Abstract: A floor tool for a cleaning appliance includes a head engaging with a floor surface, a connecting arm pivotally connected to the head about a first axis and a supporting body pivotally connected to the head about a second axis. The head includes a suction opening which lies in a suction plane, and the connecting arm includes an outlet in communication with the suction opening and adapted to connect to the cleaning appliance. The first and second axes lie parallel to one another in a plane which is substantially parallel to the suction plane. By providing a pair of parallel axes which lie in a plane parallel to the suction plane, the floor tool can have a reduced depth while still being able to achieve the desired “rocking” motion to improve cleaning performance. The height of the floor tool can thus be minimized.

Abstract: A portable suction nozzle for removing layers of fat, oil and grease (FOG), scum, sludge and the like from the surface or bottom of tanks used in water and sewage treatment plants, septic systems and the like. The device can be used by an operator working in such environments, as well as honey wagon operators, oil spill response teams and the like. The device can be held in place by a holster arrangement mounted to a tank to be cleaned.

Abstract: An surface cleaning implement comprises a recovery tank and a suction nozzle in fluid communication with a recovery tank, a fan/turbine assembly including a turbine-driven suction fan for generating suction at the suction nozzle, which draws liquid and air into and through the accessory tool. A fluid dispensing assembly is disclosed for storing and distributing fluid to the surface to the cleaned. An agitator assembly can be moved from a use to a non-use orientation to alternately scrub the surface to the cleaned and to extract fluid from the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: An upright type vacuum cleaner is disclosed. An object of the present invention is to provide an upright type vacuum cleaner having a movement direction changed smoothly and quickly as necessary during the movement. The upright type vacuum cleaner includes a body, a wheel member provided in the body, the wheel member including a main rotation member rotatably provided in the body, and an auxiliary rotation member rotatbly provided in the main rotation member to be rotated in a predetermined rotational direction different from a rotational direction of the main rotation member.

Abstract: A surface cleaning head comprising one or more lower open sided air flow passages is provided. One or both air flow passages may be a lower open sided air flow passage and may have a rib to prevent carpet of the like from blocking the air flow passage. One of the passages may be a deep cleaning slot.

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: The present invention relates to a method and device for the removal of fluids and vapors in containment, from adjacent surfaces including supporting flat surfaces and substrates, such as protein spots printed in arrays and micro-array formats. This method and device removes fluids and vapors under controlled and repeatable conditions, enabling uniform phases for degree of drying incurred by objects, specimen and structures, including tissues, adsorbed particles and biological substrates, while reducing and preventing impact of meniscus phase surface tension forces.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning head includes a pressure chamber having a first chamber section and a second chamber section which is moveable relative to the first chamber section in response to a pressure differential thereacross from a first position to a second position, and a control mechanism located within the pressure chamber. The control mechanism has a first state for inhibiting the movement of the second chamber section in response to said pressure differential beyond a third position intermediate the first and second positions, and a second state for allowing the second chamber section to move in response to said pressure differential to the second position. The control mechanism is arranged to change between the first and second states in response to a movement of the second chamber section from the third position.

Abstract: A device for recovering a liquid disposed on a solid surface is provided. The device for recovering a liquid comprises a suction device for providing suction to a pickup head and a blowing device for providing an airflow to the pickup head. The pickup head comprises at least an input port for receiving an airflow and a blower opening for providing the airflow to the solid surface. A blower deflector directs the airflow through the blower opening at an acute angle to the solid surface. The airflow and an airborne portion of the liquid is received at a suction opening which is in fluid communication with at least an output port for being connected to a suction device providing suction. The received airflow with the airborne portion of the liquid is provided through the at least an output port. A divider is disposed between the blower opening and the suction opening. A separator is in fluid communication with the suction device and the at least an output port of the pickup head.

