With Notched Or Grooved Lips For Localized Intensification Of Air Draft Patents (Class 15/420)
  • Patent number: 11541434
    Abstract: An end effector for a vacuum system is disclosed. In various embodiments, the end effector includes a central duct having a first end configured for connection to a vacuum source and a second end defining a central duct inlet; a base member proximate the second end of the central duct; and a plurality of passages extending from an outer surface of the base member to an inner surface of the central duct, the plurality of passages characterized by a passage axis having an axial vector component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Raytheon Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence Binek, David W. Morganson, Diana Giulietti
  • Patent number: 11426043
    Abstract: An apparatus to remove hair and debris from carpet and upholstery comprising a pumice stone having a void that is attached to a support having a hole and the pumice stone void is aligned with the support hole and the support is attached to a vacuum wand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Inventor: Wade Shanafelt
  • Patent number: 11071425
    Abstract: A wide-area vacuum nozzle includes a body having a first surface, a second surface, a leading edge, and a trailing edge, where the leading edge and trailing edge form an outer periphery of the body. The outer periphery includes a first juncture and a second juncture disposed between the leading edge and the trailing edge. An aperture formed through the first surface and second surface of the body is disposed between the leading edge and the trailing edge. A fitting is connected to the aperture and adapted for connection to vacuum source. The leading edge forms an arc extending between the first juncture and the second juncture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: SHOP VAC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kurt Westbrook
  • Patent number: 10625001
    Abstract: A chest wound seal for treating traumatic pneumothorax following a penetrating chest wound. The chest wound seal comprises a wound pad with an absorbent bottom surface and a nonporous top surface embedded with unidirectional valves that allow evacuation of air and fluid from the pleural cavity but prevents re-entry of air into the thorax. A central vacuum column mounted over at least one unidirectional valve. The chest wound seal further comprises a plurality of wound pad segments radiating from the central vacuum column, wherein each segment comprises at least one manual valve configured to create a separate sealed area against the skin surface to suit body types with different size and morphological features. The central vacuum column is adapted to be connected to a vacuum pump which enables evacuation of harmful air and fluid from the pleural cavity thereby reducing the shock induced by hypoxia and increasing patient survivability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Inventor: Rex McDonald
  • Patent number: 10143074
    Abstract: A filter may include: a first member having a first surface provided with a channel; and a second member set with a second surface thereof covering the channel. The first member may include a first passable portion that allows a fluid to pass between the first surface and a first space, which is defined beside a surface of the first member opposite to the first surface, through a first area of the channel. The second member may include a second passable portion that allows the fluid to pass between the second surface and a second space, which is defined beside a surface of the second member opposite to the second surface, through a second area of the channel distanced from the first area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Gigaphoton Inc.
    Inventors: Tomohide Ichinose, Fumio Iwamoto, Yutaka Shiraishi, Tsukasa Hori, Hideo Hoshino
  • Patent number: 10017332
    Abstract: A vacuum conveyor for conveying granular material and an intake nozzle for the vacuum conveyor is provided. The vacuum conveyor can have a vacuum section operative to create a vacuum in the housing, an intake to allow granular material to the housing, a variable length hose section and an intake nozzle. The intake nozzle can include an intake end, an output end and a body extending between the ends with a plurality of apertures passing through the body. A sleeve for the intake nozzle can be sized to fit around the body positionable in different positions relative to the body to cover and uncover the various apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Brandt Agricultural Products Ltd.
