Abstract: A power driven floor and baseboard scrubber is provided having reciprocating plates with scrubbing pads thereon arranged to clean an area at an intersection of the floor and the baseboard, on a stair step and its riser. A handle is provided for operational purposes and wheels for transportation.

Abstract: A releasable clamp for the interior of an elongated tube, for use in telescopic tube arrangements and the like. The clamp comprises an outwardly expandable split ring having open ends and sides of cylindrical configuration, the sides of the split ring expanding outwardly to frictionally engage the interior surfaces of the tube when in expanded position, the split ring slidably movable longitudinally within the tube when the sides of the split ring are in unexpanded position. Wedges are provided, co-operating with the open ends of the split ring to bear against the ends of the split ring to force the sides of the split ring outwardly to expand it, tube engaging position. This releasable clamp may be used, for example, in an adjustable length handle for an appliance such as a floor polisher.

Abstract: Mopsweeping apparatus is disclosed which has a housing adapted to move over a surface to be cleaned. A cooperating pair of rollers is carried by the housing and comprises a first roller having a dust gathering cloth wound thereon and a second roller on which the cloth is windable. A motor is provided to drive the rollers for winding the cloth from the first roller to the second roller, with the winding direction being in the same direction as the direction of movement over the surface. A pressing structure under which the cloth is retained is provided. The pressing structure comprising two rollers over which an endless flexible belt is carried to provide a horizontal contact surface with the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a blackboard mounted on a wall including a cleaning head pivotally mounted on a vertical rod so as to be slidable vertically along the rod and rotatable about a vertical axis, into and out of cleaning engagement with the blackboard. At its upper and lower extremities, the rod is secured to a pair of carriages connected together and respectively horizontally movable, by rolling, along top and bottom channel tracks fixedly mounted on the wall respectively above and below the board. The cleaning head includes a sponge holder connected to the vertical rod by brackets and a sponge having a backing removably secured to the holder.

Abstract: A surface finishing device having a vibration generater fixedly supported to a device body, a vibration transmitting member disposed at a lower position of the device body and a heat source incorporated in the vibration transmitting member. The invention also discloses a surface finishing device of the above type further having a fluid-agent outlet opening defined in or in the vicinity of the vibration transmitting means and for discharging a fluid agent or a solution containing the agent.

Abstract: A surface treating tool such as a floor polisher and method and apparatus for detecting the absence of a pad or other surface treating member on the tool. In the preferred manner of operation, the invention monitors the amperes being drawn by an electric motor rotating the pad support. If the amperage draw during initial start up of the tool is less than a predetermined amount (representing the absence of a pad on the support, the tool is prevented from lowering the padless support into potentially damaging contact with the floor or other surface.

Abstract: A cleaning device for floors or walls, in which water or similar cleaning fluid is continuously applied to the work surface as the device moves along that surface. A power-driven rotary brush is located to exert a scrubbing action on the applied water film so as to assimilate dirt particles into the water film. The dirt-laden water is removed from the work surface by two power-driven rotary sponges located directly behind the rotary brush. A sponge compression structure is engaged with an upper surface of each sponge to continuously water absorbed by the sponges.

Abstract: A floor treatment machine includes a frame, handle mounted to the frame, wheels mounted to the frame, and a rotatable floor treatment pad mounted to the frame for treating a floor surface. The floor treatment machine further includes a device for adjusting the angle of the floor treatment pad with respect to the floor surface. The handle may be mounted to the frame with an attachment that includes a first part that is attached to the frame so as to enable the first part to rotate with respect to the frame about a first axis and second part that is pivotably attached to the first part so as to enable the second part to pivot with respect to the first part about a second axis, and an element for mounting the handle to the second part.

