also fluidly connected to respective rear discharge ports to remove dirt particles.

Abstract: A massaging device comprising a hollow case (1) which delimits a sealed suction chamber during application of the case on the skin, and a connection of this case (1) to a suction source. This massaging device comprises two parallel inner rollers (12, 13), which are accommodated entirely inside the suction chamber, and are designed to form a fold on the skin, and to roll this fold when the case (1) is displaced, and two outer rollers (16, 17), which are parallel to the inner rollers (12, 13), and are disposed to the exterior of the case (1), such as to withstand at least part of the sliding force of the case.

Abstract: A double action vacuum cleaner is provided including a frame with a pair of wheels and a pair of brushes rotatably mounted to the frame. A motor assembly is included for rotating the brushes upon the actuation thereof. Also included is a handle portion having a pair of elongated bars each having an inboard end rotatably mounted to the frame and extending upwardly and rearwardly therefrom. Also provided is a vacuum assembly for suctioning dirt loosened by the brushes upon the actuation thereof.

Abstract: An extractor is provided for cleaning carpet or a like surface or material. The extractor includes a housing, a handle, a cleaning liquid delivery system and a cleaning liquid recovery system. The cleaning liquid delivery system includes a cleaning liquid supply tank, first and second aligned agitators preferably in the form of brushes and a gravity feed or pump for delivering cleaning liquid from the supply tank for cleaning. The cleaning liquid recovery system includes a recovery nozzle, a vacuum generator and a dirty cleaning liquid recovery tank. The extractor is further characterized by a manifold for receiving cleaning liquid from the pump and directing the cleaning liquid into a nip defined between the first and second agitators. A drive assembly counterrotates the agitators so that relative rotation of the agitators in the nip is generally away from the manifold and toward the carpet to be cleaned.

Abstract: A massaging apparatus includes a hollow housing having a centrally disposed hollow chamber with an opening at the bottom out of which extends two power driven rollers. A handle is provided on the housing in addition to a hollow extending portion communicating with the central chamber for connection to a vacuum source. A flywheel motor disposed within the hollow chamber is coupled to an auxiliary power source disposed within the hollow housing. A centrifugal squirrel cage fan is disposed on the motor shaft at one end with a driving pulley on the other end of the motor shaft that is coupled to the pair of elongated rollers.

Abstract: A carpet cleaner for cleaning carpets includes a foam generation unit, roller brushes and a heated air drying mechanism. The foam generation unit uses multiple stages of foam generation for creating a very fine foam which is applied to the carpet. A suction device removes excess foam from the carpet after the brushes have gone over the carpet. Finally, heated air is blown across the carpet after the suction device has removed the excess foam. The carpet is cleaned, dried and ready for immediate use.

Abstract: A cleaning machine, especially for professional cleaning, comprises two parallel and cylindrical brushes driven reversedly about a horizontal axis, the brushes being placed so closely together that the ends of the brushes in the plane defined by the rotational axes of the brushes almost join, touch one another or just overlap. Above said plane one or more sweepers in the form of bars, pipes, stretched wires or the like are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the brushes and extend into the course of rotation of the brush ends. There is a shield above the brushes for collecting the dirt that is thrown off them when meeting the sweepers. At the exterior of the brushes the shield ends in collecting receivers from which the collected dirt may pass to a collecting tank. This design proves capable of performing a simultaneous sweeping and washing of a floor. At the same time the construction is sufficiently compact to accommodate a polishing unit such that a simultaneous polishing of the floor is possible.

Abstract: A floor scrubber has four wheels for stable support on the floor. These wheels are attached to the underside of a resilient molded plastic frame so that any vertical movement of any of the wheels is transmitted directly to the frame. The frame is ribbed to be stiff in longitudinal bending, but torsionally the frame is somewhat flexible. The scrubber body, which is attached to the upper side of the frame and is supported by the frame, is also a molded plastic part which is somewhat flexible. The weight of the body and its contents keeps all four wheels on the floor at all times, even when the floor is uneven, by flexing the frame and body as needed. This structural flexibility eliminates any need for an additional means to keep all the wheels on the floor, such as a sprung suspension or a center pivoted axle.

