Abstract: A cleaning head adapted for use on hard surfaces comprises a body (10) formed as two back-to-back housings (20) and (30) which are swivellably mounted on a suction tube (40). Housing (20) contains a liquid applicator assembly (21) which comprises a body (22) of porous material with a facing layer of pile fabric (23). A cleaning liquid is delivered through ducts (46) and (48) to the body 22 so as to spread uniformly across the pile fabric (23). A suction slot (29) adjacent to the applicator assembly (21) may be provided to pick up dry dirt. The housing (30) includes a liquid pick-up assembly (31) comprising a slot (32) between a pair of flexible blades (33a,33b).

Abstract: A hollow tubular nozzle for attachment to power blowers or "leaf blowers" has a depending rectangular mounting flange extending transversely across its underside, the bottom portion of which is adapted to removably receive and retain a debris and trash loosening attachment member in the form of a brush or scraper blade which forcefully engages the surface to be cleaned to dislodge debris and trash therefrom while preventing damage to the nozzle from contacting the surface. The mounting flange may be integrally formed on the nozzle, or it may be a separate piece having a top portion conforming to the configuration of existing rectangular or round nozzles and adapted to be secured thereto. The mounting flange, brush and scraper attachments may be sold as a do-it-yourself kit to be installed on the existing nozzles. The user may simply install and remove the brush or scraper blade onto the mounting flange when desired.

Abstract: A front side flexible member is provided along the vicinity of an opening front edge of a suction opening of a suction nozzle main body and has a plurality of opening grooves. The flexible member is positioned at a dent wall of the suction nozzle main body. A suction guide wall is formed between the flexible member and the suction opening of the suction nozzle main body. The suction guide wall is positioned at a dent portion more than a bottom face of the suction nozzle main body. The large size solid dust at the corner portion is moved smoothly into the suction opening and the cleaning operation with the large size solid dust at the corner portion is carried out thoroughly.

Abstract: A kit including a coupler for sealing engagement to a vacuum intake nozzle such as utilized by "shop type" vacuum canisters. The kit further includes an adapter member threadedly securable to the coupler, wherein the adapter member sealingly and slidingly receives therewithin one of a plurality of vacuum wands of generally "L" shaped configuration, with a first wand defining an acute angle and the second wand defining an orthogonal relationship between its legs. The first and second wands are utilized to respectively clean a major and minor sector of a hot water tank, and particularly sediment collected on the bottom portion of the tank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aspirating fluids from a surgical operating room utilizing a suction head that readily slides along the floor in response to translational forces applied by foot by operating room personnel. The suction head has a flat bottom surface with a plurality of narrow flow channels defined therein between a suction port mouth and the surface periphery. Support ribs, disposed on the top surface in juxtaposed alignment with respective flow channels, impart strength to the suction head and prevent sealing of the flow channels. The suction head is adapted to operate with suction sources commonly available in surgical operating rooms operating through a fluid waste collection chamber. The flow channels conduct fluid to be aspirated while preventing the bottom surface from becoming sealed to the floor.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring air permeability and boundary air flow for a papermaking fabric, such as a dryer felt. The apparatus includes a housing having an open front end bordered by a lower straight edge. An air flow measuring device, such as an anemometer is mounted in the rear surface of the housing a funnel-shaped deflector directs air entering the open front end of the housing to the anemometer. Air flowing through the anemometer generates an electrical signal in proportion to air flow. The electrical signal actuates a visual display mounted on the housing which provides a visual indication of air flow. A thin blade is mounted at the open front edge of the housing and is adapted to ride along the moving fabric when the apparatus is used. A handle is secured to the upper surface of the housing and extends forwardly of the front end and is adapted to be grasped by an operator.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the removal of deposits from the tank bottom of a hot water heater by employing a cleaning tool adapted to be connected to a suction attachment of a vacuum cleaner and inserted into the tank through an opening in the side of the tank adjacent to the tank bottom. The cleaning tool has a configuration such that it can be manipulated to move its intake end over the tank bottom area.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning device includes a cleaning cart designed for use by janitorial service workers. The cleaning cart includes a plurality of compartments formed in an open upper portion of a generally rectangular housing for storage of cleaning supplies and utensils. The cart also includes a trash receptacle for use by janitorial service workers when emptying trash cans. A pair of vacuum motors located in a lower portion of the housing are connected by conduits to a squeegee assembly suspended beneath the housing. The motors are of the type convertible between wet and dry operation. The vacuum motors are powered by a plurality of rechargeable batteries within the housing. The squeegee assembly is selectively adjustable by an elongated rod extending through the housing, and utilizes replaceable cartridges to renew the wiping elements.

