With Plural Mouths Selectively Usable, E.g., "duplex" Nozzles Patents (Class 15/416)
  • Patent number: 11457782
    Abstract: A robot cleaner includes a body configured to house a suction motor, a nozzle coupled to the body and including a suction port, and a movable unit coupled to the nozzle in front of the suction port. The movable unit is movable between a first position where the movable unit overlaps with the nozzle and a second position where the movable unit protrudes forward from the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Changhwa Sun, Sangjo Kim
  • Patent number: 11266282
    Abstract: A suction tool includes: a hollow cylindrical main pipe having: a rear end side connected to a vacuum cleaner main body; a front end portion in which a main suction port is formed; and a hollow cylindrical sub pipe having: a rear end side at which an inside of the hollow cylindrical sub pipe communicates with an inside of the main pipe; and a front end portion in which a sub suction port is formed. The sub pipe is movable between a retracted position in which the front end portion of the sub pipe is arranged so as to be retracted from the front end portion of the main pipe, and a use position in which the front end portion of the sub pipe is arranged so as to protrude from the front end portion of the main pipe along an axial direction of the main pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuchika Tsuchida, Katsuyuki Yamamoto, Emi Tsukamoto, Masami Kurosaki
  • Patent number: 11259673
    Abstract: Disclosed are a dirt suction guide device and a cleaner comprising the same. The disclosed cleaner comprises: a cleaner body for generating a suction force; a flexible hose connected to the cleaner body; an extension tube connected to the flexible hose; and a dirt suction guide device separately coupled to the extension tube, wherein the dirt suction guide device comprises a body, a movable portion, which is connected to one side of the body, and which is coupled to be able to slide with regard to the body, and a connecting portion, which is connected to the other side of the body, and which connects the body to the extension tube, and the body is hinge-coupled such that the same can selectively maintain and change an angle with regard to the extension tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyun-ju Lee, Soo-hyun Yoon, Han-saem Lee, Byeong-soo Kim
  • Patent number: 11160426
    Abstract: An amalgamated handheld vacuum dusting attachment having a housing shaped similar to a computer mouse for hand or distant cleaning featuring a crevice tool, a bristled brushing tool, and a non-bristled detachable cap having an ergonomically shaped top. Separated suction vents are provided for the crevice and bristled tools in order to provide maximum suction, and 360° rotatable wheels, lights, battery chamber, on/off switch, and battery recharge pin port are also provided. Also provided is a padded wrist support end cap and integrated swiveling end coupling nozzle, which can be detached for use as an independent brushless vacuum dusting device. An additional 360° manually rotating stabilizing wand, and independent accordion hose with ergonomic grip disk and handled vacuum attachment for use with aforesaid dusting attachment, are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Inventor: Kathleen J. Williamson
  • Patent number: 11089926
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a chassis, a driving wheel support provided with at least two first cooperation parts, a driving wheel having an adjustable height relative to the chassis, and being rotatable relative to a hood. The vacuum cleaner further includes the hood being provided with at least two second cooperation parts, and an elastic member. The first cooperation parts or the second cooperation parts are in the form of long track portions, the remainders are in the form of sliding portions capable of moving along the track portions, and lengths of the at least two track portions extend along directions not parallel to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Inventors: Xianmin Wei, Xiaogang Xuan, Bo He
  • Patent number: 11076732
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vacuum cleaner that opens or closes a hole formed in a suction portion according to a state of a surface to be cleaned, thereby efficiently cleaning. A vacuum cleaner includes a suction portion configured to suck foreign materials on a surface to be cleaned. The suction portion includes a case having an air hole formed in a flow path, a frame configured to be accommodated in the case and open or close the air hole, and a button configured to be mounted on the case and be operated to move the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong Houn Yang, Hyeon Cheol Kim, Joung Soo Park, Do Kyung Lee
  • Patent number: 10264937
    Abstract: Described are swivel systems and swivel assemblies for connecting a vacuum appliance to a vacuum accessory. The assembly can be adapted to be coupled to the accessory to permit the appliance to pivot relative to the accessory offset from a center of the accessory. The swivel system can include a vacuum adapter and a connector adapted to permit the vacuum adapter to pivot about a vacuum accessory. A plenum chamber can be formed in the adapter that is in fluid communication with one or more vacuum hoses to balance the airflow within the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Christopher Lutz, Matt Williams, Jaime Swindall
  • Patent number: 10238251
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a suction nozzle defining a nozzle inlet, a manual nozzle height adjustment assembly for adjusting the height of the nozzle inlet relative to a surface to be cleaned, and a bleed valve fluidly connected to a working air path of the vacuum cleaner to selectively open to reduce suction at the nozzle inlet. The bleed valve is incorporated with the nozzle height adjustment assembly such that movement of the nozzle height adjustment assembly between different height settings will automatically open or close the bleed valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd Richard VanTongeren