Abstract: A floor scrubbing machine uses two parallel cylindrical scrub brushes. Each brush is rotated by a separate drive means, and these are at opposite ends of the brushes. This balances the weight of the drives so the brushes exert a uniform pressure on the floor. The brushes are axially offset enough that each brush extends out as far as the drive means of the other brush, thus permitting the machine to scrub close to a wall on either side. The brushes have a more aggressive bristle fill at their ends which extend out under the drive means, where only one brush is scrubbing the floor, so the appearance of the scrubbed floor is essentially the same where scrubbed by one brush as where scrubbed by two brushes.

Abstract: Disclosed are new features relating to a brush-supported carpet cleaning machine of the type having counter-revolving brushes. Such features include a new handle mounting and latching arrangement which simplifies handle mounting and de-mounting, which helps support the weight of a handle-mounted vacuum pod and which promotes a high degree of machine self-propulsion. The pod is attached to the machine handle by a novel gudgeon-and-pintle mechanism. Such features also include a new support device, preferably brush-mounted, which helps prevent the machine shroud from snagging carpet if the machine should "wallow" or "yaw" in operation.

Abstract: The improved carpet cleaning machine, intended for use with "dry" carpet cleaning systems using dampened granules or particles, can be used in either of two modes. One involves carpet "brushing" for dirt removal by urging particles into the carpet and along the fibers. The other involves later vacuuming for particle removal. To facilitate the latter, one embodiment of the machine has first and second particle-removing media such as a concentrically-mounted cyclone separator and conical screen filter, respectively. The separator has air flowing through it downwardly along a vortical path and then upward, such air flow often carrying along a few particles. Such high-velocity particles impinge on the outer surface of the screen filter and many particles adhering to such filter are dislodged. The filter is said to thereby be "purged" or cleaned. There may also be a third medium and even a fourth medium to remove very fine particles before the air is expelled back into the room.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for automated sweeping of debris from pavement surfaces is provided with a rigid housing, paired roller brooms rotatably mounted transversely within the housing parallel in relation to each other such that the right end of the forward roller broom, as from the position of an operator of the apparatus, rotates clockwise and the right end of the rearward roller broom, from the same viewpoint, operates counterclockwise. A debris outlet for exit of debris from inside the housing to the exterior thereof is provided along with an auger conveyor for focusing movement of debris between the housing and the rearward roller broom toward the debris outlet. A plurality of support wheels are rotatably attached to the housing and welded connections are provided for attaching the apparatus to a prime mover to permit propulsion of the apparatus along the surface to be swept, as well as for transport of the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for the wet cleaning of floors and similar surfaces by use of a round rotating scrubbing brush powered by a motor. The brush has a centrally mounted outlet for dispensing clean water onto the floor to which detergent of a suitable kind is added. Surrounding the scrubbing brush is mounted an annular, non-rotating suction nozzle for removing dirty cleaning water from the floor. The nozzle is provided with radial openings, some of which are located at its inner circumference and oriented inwardly towards the scrubbing brush, and the remainder being located on the outer circumference and oriented outwardly towards a space arranged outside and around the nozzle. In the upper part of this space is mounted a ring, rotated by the motor, and provided with a plurality of openings for dispensing rinsing water, the openings being oriented towards the floor.