Abstract: This invention relates to a nozzle which via a hose is connected to a vacuum source for removing to a collecting container dissolved and scraped away paint residues from previously painted surfaces. The nozzle comprises a base part (10) being connected to the hose, said base part having an opening (11) through which air, together with the dissolved paint residues, are sucked. The base part has supply means (13) for liquid through which i.e., for example, water is supplied to the nozzle in order to promote the transportation of the paint residues through the hose, and a control device (15) by means of which the liquid supply to the nozzle can be adjusted. The nozzle also comprises a tool or tool holder (18) which is exchangably fastened to the base part (10) and is arranged to mechanically treat the surface from which the paint residues are sucked away.

Abstract: A portable wet/dry vacuum cleaner is disclosed having a handle base and a combination nozzle/debris container. The handle base comprises a housing having a motor, a blower driven by the motor, and a battery pack for energization of the motor located therein. The blower is in communication with the container for forceably drawing air and entrained debris in the air into the container, for depositing the debris in the container, and for exhausting air from the handle base. A channel is provided within the outer end of the container, which channel extends inwardly and upwardly, but terminates short of the housing. The latter has an air duct between the nozzle/debris container and the blower having an inlet spaced from the inner end of the channel. A deflector is disposed between the inner end of the channel and the inlet of the air duct for directing debris entrained into the air exhausted from the channel away from the air duct inlet.

Abstract: A self-adjusting wiper strip assembly for use with a vacuum cleaner includes a surface engaging wiper strip made of a relatively soft, compliant plastic material. The wiper strip includes a colored tip portion; when the colored tip portion wears off, an operator is alerted to the need to replace the wiper strip assembly. The wiper strip is connected to a relatively hard, plastic rigid component that provides rigidity to the wiper strip. The rigid component is connected by a relatively soft, flexible, web-like plastic hinge component to a relatively hard, plastic attachment component that removably, securely attaches the wiper strip assembly to the vacuum cleaner. The hinge component automatically enables the wiper strip to move vertically with respect to the attachment component so that the wiper strip automatically adjusts its vertical position depending on the type of surface being cleaned by the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A multi-purpose floor cleaning tool for use in picking up or collecting wet or dry media is disclosed, and includes a first passageway connecting a first side of the tool to a vacuum line, a second passageway connecting a second side of the tool to the vacuum line, and an adapter for optionally closing off the second passageway during use of the first passageway or for closing off the first passageway during use of the second passageway. One of the passageways is used exclusively for dry media whereas the other passageway is used exclusively for wet media. This requires re-positioning of the tool for the proper orientation of the dry or wet media passageway, as desired.

Abstract: An automatic floor scrubbing machine provided with a mopping device in the form of a trailing squeegee having a pivotable squeegee bar with adjustable wheels. The adjustable wheels a spring biased toward the floor and are maintained at a certain level above the floor by means of a spring. The trailing squeegee is constrained to follow the movement of the scrubbing machine when it turns without drifting sideways.

Abstract: This is an improvement for a powered floor scrubber which in use is moved forward and backward across a floor to be scrubbed. A scrub brush is rotated within a housing which is open at the bottom and water is supplied within the housing. The improvement consists of attaching double lipped suction squeegees at both the front and rear of the housing and connecting them both to a source of vacuum to suck up soiled water from the floor. The flexible squeegee lips are mounted in such a way that as the machine is moved forward the lips of the front squeegee fold together and shut off the airflow to it while the rear squeegee remains functional. When the machine is moved backward a reverse action of the squeegees occurs, so that there is always a functional squeegee sucking up soiled water behind the scrub brush while airflow to the opposite squeegee is shut off whether the machine is moving forward or backward.

