Abstract: A mechanical pump includes a motor with an output shaft, a cam coupled to the output shaft for rotating the cam when the motor is energized, and a driver with spaced ledges engaging the cam and driven linearly by the rotating cam. The piston is driven by the driver. A cylinder receives the piston therein and includes an inlet section for drawing fluid into the cylinder and an outlet section for pumping fluid out of the cylinder as the piston reciprocates in the cylinder.

Abstract: A handheld window cleaning machine includes a shell assembly in which a water-air separation unit is accommodated; a water tank assembly at a bottom of the shell assembly, a wastewater separation unit in the water tank assembly, an outlet of the wastewater separation unit in communication with an inlet of the water-air separation unit; and a suction nozzle assembly pluggably connected to a front end of the shell assembly, an outlet of the suction nozzle assembly in communication with the wastewater separation unit; an air outlet of the water-air separation unit is open outward, and a wastewater backflow opening at a bottom of the water-air separation unit, and the wastewater backflow opening in communication with an inlet of the wastewater separation unit. The cleaning efficiency of the window cleaning machine is ensured, and wastewater is effectively separated from air.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nozzle (1) for a vacuum cleaner. The nozzle (1) has a base (3) having an edge (4, 5) and a suction aperture (11) in the base (3). At least one flexible flap (24, 26) protrudes from the base (3) between the edge (4, 5) and the suction aperture (11). The flexible flap (24, 26) has first and second sections (32, 33) separable by an opening (35). The first and second sections (32, 33) are urged towards each other when the nozzle (1) is moved in a first direction in which the edge (4, 5) is a leading edge to close the opening (35) or tend the opening (35) towards closure, and the first and second sections (32, 33) are biased away from each other when the nozzle (1) is moved in a second direction in which the edge (4, 5) is a trailing edge to open the opening (35) or to further open the opening. The present invention also relates to a vacuum cleaner comprising a nozzle (1) for a vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A suction foot for a floor cleaning machine having an outer body, which has side pieces having an L-shaped longitudinal cross-section comprising a first horizontal side piece and a second vertical side piece, which extends perpendicular to the first side piece, having an inner body, which is releasably attached to the outer body. The inner body is coupled to the outer body with a sliding movement that is perpendicular to the first horizontal side piece and parallel to the second vertical side piece. A tension band is provided to press a sealing strip against the inner body. The ends of the tension band engage with the ends of the inner body.

Abstract: A squeegee assembly for wiping a surface comprises a front flexible blade having an outer surface, an inner surface and a floor engaging edge, a rear flexible blade having an outer surface, an inner surface and a wiping edge, a support upon which the front and rear flexible blades are mounted, a vacuumized chamber bounded by the front blade, rear blade, support, and the surface, and a suction tube coupled to the support and positioned between the front and rear flexible blades. The rear flexible blade includes at least one aperture extending between the outer surface and the inner surface and spaced from the wiping edge.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for cleaning or otherwise treating a floored surface that includes a platform adapted to support the weight of an operator. In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is capable of generally performing 360° turns to facilitate the treatment of difficult to access portions of the floored surface.

Abstract: An autonomous coverage robot includes a body having at least one outer wall, a drive system disposed on the body and configured to maneuver the robot over a work surface, and a cleaning assembly carried by the body. The cleaning assembly includes first and second cleaning rollers rotatably coupled to the body, a suction assembly having a channel disposed adjacent at least one of the cleaning rollers, and a container in fluid communication with the channel. The container is configured to collect debris drawn into the channel. The suction assembly is configured to draw debris removed from the work surface by at least one of the cleaning rollers into the channel, and the container has a wall common with the at least one outer wall of the body.

Abstract: A floor washing-drying machine including a scraping device that is capable of automatic orientation. The scraping device follows changes of direction of the machine by a simple and effective orienting mechanism so as to wipe all the surface washed by a washing mechanism, without leaving any wet portions on the surface. An idle mode mechanism is achieved by a bushing to which the scraping device is connected. The bushing is mounted in an idle and axially slidable mode on the brush rotation shaft.

