Abstract: A retaining device for a steam swab includes a first primary clamp, a second primary clamp and an auxiliary clamp. Each of the first primary clamp, the second primary clamp and the auxiliary clamp are respectively pivotal relative to the upper casing and are provided with bosses so that a fabric of the steam swab is able to be securely clamped by the first primary clamp, the second primary clamp and the auxiliary clamp.

Abstract: A floor care method and machine are disclosed, wherein a replaceable floor care element (e.g., a cleaning pad, a brush, a polishing pad, etc.) is easily attached to and detached from the rest of the machine. For attaching the floor care element, an operator positions the machine (minus any floor care element) over the such an element so that components on the machine and/or the floor care element cause the floor care element to operationally align with the rotatable drive of the machine so that rotation of the drive in the direction used during floor care operations causes the floor care element to securely attach to the drive. Alternatively, to detach the floor care element, the direction of rotation can be reversed. The machine can then be tilted upwardly onto its rear wheels and rolled to a location where the floor care element is not underneath the rest of the machine.

Abstract: A suspension device for coupling a surface maintenance appliance to a surface maintenance machine is disclosed. The suspension device includes a carriage member movably supported upon the maintenance machine through a plurality of linkages coupled to the carriage member. Together the plurality of linkages permit the carriage and surface maintenance appliance to follow undulations in the floor surface during operation of the surface maintenance machine. An actuator engages a lost motion device to lift the carriage member away from the ground surface. A variety of different floor surface maintenance appliances may be coupled to surface maintenance vehicles according to aspects of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for cleaning hard surfaces, wherein the process includes the use of a dual sided nonwoven substrate. One side of the dual sided nonwoven substrate acts to loosen particulate and the opposing side is comprised of one or more three-dimensional surface projections that improve the pick up and retainment of the loosened particulates.

Abstract: A scrubbing device has a scrubbing head with a cleaning member rotatably coupled to an electrical motor within the scrubbing head. A support member is coupled with the scrubbing head and a handle. The handle includes a switch for activating the electric motor. A first fluid source is coupled with the scrubbing head for spraying a first fluid on a surface to be cleaned. A second fluid source is coupled with the scrubbing head to spray a second fluid on the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: A carpet cleaning machine for uniformly spreading a dry carpet cleaning powder onto a surface and working the dry carpet cleaning powder into the surface. The cleaning machine includes base having a hopper integrally formed therein, distribution slots on the bottom of the hopper, a rotary powder agitator inside the hopper, wheels for supporting the base over a floor surface and for rotating the powder agitator, a metering gate for controlling the dispensing of the dry carpet cleaning powder, a trigger located on the cleaner handle for controlling the metering gate, and a plurality of motor driven vertical axis rotary brushes for working the dry carpet cleaning powder into the carpet. The dry carpet cleaning powder is dispensed onto the carpet and allowed to sit for a short period of time to allow the dry carpet cleaning powder to absorb the dirt contained in the carpet.

Abstract: A cleaning liquid dispensing system for use in a mobile hard surface cleaner. The system generally includes a cleaning agent container, a cleaning agent supply line coupled to the cleaning agent container, a flow control device, and a pressure regulator. The cleaning agent container is configured to contain a supply of cleaning agent. The flow control device includes a first input coupled to the cleaning agent supply line, a second input, and an output. The pressure regulator is configured to control a pressure in the cleaning agent supply line and is positioned in line with the cleaning agent supply line between the first input of the flow control device and the cleaning agent container.

Abstract: In a method for use in a hard floor surface cleaner, a supply of cleaning agent and a flow control device are provided. The flow control device is coupled to the supply of cleaning agent. Next, a flow of cleaning agent is provided that travels from the supply of cleaning agent through the flow control device. Finally, the flow of cleaning agent is restricted to less than approximately 10.0 cubic centimeters per minute using the flow control device.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating the surface of a floor includes a wheeled vehicle having a generally central vertical longitudinal plane. A lift unit is mounted on the wheeled vehicle and is capable of up and down movement in the central vertical longitudinal plane of the vehicle. A floor surface treating unit is carried by the lift unit generally underneath the lift unit and has an elongate head. The head has a pivotal connection with the lift unit for rotation of the head on a generally vertical pivot axis in the plane and generally at the center of length of the head for rotation of the head on the pivot axis to different angular positions with respect to the plane of the wheeled vehicle. A locking mechanism associated with the lift unit and the floor surface treating unit releasably locks the head in a selected angular position.