Abstract: An attachment for a vacuum cleaner includes a suction head which includes a suction chamber to create and contain a region of low pressure adjacent to a surface to be cleaned. The suction head includes a number of air bleeds and these may be arranged as a first array first air bleeds and a second row of second air bleeds. Each air bleed is arranged to induce cyclonic airflow as the atmospheric airflows into the suction chamber. This cyclonic airflow is directed towards the surface to be cleaned and, in particular, an apex of this cyclonic airflow is arranged to coincide or penetrate the surface to be cleaned. For example, the apex of the cyclonic airflow may locate within the carpet fibers of a carpet in order to disturb and disrupt dust and debris within the carpet. Accordingly, the cyclonic air bleeds agitate the surface to be cleaned whilst also performing the function of a conventional air bleed within a suction head of a vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A gutter cleaning system and device for suctioning debris from a gutter mounted on a house or building above ground level for use with a vacuum cleaner and tubular hose extending from the vacuum cleaner comprising a first hollow tubular conduit having a curvilinear shape, a second hollow tubular pipe having a curvature forming a bend of above zero and less than ninety degrees with the second tubular pipe having one open end adapted to be joined to the first hollow tubular conduit and an opposite open end adapted for placement into the gutter to be cleaned and further comprising a manually adjustable locking mechanism and fitting with the locking mechanism and fitting having a first position for interconnecting the first and second pipes to one another at a fixed angular orientation relative to one another and having a second position for disengaging the first and second pipes from one another thereby permitting the angular orientation of the first and second pipes to be manually adjusted into another position

Abstract: A system for cleaning buildings is provided. In this system, the danger of falling from height is reduced to a minimum. All the stages of cleaning buildings can be managed, directed and controlled from long distance and from any place. Some winches, steel wire, some types of joints, some nozzles of liquid and gas, liquid and gas tanks, one computer, and connection systems controlled by office are used in this system. With the present invention, a system for cleaning the surface of a building is provided, the system comprising: a cleaning head set (7) for supplying cleaning materials to the surface of the building (1); and the system further comprising means for displacing the cleaning head set, the means being configured to allow the cleaning head set to follow a surface contour of the building surface.

Abstract: An accessory for a cleaning appliance includes a head having a housing, a downwardly-directed suction opening in the housing and a neck adapted for attachment to a hose or wand of the cleaning appliance. A rotatable connection is provided between the neck and the head for allowing rotation of the neck relative to the head. A wheel arrangement maneuverably supports the accessory on a surface to be cleaned and is mounted on the neck of the accessory. The wheel arrangement may normally be in contact with the surface to be cleaned, but the point or points of contact between the wheel arrangement and the surface to be cleaned are dependent upon the rotational position of the neck with respect to the head.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner attachment useful to collect dispersed packing particulates and the like comprises a thin-walled polymeric enclosure defined by a plurality of generally planar panels surrounding at their free edges a receiving opening through which the particulates are collected by the vacuum draw against a perforated screening structure. As the particulates accumulate in the enclosure the large pressure drop across the outer ranks thereof produces inward pressure forces across the panels, resulting in the inward flexures thereof to assist in the retention of the particulates in the enclosure as it is moved over a collection receptacle.

Abstract: The joint system comprises a first piece secured to a driven tool and suitable for pivoting about a horizontal axis, and a second piece secured to a manual steering member and articulated to the first piece about an axis orthogonal to the horizontal axis. According to the invention, at least the second piece is formed by a flexible structure having a longitudinal neutral axis and including a base fastened to the first piece of the tool, and a head fastened to the member; said base and said head being interconnected via a pair of splines that are opposite and parallel to the neutral axis and that extend in a plane transverse to the horizontal axis, it being possible for said pair to be flexed under the effect of a force applied orthogonally to its plane and transmitted by the manual member. The invention applies to the field of household electrical appliances.

Abstract: A suction head is provided for removing debris from a surface. The suction head includes a suction nozzle which has a generally semi-circular groove formed on an interior surface of the suction nozzle. Additionally, there is a suction hole formed at a generally central region of a rear surface of the nozzle and communicating with the semi-circular groove. Further, a uniform pressure forming region is provided at a longitudinally extending side of the semi-circular groove, and a suction pipe is mounted to the suction hole to guide air in the semi-circular groove through the suction hole.

Abstract: Vacuum cleaner nozzle equipped with an air inlet which opens when the nozzle is lifted by its handle. When the nuzzle gets stuck in something it can be lifted by its handle whereby the air inlet opens, air is let in, the suction decreases and the nozzle gets unstuck.