Abstract: A bowling lane dressing apparatus for use on a bowling alley has a carriage with a lane buffer roller. A transfer roller in rolling engagement with the lane buffer roller and in fluid communication with a plurality of reservoirs, each containing lane dressing fluid for transferring fluid from each reservoir by a wick therein to the lane buffing roller. Each reservoir is pivotally mounted for independent movement to bring its wick into or out of engagement with the transfer roller. A variable speed drive is connected to the transfer roller for rotating it at variable speeds to vary the rate of transfer of fluid from each reservoir to the lane buffer roller. If desired, the transfer roller can be separated into independently rotatable roller segments, each of which can be driven by separate variable speed motors. The roller segments and the wick of the reservoir associated with that roller segment may be of substantially equal widths.

Abstract: A floor scrubbing vehicle having scrub brushes mounted at the rear of the vehicle by a mechanism which allows both the brushes and squeegee to extend and retract transversely with respect to the vehicle. The mechanism is resilient, and allows the scrub brushes and squeegee to automatically retract inward upon contact with an immovable obstacle, and also causes automatic extension of the brushes and squeegee following passage of the obstacle. The scrub brushes and squeegee are mounted in a scrubbing pod frame which can rotate about a vertical axis with respect to the vehicle to prevent damage, or to facilitate access for repair and maintenance.

Abstract: A reversible rotary shampoo machine or floor waxer is provided which consists of a reversible motor and a reversing switch having a safety off position electrically connected in a circuit to the reversible motor, with the reversing switch mechanically interlocked to the on/off switch so that the on/off switch must turn off the motor before the reversing switch is permitted to change the direction of rotation of the reversible motor, in order to prevent damage to the reversible motor, or accidental injury to an operator.

Abstract: A floor-care work disk (4) which can be mounted by a clip mounting to the drive plate (1) of a floor-care apparatus (G) and has clip-tongue passage windows (6) and a resting surface (9) which permits wobbling movement between drive plate (1) and floor-care work disk. The resting surface (9) is arranged on the outside of the clip-tongue passage windows (6).

Abstract: An electric buffing machine and a method buffing waxed floors are disclosed. The buffing machine comprises a molded plastic housing, a foldable handle and a DC drive motor directly driving a buffing pad holder. The pad is movable into and out of engagement with the floor by a pad lifter mechanism which raises and lowers the pad holder along a splined drive shaft of the drive motor. The pad lifter mechanism comprises a reversible motor mounted to the housing and connected to the pad holder by means of a threaded output shaft which supports a lifter arm rotatably connected to the pad holder. Rotation of the threaded shaft in one direction or the other moves the lifter arm into which the shaft is threaded together with the pad holder and pad up or down relative to the floor. By observing the current draw of the drive motor, control of pad pressure may be achieved. The pad holder design provides a directed air flow into the housing to collect dust, dirt and debris generated by the buffing operation.

Abstract: A rotary clutch shaft of a floor machine removeably receives and rotates a brush block having downwardly protruding circumferentially arranged brushes protruding from the periphery of the brush block. Hooks which protrude from the bottom of the block, removeably retains a reversible, tufted, resilient, absorbent bonnet confined within the brushes and a frictional drive on the brush block engages the upper surface of the bonnet and rotates the bonnet as the block is rotated. The bonnet is readily removeable and can be laundered and reinstalled.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a bowling lane dressing apparatus has a carriage. With a lane buffer roller and a transfer roller in rolling engagement with the lane buffer roller and in fluid communication with a reservoir containing lane dressing fluid for transferring fluid from the reservoir to the lane buffing roller. A variable speed drive is connected to the transfer roller for rotating it at variable speeds to vary the rate of transfer of fluid from the reservoir to the lane buffer roller. In a second embodiment, the transfer roller is separated into independently rotatable roller segments, each of which can be driven by separate variable speed motors. The segments may comprise a center roller segment driven by one variable speed motor, a pair of track roller segments at opposite ends of the center roller segment, respectively, driven by a second variable speed motor, and a pair of outer roller segments at opposite outer ends of said track roller segments, respectively, driven by a third variable speed motor.