Abstract: A combination vacuum and liquid-dispensing apparatus provided in modular form and having several modes of operation for specific applications such as solution dispensing, spraying, and washing, as well as carpet and upholstery cleaning, wherein the apparatus includes a storage tank mounted to a base structure having a plurality of caster wheels, a vacuum motor located within the cover of the tank, and a one-way-valve unit interposed between the vacuum motor and the tank. To provide a spraying operation, there is included a pump which is adapted to be employed with an adjustable squeegee pick-up head which is mounted to the front of the tank along with a pair of bumpers. The present invention is readily adaptable for use with liquid applicators and vacuum tools by connecting the proper tool to the respective vacuum system or pump system.

Abstract: A floor sweeping blade device for surface cleaning machines is disclosed which comprises a body (3) having a main direction of extension and being split into a plurality of portions (3a,3b) which are consecutively arranged, rigid, and articulated to one another, and flexible blades (8) carried on the body (3) and lying substantially parallel to one another and to said main direction of extension, each having a working edge (8a) adapted to rest directly onto a surface (6) being swept, the blades (8) also extending continuously between the portions (3a,3b) and being deformable elastically by the mutual oscillations of the portions (3a,3b).

Abstract: A process for the removal of films of flow agent from moving strip material, by squeezing away the film by means of squeeze rollers and an air flow duct which each extend transversely with respect to the forward feed direction of the strip material. The air flow is directed along the squeezed-away cushion of flow agent, and entrains the cushion of flow agent. Apparatus which is used in the process includes air flow ducts which extend transversely with respect to the forward feed direction of the strip material, and which are positioned at the point of entry of the strip material into the squeeze region.

Abstract: A walk-behind scrubber is provided with mechanism for lowering a squeegee assembly when the scrubber is moved forwardly and for raising the squeegee assembly when the scrubber is moved rearwardly. The scrubber includes front wheels which are driven by a motor which is connected to the wheels by belts and pulleys when a moveable handle at the rear of the scrubber is pushed to move the scrubber forwardly. The motor is connected to the wheels by friction discs when the handle is pulled to move the scrubber rearwardly. When the handle is pushed, mechanism including a switch is operated to lower the squeegee assembly and when the handle is pulled, the mechanism including the switch is operated to raise the squeegee assembly.

Abstract: A mounting means secures a floor nozzle to the front of a wheeled dolly base which supports a vacuum cleaner that is connected to the outlet of the nozzle by a flexible hose. The mounting means includes a plate having struts extending therefrom to opposite ends of the nozzle. A rearward extension of the nozzle, disposed midway between the nozzle ends, is connected directly to the plate by a manually operable height adjusting means. An upwardly offset rearward facing ear on the plate is received by a slot that is centered at the front of the dolly base. Two of the swivel-type wheel units that support the base are each provided with a vertical pivot shaft that extends upwardly into and is frictionally held in a wheel well on the base. Before entering the wheel wells, the pivot shafts pass through apertures in the plate thereby fixing the nozzle against all forces in a horizontal plane.

Abstract: The disclosed spray-vacuum tool has a partitioned housing with two adjacent open faces, and defines adjacent liquid and vacuum chambers each open to both open housing faces. A pair of squeegees project beyond the open housing faces from opposite housing sides paralleling the partition, and each squeegee is angled across a sharp angle corresponding to the corner angle. A pair of end guides also project beyond the open housing faces from the other interconnecting housing sides, and the squeegee ends are butted flush against the end guides. Each end guide has a flat edge to be fitted flush against one of the respective surfaces to be cleaned, and the squeegees then are flexed then against the surfaces to be cleaned. This communicates the chambers together in the region adjacent the surfaces to be cleaned, but isolates this region from the tool exterior.

Abstract: A spray-vacuum tool is disclosed for cleaning hard nonabsorbent surfaces, of varying smoothness or roughness and of varying materials including composition or ceramic tile, cement block, or even glass. The tool has a housing defining an interior cavity, and a partition divides the cavity into adjacent liquid and vacuum chambers each open to an open housing face. A pair of squeegees project beyond the open housing face from opposite housing sides paralleling the partition; and a pair of end guides also project beyond the open housing face from the other interconnecting housing sides, but with somewhat less projection than the squeegees have. The end guides extend slightly beyond the squeegees and the ends of each squeegee extend substantially up against the end guides. The end guides have flat edges designed to ride on the surface to be cleaned; and the squeegees then also ride against the same surface, but are somewhat flexed.