Abstract: An upright type vacuum cleaner is disclosed. An object of the present invention is to provide an upright type vacuum cleaner having a movement direction changed smoothly and quickly as necessary during the movement. The upright type vacuum cleaner includes a body, a wheel member provided in the body, the wheel member including a main rotation member rotatably provided in the body, and an auxiliary rotation member rotatably provided in the main rotation member to be rotated in a predetermined rotational direction different from a rotational direction of the main rotation member.

Abstract: This patent relates to devices that can be manipulated by a user to expel or draw in a material. In one example, a hand-operable vacuum device can include an interface portion configured to contact a material. The hand-operable vacuum device can also include a deformable portion that extends along an axis that passes through the interface portion and wherein the deformable portion includes at least one longitudinally-oriented resilient structure that extends generally parallel to the axis.

Abstract: An upright cleaning appliance is described which includes a reclining upright body and a cleaner head, the cleaner head being connected to the upright body and maneuverable across a floor surface using a handle fixed to the upright body. The appliance also includes a substantially rigid wand which is connected to a suction inlet on the vacuum cleaner by a flexible hose and which is suitable for use in cleaning above the floor. The wand is configured for storage on-board the vacuum cleaner with a first portion of the wand constrained relative to the handle and a second portion of the wand constrained relative to a lower part of the upright body so that the wand braces the handle to said lower part.

Abstract: In various exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides a lightweight, maneuverable, thin-walled, transparent apparatus for use with a heavy-duty vacuum system for quickly and easily collecting and storing large volumes of bulky debris, thereby reducing the time needed for cleanup. The present invention also provides an improved vacuum manifold assembly that may be used in conjunction with various gas and electric blower/vacuum motors, both novel and conventional. The present invention further provides various gutter cleaning and other tools that may be used in conjunction with such a vacuum system. The gutter cleaning vacuum system including the improved hinged vacuum manifold assembly of the present invention has sufficient power and is designed such that the various gutter cleaning and other tools are effective, suction-wise, at great distances from the unit, such that an operator may use the gutter cleaning and other tools at great distances over his/her head, for example.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus which can efficiently and satisfactorily clean component parts facing narrow spaces. A mixture of a substance in gaseous form and the same substance in liquid form or solid form as the former is jetted out from a jet pipe toward deposits attached to a structural object. The jetted mixture and the deposits to which the mixture has been jetted are sucked into a suction pipe.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner including a housing with a dust container therein and a suction opening with a detachable connection of a suction hose to the opening. The housing having an outer wall aligned with the suction opening and the suction opening in an inner wall. The connector body of the suction hose having tubular end piece with a connecting cone insertable into the suction opening through both walls of the housing and into the dust container.

Abstract: A vacuum can include a housing having an inlet adapted to receive debris being vacuumed. A mounting bar can be fixedly coupled to the housing. A floor collector assembly can be rotatably disposed about a first axis defined by the mounting bar. The floor collector assembly can include a first debris-passing member coupled to the mounting bar, a second debris-passing member rotatably coupled to the first debris-passing member and a third debris-passing member removably coupled to the second debris-passing member. The first debris-passing member can define an opening. The floor collector assembly can be operable in a plurality of modes. In a first mode, the opening can be substantially perpendicular relative to a vacuumed surface. In a second mode, the second debris-passing member can be rotated relative to the first debris-passing member about a second axis such that the opening is at an acute angle relative to the vacuumed surface.

Abstract: A nozzle for providing particulate materials to a suction intake hose connected to a bulk transfer apparatus is provided. A body structure of the nozzle comprises comprising a connecting mechanism for connecting to an end portion of the suction intake hose. A support mechanism is mechanically connected to the body structure for movably supporting the body structure. A particulate materials transport mechanism is placed in front of the body structure. The particulate materials transport mechanism comprises a movable mechanical structure for mechanically transporting the particulate materials into an airstream generated by suction through the suction intake hose. A hood is mounted to a front portion of the body structure for guiding the airstream towards an opening in fluid communication with the connecting mechanism.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for extracting fluid from a surface are disclosed. An extractor in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a first plate having a suction port positioned to be coupled to a vacuum source, and a second plate coupled to the first plate with a suction cavity therebetween. The second plate includes an exterior surface multiple projections extending therefrom. The exterior surface also includes multiple openings in fluid communication with the suction cavity. The individual openings are positioned between corresponding projections.