Abstract: A floor polisher of the present invention is provided with a main body having a motor incorporated therein, and a driving shaft coupled to the motor and protruding out below the bottom face of the main body. A front end of the driving shaft is polygonal, and a stepped portion is formed in the outer periphery thereof. Moreover, a rotary cleaner unit is detachably mounted to the driving shaft, which is provided with a polygonal axial hole to be engaged with the polygonal end part of the driving shaft. A lever is provided to engage with the stepped portion of the driving shaft to thereby prevent the rotary cleaner unit from shipping off the shaft. The lever is slidable forward and backward, is urged toward the stepped portion, and has an inclined face formed at its front end.

Abstract: A surface cleaning machine (10) is disclosed in the preferred form as a combination sweeping-scrubbing apparatus including a sweeping brush (18) for sweeping debris into a hopper (20) and a one piece squeegee (112) for picking up solution after four staggered, disc brushes (122). The squeegee (112) is U-shaped having a longitudinal extent greater than that of the disc brushes (122) located intermediate the legs (124) of the squeegee (112). The drive wheel (16) is located in front of the disc brushes (122), the squeegee (112) and the solution applying means (128). The squeegee (12) is raised and lowered relative to the frame (12) by an actuator (104) which pivots an L-shaped member (94), the leg (96) of which abuts against and pivots a lever (84) interconnected to the mount (62) for the squeegee (112) by a turnbuckle (88). The hopper (20) is raised and simultaneously tilted by a single cylinder (30 ) which pivots the upper arm (24) of a parallelogram including a lower arm (36).

Abstract: A one-piece dual durometer pad holder for use in a floor buffing machine has an outer radial portion and an inner radial portion. The outer radial portion is made from a first hardenable material having a first durometer hardness in its hardened state, and the inner radial portion is made from a second material having a second durometer hardness in its hardened state, with the second durometer hardness being less than the first durometer hardness. The outer and inner radial portions are interconnected in such fashion as to prevent shear failure between the two portions. The method of making the floor pad holder includes spin casting the outer radial portion from the first harden- able material, and then, while the first hardenable material is in its unhardened state, spin casting the second hardenable material in a single spinning operation. The materials are allowed to cure at the same time, forming a smooth and continuous bond between the two durometer portions of the pad holder.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bowling-lane maintenance machine having a driving mechanism which includes four turnable drive units and four lift cylinders. Each of the drive units includes a lane running wheel, a ride-on-approach and transverse running wheel having a diameter larger than that of the lane running wheel, and a drive motor operatively connected with the wheels. When the bowling-lane maintenance machine is moved on the approach by the rotation of the ride-on-approach and transverse running wheels, the lane running wheels will not be brought into contact with the surface of the approach. When the bowling-lane maintenance machine is lifted under the actuation of the lift cylinders, the drive units may be turned to change the direction of movement in which the machine is to be moved.

Abstract: An eraser includes a track structure to permit reciprocation of an eraser housing laterally of an elongate blackboard plate. The eraser housing includes a drive motor to effect rotation of a drive brush positioned above the blackboard plate, including a dust collection housing and tension roller positioned below the brush housing.

Abstract: An improved cleaning apparatus system used for cleaning a surface comprising in combination a surface cleaning head having a frame supporting a rotatable belt for absorbing liquid and contaminants from a surface to be cleaned, a mechanism for conveying the rotatable belt and removing liquid and contaminants therefrom which have been absorbed from the surface to be cleaned and a storage device for storing the liquid and contaminants removed from the rotatable endless belt, a handle member connected to the surface cleaning head whereby the handle member can be used to facilitate operation of the surface cleaning head, wherein the rotatable endless belt is rotatable in a direction substantially transverse to a longitudinal operational direction of the apparatus defined by the handle member and a vacuum source can be provided for assisting with removal of the absorbed liquid and contaminants and conveying them to a storage device.