Abstract: A squeegee assembly for removing liquids from a floor. The squeegee assembly includes a frame that is movable in a direction of travel and that includes a base and opposed walls defining a channel extending along the width of the frame, and a squeegee blade partially disposed in the frame within the channel adjacent one of the walls. The squeegee blade has a first longitudinal edge positioned adjacent the base of the channel and a second longitudinal edge extending outward from the channel. The squeegee assembly also includes a jam member that is engageable with the frame within the channel so that the squeegee blade is positioned between the frame and the jam member to couple the squeegee blade to the frame.

Abstract: Certain embodiments include a fluid recovery system. The fluid recovery system includes a vacuum system that applies a suction force on fluids on the floor surface to draw fluids to a fluid recovery tank. A reservoir is operably coupled to a recovery hose. The reservoir includes an inlet passage, an outlet passage leading to the recovery hose, and a fluid trap portion positioned between the inlet and outlet passages. The reservoir permits passage therethrough of fluids suctioned by the vacuum system from the floor to the recovery hose, and traps a backflow of fluids from the recovery hose in the fluid trap portion when the vacuum system stops suctioning fluids from the floor to the recovery hose. The reservoir is shaped to be generally self-cleaning and clears most fluids trapped in the fluid trap portion when the vacuum system starts suctioning fluids from the floor to the recovery hose.

Abstract: A floor treatment apparatus is provided that includes a chassis that supports at least one cleaning element. The chassis is supported by a plurality of wheels, one which is steerable via a steering wheel interconnected to a housing also associated with the chassis. The chassis provided includes a plurality of movable housing members, one of which is associated with the steering wheel. To access the internal components of the floor treatment apparatus, the front housing is rotated or moved away from the other housings wherein the steering wheel does not require disconnection to allow this movement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved squeegee assembly. Some embodiments of the present invention are directed to a uniquely shaped squeegee configuration that has been found to remove liquids from a floor in an efficient manner. One particular embodiment utilizes a W-shaped squeegee. Other embodiments are directed to a squeegee fixation device. Yet other embodiments are directed toward a squeegee orientation device. Some embodiments are also directed toward a lifting mechanism and the connection between the squeegee assembly and the lifting mechanism.

Abstract: A substrate cleaning apparatus includes a cleaning plate, a vibration unit for vibrating the cleaning plate, a suction unit having an intake opening in the vicinity of a tip end portion of the cleaning plate, for sucking an upper surface of a substrate to be cleaned without being in contact with the substrate, and a moving mechanism for moving the cleaning plate relative to the substrate. In the substrate cleaning apparatus, the tip end portion of the cleaning plate is pressed against the upper surface of the substrate to cause the cleaning plate to be elastically deformed, and the cleaning plate moves relative to the substrate in the cleaning direction of the substrate, with the tip end portion of the cleaning plate being in line contact or surface contact with the upper surface of the substrate. Such a configuration allows the substrate to be cleaned stably while preventing scratching the substrate.

Abstract: A tool assembly for a vacuum appliance, such as a wet/dry vacuum cleaner, is described, wherein the tool assembly may include a frame, a mount configured to couple the frame to the appliance, a pivot, an actuator configured to support the frame in one or more positions, and a tool coupled to the frame. The assembly may also include a biasing device between the pivot and an end of the frame, and may be disposed in one or more positions relative to a vacuum surface. Also described is a vacuum appliance system that can include a debris collector, a power head assembly, a base, and a tool assembly. Such a vacuum appliance system can also include a main wheel assembly and a plurality of optional main wheel assembly mounting locations. The system may further include a quick-release filter cage coupled to the power head assembly.

Abstract: A blade assembly of an autonomous cleaning device. The blade assembly includes a blade having a first part fixed to the main body and a second part extended from the first part toward a floor and a support member having at least a portion disposed adjacent to the second part of the blade to restrict movement of the second part of the blade to within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A surface treatment robot includes a chassis having forward and rear ends and a drive system carried by the chassis. The drive system includes right and left driven wheels and is configured to maneuver the robot over a cleaning surface. The robot includes a vacuum assembly, a collection volume, a supply volume, an applicator, and a wetting element, each carried by the chassis. The wetting element engages the cleaning surface to distribute a cleaning liquid applied to the surface by the applicator. The wetting element distributes the cleaning liquid along at least a portion of the cleaning surface when the robot is driven in a forward direction. The wetting element is arranged substantially forward of a transverse axis defined by the right and left driven wheels, and the wetting element slidably supports at least about ten percent of the mass of the robot above the cleaning surface.