    Inventors: Jonathan Robert Carteri, Nicholas Broberg, Michael Ryan Kaeding, Chance Peutert
  • Patent number: 9615706
    Abstract: A floor aspirator is provided. This aspirator features a suction head, having a perimeter, a top surface, a bottom surface, at least one drain between the top surface and the bottom surface, where the at least one drain spans the top surface and the bottom surface, a suction port, which is made up of a suction hole, and a fluid conduit, and a filter, disposed on the suction hole. There exist embodiments where multiple suction ports are featured, as well as embodiments where the top surface is graded towards the at least one drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: David Siegel
  • Patent number: 9357892
    Abstract: A vacuum suction nozzle comprises a nozzle body comprising a first end and a second end, a nozzle passage extending through the nozzle body from the first end to the second end, and a plurality of channels traversing the first end. The channels enter the nozzle passage tangentially. Each channel may be wider proximate an outer surface of the nozzle body than proximate the nozzle passage. A vacuum system comprises the nozzle and a vacuum generator coupled to the nozzle. A method for vacuum cleaning comprises inducing a vortex flow proximate the nozzle with a vacuum generator, and translating the nozzle generally parallel to a surface to remove particulates from the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Henry Pang Kim Pong, Ronnie Tan Kwang Liang, Siantar Tanioes
  • Patent number: 9161666
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Omachron Intellectual Property Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Patent number: 9070762
    Abstract: A lead frame support plate 200 and a window clamp 400 for wire bonding machines are disclosed herein. In a described embodiment, the lead frame support plate 200 includes a network of suction grooves 218 provided on a support surface 212, each suction groove 218 being arranged to be in fluid communication with at least a vacuum hole 216 to enable a suction force to be created, in response to a vacuum force, along the network of suction grooves for holding a lead frame against the support surface. A window clamp 400 having slots for compensating deformation of the window clamp and a method of fabricating the lead frame support plate are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: ASM TECHNOLOGY SINGAPORE PTE LTD
    Inventors: Phui Phoong Chuang, Hasrul Bin Hasim, Wan Azmi, Siti Nurulhaida Bt. Ramlan, Ka Shing Kwan, Ting Yu He, Jun Wan
  • 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: 9003602
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: Christopher J. Blane
  • Patent number: 8764520
    Abstract: Disclosed are improvements to a high speed power buffer assembly provided with a dust evacuation system. The assembly includes a hood depending from the chassis to encircle the high speed rotating buffer pad, a peripheral skirt depended from the chassis, a dust collection aperture adjacent the buffer penetrating the hood for the outlet of dust to the exterior of the hood, a curved dust collector chute, aligned and in communication with the dust collection aperture, and a dust collection bag, communicated with the dust collector output. The skirt has inclined grooves to co-act with the buffer pad to entrain air from the outside of the skirt to the inside. Given the arrangement of the foregoing features, the dust evacuation system can operate without the use of a vacuum pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Surtec, Inc.
    Inventor: William A. Fields
  • Patent number: 8424157
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Ian Gell, Jean-Paul Mark Iles, Giles Ashbee, Thomas James Dunning Follows, Stephen Benjamin Courtney
  • 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: 8171598
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning and extracting water from carpet, comprising a vacuum head including a vacuum chamber configured to be connected to a vacuum source and two downward facing elongate vacuum ports extending downwardly from the vacuum chamber and an elongate solution manifold mounted between the vacuum ports and configured to discharge cleaning liquid in a space between the vacuum ports. The vacuum ports are configured to extract waste liquid from carpet when the vacuum head is moved in both a forward motion and a backward motion of the vacuum head. Further, the vacuum head includes elongate glides sealingly fitted in lower openings of the vacuum ports, the glides having suction openings formed therein through which fluids may be drawing into the vacuum ports, and the glides project below the bottom face of the vacuum head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventor: Erik Daniel Hiltz
  • 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: 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: 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: 7540064