Abstract: A floor buffing machine powered by a propane engine has a frusto-conical shield and an integral inverted channel extending rearwardly from the shield to provide a mounting deck for the engine and propane fuel tank. A buffing pad is rotated by the engine through a drive train and is carried on an inclined spindle having a flexible connection with the spindle. The incline of the spindle and the flexible construction of the connection causes the rearwardly moving side of the buffing pad to propel the machine forwardly.

Abstract: A pulverulent coating material application and reclaiming system comprises a booth including a floor, a pair of opposed side walls and a pair of opposed ends. Articles to be coated are conveyed through the booth between the walls and above the floor for coating by the pulverulent material. A dispenser dispenses pulverulent material onto the articles as they are conveyed through the booth. A receptacle is provided under the floor for reclaiming pulverulent material which does not adhere to the articles. The floor terminates short of ends of the booth to define adjacent to the ends entries to the receptacle for reclaimed pulverulent material. A floor wiping mechanism includes a wiper, low friction mountings on the wiper to permit low friction movement of the wiper on the floor, scraping blades mounted on the wiper in contact with the floor, and a prime mover for reciprocating the wiper at intervals lengthwise of the floor to return pulverulent material accumulated on the floor therefrom into the entries.

Abstract: A mounted bracket with wheels that attaches to existing holes on the carriage of a "Rol-Dri"(TM) roller or similar equipment for removing water from and simultaneously drying hard surfaces such as tennis courts. The purpose of the invention is to eliminate the need to lift and carry the roller dry or wet. While transporting the roller to and from the wet area or during the drying operation. This is accomplished by lowering the handle of the roller which places the wheels of the invention in contact with the ground thereby lifting the roller off of the ground. The user can pull the roller along by the wheels of the invention without having the roller in contact with the ground.

Abstract: A bowling lane maintenance machine (10) performs selected maintenance operations on the surface of the bowling lane, shifts itself to the approach area spanning a plurality of lanes behind the foul line end of the lanes, indexes to another lane, and then shifts to the lane to again perform a maintenance operation thereon. The machine (10) includes structural housing (12) cleaning maintenance assembly (14), propulsion assembly (16), and electronic control system (18); which cooperate for controlled maintenance operations as described above.

Abstract: The oil pattern laid down by the automatic machine across the width of the lane and along the length of the lane can be precisely controlled and varied through the use of a series of independently controllable wick assemblies that are individually movable into and out of contacting engagement with the oil applicator of the machine. A programmable controller for the wick assemblies determines which of the wick assemblies will be in oil-transferring contact with the applicator and when.

Abstract: A pad support assembly for supporting a buffing pad on a floor buffing machine including a pad support member of disk-like construction having a central overhead portion, an annular peripheral portion for engaging the peripheral portion of a pad positioned therein, and a portion connected therebetween, and a pad retainer plate for attaching to the central overhead portion of the pad support member to press a pad therebetween. The pad support assembly may also include an air impervious layer of material positioned between the pad and the peripheral portion of the pad support member so that air cannot flow down into the pad from above should a portion of the pad separate from the peripheral portion of the pad support member due to an irregularity in the floor being buffed. The pad support member should also be constructed so as to prevent air flow therethrough.

Abstract: A surface treating tool such as a floor polisher and method and apparatus for detecting the absence of a pad or other surface treating member on the tool. In the preferred manner of operation, the invention monitors the amperes being drawn by an electric motor rotating the pad support. If the amperage draw during initial start up of the tool is less than a predetermined amount (representing the absence of a pad on the support), the tool is prevented from lowering the padless support into potentially damaging contact with the floor or other surface.

Abstract: At least one dust mop is fixed to a carrier, the carrier being receivable on the forks of a fork lift. The forks can be used to position the mop with respect to the floor, and the mop is carried on a pivoted arm so the mop floats for proper pressure even with some variation in height of the carrier. The mop defines an angle for collecting and retaining dirt, and the mop is resiliently allowed to pivot when the mop engages an obstruction. One mop bent at an angle may be used, or two mops angularly disposed with respect to each other may be used.