Abstract: A floor-scrubbing machine is provided having a main body and a cleaning fluid delivery system. At least one rotatable brush having a brush body and bristles extending from the brush body is included. The brush is carried by the main body whereby the bristles of the brush engage the floor being scrubbed. A fluid distributor is provided to distribute cleaning fluid supplied to the fluid distributor to the brush. The brush defines a recess having a sidewall and at least one opening formed in the sidewall for distributing the cleaning solution radially outward.

Abstract: A hard floor surface cleaning apparatus includes an aerator, a rotating scrub medium engaging the hard floor surface, a fluid conveyor, and a fluid recovery device. The aerator is configured to produce a foam-like aerated cleaning liquid from a cleaning liquid. The fluid conveyor is coupled to the aerator and is configured to deliver the aerated cleaning liquid onto the scrub medium. The fluid recovery device is configured to remove soiled solution from the hard floor surface.

Abstract: A foamed cleaning liquid dispensing system includes a cleaner cartridge, a flow control device, and an aerator. The cleaner cartridge includes a collapsible bag containing a supply of cleaning agent. The flow control device is configured to receive a flow of the cleaning agent from the cartridge and a flow of a primary cleaning liquid component. The flow control device combines the flows of cleaning agent and primary cleaning liquid component and produces an output flow of cleaning liquid at an output. The aerator includes a nozzle having an inlet fluidically coupled to the output of the flow control device, an outlet, a body having a bore extending between the inlet and the outlet, and a radial port. The nozzle is configured to receive the output flow of cleaning liquid at the inlet, inject air into the output flow of cleaning liquid through the radial port, and produce an output flow of foamed cleaning liquid through the outlet.

Abstract: A floor surface treatment apparatus having a wheeled vehicle including a support for a floor surface treatment unit, the support being moveable relative to the vehicle. A floor surface treatment unit is pivotally carried by the support for swinging movement relative thereto. The support is configured to raise and lower the unit relative to the floor surface, upon movement of the support relative to the vehicle, through a range of working positions in which the unit maintains a generally vertical orientation relative to the floor surface and is generally in contact therewith and a servicing position in which the unit is swung up relative to the vehicle above the floor surface to a position in which the unit is generally angled relative to the floor surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for use with a conventional automobile hand polisher for use in polishing of floors. The device includes a detachable handle having a storage bin and an actuation leaver. The handle provides control of a high speed polisher in a stand-up position, the storage bin provides an area for the placement of weight and for storing of all items upon when not in use. By use of the disclosed handle, a high speed lightweight orbital polisher can be employed for providing a high gloss finish to most floor surfaces.

Abstract: A foam generating system utilizes a positive displacement pump to deliver liquid at a substantially constant liquid delivery rate to a foam generator. The liquid delivery rate is independent the pressure of air supplied by a pressurized air source to the foam generator, the back pressure of the foam generator itself, the volume of liquid in a supply tank, and the pressure drop of the connection line from the foam generator to a user appliance. The foam generator delivers foam at a constant foam delivery rate (expressed as weight of foam per unit time) to the user appliance. The liquid supply tank is vented to atmosphere.

Abstract: A floor cleaning device includes a main body and a brush assembly for engaging the surface of the floor being cleaned. An actuating member is movably connected to the main body. A latch member is rotatably connected to the main body. An engaging member is attached to the brush assembly. The engaging member is releasably connected to the latch member such that pushing the actuating member rotates the latch member to disengage from the engaging member.

Abstract: A floor care method and machine are disclosed, wherein a replaceable floor care element (e.g., a cleaning pad, a brush, a polishing pad, etc.) is easily attached to and detached from the rest of the machine. For attaching the floor care element, an operator positions the machine (minus any floor care element) over the such an element so that components on the machine and/or the floor care element cause the floor care element to operationally align with the rotatable drive of the machine so that rotation of the drive in the direction used during floor care operations causes the floor care element to securely attach to the drive. Alternatively, to detach the floor care element, the direction of rotation can be reversed. The machine can then be tilted upwardly onto its rear wheels and rolled to a location where the floor care element is not underneath the rest of the machine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a simple mechanical dual stage pressure control for a cleaning head operatively coupled to a cleaning vehicle for engaging a surface to be cleaned and to methods of engaging and using such a dual stage pressure control to perform surface cleaning, surface maintenance, surface conditioning and the like. While the present invention is described and depicted primarily with reference to a cleaning head having dual rotary scrubbing brushes, the present invention finds diverse application in the art of surface cleaning, maintenance, conditioning and the like. Accordingly, the present invention is readily adaptable to cleaning heads having one or more of the following applications, including without limitation, such cleaning heads designed and adapted to: burnish, polish, scrub, sweep, brush, treat and wipe a surface to be cleaned wherein an increased downforce is beneficially selectively applied to such cleaning head to increase the efficacy of such cleaning head.