    Abstract: A suction nozzle and a head of a cleaner having the same includes a suction hole to which a suction force is applied; an air channel formed as a closed region having predetermined area and depth and having the suction hole therein; and scraper longer than an end of an edge of the air channel, positioned in the air channel, and for scraping carpet fibers in cleaning a carpet. Especially when cleaning a carpet, the suction nozzle and the head of a cleaner having the same sufficiently push back carpet fibers to their root portions by the scraper to suck dust and alien substances, so that the carpet can be cleaned more cleanly, a suction path through which external air is introduced is formed in a direction that a cleaning proceeds, and thus dust or alien substances can be effectively removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hyoung-Joo Cho, Kyeong-Seon Jeong, Jung-Wan Ryu
  • Patent number: 7409742
    Abstract: A suction nozzle of a vacuum cleaner includes jet units for jetting air into positions where air streams collide with each other as air is drawn into a suction port of the nozzle from both side portions thereof, so as to prevent substantially the collision of air streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Gwangju Electronics, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hwa-gyu Song, Hyun-ju Lee, Dong-houn Yang, Jae-sun You, Jung-hyeon Kim, Jun-young Lee
  • Publication number: 20070266521
    Abstract: A vacuum suction nozzle comprises a nozzle body comprising a first end and a second end, a nozzle passage extending through the nozzle body from the first end to the second end, and a plurality of channels traversing the first end. The channels enter the nozzle passage tangentially. Each channel may be wider proximate an outer surface of the nozzle body than proximate the nozzle passage. A vacuum system comprises the nozzle and a vacuum generator coupled to the nozzle. A method for vacuum cleaning comprises inducing a vortex flow proximate the nozzle with a vacuum generator, and translating the nozzle generally parallel to a surface to remove particulates from the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Applicant: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Henry Pang Kim Pong, Ronnie Tan Kwang Liang, Siantar Tanioes
  • Patent number: 7210197
    Abstract: A nozzle assembly is provided for a suction cleaning device. The nozzle assembly includes a body having an edge and a bottom wall. The bottom wall includes an intake opening and a portion extending between the edge and the intake opening. At least one channel is provided within that portion. That channel extends between the edge and the intake opening and has a cross sectional area decreasing in a direction extending from the edge toward the intake opening. Air drawn through the channel is accelerated as it approaches the intake opening in order to increase the dirt, dust and debris entraining capacity of that air and overall vacuum cleaner cleaning efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation of North America
    Inventors: Thomas J. Fedorka, Jason R. Gieske, Jason D. Bowden
  • Patent number: 7117556
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprising a body (1) with a front face (201) wherein the front face (201) comprises a non-planar lower edge (203) such that in use the distance between the lower edge (203) and a plane of a surface to be cleaned is not uniform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Inventor: Nicholas Gerald Grey
  • Patent number: 6921438
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner attachment and method of use thereof provides an effective cleaning system for fungi and the like. A vacuum paddle extension enables the attachment to travel into narrow cracks and crevices where fungus may grow and by use of an abrasive and porous pad dislodges such fungus or fungi. When attached to a vacuum system, such as a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air-Filtered) vacuum system, the debris and particulate matter generated by the abrasive process is drawn into the vacuum attachment and into the vacuum system where it is removed from the air which is then expelled by the vacuum system. Better cleaning of surfaces afflicted with fungi, molds, and the like is then achieved in a manner that is safer and more effective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Inventor: John Lausevic
  • Patent number: 6687952
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner attachment which can be connected to a dry vacuum cleaner to convert the dry vacuum cleaner into a wet vacuum cleaner such that a liquid can be removed from a surface. The vacuum cleaner has a vacuum source for drawing an air stream through an inlet and exhausting the air stream through an outlet. The attachment comprises a housing including a passageway having a first end and a second end in fluid connection with the first end, and a coupler on the first end for coupling the first end with either the inlet or the outlet of the vacuum cleaner so that the air stream produced by the vacuum source passes through the passageway. The housing also includes a reservoir and an intake nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: HMI Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Traian Mohan, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040020007