Abstract: A surface treating head includes a main body, a suction cavity in the main body including first and second suction channels, each of which is bounded on one side by a working edge, an air duct interposed between the first and second suction channels for conveying air towards the working edges, a brush unit and a drive mechanism for moving the brush unit between a stowed position in which the air duct is open to the atmosphere and a deployed position in which the air duct is closed.

Abstract: An accessory unit of a vacuum cleaner, alone, with a vacuum cleaner conduit, and with a vacuum cleaner. The accessory unit has a housing, a first tool end, and a second tool end for releasable connection to a vacuum cleaner conduit. The first tool end has a first nozzle for vacuum cleaning, and the second tool end has two pivotable arms for forming second and third nozzles. Each arm has distal and proximal ends. The distal ends are arranged to be brought together for forming the second nozzle, and to be spread apart for forming the third nozzle. Furthermore, the arms are folded together to bring the distal arm ends in vicinity of each other for releasable connection of the second tool end to the vacuum cleaner conduit by at least partial insertion into said vacuum cleaner conduit.

Abstract: A surface treating head in the form of a floor tool for a vacuum cleaner includes a main body, a suction cavity and an outlet. The suction cavity includes first and second suction channels, bounded on both sides by respective working edges. A fluid flow path extends from the first suction channel to the second suction channel and from there to the outlet. The plurality of suction channels permits effective pick-up of dirt. To enable the surface treating head to be used to treat both carpeted floor surfaces and hard floor surfaces, the surface treating head may be provided with a brush unit and a drive mechanism for moving the brush unit between a stowed position and a deployed position.

Abstract: A tool for a surface treating appliance includes a main body connected to a conduit. The main body includes a first suction channel and a second suction channel in fluid communication with the first suction channel and located between the first suction channel and an outlet from the main body. In use, a relatively low vacuum is generated in the first suction channel which draws a first dirt-bearing fluid flow into the main body, and a relatively high vacuum is generated in the second suction channel, which draws a second dirt-bearing fluid flow into the main body and receives the first dirt-bearing fluid flow from the first suction channel. To maintain the pressure differences between the suction channels, the main body includes flexible surface engaging members located about the suction channels, and between the first suction channel and the second suction channel.

Abstract: A tool for a surface treating appliance includes a main body connected to a conduit. To enable the main body to be widely maneuverable over, for example, a floor surface, the conduit includes a front section and a rear section. The front section is pivotably connected to the main body for movement relative thereto about a first axis to allow the conduit to be raised and lowered relative to the main body. The rear section is pivotably connected to the front section for movement relative thereto about a second axis to allow the rear section to be angled relative to the front section. The front section includes at least one port though which fluid is conveyed into the conduit from the main body, and through which the first axis passes.

Abstract: A method for evaluating a particle signal with an evaluation unit associated with a control device includes generating a particle signal by a sensor within a flow element, the particular sensor being dependent on a number of particles in a two-phase flow generated when cleaning a surface by a suction device connected to the flow control element. The method further includes determining in the evaluation unit from the particle signal a control signal for further controlling an actuator controlled by the control device. A speed of movement of the flow element over the surface is taken into account in the determination of the control signal.

Abstract: An attachment for a vacuum cleaning appliance includes a head having a bristle carrier and a bristle cover. The bristle carrier includes a plurality of bristles and the bristle cover includes a plurality of apertures. The attachment includes a conduit which is connectable to a vacuum cleaning appliance for conveying an air flow from the bristle cover towards the appliance, a handle connected to the head, and an actuator which is depressible towards the handle to effect relative movement between the bristle carrier and the bristle cover between a stowed configuration in which the bristles are retracted relative to the bristle cover and a deployed configuration in which the bristles protrude from the bristle cover through the apertures.