Abstract: A particular wide-area vacuum/squeegee-head floor cleaning tool, in accordance with the principles of the invention, includes: an elongated frame including a top, a front, a back, a first end, a second end, and a soil uptake opening positioned between the first and second ends; at least one squeegee blade at the front and extending between the first and second ends; at least one squeegee blade at the back and extending between the first and second ends; a first wheel at the first end; a second wheel at the second end; and a third wheel at the soil uptake opening. The first, second, and third wheels are constructed and arranged to support the elongated frame above a floor surface when the squeegee blades at the front and back are in contact with the floor surface in a deflected orientation and vacuum suction is applied to the floor cleaning tool by the vacuum source.

Abstract: A mobile surface cleaner includes a mobile body, a least one wheel, a source of a fluid, a pump, a sprayer hose connectable to a fitting on the mobile body, a high pressure spray gun connectable to the sprayer hose, and a functional generator. The functional generator includes first and second electrode chambers, which are separated by an ion exchange membrane. A flow path extends from the fluid source to the fitting and passes through the functional generator. The flow path is configured to combine all the fluid produced in the first and second electrode chambers to form a combined fluid on the cleaner. A control circuit is coupled to the pump and the functional generator and is configured to energize the pump to pump the fluid along the flow path and energize the functional generator to electrochemically activate the liquid that is passed through the functional generator.

Abstract: An accessory tool for use with a suction source has a housing having a suction outlet and a suction nozzle. A hair collection element is pivotally mounted within the suction nozzle for movement between a forward position and a rearward position. The hair collection element can be in the form of a blade and a hair collecting material mounted to the blade for contacting a surface to be cleaned. Alternatively, an elastomeric material can be coated onto the blade or form the blade itself. Also, the hair collecting material can be formed into the form of the blade without any support other than a rod for mounting the fabric.

Abstract: A fluid extracting device with a shaped head and associated systems and methods of use and manufacture. In one embodiment, the device includes an extractor head that includes an extractor port housing having a cavity configured to be coupled to a vacuum source. The extractor port housing includes a recessed surface and individual openings extending through the recessed surface and in fluid communication with an interior suction cavity. The extractor port housing can further include first and second lips each adjacent to opposite sides of the recessed surface and each configured to provide a squeegee function. In another embodiment, the device includes a tubular member and a handle operably coupled to the tubular member and including a suction control device. The suction control device is configured such that a user can simultaneously operate the device to control the suction and operate the extractor to remove fluid from a flooring surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid wiper device formed of a circular obstacle and intended for a floor cleaning machine that operates with liquid and has a scrubbing-brush that is rotatably driven around a vertical shaft by a motor and arranged and intended for the scrubbing of floors and similar surfaces. According to the invention, the device is formed of ring pieces that are interconnectable into a ring shape and have wiper strips carried thereby. The wiper strips have a thickened upper fastening end portion while the remaining part of the wiper strips has essentially a plate shape. The wiper strips have essentially a T-shaped cross-sectional profile, said ring pieces having a number of recesses distributed along the length extension thereof, and the wiper strips are received in and retained by the same.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for a suction nozzle for attachment to a vacuum source, such as a suction line, to collect debris such as airborne particles. The suction nozzle includes a tubular-shaped funnel with a large mouth at one end, to receive and channel airborne debris to the vacuum source. The suction nozzle also includes a connector at an opposite end of the funnel, for connecting the suction nozzle to a vacuum source. The mouth of the funnel may further include an inwardly-extending rim portion, which is shaped to accommodate objects that may be adjacent to the funnel and its mouth. The mouth includes a lip extending inwardly from the rim of the mouth for helping deflect debris inwardly into the funnel. In one embodiment, the rim portion of the funnel mouth may further include a scraper portion which extends inwardly from the rim, toward the interior of the funnel mouth. This scraper portion is useful for helping to remove debris from instruments or other.

Abstract: A squeegee assembly for a floor surface maintenance machine having a tabbed frame, an apertured front squeegee blade adapted to receive at least portions of the tabs of said frame, a tabbed vacuum core having a surface adapted to receive portions of the tabs of the frame, a rear squeegee blade having apertures adapted to receive at least portions of the tabs of the vacuum core; and a clamp band for securing the frame, front and rear squeegee blades and vacuum core together. A method of quickly and efficiently assembling a squeegee assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A suction nozzle assembly comprises a nozzle body with a slidably supported shuttling plate mounted therebeneath. The shuttling plate selectively directs suction to focused nozzle inlet openings at the front and rear portions of the nozzle body on forward and backward cleaning strokes, respectively. Converging debris paths defined by a plurality of debris guides direct debris towards the focused nozzle inlets. The debris guides further define along the underside of the shuttling plate sheet retention platforms that are isolated from the working air path and have dust cloths to remove dust from the surface.