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner attachment and method of use thereof provides an effective cleaning system for fungi and the like. A vacuum paddle extension enables the attachment to travel into narrow cracks and crevices where fungus may grow and by use of an abrasive and porous pad dislodges such fungus or fungi. When attached to a vacuum system, such as a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air-Filtered) vacuum system, the debris and particulate matter generated by the abrasive process is drawn into the vacuum attachment and into the vacuum system where it is removed from the air which is then expelled by the vacuum system. Better cleaning of surfaces afflicted with fungi, molds, and the like is then achieved in a manner that is safer and more effective.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventor: John Lausevic
  • Patent number: 6675438
    Abstract: A vacuum-cleaner floor head has a base plate formed with an elongated mouth through which air is aspirated, a frame vertically displaceable between a lower position and an upper position, and a plastic tube carried on the frame, engaging a floor underneath the head in the lower position, and clear of the floor in the upper position. The plastic tube is elastomerically compressible, surrounds the mouth, and is sufficiently firm to support the head off the floor without substantial deformation during normal back and forth stroking of the head on the floor in the lower position of the frame. The plastic tube has at least to a front side of the mouth a profiled lower surface formed with a plurality of alternating ridges and hollows so that in the lower position the ridges engage the floor and air can be aspirated through the hollows between the floor and the strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Wessel-Werke GmbH
    Inventors: Horst Dilger, Hans-Joachim Steudtner, Dieter Kaffenberger
  • Patent number: 6513192
    Abstract: A vacuum nozzle or suction head for efficiently and effectively removing standing liquid from fabric surfaces such as carpeting. The nozzle is formed by a nozzle body defining an internal enclosed vacuum chamber and an upper vacuum source port opening into the chamber. A sleeve adapted to receive a vacuum source tube is affixed to the nozzle body and opens into the port. The nozzle body has a bottom plate defining an outer bottom surface with a plurality of vacuum suction ports opening between the chamber and the bottom surface. Each port has a throat portion opening into the chamber and an outer enlarged portion opening into the surface. Moving the nozzle, when connected to a suction source, across a liquid saturated, typically water saturated surface effects removal of water therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventor: Dennis L. Pearlstein
  • Patent number: 6497002
    Abstract: A low-profile and highly-maneuverable vacuum cleaner having improved functionality including, alone or in combination, a headlight, a sidelight, anti-ingestion bars, side brushes, a squeegee, and a scent cartridge for use in cleaning floors, floor coverings, carpets, upholstery, and other surfaces. One embodiment includes a tortuous air flow path created by baffles that divert air flow. The tortuous path creates quieter air flow through the vacuum housing. The tortuous air flow arrangement is for cooling the internal parts of a vacuum cleaner. Another embodiment includes an indicator light assembly for the vacuum cleaner visually providing the user with the vacuum's current operation status. In another embodiment, the rear wheels are recessed within the head housing and slightly offset rearwardly of the rear wall of the head housing to provide enhanced maneuverability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Oreck Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Chris M. Paterson, Javier Verdura, Owen T. Bourgeois, Jeffrey A. Millard, Mel Teitzman, Paul A. Moshenrose
  • Publication number: 20020170140
    Abstract: This invention relates to a set of related new and useful vacuum cleaner adapters and accessories, designed for vacuum cleaning areas that are high clearance, low clearance, narrow clearance, or surfaces with special cleaning needs. The various embodiments disclosed may be fit onto the terminal end of a standard hose fitting of a vacuum cleaner, and used to clean heretofore inaccessible areas. There is also an associated flashlight assembly disclosed herein that may be affixed to the other adapters disclosed, or may be affixed to a vacuum cleaner hose or a portion of the hose fitting. The flashlight assembly may be used to provide illumination to the otherwise non-illuminated area being cleaned with an adapter, and may also be useful for vacuum cleaners that do not have lights incorporated therein such as the canister variety of vacuum cleaners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: Jamie Diaz, Robert Nathan Schlesinger
  • Patent number: 6434786
    Abstract: A front edge cleaning device for an upright vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The front edge cleaning assembly comprises a flexible, resilient member frontally disposed on the head assembly of an upright vacuum cleaner. In one embodiment, the front edge cleaning device includes an elongated section having an upper section and a lower section with front and a rear faces, the rear face of the upper section being attached to the front wall of the vacuum cleaner and the lower section extending downwardly from the upper section and having the front face of the lower section beveled inwardly towards the rear face of the lower section to form an apical lower edge spaced apart from the floor with air openings positioned along the apical lower edge and projecting through the lower section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Oreck Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Terrance M. Roberts