Abstract: A grooming device includes a head and a handle. A first end of the handle is connected to the head, and a second end of the handle is connectable to a vacuum cleaning appliance. The head includes a bristle carrier having a plurality of bristles, and a bristle cover having a plurality of apertures. The device includes an actuator manually operable by a user to effect relative movement between the bristle carrier and the bristle cover from a stowed configuration in which the bristles are retracted relative to the bristle cover to a deployed configuration in which the bristles protrude from the bristle cover through the apertures. The handle includes a conduit for conveying an air flow from the head to the second end of the handle. Resilient members are provided for returning the head to the stowed configuration automatically when the actuator is released by the user.

Abstract: An attachment for a vacuum cleaning appliance includes a head and a handle connected to the head. The head includes a bristle carrier having a plurality of bristles, and a bristle cover having a plurality of apertures. A conduit is connectable to a vacuum cleaning appliance for conveying an air flow towards the appliance. The head includes a first suction opening of the conduit and the handle includes a second suction opening of the conduit. An actuator effects relative movement between the bristle carrier and the bristle cover from a stowed configuration in which the bristles are retracted relative to the bristle cover to a deployed configuration in which the bristles protrude from the bristle cover through the apertures.

Abstract: An attachment for a vacuum cleaning appliance includes a head and a handle connected to the head. The head includes a bristle carrier having a plurality of bristles, and a bristle cover having a plurality of apertures. A conduit is connectable to a vacuum cleaning appliance for conveying an air flow from the bristle cover towards the appliance. The head includes a suction opening of the conduit and the handle includes an air bleed into the conduit. An actuator effects relative movement between the bristle carrier and the bristle cover from a stowed configuration in which the bristles are retracted relative to the bristle cover to a deployed configuration in which the bristles protrude from the bristle cover through the apertures.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a suction brush for a vacuum cleaner, which is connected to a suction extension pipe connected to a main body of the vacuum cleaner and draws in foreign materials using a suction force generated in the main body. The suction brush includes a bottom housing with a dust entering port; a top housing connected to the bottom housing so as to cover the bottom housing; a connector disposed between the top housing and the bottom housing, the connector connected to the suction extension pipe; and a flow rate controller disposed at the connector, the flow rate controller controlling a volume of the air entering through the dust entering port so as to control a suction force.

Abstract: A cleaner head for a cleaning appliance includes a housing, a sole plate for engaging with the floor surface, the sole plate comprising a suction opening through which dirt-bearing air enters the cleaner head, and a flexible annular seal located between the sole plate and the housing to allow the housing to move relative to the sole plate to reduce the force exerted on the sole plate by the housing, thereby allowing the sole plate to ride over the floor surface during a cleaning operation. The cleaner head includes at least one floor engaging support member connected to the housing for restricting the movement of the housing towards the sole plate to prevent the housing from pushing the sole plate against the floor surface.

Abstract: A cleaner head for a cleaning appliance includes a housing, a suction opening through which dirt-bearing air enters the cleaner head, and a plurality of floor engaging support members connected to the housing. Each support member includes a curved lower surface and a rolling element located within a recessed portion of the lower surface of the support member. The outer surface of the rolling element is substantially coincident with a locus, or virtual surface, described by the lower surface of the support member.

Abstract: A suction nozzle for a vacuum cleaner that can be connected to a suction pipe and/or a suction tube of the vacuum cleaner includes a nozzle part that can be connected to the suction pipe or the suction tube by means of a tubular connection part. A dust sensor is arranged in the flow path of the vacuum cleaner, the signals thereof being evaluated by a battery-operated electronic control device that can be activated by a low-pressure switch. During operation, said control device controls a display device displaying the dust flow. The control device, the low-pressure switch, the display elements displaying the dust flow, and a battery compartment for receiving the batteries are arranged in a housing formed on the upper side of the tubular connection part. The dust sensor is arranged beneath the housing, inside the upper region of the connection part, in the dust air stream.

Abstract: A suction head for a vacuum cleaner comprises a hollow body including a pair of arms (1, 3) which diverge from predetermined region of the body at an acute angle. Each arm is formed with a channel (14) for the passage of air. An outlet opening (5) is located in the region of the body from which the arms diverge for the passage of air to a vacuum cleaner. A first continuous ground-engaging barrier (21) extends along the region of an inner edge (19) of one of the arms (1). A second continuous ground-engaging barrier (21) extends along the region of an inner edge (19) of the other of the arms (3). A gap (23) is formed between the first and second barriers (21) for the passage of relatively large particles of debris into the suction head.