Abstract: A releasable squeegee assembly for coupling to a surface maintenance machine and including a compliant bushing and an over-center lever attached to a pull rod and compliant spring. The compliant bushing is compressed via said over-center lever with said compliant spring providing a spring force. A bushing sleeve is provided to limit the degree of compression of said compliant bushing by the over-center lever. A method of coupling a squeegee assembly to a surface maintenance machine is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a scraper, including a device for projecting-onto a surface through an opening, and a scraping body with a resilient scraping element including a ridge capable of scraping a smooth surface. The body includes, towards a surface of the scraping element, a device for collecting liquid on a substrate absorbing residual liquid connected to a conduit. The device for collecting has an end surface-capable of entering into contact with said surface. The invention also relates to a household appliance incorporating such a scraper.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for cleaning or otherwise treating a floored surface that includes a platform adapted to support the weight of an operator. In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is capable of generally performing 360° turns to facilitate the treatment of difficult to access portions of the floored surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for cleaning or otherwise treating a floored surface that includes a platform adapted to support the weight of an operator. In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is capable of generally performing 360° turns to facilitate the treatment of difficult to access portions of the floored surface.

Abstract: A dust-sucking and air-cleaning composite structure is provided with a dust-sucking body and an air-cleaning body. The top surface of the air-cleaning body is provided with a vertically opening cavity. The cavity is recessed downward toward the interior of the air-cleaning body and has an opening facing upwardly. The inner profile of the cavity corresponds to the outer profile of the dust-sucking body, thereby allowing the dust-sucking body to be movably inserted into the cavity to be electrically coupled to the air-cleaning body.

Abstract: Water slider for a floor cleaning machine 1, comprising a sliding unit 2 located in front of the brush unit 5 of the machine, characterized by actuating means 3, 6, 13; 3, 6?, 11, 12; 3, 6, 7; 3, 6, 7?; 3, 6, 7?; 3, 6?, 10; 3, 6?, 10?; 3, 6?, 10? for raising and lowering the sliding unit. The actuation of the water slider can be obtained in several ways: automatically via an actuating bar 3 which connects the sliding unit to the driving wheels of the machine mechanically and which raises/lowers the sliding unit on a forward/backward movement of the wheels; intuitively via a mechanical connection of the bar 3 to the steering handle 8 via a negative gear transmission; manually via an actuating lever 7; 7?; 7?; or by a powered mechanism 10; 10?; 10? which is steered by the electronics of the machine and which raises/lowers the water slider when the machine is moved forward/backward.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a front-mounted collection means for a vacuum tank for the collection of liquid or semi-liquid materials. The collection means comprises a substantially V-shaped housing with a scraper at the bottom thereof, a height adjustable suction inlet at the apex thereof, and a pair of laterally adjustable pivoting wings for varying its width to correspond to that of an alley or gutter. A plurality of rotary feeders, each having a vertical axis of rotation, are mounted to the housing adjacent the scraper to prevent accumulation of the materials on the scraper. The feeders do not contact either the surface upon which the scraper is operated, nor the scraper itself, but serve to mix thick consistency materials with thinner consistency materials and also to dislodge any accumulation that does occur.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dirt-collecting device for a floor-cleaning machine, for picking up a liquid from a floor surface which is to be cleaned, having a carrier and at least one wiping member for wiping the floor surface, the carrier and the at least one wiping member bounding a suction channel which opens out into a suction mouth and of which the free cross-sectional area, through which a suction stream can pass, decreases, at least in one channel portion, in a direction away from the suction mouth. In order to produce such a dirt-collecting device in a more cost-effective manner, it is proposed according to the invention that the suction channel has disposed in it at least one channel-narrowing member, which is produced separately from the carrier. The invention also relates to a floor-cleaning machine having such a dirt-collecting device.