Abstract: In accordance with this invention, a bowling lane dressing apparatus is provided which has a carriage for movement along the bowling lane between the foul line and the pit. Drive wheels are rotatably mounted on the carriage for moving the carriage along the bowling lane by means of drive means connected thereto. A lane buffer roller is journaled on the carriage in lane-contacting relation which extends transversely to the direction of travel. A reservoir is mounted in the carriage for storage of lane-dressing fluid. A transfer roller is mounted in rolling engagement with the lane buffer roller and in fluid communication with the reservoir for transferring fluid from the reservoir to the lane buffing roller. Variable speed drive means is connected to the transfer roller for rotating it at variable speeds to vary the rate of transfer of fluid from the reservoir to the lane buffer roller.

Abstract: A bumper is fixed to the frame of a dust mop so the bumper will engage stationary objects and prevent damage to the mop head on the mop frame. Dust mops are generally carried under a carrier, and the bumper is primarily needed only on the portion of the mop that extends from under the carrier; and, the bumper extends beyond the mop frame to protect the complete mop when the mop is run at an angle with respect to the direction of motion. Bumpers can be provided on each end of a mop frame. For the short reversible frame, the bumpers will be on opposite sides; for long nonreversible frames, the bumpers will be on the same side. A new mop head is attachable to the mop frame around the bumpers by having a plurality of flaps making up the top. The flaps can be fastened around the frame with the bumper in place on the frame.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method of use for cleaning a textile floor covering. The subject apparatus comprises a cleaning composition reservoir, a container holding a pressurized gas, an adjustable valve for regulating the pressure of the released gas, a gas delivery conduit connecting the gas container to the reservoir, an application wand having an atomizing nozzle that generates a mist of cleaning composition, and a cleaning composition conduit connecting the wand and the reservoir. The method comprises misting the cleaning composition onto the floor covering, agitating the wetted fibers, and buffing the floor covering to assist in drying.

Abstract: A circular carpet scrubbing bonnet having an upper face and a lower face. Each of said bonnet faces being provided with a plurality of carpet cleaning solution absorbent areas which are spaced apart laterally by a plurality of carpet scrubbing fibers disposed in parallel, spaced apart positions.

Abstract: Apparatus for adjusting the height above the floor of a plate to which is attached a pad in a rotary floor machine to accommodate pads having a range of thicknesses includes a yoke disposed about the generally vertical support shaft of a caster positioned within a centrally-located aperture in the pad in contact with the floor. The yoke is also disposed about and supports a rotational drive arrangement coupled to the plate and includes a ring bearing to facilitate rotational displacement of the drive arrangement within the yoke. One end of the yoke is pivotally coupled to the machine's housing, while a manually adjustable coupler attaches a second, opposed end of the yoke to the housing to permit raising and lowering of the yoke in a pivoting manner.

Abstract: A roller for removing water from tennis courts, bowling greens, verandahs and other surfaces has a roller covered with a water absorbent material covered with a net of nylon for prevention of abrasion damage, and a handle. The handle including channels on either side sufficiently close to the surface of the absorbent material to receive water squeezed therefrom by a transverse spring loaded member. Outlet pipes are fitted to the ends of the channels and these are movable from a position in which the end is above the level of the relevant channel for retention of the water until desired to discharge it, when the pipe is swivelled to a second position in which the free end is below the channel.

Abstract: A dust collection/control system is disclosed utilized in a floor polishing machine (10) according to the most preferred form of the present invention. The floor polishing machine (10) includes a rotating working member in the form of a polishing member (16) for maintaining a floor surface as it is moved along the floor. The polishing member (16) is located and rotated within a housing or shield (186) including a circular, planar portion (92) terminating at its periphery in a downwardly extending flange (94) including a flexible skirt (95) which engages the floor. The rotation of the polishing member (16) within the housing (186) passively generates an air current contained within the housing (186).

