Abstract: A vacuum device comprising a by-pass fan pump, a conduit connecting the inlet of the pump to a member in which pressure is to be reduced and a flow passage formation enabling a stream of air to enter the pump and to by-pass the member. In a preferred embodiment the inlet to the by-pass fan pump is connected to the outlet of a Venturi pump and the member is connected to the exhaust inlet of the Venturi pump. The device is directed particularly to the replacement of air by preserving gases in the packaging of foodstuffs.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained pet grooming and flea removing device which includes a vacuum device for grooming, removing loose hair, dirt, dandruff and the like, which are removed through interchangeable grooming devices such as a comb, brush or the like and through a flexible hose into a disposable vacuum cleaner-type bag. In addition, the vacuum hose may be easily and quickly provided with a fitting in the form of a nozzle and the hose associated with a different fitting in the vacuum device so that a flea annihilator in the form of an electric grid is placed in operation by manipulation of a power switch so that by "peeling back" the animal's hair, location of flea infestation is easily made so that the nozzle can be placed immediately over the flea so that it is moved through the hose by vacuum and passed through the electrically charged grid thereby killing the flea which is then deposited into the disposable vacuum cleaner-type bag.

Abstract: Fleas and flea eggs are removed from an animal's coat by combing the fleas and flea eggs from the coat and into a vacuum cleaner-created air stream flowing through an insecticide-treated filter bag. A flea comb carried in a vacuuming device is adjustable to comb long-haired and short-haired animal pets at different angles of attack. A flea trap, containing a porous filter treated with an insecticide, is connected to the comb-carrying vacuuming device by a flexible hose and to a vacuum cleaner by an additional hose.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning surfaces has a cleaning head which is designed to bear against a surface being cleaned. The cleaning head includes a discharge nozzle which is connected with a source of flowable cleaning material and is arranged to discharge such material against the surface being cleaned. A pair of shields is disposed about the discharge nozzle. The cleaning head further includes a suction nozzle which is connected with a source of suction and serves to remove contaminated cleaning material from the surface being cleaned. A brush is disposed between the discharge nozzle and the suction nozzle and functions to scrub the surface after the cleaning material has been applied thereto. The discharge nozzle, suction nozzle and brush are surrounded by a tubular sleeve which inhibits the escape of contaminated cleaning material so that virtually all such material is recovered via the suction nozzle.

Abstract: A hand held self-contained vacuum which is equipped with interchangeable detachable combs. Within the handle of the Aspirator is a disposable paper container for the entrapment and disposal of fleas. The Aspirator being attached to a small portable electric motor by a six-foot-long plastic hose. The motor being powered by plugging into any household electrical power outlet. The Aspirator is worked across the coat of a dog or cat, with or without the combs attached, and suctions fleas into the paper container inside the handle of the Aspirator. The fleas trapped inside can then be removed and disposed of through a small trap door on the top of the aspirator handle.

Abstract: A lightweight portable vacuum cleaner and attachment nozzle are disclosed which may be readily carried by an operator to vacuum both normally accessible and normally inaccessible areas. The vacuum cleaner comprises an elbow-shaped plastic housing which encloses a filter bag and blower motor. The vacuum is carried under the arm of the operator supported from a strap that goes over the operator's shoulder. A deodorant chamber is mounted to the exhaust screen of the housing, so that exhaust from the blower motor can be used to distribute scented odor over the surface that is being cleaned. In addition, footings are mounted adjacent to the exhaust screen so that proper ventilation is assured for the blower motor. A flexible hose with suction tube is frictionally fitted into an aperture in the vacuum cleaner and thereby delivers suction to the area at which they are directed. A specific attachment nozzle is coupled to a 45.degree. coupling which is coupled to the suction tube.

Abstract: A carpet steaming tool comprising an elongated plenum having a flat steam dispensing surface and a blade member extending along the tool and projecting transversely beyond the dispensing surface to comb or stir a carpet pile while steam is being dispensed.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning machine using a floor-mounted vacuum hood forming a travelling vacuum chamber with an optimum combination of suction nozzle intake means, jet stream manifold means and a mechanical soil agitator means in the form of a carpet rake, where the rake is interposed between the suction nozzle intake means and a plurality of jet streams. The jet streams are generally directed toward the tips of the teeth of the carpet rake and from there toward the intake opening of the suction nozzle means to increase the effectiveness of the suction nozzle means. A second modification of the invention shows the carpet rake replaced by a power-driven brush, and the jet stream means is a combined carpet rake and source of a plurality of jet streams directed toward the working area of the brush. An optimum design is where the compressed air that divides into a plurality of jet streams is made to pulsate so as to create a hammering action on the soil.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning apparatus using a hood forming a travelling vacuum chamber with an optimum combination of jet stream means and suction nozzle means. The jet stream means includes a plurality of orifices that are generally directed toward the intake of a suction nozzle means so as to cause the soil on the surface to be cleaned to become airborne before being acted upon by the suction nozzle means. A combined motor and air compressor is mounted in the hood means for furnishing compressed air to the jet stream means. The motor may also drive a rotating brush which may be interposed between the jet stream means and the suction nozzle means.