  • Patent number: 9572466
    Abstract: The present application relates to a nozzle for a vacuum cleaner. The nozzle comprises a body (2) and a base (3). The base (3) has a longitudinal axis, and at least two cleaning sides (17, 18) configured to act on a surface in respective cleaning conditions. The base (3) is rotatable around a rotational axis (A-A) that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base to move the base (3) between the respective cleaning conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Bastiaan Johannes De Wit, Arnoldus Cornelis Wessels, Bastian Cornelis Kleine-Doepke
  • Patent number: 9113763
    Abstract: An attachment for an upright vacuum cleaner which can be pivoted from a first position for cleaning a wide area to a position providing a nozzle which is capable of reaching narrow areas to permit cleaning in corners and around obstacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Inventor: Michael L. Porter
  • Patent number: 9060662
    Abstract: An upright type vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The upright type vacuum cleaner includes a main body provided so that a disposition angle of the main body with respect to a surface to be cleaned is variable, a suction nozzle coupled to the main body so that the suction nozzle moves along the surface to be cleaned, and a joint provided between the main body and the suction nozzle to connect the main body and the suction nozzle so that the main body and the suction nozzle are rotated about a plurality of axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jin Wook Seo, Sang Jun Park
  • Patent number: 9021655
    Abstract: A cleaner head is described for use with a vacuum cleaning appliance including a fan unit for generating an air flow which passes from the cleaner head to the fan unit. The cleaner head includes a rotatable agitator assembly including an agitator for sweeping dust particles. The agitator assembly is housed in an agitator chamber housing including a downwardly-directed opening through which dust particles energized by the agitator enter the cleaner head, and a dust outlet located adjacent the opening and through which the energized particles leave the agitator chamber. The cleaner head also includes an exhaust port from which a dust-bearing air flow is drawn from the cleaner head, and a dust channel extending between the dust outlet and the exhaust port. The dust channel has channel walls which are shaped to retain energized dust particles therebetween through collisions thereagainst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Charles Gareth Owen, Spencer James Robert Arthey
  • Patent number: 8978207
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a based and a handle. The handle has first and second valves to selectively receive suction airflow from a main suction inlet, a first edge cleaning inlet, and an accessory hose. The first valve is operable to connect a dirt separator to either a main floor cleaning inlet or an auxiliary cleaning inlet. The second valve is operable to selectively connect the auxiliary cleaning inlet to the edge cleaning inlet. The accessory hose is mountable to an accessory hose mount on the handle. When mounted, the accessory hose contacts a second actuator for the second valve to hold the second valve in an edge cleaning position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Care Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Sutrina
  • Patent number: 8918947
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a crevice tool for vacuum cleaners as a singular component, comprising a socket transitioning into a long, flat air chamber, at an angle of approximately 45 degrees, wherein the air chamber (wand) incorporates both air suction slots and protruding nubs on both the top and bottom of the tool, and lateral slits in the end opposite the socket end. The various components of the crevice tool may be fabricated into kit form, and may include an adaptor, an extension, and a paw like terminal end, that can be used for removing any debris from tight areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Inventor: Michael N. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 8732902
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: David Andrew McLeod, Matthew John Dobson
  • Patent number: 8677552
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus, and in particular a steam mop, comprises a steam delivery system for generating and distributing steam onto a surface to be cleaned. The steam mop further comprises a handle assembly mounted to a foot assembly that has a manifold configured to supply steam from a steam generator to the surface to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan J. Krebs
  • Patent number: 8607404
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus, and in particular a steam/vacuum mop, comprises a steam delivery system for generating and distributing steam onto a surface to be cleaned and a vacuum source mounted to at least one of the foot assembly and the handle assembly and in communication with multiple suction inlets, where one of the suction inlets are intermittently blocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan J. Krebs
  • Patent number: 8584309
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes an auxiliary suction nozzle in fluid communication with an auxiliary port provided on the vacuum cleaner. A vacuum hose can be coupled with the auxiliary port to establish fluid communication between the auxiliary suction nozzle and a source of suction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventor: Jose Carlito Santiago