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning floor coverings is provided. A sponge is disposed in a downwardly open housing and is adapted to be supplied with cleaning liquid. The fine-pored plastic sponge is held in a supporting frame, the underside of which is provided with rectangularly shaped recesses. The sponge is disposed in the supporting frame, for example under preload, in such a way that it projects partially out of the recesses in the form of bulging rolls, and projects beyond the support surface of the housing and/or of the supporting frame.

Abstract: A machine for the repair and/or maintenance of floors comprises a motor connected to rotate at least one rotary tool via a drive shaft substantially orthogonal to the tool. The tool is attached to the drive shaft by a disk connected at its external periphery to the tool, and at its center to the drive shaft, which permits relative inclination of the axis of rotation of the tool with respect to the drive shaft. The drive disk is made from a material which is supple perpendicularly to its plane but which is rigid, i.e., resistant to torque, in its plane. The drive disk is mounted between the tool and the drive shaft so as to form radially at least one undulation about the axis of the tool when the machine rests on the tool and when the axis of the tool is coaxial with that of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A combination of cleaning pads, cleaning pad mounting members and a base member for a rotary cleaning machine. A base member is attached to a drive shaft of the rotary cleaning machine. A plurality of generally pliable mounting members are releasably secured to the base members by a nut and bolt arrangement. The cleaning pad mounting members each have a first end for being releasably secured to the base member and a second end for securably receiving a cleaning pad thereon. A cleaning pad having a mounting surface and a cleaning surface is releasably secured to the second end of each of the cleaning pad mounting members by hook and loop material.

Abstract: A drive control for a vehicle such as a floor scrubber, a floor sweeper, a pallet truck or the like, operated by a person walking or riding on a sulky behind it, includes first and second drive motors each arranged to drive a vehicle wheel. Manual means are provided whereby an operator by manipulation of a control may determine vehicle speed; forward and reverse direction; and turning right or left. A variable voltage is responsive to the operator's movements for providing an electrical signal representative of the desired speed in either the forward or reverse direction. Other movements by the operator of the control provide turning in the right or left direction. The means for detecting a turning control signal from the operator is effective to reduce the motor drive signal to the motor on the inside of the desired turn, from the level representative of the existing speed toward a no-speed level at a programmed rate.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for remotely decontaminating, cleaning, scrubbing or polishing the surface of a nuclear reactor cavity wall. The apparatus includes brushes for scrubbing the surface and a drive mechanism for rotating the brushes. The drive mechanism may be a gear drive, a chain and sprocket drive, or a belt and pulley drive. Connected to the brushes and enclosing the drive mechanism is an sealable enclosure. A drive axle extends from the drive mechanism to a motor which is disposed in a housing connected to and located proximate the enclosure. The motor is capable of rotating the drive axle which in turn operates the drive mechanism for rotating the brushes. A fluid dispenser is also provided for dispensing a cleaning agent against the surface to enhance the cleaning ability of the brushes. A container is attached to the housing for receiving ballast therein so that the brushes may exert a bearing pressure against the surface of the wall for suitably scrubbing the surface.

Abstract: A portable pool cleaning system for cleaning the surfaces of swimming pools and surrounding decks without draining the pool water. The system includes a cart for containing an electrically powered pump, a line to an external source of muriatic acid or another suitable swimming pool cleaning agent and a line to a clean water source. The system also includes a cleaning wand having a cleaning head for engagement with the pool walls and floor. A valving system is used to regulate the flow of a cleaning agent through the system, to dilute the muriatic acid with water from the clean water source, and to recirculate through the system any unused portion of muriatic acid which is prevented from flowing to the cleaning wand. The valving system further allows the operator to flush the system with clean water before withdrawing the cleaning wand from the pool water.