Abstract: A squeegee assembly of a floor surface treatment apparatus has an elongate frame member and a flange depending therefrom intermediate opposite ends of the frame member. A front squeegee blade, a spacer and a rear squeegee blade are arranged with the front squeegee blade nearer the flange than the rear squeegee blade and the spacer disposed intermediate the front and rear squeegee blades. A single clamping band abuts against the rear squeegee blade and has a quick-release mechanism selectively operable between an unclamped configuration and a clamped configuration in which the clamping band is releasably secured to the frame member and generally clamps the rear squeegee blade, the spacer and the front squeegee blade between the clamping band and the flange of the frame member. The rear blade extends lengthwise outward beyond the ends of the frame member.

Abstract: An improved floor cleaning device comprises a main body and a brush assembly for engaging the surface of the floor being cleaned. An actuating member movably connected to the main body. A latch member rotatably connected to the main body. An engaging member attached to the brush assembly. The engaging member being releasably connected to the latch member such that pushing the actuating member rotates the latch member to disengage from the engaging member.

Abstract: A floor surface conditioning machine, typically a floor scrubbing machine comprising a support structure and supporting wheels, powered scrub brushes beneath the support structure, a brush carriage connecting the scrub brushes to the support structure, and a frictional motion dampener between the brush carriage and the support structure to dampen vibration of the brush carriage caused by the scrub brushes, this frictional motion dampener having a pair of friction members spaced from each other and astraddle a fixed member, and a pair of biasing springs biasing the pair of friction members against opposite sides of the fixed member. The fixed member includes a cam track and the friction members have a cam follower therebetween to follow the cam track during vertical movement of the brush carriage.

Abstract: A cleaning and polishing device comprises a cleaning and polishing means, a frame for maintaining the cleaning and polishing means disposed against the surface of the trailer, and a motor for moving the cleaning and polishing means along the surface of the trailer during cleaning.

Abstract: A chemical dispenser for use in a hard floor surface cleaner includes a supply of cleaning agent and a flow control device. The flow control device is fluidically coupled to the supply of cleaning agent and includes an output flow of cleaning agent therethrough having a flow rate that is substantially independent of a volume of the supply of cleaning agent.

Abstract: A cleaner cartridge includes a container having an interior cavity, in which cleaning agent can be stored. A first end of conduit is fluidically coupled to the interior cavity. A second end of the conduit is connectable to a chemical dispenser.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a simple mechanical dual stage pressure control for a cleaning head operatively coupled to a cleaning vehicle for engaging a surface to be cleaned and to methods of engaging and using such a dual stage pressure control to perform surface cleaning, surface maintenance, surface conditioning and the like. While the present invention is described and depicted primarily with reference to a cleaning head having dual rotary scrubbing brushes, the present invention finds diverse application in the art of surface cleaning, maintenance, conditioning and the like. Accordingly, the present invention is readily adaptable to cleaning heads having one or more of the following applications, including without limitation, such cleaning heads designed and adapted to: burnish, polish, scrub, sweep, brush, treat and wipe a surface to be cleaned wherein an increased downforce is beneficially selectively applied to such cleaning head to increase the efficacy of such cleaning head.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surface treating machine, comprising: a frame (1) and a chassis (2, 3) to enable the machine to move over a surface (S) such as a floor. A head (5) is supported by the frame and comprises means (6) for directly contacting, scrubbing or maintaining said surface. The head (5) is freely movable up and down with respect to the chassis (2, 3) and is loaded downwardly by a pressure to adapt to the level of the surface. At least a part of the pressure on the head (5) is derived from the weight of the machine itself. Preferably, the head (5) is connected to a first lever arm (8) of a two armed lever (7) A second arm (9) of the lever (7) is connected to the chassis (2, 3), whereas a pivoting point (10) of the lever (7) is fixed to the frame (1) of the machine. In this way, the pressure on the head is not only provided by the weight of the machine, but the head is also easily adapting to ramps and descents in the surfaces, while the pressure on the head is maintained.

Abstract: An automatic wall cleansing apparatus disclosed herein comprises a working platform, a lift unit, a supporting frame, a rotatable brush assembly, a blower unit, and a control unit. The working platform is moved up to a working position. By presetting with the control unit, the working platform is lifted to the topmost portion of the building and downwardly executing cleansing work with the aid of the wind supplied by the blower unit and rubbing operation by rotatable brush assembly. From supply of detergent, cleansing, spraying of clean water to drying by hot wind, all the steps are carried out automatically and successively without need of manual operation.