  • Patent number: 8567009
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan J. Krebs
  • Patent number: 8402602
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: AB Electrolux
    Inventors: Stefan Jonsson, Esbjörn Svantesson, Andreas Pohl, Tommy Lindquist
  • Patent number: 8402604
    Abstract: A combined crevice tool and dusting brush includes a main body having a first end including a first suction inlet, a side wall including a second suction inlet, a second end including a discharge outlet and an internal air path. The combined tool and brush further includes a valve body that is received in that air path. The valve body includes a closed end, a discharge end including a discharge opening and a wall including a suction opening. The discharge opening is aligned with the discharge outlet. Further, the valve body is displaceable between two different operating positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation of North America
    Inventor: Ryan T. Dant
  • Patent number: 8375512
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventor: Giles Ashbee
  • Patent number: 8353074
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus, and in particular a steam mop, comprises a steam delivery system for generating and distributing steam onto a surface to be cleaned. The steam mop further comprises a handle assembly mounted to a foot assembly that has a shuttling plate slidably mounted beneath the foot assembly, wherein the shuttle plate is configured to selectively divert steam through one of a pair of steam distributors positioned at a forward and rearward portion of the foot assembly dependent on the cleaning stroke direction of the steam mop. In one embodiment, the surface cleaning apparatus further comprises a vacuum source mounted thereto and at least one suction nozzle connected to the vacuum source and adapted to contact the surface to be cleaned and to draw moisture and debris from the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan J. Krebs
  • Patent number: 8296898
    Abstract: A device for cleaning inside electrical-connection sockets, methods for constructing such cleaning devices, and methods for using such cleaning devices are illustrated herein. The device may be shaped like an electrical plug designed for coupling with the electrical-connection socket. The device includes a primary fluid-duct, ejection ducts, and ejection ports for allowing fluid to be injected into the chamber. A cleaning fluid is pushed through the device into the chamber. Air can then be pushed into the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventor: Christopher Lee Moncrief
  • Patent number: 8261407
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner accessory tool configured for use with a vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner is operable to draw air through a suction hose to clean a surface. The accessory tool includes a housing that defines a chamber, and the housing includes an exterior surface and an interior surface. An outlet conduit is in fluid communication with the chamber, and the outlet conduit is configured to couple the accessory tool to the suction hose. A suction inlet aperture extends through the housing to provide fluid communication into the chamber. The accessory tool further includes a brush assembly extending from the exterior surface of the housing, and the brush assembly includes an auxiliary aperture to provide fluid communication into the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited
    Inventors: Robert F. Bozzelli, Chris Charlton, Andy Chick, Matt Doerfler, Markus Allemann
  • Patent number: 8220109
    Abstract: A handheld vacuum cleaner according to the invention comprises a housing, a dirt cup, a latch coupled between the dirt cup and the housing for selectively joining the dirt cup to the housing, a filter positioned in the dirt cup between the inlet and the outlet, and a plurality of different nozzle assemblies, each having at least one nozzle opening and each having an outlet opening at a back end thereof that is removable coupled to the dirt cup front end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas J. Medema, Timothy S. Parker, Tom Minh Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8161600
    Abstract: A dust-collecting pipe for a vacuum cleaner can efficiently and easily clean an area such as the top surface of a wardrobe, an area under the wardrobe, or a heat radiator of a refrigerator, which are not easily reachable by the suction port of the dust-collecting pipe. The dust-collecting pipe includes a coupling part detachably coupled to a front end of a telescopic pipe or a front end of a control handle of the vacuum cleaner; an extension integrally extending from the coupling part; and a suction part having a bent portion angled in one direction from one end of the extension and a hollow dust-collecting port formed in a terminal end of the suction part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Young-Doo Kwon
  • Patent number: 8108965
    Abstract: A convertible vacuum attachment for conveying a particulate material is disclosed. The attachment comprises a housing defining a chamber, with the housing having an inlet in fluid communication with the chamber and that defines an inlet opening. The housing has an outlet in fluid communication with the chamber for connection to a vacuum source. The convertible vacuum attachment also comprises an area changing structure configured to change an area of the inlet opening from a first area to a second area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventor: Richard L. Reimnitz
  • Patent number: 8108964