Abstract: A nozzle for a floor care appliance for cleaning surfaces. The nozzle includes a gliding sole disposed on a bottom side of the floor nozzle and has a suction mouth opening. A suction duct extends from the opening to a connection piece. A front suction mouth edge and a rear suction mouth edge bound the suction mouth with respect to a pushing direction of the floor nozzle. A rear pivot limit stop associated with the rear suction mouth edge and a front pivot limit stop associated with the rear suction mouth edge are included. The rear suction mouth edge projects beyond a plane of contact of the nozzle with the surface when the rear suction mouth edge engages the front pivot limit stop and when the floor nozzle is in a non-contacting position.

Abstract: A suction device for a pick power tool includes a securing device provided at the first axial end of the suction device for securing the suction device (11) on the pick power tool (6), a connection element (17) for a vacuum source inclined to the longitudinal axis (14) of the suction device (11), and a first baffle wall (21) and at least one further baffle wall (26) spaced from the first baffle wall (21), with the first baffle wall being located between the connection element (17) and the first end (12) of the suction device (11) and the at least one further baffle wall (21) being located between the first baffle wall and the first end (12), and the first baffle wall (21) and the second baffle wall (26) each having, respectively, a through-opening (22, 27) for the working tool (7) of the pick power tool (6).

Abstract: An upright surface cleaning apparatus comprises a support structure moveably connected to a surface cleaning head and a surface cleaning unit that is detachably connected to the support structure. The surface cleaning unit is selectively connectable to the surface cleaning head by an airflow conduit. The airflow conduit can be detached from the surface cleaning head and attached to a cleaning wand or second surface cleaning head. The cleaning wand may be bendable.

Abstract: A surface cleaning head for a vacuum cleaner comprises an open sided air flow passage upstream of an n enclosed air flow passage extending from an opening in the surface cleaning head to an air outlet. The open sided airflow chamber comprising an upper wall and a rear depending wall extending downwardly from the upper wall. The rear depending wall has a lower end that is positioned above the lower end of wheels. The opening is provided in a rear half of the upper wall of the air flow chamber forwardly of the rear depending wall and inwardly of the sides.

Abstract: A surface cleaning head comprises an upper section and a lower section. A front portion of the upper section extends forwardly of the lower section. At least a section of the front portion is transparent.

Abstract: A surface treating head in the form of a floor tool for a vacuum cleaner includes a main body, a suction cavity and an outlet. The suction cavity includes first and second suction channels bounded on both sides by respective working edges. A fluid flow path extends from the first suction channel to the second suction channel and from there to the outlet. The plurality of suction channels permits effective pick-up of dirt, which may be further enhanced by an air duct, in the form of a slot, which draws air over some of the working edges. The invention permits a tool with a lower profile to be manufactured than would be achievable by providing separate flow paths between the respective channels and the outlet.

Abstract: Various uses and constructions for an open sided nozzle for a surface cleaning apparatus are provided. Alternate constructions for a surface cleaning head are also provided.

Abstract: Dust collection structure for collecting the dust removed from an air filter of an indoor unit has been devised to reduce user's labor in collecting the dust as much as possible. An indoor unit includes, in a casing, an indoor heat exchanger, an indoor fan for sucking air from inside of a room, and blowing the air to the inside of the room, and an air filter arranged on an inlet side of the indoor fan. The dust trapped on the air filter is removed by the dust removing means, and is contained in the dust containing part. A nozzle connector for arranging a nozzle of a cleaner at a predetermined position where suction of the contained dust is allowed is provided at a downstream outlet of a dust collection path as a transfer path for transferring the dust in collecting the contained dust.

Abstract: A surface treating head assembly for an appliance such as a vacuum cleaner includes a head and a piston assembly operable to apply a force to the head. The piston assembly is connected to the main motor of the vacuum cleaner by a valve. When the valve is opened, suction airflow flows through tubes connecting the motor to the piston assembly. The resulting suction force causes the piston assembly to contract, thereby drawing the cleaner head downwards. Thus, the head is urged towards the floor surface so as to improve the efficiency of a cleaning operation.