Abstract: An attachment is provided for a vacuum cleaner hose and is equipped with a canister having a handle and a nozzle having a pointed suction head. Within the nozzle a vacuum plenum is bounded by a partition having an array of firm pliable fingers about its perimeter and a plurality of flexible annular tubes within the perimeter thereof and in communication with the plenum. An exhaust pipe extends rearwardly from the attachment and is connected to a household vacuum cleaner hose. The nozzle is worked across the coat of a house pet, such as a dog or cat, to rid the animal of fleas. Within the canister there is a disposable tubular bag which contains a chemical substance that kills fleas and flea eggs as they are dislodged and carried by suction from the animals coat.

Abstract: A device for vacuuming particulate matter from an individual's scalp comprising a housing having a passage therethrough, a detachable implement member mounted to the housing, and a filter mounted transverse the passage for entrapping particulate matter. A motor and rotatable fan disposed within said housing creates a fluid flow capable of transporting the particulate matter. The implement member is detachably affixed by an arrangement of mating flanges to facilitate interchangeability of implement members of different sizes and shapes.

Abstract: Animal grooming device comprising, a hexagonally-shaped flat top with a downwardly extending skirt from said top and forward extensions with said skirt having disposed circular apertures, extended triangular slots in combination with alternately placed triangular notches, a center strip with the aforesaid apertures, slots and notches attached to said top to provide two horizontal open suction chambers, a rearward closed skirt casing comprising, an attachable cylindrical nozzle and a forward facing triangular plate having laterally-placed triangular notches.

Abstract: A sole plate and rake latch assembly in a vacuum cleaner nozzle is provided which is capable of making the nozzle effective for both raking and cleaning shag-type rugs and rugs with short nap. The sole plate is provided with forwardly and rearwardly inclined walls extending upwardly from an air intake opening disposed lengthwise therein. A pivotal rake member is mounted adjacent the upper edge of both the forwardly and rearwardly inclined walls with the inclined walls preferably having recesses formed in their outer surface to receive the lower ends of the rake members in nesting position therein. Several rake latching means are provided which enable the rake members to be moved into either raking position or in nesting position.

Abstract: A nozzle for a vacuum cleaner which has an elongated comb-shaped part that can be rotated from a retracted position within the nozzle housing to another position in which it is extended out of the housing for use with a deep pile rug. The comb-shaped part has a cylindrical surface which moves adjacent to the suction channel and has an opening therein for communication between the comb-shaped part and the suction channel when said part is in its fully extended position.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner nozzle tool that is connected to a source of negative pressure and which functions to clean deep pile carpet or shag rugs in an efficient manner and which at the same time raises the pile of the rug or carpet in order to improve the appearance thereof. To achieve this objective the nozzle is provided with slide means of a particular configuration.

Abstract: A suction cleaner nozzle has main and edge cleaning secondary nozzle openings oriented at right angles to one another. An auxiliary passage connects the secondary nozzle with a zone of high suction in the suction source for the main nozzle. Valve means in the auxiliary passage may be moved selectively to open or closed position. A clean-out door is provided for the auxiliary passage.

Abstract: A rake for raising and combing the pile of a rug, carpet or the like having a head and an elongated handle attached thereto. The head has a plurality of prongs arranged along an edge opposite said handle in at least two spaced, parallel rows with the individual prongs for each row arranged in alternating fashion. The head of the rake and the prongs are formed in a unitary, one-piece molded construction. The cantilever, double row arrangement of the prongs allows the downward force of the prongs to be essentially equal with the first row of prongs providing a raising effect on the pile with the following row combing the pile. The cross-section of the prongs is curved in a convexo-concave configuration which blends into the head to provide reinforcing and additional strength in the prongs.

Abstract: In abstract, a preferred embodiment of this invention is a device for cleaning gutters without having to use stepladders or other elevating means. This invention is in the form of a novel nozzle used in conjunction with wet/dry vacuum systems.

Abstract: Mounted on the front of an upright vacuum cleaner nozzle is a rake for lifting the pile of a shag rug as the vacuum cleaner is pulled in a backward direction. Provision is made for selectively lengthening or shortening the rake to match the width of the nozzle and for angularly positioning the rake either up out of the way or into engagement with the rug pile at the optimum raking angle.

Abstract: A dog brush is provided for attachment to a conventional vacuum cleaner. Semi-flexible plastic bristles are curved in the direction in which the brush is drawn across a dog, whereby to cradle loose hairs transversely of the air flow into the vacuum cleaner, and thus most efficiently to pull the loose hairs into the vacuum cleaner. Restrictive orifices are provided to increase velocity of air flow further to facilitate picking up loose hairs. The handle of the brush is oriented for most efficient brushing of a dog.