Abstract: A squeegee assembly for removing liquids from a floor. The squeegee assembly includes a frame that has a first and second suction ports separated from each other in a lateral direction, and a squeegee blade coupled to the frame and positioned adjacent the suction ports. The squeegee blade has a first portion adjacent the first suction port, and a second portion adjacent the second suction port. The first portion extends in lateral directions away from the first suction port at an angle to channel fluid encountered by the first portion toward the first suction port. The second portion extends in lateral directions away from the second suction port at an angle to channel fluid encountered by the second portion toward the second suction port such that the squeegee blade acts as a separate funnel for each of the first suction port and the second suction port.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for cleaning or otherwise treating a floored surface that includes a platform adapted to support the weight of an operator. In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is capable of generally performing 360° turns to facilitate the treatment of difficult to access portions of the floored surface.

Abstract: A multifunctional nozzle attachment for a portable hand-held lawn blower. The multifunctional nozzle attachment includes a coupler which can be attached to the nozzle of the lawn blower. Various attachments including scrapers, rakes, and brushes are provided for use with the coupler. When attached to the coupler, the attachments may be used to break up debris that does not release from the ground using the air stream alone. Once the debris is broken up, the air stream carries the debris away.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a vacuum tank with a front-mounted collection means thereunder The collection means is a V-shaped scraper with a height adjustable suction inlet at the apex thereof. The collection means has a pair of laterally adjustable pivoting wings for varying its width to correspond to that of an alley or gutter. The suction inlet may be equipped with a snorkel to introduce a small quantity of air as an aid in entraining thick-consistency materials. A blower vac is used to both draw air into and blow air through the vacuum tank. A valve means comprising a pair of oppositely oriented check valves is used to alternate flow paths between a lowered rearward exhaust during collection and an elevated intake during tank discharge.

Abstract: A squeegee assembly (10, 10?) includes a flexible wiper blade (30) sandwiched between a mounting bracket (32, 32?) and a retaining strap (34, 34?). A retainer (94) has a head (98) which is positionable between aligned and misaligned positions with mounting apertures (82, 92) to allow disassembly, assembly and retention of the squeegee assembly (10, 10?). Arcuate portions (36, 36?, 66, 66?) formed in the mounting bracket (32, 32?) and the retaining straps (34, 34?) have different radiuses. Linear portions (68, 68?, 70, 70?) of the retaining straps (34, 34?) have upper and lower edges (72, 74) bent from center portions thereof. The mounting brackets (32, 32?) include L-shaped slots (46) for slideably receiving vertical bolts (56) of the floor maintenance machine (12).

Abstract: An apparatus is provided, which includes a mobile body configured to travel over a surface, a source of a liquid, a liquid dispenser and a flow path from the liquid source to the liquid dispenser. A functional generator is coupled in the flow path, which comprises an anode chamber and a cathode chamber separated by an ion exchange membrane and which electrochemically activates the liquid from the liquid source which is passed through the functional generator.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprises a hair collection assembly having a hair collection element adapted to collection hair from a surface. The hair collection assembly can be mounted to the cleaning head of the vacuum cleaner for movement between a use position in which the hair collection element is in contact with the surface and a second position in which the hair collection element in spaced from the surface. The hair collection element can further be configured to collect hair from the surface when the cleaning head is moved in a first direction and to not collect hair from the surface when the cleaning head is moved in a second direction. A method of removing hair from a surface is also described.

Abstract: A ceiling tool assembly has a unique ergonomically curved handle supported by a user at its rearward end with a cantilever rocker-shaped arm and forwardly slanted pistol grip. A curved concave surface conforms to the underarm part of a user's forearm above the elbow and further includes a forwardly slanted pistol grip with stub extension and an upward handle offset bend. Scraping force is provided by handle shape and handle attachments of my scraping unit for easy removal of popcorn from an overhead ceiling. A forearm resting area allows the user to provide either a right handed or left handed lifting force to the scraper unit. The offset portion, provided at the mid point of the handle, together with a handle attachment/design allows a two arm back and forward scraping force to be exerted along the length of the scraper unit.

Abstract: A squeegee assembly for wiping a surface comprises a front flexible blade having an outer surface, an inner surface and a floor engaging edge, a rear flexible blade having an outer surface, an inner surface and a wiping edge, a support upon which the front and rear flexible blades are mounted, a vacuumized chamber bounded by the front blade, rear blade, support, and the surface, and a suction tube coupled to the support and positioned between the front and rear flexible blades. The rear flexible blade includes at least one aperture extending between the outer surface and the inner surface and spaced from the wiping edge.