    Abstract: A sealed pick-up head for a mobile sweeper comprises a housing defining a substantially hollow interior and a suctioning bottom opening. A suctioning front opening is for receiving debris into the substantially hollow interior of the housing. A door frame surrounds the suctioning front opening. A rotatable door has at least a first door portion and a second door portion joined together at a central pivot axis, and is operatively mounted at the central pivot axis in rotatable relation on the pick-up head at the suctioning front opening. A seal is operatively disposed between the rotatable door and the door frame for sealing the rotatable door with respect to the door frame, to thereby substantially preclude air from ingressing into the substantially hollow interior of the housing through the suctioning front opening, as the rotatable door rotates to permit debris to enter the substantially hollow interior of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventor: Roger P. Vanderlinden
  • Patent number: 8087125
    Abstract: A suction head structure (10) and a vacuum cleaner (20) using the same for adsorbing grains is provided. The suction head structure includes an accommodating room (14), a plurality of suction tubes (11), an eject tube (12), and an air inlet (13). The accommodating room is configured for accommodating grains therein. The suction tubes connect with the accommodating room. Each of the plurality of suction tubes is configured for adsorbing grain into the accommodating room. The eject tube connects with the accommodating room. The eject tube is configured for ejecting grains accommodated in the accommodating room. The air inlet connects with the eject tube. The air inlet is configured for injecting cool air into the eject tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Sheng Wu, Jin-Shan Cui, San-Yan Zhang
  • Patent number: 8082625
    Abstract: A pick-up head for a mobile sweeping vehicle comprises a housing defining a substantially hollow interior and a suctioning bottom opening for suctioning dust and small debris. A suctioning front opening is disposed in the front of the housing for receiving debris into the substantially hollow interior of the housing. A door is mounted on the pick-up head for selectively opening and closing the suctioning front opening. A dust and debris outlet in the housing permits dust and debris to be suctioned from the substantially hollow interior. A gutter broom is mounted within the housing adjacent one end, for sweeping dust and small debris inwardly from the selected one of the left end and the right end and towards the dust and debris outlet. An opening in the housing at the selected end permits the gutter broom to extend beyond the end of the housing, thus allowing the gutter broom to sweep against a curb, for sweeping dust and small debris towards a central path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: Roger P. Vanderlinden
  • Patent number: 8028370
    Abstract: A cleaning machine for cleaning a surface is provided. The cleaning machine includes a base assembly that moves along the surface and a liquid distribution system associated with the base assembly for distributing the cleaning solution to the cleaning surface. A suction nozzle assembly is mounted to the base assembly and includes a front nozzle portion and a rear nozzle portion. The front nozzle portion defines a fluid flow path having an inlet opening and an outlet opening and the rear nozzle portion defines a fluid flow path having an inlet opening and an outlet opening. A suction source is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle for applying suction to draw the cleaning solution and dirt from the surface and through the suction nozzle assembly. The fluid flow path of the front nozzle portion is closed in response to the base assembly moving in one of the forward direction and rear direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited
    Inventors: Evan A. Gordon, Sergey V. Makarov, Aaron P. Tondra, Michael A. Durbin, Robert W. Bauman
  • Patent number: 7987819
    Abstract: A portable animal washing system having a means of dispensing a pressurized liquid cleaning agent, a means of dispensing a pressurized liquid rinsing agent, a means of extracting said liquid cleaning and rinsing agents as well as any dislodged dirt, debris, parasites, or foreign matter from the animal's coat, and a means of drying the animal's coat. The device is designed in such a way that both the cleaning and the rinsing agents may be directed into and under the animal's coat and then be immediately extracted along with any dislodged dirt, debris, parasites or other foreign material. The device is also design in such a way as to direct a stream of heated forced air into and under the coat of the animal so as to dry the animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Bridges
  • Patent number: 7979952
    Abstract: A cleaning device with an elongated housing having a grip at one end and a cleaning head at another end, a dirt collection device and a vacuum source. The cleaning head has a rotary agitator, a first inlet opening having a first cross-sectional area, and a second inlet opening having a second cross-sectional area. The second cross-sectional area may be substantially less than the first cross-sectional area. The second inlet opening may be above the first inlet opening. There also may be a fluid supply tank and an associated pump, and the pump and agitator may be driven by the same motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: AB Electrolux
    Inventors: Jonas Beskow, Anders Haegermarck, Brian Vines, Arnie Sepke
  • Patent number: 7954202