  • Patent number: 6430773
    Abstract: Vacuum cleaner nozzle having a triangular base member (4) provided with a rim having two lateral sides (18) and a rear side (21), the two lateral sides forming an angle with one another and meeting at a corner region (6) that faces in the direction in which the nozzle is pushed during vacuuming. The corner region (6) has at least one front suction opening (7) to assure a suction in a direction substantially parallel to the surface to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventors: Jacky Buron, Jerome Fabron
  • Patent number: 6421875
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner floor tool in which offset air intake openings create multiple organized vortices in the vacuum chamber of the floor tool. Air intake openings on the side of the tool produce horizontally oriented vortices and allow the cleaning to be effective along the edge of the tool. A curved or broadened tool edge prevents the tool from being drawn into carpet by vacuum, and allows it to be pushed with little resistance across carpet even though the vacuum within the vacuum chamber is strong enough to produce high air flow through the air intake slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Pro-Team, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Coombs, Michael J. Shideler
  • Publication number: 20020083552
    Abstract: A vacuum-cleaner floor head has a base plate formed with an elongated mouth through which air is aspirated, a frame vertically displaceable between a lower position and an upper position, and a seal strip carried on the frame, engaging a floor underneath the head in the lower position, and clear of the floor in the upper position. The strip is elastomerically compressible, surrounds the mouth, and is sufficiently firm to support the head off the floor without substantial deformation during normal back and forth stroking of the head on the floor in the lower position of the frame. The strip has at least to a front side of the mouth a profiled lower surface formed with a plurality of alternating ridges and hollows so that in the lower position the ridges engage the floor and air can be aspirated through the hollows between the floor and the strip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Applicant: WESSEL-WERK GmbH
    Inventors: Horst Dilger, Hans-Joachim Steudtner, Dieter Kaffenberger
  • Patent number: 6216312
    Abstract: A clean and capture tool 1 to service floor surfaces. The tool 1 includes brackets between which there extends a circular cleaning head 3. The head 3 includes an outer cover 6 below which there is located a rotatably driven arm 3 which directs water sprays at the floor surface. The cover 6 includes a downwardly facing peripheral channel 8 to which a vacuum is delivered to withdraw water and loosened dirt and waste material from the surface being cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Aussie Red Equipment Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Denis John Rowan
  • Patent number: 6105207
    Abstract: A vacuum nozzle adapted for use on a working surface has a generally rectangular main body portion with a top surface, a bottom surface, an outer periphery, and a central aperture through the main body portion for connection to a vacuum hose connected to a vacuum source. The main body portion may be slightly concave or flat. Spacers on the bottom surface support the main body portion above a surface to be cleaned at a predetermined height. The size and shape of the bottom surface, and its height above the surface to be cleaned are designed to draw air between the surface to be cleaned and the bottom surface of the nozzle at a substantially uniform velocity which is proportional to the inflow velocity of the vacuum hose connected with the nozzle, and to maintain little or no difference in static pressure between the air under the nozzle and the static pressure of the air above the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Albert F. Muller
  • Patent number: 6080243
    Abstract: A fluid guide device that can evenly and effectively distribute the potential from a fluid transport source over an area substantially larger than the opening of a source conduit. The fluid guide device includes a first major surface having a structured surface that includes a plurality of flow channels disposed thereon. The flow channels extend from a first point to a second point along the structured surface and have a minimum aspect ratio of about 10:1 and a hydraulic radius no greater than about 300 micrometers (.mu.m). The fluid guide device also includes an active fluid transport source provided external to the structured polymeric surface to provide a potential over the flow channels to promote movement of matter through the flow channels from a first potential to a second potential. The fluid transport source is connected with a plurality of the flow channels of the structured surface by way of a manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Thomas I. Insley, Raymond P. Johnston