Abstract: A cleaner head is disclosed which comprises: a cleaning fluid spraying nozzle formed at the center of the bottom of the cleaner head; a leading suction nozzle and a leading brush (or a leading portion of a brush); and a trailing brush (or a trailing portion of the brush) and a trailing suction nozzle. The leading suction nozzle sucks free dirt, and the leading brush (or the leading portion of the brush) performs dry scrubbing for free dirt and adhered solidified dirt. The trailing brush (or the trailing portion of the brush) performs wet scrubbing in cooperation with the sprayed cleaning fluid, and the trailing suction nozzle performs suction for the mixture of the dirt and cleaning fluid. According to the present invention, the cleaning can be done more thoroughly.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a carpet cleaning machine includes a pair of spaced, long-bristled, counter-revolving brushes for stroking solvent-moistened cleaning granules into and across the carpet fibers. A shroud is disposed above the brushes and has a bottom surface spaced from the brushes. At least one independently-operable vacuum nozzle is provided and has an inlet for receiving the granules to be removed from the carpet. This inlet is located adjacent the bottom surface of the shroud and is positioned generally coincident with the throw pattern defined by the granules as they are cast against the bottom surface of the shroud by the brushes. The machine thereby applies cleaning granules to a carpet and more efficiently removes such granules therefrom by vacuuming following carpet cleaning. In a second embodiment, two inlets are used and similarly positioned coincident with the granule throw pattern.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a power brush which projects dirt particles directly into a specially formed and located vacuum nozzle in such a manner that low air consumption can be used. The vacuum nozzle has an inlet extending along the full axial length of the power brush. Inclined grooming brushes may be provided to eliminate wheel tracks. The front wall forwardly of the power brush may be modified to provide front edge cleaning. A cordless upright vacuum cleaner may advantageously be provided having a cleaning performance comparable with that of mains powered upright cleaners.

Abstract: An improved carpet cleaning machine includes front and rear counter-revolving brushes for stroking substantially-dry carpet cleaning granules into and across the carpet fibers. A shroud is mounted adjacent the brushes and has a front portion and a rear portion, each of which is spaced from its adjacent brush to define a granule passage through which granules cast by the counter-revolving brushes are re-deposited on the carpet. Each such portion also has an edge spaced above the carpet to define a granule exit opening between the edge and the carpet. Front and rear vacuum nozzles each have an inlet for receiving granules to be removed from the carpet. Each nozzle inlet is substantially positionable at a granule exit opening to substantially block such exit opening. When the passages and exit opening are unobstructed, the machine is used to stroke granules across carpet fibers and re-distribute granules for further cleaning of the carpet.

Abstract: A carpet cleaning machine includes a pair of counter-revolving brushes for stroking the granules into and across the carpet fibers. A shroud is positioned above the brushes, has a bottom surface spaced from the brushes and generally forms a chamber around the brushes. The machine has at least one vacuum nozzle with its inlet opening into the chamber for creating a vacuum therein. The shroud terminates in a lower perimeter having a front edge, a rear edge and two side edges extending between the front edge and the rear edge. The side edges may be essentially in contact with the carpet at all times but at least the front edge and the rear edge are spaced upward from the carpet. Such front and rear edges define a granule exit opening between each edge and the carpet. A skirt is attached at the front edge and at the rear edge and each such skirt is movable with respect to such edge for closing the exit openings when removing granules from the carpet.

Abstract: A carpet cleaner capable of collecting larger items of litter such as cigarette ends, cigarette packages, paper as well as smaller items of particulate material such as dust and dirt. The cleaner comprises brush rollers for picking up all the debris etc and airflow causes larger items to accumulate in accumulation receptacle and smaller items in a collection unit.

Abstract: A suction nozzle device connected to a vacuum cleaner for cleaning beddings such as blankets. The suction nozzle device includes a nozzle which is coupled through a suction passage to an electric blower of the vacuum cleaner and which has a suction opening at its end portion which is arranged so as to face an object to be cleaned. Also included is a pair of rotatable rollers each of which is cylindrically shaped and has on its outer circumferential surface a plurality of tooth-portions which are radially protruded from said outer circumferential surface. The suction opening thereof is positioned to be interposed between the pair of rotatable rollers. Each of the tooth-portions is elongated by a predetermined length in the directions of the axes of the rotatable rollers. Each of the rotatable rollers is divided into a plurality of sections each of which has a predetermined number of the tooth-portions and is formed so as to have at least a flat portion between the tooth-portions.