    Abstract: A multifunction vacuum nozzle (20) with a nozzle body (30) comprising two tool ends (60A and 60B), where tool end (60B) supports a pair of pivotal arms (40L and 40R) pivotally attached at pivot holes (32L and 32R) and pivotal between an substantially closed position (FIG. 3A) and a substantially open position (FIG. 3B—see position 45). Tool end (60A) is adapted to connect a variety of vacuum tools. Connecting tool ends (60A) and (60B) is a suction passageway (38) therethrough the nozzle body. Body (30) is designed to provide a first attachment port (34) at the first tool end (60A) and pivot arms (40L and 40R) are designed to provide a male second attachment port (46) when in their substantially closed position. A suction conduit (70) can be removable attached to both first attachment port (34) and second attachment port (46), to alternately provide suction air to either tool end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Inventor: Gary Dean Ragner
  • Patent number: 7913351
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Moriya
  • Patent number: 7908705
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bare floor cleaner capable of wet pickup through a first nozzle opening with the aid of a squeegee, wet scrubbing with an agitator, and dry pickup through a second nozzle opening. The bare floor cleaner comprises a dual-path nozzle assembly having a wet suction path in communication with the first nozzle opening and a dry suction path in communication with the second nozzle opening. A diverter valve selectively controls fluid communication between a suction source and one of the first and second nozzle openings for conversion between wet and dry modes. The bare floor cleaner further comprises a single actuator that controls the positions of the agitator and of the diverter valve. As a result, the cleaning mode of the bare floor cleaner can be controlled with a single switch that is preferably located on the handle assembly for convenient access by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventor: Gabriel S. VanderBaan
  • Patent number: 7836544
    Abstract: A bare floor cleaner for wet and dry bare floor surfaces comprises a base with wet and dry suction nozzles and a handle pivotally connected to the base. A diverter mounted in the working air conduit between each of the dry suction nozzle and the wet suction nozzle to a recovery tank is movable by movement of the handle between a dry suction position and a wet suction position for selectively at least partially blocking working air flow from the wet suction nozzle and the dry suction nozzle, respectively, to the recovery tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventor: John L. Jansen
  • Patent number: 7761955
    Abstract: Apparatus for and method of cleaning or extracting liquid from carpet coupled to a truck mounted or portable carpet cleaning machine. The apparatus includes an elongated non-fixed handle that is attached to a vacuum head with two inlet ports parallel to one another. A solution manifold is attached parallel between the two ports. A plurality of spray jets derive from the spray manifold. A wheel assembly is mounted for stability of the vacuum head and are adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Inventor: Erik D. Hiltz
  • Patent number: 7725984
    Abstract: A bare floor cleaner for wet and dry bare floor surfaces comprises a base with wet and dry suction nozzles and a handle pivotally connected to the base. A diverter mounted in the working air conduit between each of the dry suction nozzle and the wet suction nozzle to a recovery tank is movable by movement of the handle between a dry suction position and a wet suction position for selectively at least partially blocking working air flow from the wet suction nozzle and the dry suction nozzle, respectively, to the recovery tank. A shut-off valve is mounted in the recovery tank to prevent fluid communication between a suction source and the recovery tank when the amount of liquid in the recovery tank reaches a first predetermined amount with the handle forward and a second predetermined amount with the handle rearward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Bissell Homecare, Inc.
    Inventor: John L. Jansen
  • Patent number: 7647671
    Abstract: A suction cleaner that sucks in dust, from a suction mouth of a suction mouth body, with airflow generated through operation of an electric air blower and introduces the sucked airflow into a dust collection device to collect the dust. The suction mouth body is provided with a first suction mouth and a second suction mouth. An agitator is arranged at the first suction mouth. The first suction mouth is selected by a suction mouth-switching device, and the agitator is driven when the suction is carried out from the first suction mouth. A mechanism for transmitting power to the agitator includes a driving pulley that co-rotates with the agitator, an idler that can be rotated independently of the agitator, and a belt that is shifted between the driving pulley and the idler by a belt-switching device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yoshimura, Noboru Nishinaka, Susumu Hamada
  • Publication number: 20090223018
    Abstract: An upright type cleaner in which a mounting structure of a suction device is improved is described. The cleaner includes a base provided with a suction port, a main body connected to the base, and a suction device including a flexible hose extended from the base or the main body, a pipe connected to the flexible hose, and a tool connected to the pipe. The suction device may be fixedly attached to the main body when the tool is mounted on the suction device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seung Gee Hong, Jae Man Joo, Myoung Keun Kwon, Jun Hwa Lee, Byoung In Lee
  • Patent number: 7582169
    Abstract: The device according to the invention for cleaning a powder coating booth has a mobile frame, which can be moved along the insides of the booth. The frame includes suction nozzles for sucking off powder residues from the insides of the booth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: J. Wagner AG