Abstract: An improved deck cleaning tool includes a rigid blade with a sharply angled front end and adapted to dislodge debris build-up commonly found between planks of outdoor decks is supported by a plate having an aperture connected to a rigid and hollow conduit having a handle at its distal end. The distal end further adapts to couple to a common shop or wet/dry vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A squeegee blade assembly and method of use for a floor surface maintenance machine. A blade/guide subassembly is inserted into a channel of a scrub head prior to operation. During operation, the subassembly is retained with the channel via friction and/or protruding structures. During a blade exchange procedure, the subassembly is retracted from the channel prior to separation of the blade from the guide. Interaction with a protruding structure within the channel signals to an operator that the subassembly has been properly positioned.

Abstract: A nozzle intended to be connected to a suction source, such as a vacuum cleaner/wet vacuum cleaner, whereby the nozzle includes at least one suction aperture which communicates with the suction source, and a gathering unit disposed close to each suction aperture, each gathering unit including a surface treatment element. Distinguishing features of the nozzle are that each gathering unit has a peripheral surface and a front surface which faces towards the running surface, the transition between the peripheral surface and the front surface is rounded, each gathering unit is provided with a scraper unit which is U-shaped in cross-section and constitutes a surface treatment element, and that the open side of the scraper unit is oriented along the front surface of the gathering unit.

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 method of removing hair from a surface laden with hair comprising moving a hair collection element along the surface in a first direction to collect hair, depositing the collected hair at a first location, gliding the hair collection element along the surface in a second direction away from the first location and removing the collection hair from the first location.

Abstract: A window and glass cleaning device includes a cleaning head and an elongated handle configured to be grasped by a user. The handle has a first end connected to the cleaning head and a second end configured to be connected to an extension handle. A fluid container is housed by the handle, and a spray nozzle is carried by said handle at a position approximate the first end of the handle. A pump is carried by the handle and connects the fluid container to the spray nozzle. The pump includes a pump actuator. An electric motor is carried by the handle and is operatively connected to pump actuator to drive the pump actuator in the pumping of fluid from the container through the spray nozzle. A power source and an electric switch are carried by the handle. The electrical switch is operatively connected to the power source and to the electric motor and is operable by the user to connect the power source to the electric motor to facilitate the pumping of said fluid through said spray nozzle.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for a suction nozzle for attachment to a vacuum source, such as a suction line, to collect debris such as airborne particles. The suction nozzle includes a tubular-shaped funnel with a large mouth at one end, to receive and channel airborne debris to the vacuum source. The suction nozzle also includes a connector at an opposite end of the funnel, for connecting the suction nozzle to a vacuum source. The mouth of the funnel may further include an inwardly-extending rim portion, which is shaped to accommodate objects that may be adjacent to the funnel and its mouth. The mouth includes a lip extending inwardly from the rim of the mouth for helping deflect debris inwardly into the funnel. In one embodiment, the rim portion of the funnel mouth may further include a scraper portion which extends inwardly from the rim, toward the interior of the funnel mouth. This scraper portion is useful for helping to remove debris from instruments or other.

Abstract: A device with a squeegee configuration configured to clean or treat surfaces submersed in liquid is described. The squeegee configuration is preferably contoured to wipe contoured surfaces or flexible such as to conform to a variety of contoured surfaces. The squeegee configuration can be configured with bristles, a sponge or scouring elements. In further embodiments of the invention, the squeegee configuration is configured to draw a vacuum while wiping the surfaces.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus having a cleaning system including at least one downwardly directed spray nozzle is supported by the chassis proximal the chassis forward end and in fluid communication with at least one cleaning solution tank. The at least one spray nozzle sprays cleaning solution from the tank onto the floor. At least one ground engaging agitation brush is disposed rearwardly of the at least one spray nozzle for agitating the cleaning solution sprayed onto the floor. At least one vacuum shoe is supported by the chassis rearwardly of the at least one agitation brush, and in fluid communication with the at least one recovery tank. Cleaning solution drawn into the vacuum shoe is deposited into the at least one recovery tank. In one embodiment, the apparatus is drivable. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a second cleaning system including a vacuum squeegee.