Abstract: A motorized brush apparatus including a supply of a fluid, such as water, that is selectively actuated upon a targeted surface. A switch allows a user to selectively interrupt the rotational movement applied to a rotating brush assembly at one end of a shaft. A motor assembly is mounted preferably at the other end of the shaft. A source of a fluid is connected to a conduit member that extends along the shaft and ends with an outlet that directs the fluid axially and in parallel with the rotating bristles. The bristles are perpendicularly mounted to a rotating base plate provided with arched openings that allow the fluid to pass through.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement (1) for a cleaning machine (2) comprising a number of electrically powered rotating disks (3,4) which carry a brush (5) and a hand-held shaft (6) with a fluid supply line (7) for the supply of cleaning fluid (43) to the aforementioned discs (3-4). In accordance with invention, at least two disks (3,4) mounted in mutually opposing directions of rotation and at a relative distance from one another are so arranged as to carry a brush, etc. (5) on their respective outer free end for pressing into contact with the intended surface (8) to be cleaned. The discs (3,4) are supported by a machine (12) supported in such a way as to be capable of pivoting about articulation extending in pairs at an angle to one another. A fluid with a pump is capable of attachment.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating a floor surface includes a wheeled vehicle having a floor surface treating unit, a drive motor operable to propel the wheeled vehicle and a control system for controlling operation of the apparatus. A handle is mounted on the wheeled vehicle and has a traverse switch unit for selectively operating the apparatus between a traverse mode in which the vehicle is propelled by the drive motor to move relative to the floor surface and an idle mode in which the drive motor is ineffective to propel the vehicle. The traverse switch unit is mounted on the handle such that the traverse switch unit is accessible for movement by the operator toward the first position of the traverse switch unit corresponding to the traverse mode of the apparatus without the operator having to generally release the handle.

Abstract: A motorized brush apparatus including a supply of a fluid, such as water, that is selectively actuated upon a targeted surface. A switch allows a user to selectively interrupt the rotational movement applied to a rotating brush assembly at one end of a shaft. A motor assembly is mounted preferably at the other end of the shaft. A source of a fluid is connected to a conduit member that extends along the shaft and ends with an outlet that directs the fluid axially and in parallel with the rotating bristles. The bristles are perpendicularly mounted to a rotating base plate provided with arched openings that allow the fluid to pass through.

Abstract: A handle for an electric floor polishing or burnishing machine comprising a centrally-mounted actuator with safety lock is disclosed. In one embodiment, the handle is generally T-shaped and has a centrally-mounted actuator, which offers an operator more control over the polisher or burnisher and allows for one-handed operation. In another embodiment, the handle also has a safety lock which prevents the accidental operation of the machine.

Abstract: A squeegee assembly of a floor surface treatment apparatus has an elongate frame member and a flange depending therefrom intermediate opposite ends of the frame member. A front squeegee blade, a spacer and a rear squeegee blade are arranged with the front squeegee blade nearer the flange than the rear squeegee blade and the spacer disposed intermediate the front and rear squeegee blades. A single clamping band abuts against the rear squeegee blade and has a quick-release mechanism selectively operable between an unclamped configuration and a clamped configuration in which the clamping band is releasably secured to the frame member and generally clamps the rear squeegee blade, the spacer and the front squeegee blade between the clamping band and the flange of the frame member. The rear blade extends lengthwise outward beyond the ends of the frame member.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating the surface of a floor includes a wheeled vehicle having a generally central vertical longitudinal plane. A lift unit is mounted on the wheeled vehicle and is capable of up and down movement in the central vertical longitudinal plane of the vehicle. A floor surface treating unit is carried by the lift unit generally underneath the lift unit and has an elongate head. The head has a pivotal connection with the lift unit for rotation of the head on a generally vertical pivot axis in the plane and generally at the center of length of the head for rotation of the head on the pivot axis to different angular positions with respect to the plane of the wheeled vehicle. A locking mechanism associated with the lift unit and the floor surface treating unit releasably locks the head in a selected angular position.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a floor surface having weight support members thereon for carrying the weight of the apparatus into the floor surface includes a brush having a baseplate with an array of bristles. The brush has a plurality of supply passages, each of which communicates with a portion of the bristle array. The brush is loosely attached by a flexible torque transmitting coupling to the shaft for rotation about a centerline of rotation. The brush is attached to a motor shaft in such a way that, in use, the brush is responsive to irregularities in the floor surface as the apparatus is moved thereover by moving in a direction generally parallel to a centerline of rotation and/or in a plane generally perpendicular thereto. A baffle mounted to the top surface of the brush so as to surround the supply passages. In use, a foam cleaning agent is dispensed onto a location on the top surface of the brush inwardly of the supply passages.