    Inventor: Armando Volonte
  • Patent number: 7552507
    Abstract: A cleaning head for a vacuum cleaner comprises a housing for facing a surface being cleaned, a first suction opening, a brush bar operable on the surface being cleaned through the first suction opening, a second suction opening and means for switching suction air flow between the first and second suction openings as required. The second suction opening may be narrower than the first opening, to provide a higher speed of suction airflow and hence improved dust collection when the brush bar is not being operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: VAX Limited
    Inventor: Gavin Burnham
  • Publication number: 20090158551
    Abstract: Combined nozzle for a dust vacuum-cleaner includes a brush with an interchangeable arrangement at the end of a tube connected to a suction device. The brush has a lower planar face and joint for an arrangement in two different transverse positions with respect to the tube or two different positions longitudinally in the tube extension. In each position, the suction is achieved by an opening in the planar face, or an opening at one of the ends. The joint includes a pivot about at least two axes, such that, when in a position for suction by an end, the brush is oriented so that the lower face and the longitudinal axis of the brush are essentially parallel to the axis of the suction tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Frederic Varichon, Denis Varichon, Vincent Varichon, Alice Varichon, Doris Varichon, Francoise Thibault
  • Patent number: 7441305
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a floor cleaner apparatus, such as a vacuum cleaner, including a housing have a particle retaining element and a head operably connected to the housing. The head features an intake port through which dirt and other particles enter the head and a motor and fan assembly that creates suction during operation. A passageway or duct extends between the intake port through the motor and fan assembly. Within the duct, an internal divider forms a plurality of discrete intake chambers wherein each chamber is in fluid communication with the intake port. A beater element, such as a rotatable cylinder with a brush, is positioned above the intake port and proximate the intake chambers. A chamber control mechanism is provided to sequentially apply suction through the various intake chambers to both focus and increase the suction applied to the floor and thereby increase the amount of dirt and particles removed by the cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Inventor: Gregory R. Cascio
  • Patent number: 7441307
    Abstract: A restricting device is positioned in the flow duct leading from the main inlet to the cleaning head of a vacuum cleaner and is movable between a restrictive position, in which it serves to restrict the cross-section of the discharge outlet, and an open position, in which it restricts the cross-section of the discharge outlet to a lesser extent. The restricting device is movable by the passage of debris along the flow duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventor: David Benjamin Smith
  • Patent number: 7392566
    Abstract: A cleaning machine for cleaning a surface is provided. The cleaning machine includes a base assembly that moves along the surface and a liquid distribution system associated with the base assembly for distributing the cleaning solution to the cleaning surface. A suction nozzle assembly is mounted to the base assembly and includes a front nozzle portion and a rear nozzle portion. The front nozzle portion defines a fluid flow path having an inlet opening and an outlet opening and the rear nozzle portion defines a fluid flow path having an inlet opening and an outlet opening. A suction source is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle for applying suction to draw the cleaning solution and dirt from the surface and through the suction nozzle assembly. The fluid flow path of the front nozzle portion is closed in response to the base assembly moving in one of the forward direction and rear direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Inventors: Evan A. Gordon, Sergey V. Makarov, Aaron P. Tondra, Michael A. Durbin, Robert Bauman
  • Patent number: 7377009
    Abstract: A complex type cleaner includes: a cleaner body having at least one of a dust collecting container for storing dust or foreign materials and a water collecting container for storing contaminated water; and a suction head having a dust suction opening disposed at a lower portion of the cleaner body and sucking dust when the cleaner performs a vacuum cleaning and a suction head having a suction nozzle for sucking contaminated water when the cleaner performs a water cleaning. By implementing both vacuum cleaning function for sucking dust and water cleaning function in one cleaner, a cost can be reduced, users' convenience can be improved, and the cleaner can be conveniently kept in storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Yong Woo Lee, Choon Myun Chung, Ho Seon Rew, Hyeun Sik Nam
  • Patent number: 7266862
    Abstract: A suction apparatus of a cleaner includes: a suction motor inserted in a cleaner body and generating a suction force; a filter for collecting dust or filth sucked by a suction force generated for the suction motor; a suction head connected to the filter by a suction pipe and sucking dust and filth on the floor by the suction force generated from the suction motor; and an auxiliary suction unit installed at the opposite side of a side where the suction pipe of the suction head is connected. A cleaning performance is enhanced by compensating a suction force at a portion where the suction force is relatively weak.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hyeun Sik Nam, Yong Woo Lee, Ho Seon Rew, Choon Myun Chung