Abstract: A squeegee attachment for a wet/dry vacuum cleaner having an elongate cleaning head and a deformable blade inserted into the head such that the blade barely extends past a lower portion of the cleaning head which forms part of a suction part, the blade effectively blocking the part in its nondeformed position and opening the part in its deformed position so as to create a maximum amount of suction at the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: A vacuum nozzle draws off foam from the headspace of filled containers as they approach container closers. The nozzle has a substantially rectangular head at its lower end, preferably turned at an angle to the path of the containers. From the head depends a pair of parallel scraper-like blades of rubber-like material. Spaced slits extend upward from the bottom edges of the blades. The upper end of the nozzle leads to a source of vacuum which includes means for salvaging the liquid content of the foam for re-use.

Abstract: An automatic floor cleaning machine includes a unitary, self-contained and propelled, power driven body mounting from front to rear in a normal cleaning direction of travel: a propulsion mechanism including drive wheels and guide wheels for dry tracking on the floor surface to be cleaned, a scrubber mechanism including a pair of rearwardly disposed, vertically articulated counter-rotating magnetically and floatably mounted brushes for wetting and cleaning such floor surface, a vacuum mechanism including a vertically and horizontally articulated quick-detachable squeegee for drying of and proper tracking on the cleaned surface, and a combined mechanical and electrical control system operatively associated with each of such propulsion, scrubber and vacuum mechanisms, for convenient actuation by a walk-behind operator to control actuation of such machine.

Abstract: An integral, one piece shoe attachment for detachable insertion in the intake orifice of an electric vacuum cleaner. The bottom surface of the shoe attachment has rounded projections which raise the shoe attachment bottom surface slightly off the surface being suctioned. A flexible blade extends along the long dimension of the inlet opening and divides the inlet opening into a front and rear section. The blade projects down far enough that as the shoe attachment is moved in one direction, the blade flexes to close off one section of the inlet opening, and as the shoe attachment is moved in the opposite direction, the blade flexes in the opposite direction to close off the other section of the inlet opening.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner nozzle has a suction passage with a central suction opening, at least one rear support part arranged rearwardly of the central suction opening with an intermediate passage between the suction passage and the rear support part, a connecting suction member communicating with the suction passage, and at least one front support part arranged forwardly of the suction passage and having a surface area corresponding to that of the central suction opening.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing or reducing the amount of an adherent film of liquid on a surface. The apparatus comprises an elongate suction nozzle having a suction inlet and a longitudinal edge which comprises a scraping tool. In use, under-pressure in the suction nozzle is used to press the scraping tool against the surface and simultaneously remove liquid from the surface being scraped.

Abstract: A surface cleaning machine is provided which employs a drum broom at a forward portion of the machine for sweeping the floor, a hopper in front of the drum broom to receive debris therefrom, a plurality of disc-type scrubbing brushes at an intermediate portion of the machine for scrubbing the floor, and a squeegee assembly therebehind. A solution or supply tank and a recovery tank are located in side-by-side relationship at a forward portion of the machine, the solution tank supplying clean solution for the disc brushes and the recovery tank receiving dirty solution gathered by the squeegee assembly. The squeegee assembly is connected to the machine by arms which also raise and lower the assembly, the arms being engaged by a mounting plate carrying the disc brushes so that both the squeegee assembly and the disc brushes can be raised and lowered by common mechanism.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a shoe attachment for insertion in the intake orifice of an electric vacuum cleaner that includes a housing having an intake orifice at the underside thereof. Wheels support the housing and raise the intake orifice off the surface to be cleaned. The shoe attachment is detachably fitted in the intake orifice. The shoe attachment has an undersurface that rides along the surface to be vacuum cleaned. A narrowed width inlet opening through the shoe attachment increases the intake air speed and/or the suction force, facilitating picking up of heavy material and liquid. The shoe attachment is flexible and resilient to conform to irregularities in the surface being vacuum cleaned.