Abstract: A cleaning brush with a variable sprinkling pattern, includes a brush seat, a brush cover having brush hairs, a first slide channel disposed on the brush seat, a first base seat disposed in the first slide channel, outer, middle and inner cylindrical bodies and a second slide channel disposed on the first base seat, a slide block, a rotary switch, a second base seat and a press button disposed on the rotary switch, a resilient member disposed between the second base seat and the press button, a tube body and a sprinkling head. The brush seat is formed with several teeth annularly arranged at intervals. The slide block is engaged with the press button. The second base seat is connected with the sprinkling head disposed on the brush seat. The press button drives the slide block to engage with or disengage from the teeth. The second base seat is disposed on the rotary switch for driving the sprinkling head to change the angle contained by the brush seat and the tube body and vary the sprinkling pattern.

Abstract: A cleaning machine that can simultaneously perform the cleaning operations of sweeping, scrubbing and burnishing is provided. The cleaning machine is battery-operated and is driven by a riding operator. A pivotal door is located at the rear of the cleaning machine. The burnishing assembly is pivotal with the door. Upon opening the door, access to a battery pack and a cart that supports the battery pack is available. The battery pack can be removed from the cleaning machine at its rear using the cart. A charged battery pack with cart is then positioned in the battery storage assembly of the cleaning machine to replace the removed battery pack and cart. A pair of ramp members facilitate desired placement of the cart and battery pack within the cleaning machine.

Abstract: A wiper assembly for surface maintenance vehicles has a non-destructive failure mode when impacting stationary objects, or otherwise becoming subject to instantaneous or rapidly increasing resistance to forward movement, due to an improved mechanical coupling. The improved mechanical coupling for a wiper assembly absorbs some of the impact stresses imparted to the wiper assembly. Portions of each improved mechanical coupling designed to absorb the stress forces deforms most nearest the location of increasing resistance to forward movement, and may either become fully disconnected if the stress force reaches a threshold force value or recoils to the original mounting location after absorbing forces that are less that said threshold force value. The threshold value force at which a wiper assembly dislodges from its mounting location is designed to avoid damage to the wiper assembly, the articulated mounting member (if any), and the maintenance vehicle itself.

Abstract: A solenoid valve and timing module kit for use with a floor treating apparatus. The apparatus includes a reservoir for holding a cleaning solution, a flow control valve, a head assembly adapted to carry a floor treating device, a fluid flow line for delivering the liquid supply to a supply point adjacent to the floor treating device, an operator control, and a timing module for continuously opening and closing the flow control valve in response to the operator control.

Abstract: A rideable carpet cleaning system in which the assembly that is ridden is releasably attached to a power bonnet assembly to facilitate storage cleaning and repair. The system is battery operated and includes a forward mounted steering assembly. The bonnet assembly is mounted partially forward of the steering wheel and a link-pin feature allows the operator to lower or raise the assembly for engagement or storage purposes, as desired, with minimum effort.

Abstract: A cleaning machine employing a vertically shiftable brush and motor assembly, a separate vertically shiftable skirt/splash guard assembly, and a cooperative arrangement between the brush and skirt assemblies causing controlled elevation of the skirt with elevation of the brush. Both the skirt and the brush remain in optimum engagement with a floor surface during operation, but the skirt is elevated cooperatively with elevation of the brush using a lost motion engagement.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning floors having an undercarriage including front and rear axles (1,3) bearing at least one wheel (2,4) and a driver's seat. A steering mechanism is connected to one of the axles (1,3) for steering the apparatus. There are provided front cleaning element (5) near the front axle (1) for carrying out a first cleaning step and rear cleaning element (6) for carrying out a second cleaning step. The front and rear axles (1,3) are operatively connected in order to steer both axles in a predetermined relationship, such that the front and rear cleaning elements (5,6) follow substantially the same path.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly for a head of a surface maintenance machine, said assembly comprising: scrubbing means for directly contacting, scrubbing/maintaining surfaces such as floors, walls and the like; support means for the scrubbing means, whereunder the scrubbing means are arranged; buffer means arranged on the opposite side of the support means to the scrubbing means, for absorbing forces exerted during operation of the surface maintenance machine; coupling means in association with the buffer means for coupling the scrubbing means to a motor of the surface maintenance machine, wherein the buffer means are centrally positioned with regard to the coupling and scrubbing