Abstract: The invention consists of an upright vacuum cleaner having two oppositely rotating brush rolls, eliminating substantially all the resistance to movement of the cleaner along a carpet caused by a single brush roll. A single belt drives both rolls. The rear brush roll has two circumferential grooves, to accommodate the incoming and outgoing runs of the belt to reduce friction and wear. The belt is twisted 180.degree. between the rolls, and runs in a single groove in the front brush.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improvement in a surface maintenance machine whereby means are provided for automatically maintaining a desired normal force by a maintenance tool against a surface being maintained, although there may be undulations in the surface, variations in the condition of the surface and changes in the tool caused by wear. Normal force is applied to the tool by gravity and an actuator, both acting through a load cell which senses their algebraic sum, compares this with a preset desired force and operates the actuator as needed to maintain the force at or near the pre-set level. Further, the load on the motor or motors driving the tool is sensed and compared against high and low reference points. If drive motor load is outside of the reference limits a signal is provided which causes a decrease or increase in the normal force to maintain the motor load within limits.

Abstract: Semi-automatic self-propelled side sweeping mode of operation is provided by any of three forms of rotating members supporting and propelling a nozzle body over a work surface. Two of these members are designed as load bearing brush rolls while cleaning or polishing, one is a smooth cylinder and brush, the other is a dense brush-covered roll. These nozzle propelling members are arranged as pairs in tandem or in dual to their direction of travel over a work surface. The third form may operate in additional modes. Its propelling members comprise at least one pair of wheels. Each wheel is coaxial to a brush roll and may rotate with the brush roll or may free-wheel until clutched to rotate with the brush roll through linkage responsive to operator urging.An elongated handle is on the nozzle pointed in substantially the same direction as the nozzle propelling members.

Abstract: A protective device for floor cleaning apparatus with a rotating driving source and with brush rollers driven thereby comprises a housing 2 with a bottom wall on its side facing towards the floor. The bottom wall is provided with working apertures 9 for the brush rollers and with tooth-shaped carpet deflectors which project on the side on which the bristles of the brush rollers enter the housing from the bottom wall into the working apertures.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner nozzle having a front suction inlet and a suction passage. A first brush is rotatably mounted to the nozzle at the suction inlet, and a second brush is rotatably mounted to the nozzle adjacent the first brush at the suction inlet. A first transfer passage extends from the suction inlet adjacent the first brush for passing material dislodged by the first brush to the suction passage. A second transfer passage extends from the suction inlet adjacent the second brush for transferring material from the second brush to the second transfer passage. In one form, the brushes are rotated by separate drive means, and in another form, one of the brushes is rotated by drive means and is coupled to the other brush for rotation thereof. The brushes, in the illustrated embodiment, rotate in opposite directions so that a brush is brushing forwardly relative to the movement of the vacuum cleaner and either of opposite directions of movement thereof.

Abstract: A portable brush vacuum cleaner includes a casing enclosing an electric motor for a suction fan. The casing also encloses at least one roller cleaning brush driven by a speed reduction gear. A brush housing is connected to a dust collector provided above the roller brush. The brush housing is also connected with the suction side of the fan through a suction channel. In a divided space above the roller brush an additional suction chamber is provided which is partially formed by baffle elements. The additional suction chamber extends about the whole length of the brush or brushes and opens into the suction channel leading to the dust-collector.

Abstract: In a portable cleaning apparatus, at least two rotatable cleaning members are mounted within a casing and contra-rotationally driven by an electrical motor and step-down gearing arranged between the motor and the cleaning members with a releasable clutch connecting the driving motor to the cleaning members. A cover is mounted over the rotatable cleaning members and the electrical motor and the casing includes a vent channel communicating with the cover. Suction from the at least two cleaning members to a dust collector, mounted at the end of the vent channel formed as a handhold, is provided by a blower driven by the electrical motor. The axes of the driving motor and the at least two cleaning members are parallel with one another and a blower rotor connected to a shaft of the driving motor is arranged behind an opening out of the cover into the casing as viewed from the direction of air flow.