Abstract: A hand-held scraping device for de-icing frozen car windows utilizing the exhaust fumes emitted through the car's tail pipe for softening or melting the layer of ice wherein a flexible hose is clamped over the free end of the tail pipe, the exhaust fumes conducted through the flexible hose to a scraper head attached to a handle section of the flexible hose, in which the exhaust fumes distributed through either a number of frontal circular outlets over a flat plastic scraping strip, or through a narrow continuous rectangular outlet behind an inclined front wall equipped with a plastic scraping strip, with optional vertical outlet strips or openings through the bottom wall of either version of the scraper head for additional distribution of the hot gases onto the windshield.

Abstract: Improvements in air blower driven debris collecting devices are disclosed including interchangeable air driven dispenser attachments for dispensing liquids and powders dispersed in an air stream; a debris collector including a portable air blower, a hand held debris pick-up nozzle, and a free standing debris collecting container; and an improved housing construction for a portable blower wherein the air intake and engine exhaust ports are positioned so as not to interfere with the operator carrying the blower and having an integral air cleaner filter holder for the engine carburator.

Abstract: A fireplace cleaner having a container made of heat-resistant material is supported on a mobile base frame. A removable housing supporting a suction pump thereon is releasably attached to the base frame while completely surrounding and enclosing the container. The housing also has a suction conduit ending in a scoop-like suction nozzle attached to the side thereof, and opening into the interior of the housing above the top of the container. A heat-resistant filter is disposed between the interior of the container and the suction pump.

Abstract: An extractor head for cleaning soft surfaces such as a carpeted surface or upholstry, which includes a housing defining a slit-type throat and a pivotally movable rigid squeegee pivotally mounted within the housing and extending from the throat of the extractor head to which suction is adapted to be applied and which squeegee is adapted for swinging movement in slit-type throat into and out of engagement with opposite walls of the housing depending upon the direction of the movement of the extractor head across a soft surface for the purpose of dislodging dirt and debris in so moving and sweeping, cleaning and squeegeeing the surface to remove debris and water through suction.

Abstract: A sanitizing hand-manipulated vacuum cleaning apparatus embodying a floor-engaging suction head including a front squeegee and a rear abrasive pad establishing a suction chamber therebetween which is adapted to be connected to a source of sub-atmospheric pressure. The suction head is rigidly connected by a horizontal beam to a rear caster supported carriage, while an elongated handle has its lower end connected by a universal joint to the beam adjacent the rear end of the latter. The suction head, beam and carriage, by reason of their position relative to one another, and by reason of the universal joint connection to the beam, are capable of traversing the floor so that they will follow the guiding movements of the handle in a manner similar to that which obtains when the trailing absorbent strings of a conventional mop follow and are guided by manipulation of the mop handle.

Abstract: A vacuum apparatus for the cleansing of submerged surfaces is provided whereby brush devices are centrally located on opposite sides of a suction element and work with a rib to create a vortex thereby facilitating the cleansing action. The suction element consists of multiple chambers, which are separated by a diaphragm integrally connected to oppositely opening access wings. Variable mounting of wing control arms provide for selective cleaning of large or small debris.

Abstract: A suction nozzle for a vacuum cleaner runs on rollers (4) at the ends of a suction passage (24) whose front and rear margins are defined by replaceable insert strips (7', 8', 9'; 7, 8, 9). The rollers have a cranked axle bar (5) supported at intervals by open bushings (23) of different orientations, integral with the nozzle body (1). At the ends of the suction passage (24) gaps between the rollers (4) and the front strips (7, 8, 9) create lateral suction. A plastic covering (2) caps the nozzle body (1) and is secured by integrally molded studs (14).

Abstract: A scrubbing machine is provided including a vacuum squeegee water pickup system. The machine is supported on a pair of drive wheels and a pair of pivotable wheels or casters. The squeegee is drawn by a principal arm and the location of the squeegee is controlled by a steering arm.