  • Patent number: 6074208
    Abstract: A fluid flow passage defined by a surface which surrounds the passage is provided with a plurality of projections, such as fibrils or brush like bristles, on the surface extending transversely to the flow passage. The projections serve to counteract or dampen the generation of high frequency sound energy or noise. The flow passage may be part of a medical or dental aspirator or industrial vacuum intake system or high pressure steam or gas exhaust system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Inventor: Kenneth B. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 6047437
    Abstract: A squeegee assembly which includes a laterally elongated cover body, one pair of flexible front and rear blades forwardly/backwardly spacedly arranged in parallel relation on the cover body, and a blower for applying a sucking function to an interval between the pair of blades so that a dirty liquid gathered by the one pair of flexible blades is sucked up from a floor surface for collection, wherein a lower side portion of the front side flexible blade is bent horizontally towards the rear side flexible blade thereby to form a contacting surface, a distal end side thereof is raised such that a small opposing space is formed between the rear side flexible blade and the front side flexible blade and secured to the cover body side, thereby defining a suction chamber, on which the sucking force of the blower is prevailed, at a lower side of the cover body, a plurality of concave or wedge-shaped guide grooves are formed in a bottom surface of the horizontally bent contacting surface, and a dirty liquid sucking cav
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Amano Corporation
    Inventor: Masato Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6038732
    Abstract: A removable suction nozzle inlet adapter is taught for converting the suction inlet of a vacuuming nozzle from a straight line inlet to one having either a convex or concave suction inlet whereby curved carpet and/or upholstery surfaces may be vacuumed. The adapters are particularly useful for use with hand held hot water extractor nozzles upon the curved carpet surface between the step and risers of carpeted stairs and/or the curved carpet transition from the riser to the horizontal step. Further, the invention described and taught may be used to vacuum curved upholstery or carpet surfaces found in the typical household and/or automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: The Hoover Company
    Inventors: Darwin T. McKnight, John D. Essex, Kenneth L. Symensma
  • Patent number: 6032328
    Abstract: A crevice cleaning tool having an elongated hollow body portion extending between a first end configured for attachment to a wand of a vacuum cleaner and a second end providing an opening for passage of vacuum cleaning air. The body portion has a base section slidably coupled to an extension section for movement between a retracted and extended position and a locking mechanism selectively locks the extension section to the base section in each of the retracted and extended positions. The body portion includes a first air channel for providing passage of vacuum cleaning air through the body and a second air channel adjacent the body portion extending to the opening of the second end to provide a secondary air inlet into the body portion. A passageway passes between the first and second air channels for providing fluid communication therebetween and to prevent blockage of vacuum cleaning air through the opening of the second end into the body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Rexair, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Grant Harmon, Steve Wood
  • Patent number: 5991968
    Abstract: A surface cleaning and material removal system allows for the cleaning of applied or built-up coatings, debris, and any other matter from a surface. The surface cleaning and removal system includes a housing having a base with a wall extending obliquely therefrom. The base and wall define a cavity which covers the specific portion of the surface to be cleaned at that very moment, although the system is typically on wheels or portably movable so as to clean a very large surface in incremental portions. The system also includes a high-pressure-fluid mechanism for providing a high or ultra high pressure fluid flow against the surface to be cleaned where the mechanism includes either brushes or high pressure jets from which ultra high pressure water flows. In addition, the system includes a vacuum for moving all of the cleaning fluid and coatings, debris and any other matter from the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventors: Frank J. Moll, Terry Crock
  • Patent number: 5987700