Abstract: Suction and germicidal spray producing apparatus effects rapid removal of soils and bacteria from hard surface floors in both dry and wet states, the removed dry and wet soils and bacteria being isolated and confined; the apparatus includes a head assembly carrying longitudinally spaced, resiliently flexible strips extending in parallel relation to engage the floor surface, the head assembly including support means to engage the floor surface; means is provided for applying suction to the space between the strips; and means is provided for applying cleaning liquid to the floor surface to wet that surface visibly and openly outside the space between the strips, so that the user moving the head assembly back and forth can controllably move the head and strips over the surface to assure suction removal of liquid, soils and bacteria on the floor surface, to be conducted away from the head assembly.

Abstract: A mobile surface cleaning machine with rear mounted steerable wheels steered by a steering wheel, first and second squeegee blades pivotally mounted on each side, respectively, on the rear of the machine. A cam carried by the rear wheels with first and second levers pivotally mounted on the machine, each of the levers having a roller mounted thereon for contact with the cam. A first flexible cable connected to the first lever and the first squeegee and a second cable connected to the second lever and said second squeegee. A sprocket carried by the cam. A chain carried by said sprocket and the steering wheel whereby actuation of the steering wheel to turn the machine in one direction lowers one of said squeegees to a surface on which the machine is operated and maintains the other squeegee raised from the machine with both squeegees maintained in raised positions when the machine is steered in a forward direction.

Abstract: Floor or other large surface drying apparatus characterized by efficient placement and use within the apparatus of both a vacuum pump and a water pump preferably powered by one prime mover geared to drive both pumps at different speeds. Vacuum produced by the vacuum pump entrains an air/water mixture and directs said mixture into a plenum chamber disposed in the lowermost portion of the apparatus in order to reduce lift height to a minimum, water being separated from the mixture in the plenum chamber and by means of the water pump, discharged from the apparatus to a remote point through a discharge hose.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner suction nozzle having a brush that is so mounted and arranged as to be capable of moving transversely of the length direction of the nozzle and during part of this movement is elevated from the work surface, while another part of the movement engages the work surface. During the latter movement, the dust and larger dirt particles are raised from the work or rug surface so as to be entrained with the air flow being drawn into the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: An improved tool is disclosed for cleaning hard surface floors. The tool includes a scrubbing block which is pivotally mounted on the lower end of a handle that may be manipulated by a person standing by the tool. A housing is mounted about the scrubbing block and is connected with the scrubbing block by leaf springs so as to permit the housing to "float" with respect to the scrubbing block. The housing includes a bottom surface and curved, generally transverse, front and rear channels that are disposed adjacent to the front and rear of the housing, that are open to the floor, and that are connected with a vacuum conduit. Squeegee blades are disposed in the channels and are carried therein by support members pivotally mounted on the housing. The support members include a plurality of depending feet which support the housing so that its bottom surface is above the floor to be cleaned.

Abstract: A floor treatment machine including a squeegee assembly having a squeegee blade adjustable for a desired angle of incidience between the blade and the floor. The squeegee assembly is pivotally mounted to a bracket for limited rotation about the longitudinal axis of the machine for tracking variations of the floor surface. The bracket to which the squeegee assembly is pivotally coupled in turn is swivel-coupled to a lifting platform by a pair of spaced support arms, each pivotally coupled between the lifting platform and the bracket to permit the squeegee assembly to follow behind the floor treatment machine as it changes direction. The lifting bracket is pivotally coupled to the machine frame and is coupled to squeegee elevating and lowering means including a compressible linkage for holding the squeegee in an operating position with a predetermined adjustable pressure of the squeegee blade against the floor surface while permitting rearward tilting of the machine with the squeegee in the operating position.

Abstract: A telescoping cleaning tool adapted to remove debris and the like from a poorly accessible surface. The tool includes telescoping inner and outer tubes wherein one end of one of the tubes is adapted to receive air under pressure, as from an air nozzle, and the opposite end of the other tube is provided with a sharpened edge for scraping debris and the like from a surface. An orifice is provided adjacent the sharpened edge for directing the air under pressure against such debris. The one tube is preferably provided with a handle near its air-receiving end so that an operator may grasp the handle with the fingers and press the air-receiving end into an air nozzle held in the palm of the hand, thereby permitting the tool to be used with one hand only.