    Abstract: This invention relates to a suction nozzle for connection to a hose, which is under vacuum and which is connected to a vacuum cleaner, the nozzle having a topside and an underside. According to the invention the suction nozzle is characterized by the combination of the following features: the nozzle has two suction holes (7, 8), which debouch on the underside (3) of the nozzle (1), and each of which is connected to a pipe part (5, 6), which parts are stationarily arranged on the topside (2) of the nozzle; the two pipe parts (5, 6) are connected with a T-formed connection pipe (4), which in its turn is connected with the pipe being under vacuum, the pipe being under vacuum being pivotally essentially 180.degree. in relation to the nozzle; the underside (3) of the nozzle (1) is designed with two separate vacuum chambers (13, 14), the one suction hole (7) debouching into the one vacuum chamber (13), whereas the other suction hole (8) debouches into the other vacuum chamber (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: Goran Edlund
  • Patent number: 5924823
    Abstract: A suction nozzle, comprises a suction nozzle tube having a first end for connection to a suction line and a second end forming a suction port, and at least one lateral opening in the suction nozzle tube in a zone of the suction port for a further flow extending in a direction tangential to the suction flow wherein the at least one lateral opening is formed by at least one bent wing raised from the suction-nozzle tube. The suction nozzle may be surrounded by outer guide walls forming a box in which a pressure nozzle is directed into the suction port. The pressure nozzle flow may be used to generate a shearing force flow superimposed upon a vortex flow generated within the suction nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Festo KG
    Inventor: Sandor Palffy
  • Patent number: 5875517
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a suction head is provided with means which are capable of vibrating the suction head contact surface with respect to the surface to be cleaned. This vibration activates the existing contact surface of the suction head and integrates same into the cleaning process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Inventor: Walter Fust
  • Patent number: 5855036
    Abstract: A wand for use in a vacuum system that is made from rigid or non-rigid polymeric materials that have static dissipative qualities so that any static discharge event will be at low enough energy levels so as not to pose a hazard to humans and will be well below the minimum ignition energy for many industrial powders and dusts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Inventor: Richard P. Krock
  • Patent number: 5832559
    Abstract: Disclosed is a multipurpose auxiliary brush for complementing a cleaning function of a main brush and for enabling a vacuum cleaner to perform various cleaning jobs, regardless of an object and place to be cleaned. A knife-type brush of the multipurpose auxiliary brush is adapted to clean a recessed surface such as a doorframe, a windowframe, or a recessed place in a room. The multipurpose auxiliary brush is mounted to a hose assembly of the vacuum cleaner through an end of the knife-type brush. A haired brush of the multipurpose auxiliary brush is adapted to clean a recessed cleaning surface on which dust or other foreign substances has piled up, such as a doorframe, a windowframe, or a recessed place in a room. The haired brush is slideably positioned on a first portion of the knife-type brush. A plurality of hairs made of a synthetic thread are attached to an end of the haired brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sang-Bo Kang
  • Patent number: 5826301
    Abstract: Disclosed is a multipurpose auxiliary brush for complementing a cleaning function of a main brush and for enabling a vacuum cleaner to perform various cleaning jobs, regardless of an object and place to be cleaned. A knife-type brush of the multipurpose auxiliary brush is adapted to clean a recessed surface such as a doorframe, a windowframe, or a recessed place in a room. The multipurpose auxiliary brush is connected to a hose assembly of the vacuum cleaner by inserting the hose assembly through an end of the knife-type brush. A carpet cleaning brush of the multipurpose auxiliary brush is adapted to beat and clean a variety of indented cleaning surfaces such as a sofa, a carpet, or a foot board made of woven goods. The carpet cleaning brush is slideably positioned on the front portion of the knife-type brush. The carpet cleaning brush can protrude in the forward direction from the front portion of the knife-type brush and can be arranged in a fan shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang-Bo Kang, Young-Soon Kim
  • Patent number: 5819370
    Abstract: To adjust a brush roller to the current operating conditions, a brush attachment to hold the brush roller and drive mechanism is realized in the form of an upper part and a separate inner part. The inner part is thereby mounted in the upper part so that the inner part can pivot by means of an axle, and the brush roller is pressed against the surface to be cleaned by means of a spring element. The inner part has a suction chamber for the brush roller, and has a rear floor strip, preferably of convex curvature, in the vicinity of the axle to create a seal. The front area is sealed by means of a floor strip on the brush attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Stein & Co. GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Stein