Abstract: A rug cleaning apparatus comprises a housing having a front wall, a back wall, a top, and a pair of opposite end walls. An opening is formed in the top for allowing insertion of a rug into the apparatus, and a driven roller brush is mounted in the apparatus and extends from one to another of the pair of end walls. The roller brush has bristles extending therefrom for brushing against a rug inserted into the apparatus with at least a portion of the bristles being removed from the roller brush such that during a predetermined portion of rotation of the roller brush a portion of the rug is not in contact with brush bristles. Means attached to the apparatus and positioned adjacent the driven roller urge a rug into contact with the roller brush for brushing debris from the rug and for effecting vibration of the rug by repeated contact and lost of contact between the rug and bristles on the rug.

Abstract: A device comprising a main body and vibration generating means mounted on the main body. The vibration generating means imparts a force in a direction away from a wall surface and a force in a predetermined direction along the wall surface to the main body of the device. As a result, the main body is moved along the wall surface by the above force in the predetermined direction along the wall surface.

Abstract: A fibrous material pad fixing device is provided, comprising assemblies of pairs of metal hooks fixed to a support, the hooks of each pair being opposite each other. The invention applies more particularly to fixing a cleaning disc on a surface cleaning machine.

Abstract: A wall surface suction-adhering and moving device including a supporting frame and at least one suction-adhering and moving unit. The device moves along the wall surface while suction-adhering thereto. The suction-adhering and moving unit includes a rotating member rotatably mounted on the supporting frame, and a sealing member for forming a pressure-reduction space in cooperation with the wall surface and the rotating member. The sealing member has an annular base portion fixed to the rotating member, a cylindrical main portion extending from the base portion in a direction away from the rotating member, and an annular contacting portion to be kept in contact with the wall surface.

Abstract: Dust mops are fixed to a carrier, the carrier being receivable on the forks of a fork lift. The forks can be used to position the mops with respect to the floor, and the mops are carried on pivoted arms so the mops float for proper pressure even with some variation in height of the carrier. The mops are arranged with one laterally disposed, and two others angled to direct dirt and debris towards the first. Connectors on each arm fixed the conventional mop frame to the arm.

Abstract: A mechanism for removing water from tennis courts. A large roller having a sponge sleeve thereon is rolled over the court surface to pick up water lying on the court surface. As the roller rotates the sponge sleeve moves against a smaller roller that exerts a localized pressure force on the sponge material; water is thus squeezed out of the sponge pores into a collection tank located below the small roller. The mechanism further includes a heating device located behind the large roller to direct heated gas onto the tennis court surface to evaporate moisture that was not picked up by the roller (sponge).

Abstract: Apparatus for use in applying wax to an object and/or polishing the object. The apparatus includes a housing, an electric motor positioned within the housing and an operating shaft driven by the motor. A generally disk-shaped pad holder has a hub connected to the operating shaft with a holder having a first surface facing the housing and a second surface facing away from the housing. The apparatus further includes a pad of sponge-like material carried by the holder and positioned against the second surface of the holder. The apparatus also includes a bonnet of cloth material positioned about the pad and having an elastic band adjacent its periphery for holding the pad to retain the bonnet in its installed position. The pad holder includes an annular lip adjacent the periphery of the holder with the lip extending towards the housing and radially outwardly so that the bonnet can in its installed condition engages the lip to locate the bonnet and limit its inward movement.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an apparatus is provided wherein cleaner is applied to all or a portion of the lane and the cleaner, oil and other residue is picked up by a vacuum head trailing the cleaner applicator in one trip from the foul line to the pit leaving the lane clean and dry. The cleaner can be applied either by means of an applicator pad or by a sprayer. If desired, the cleaning operation can be limited to the last forty-five feet or so, since it is generally desirable to clean this portion of the lane more often than the front portion. On the return or reverse movement of the stripper, no cleaning operations are undertaken but cleaner may be permitted to flow from the cleaner storage tank to the applicator so that the applicator will have sufficient cleaner in it for the beginning of application on the next lane. A mechanism is provided for bowing the vacuum head so that the center is lower than the side edges so that it conforms generally to the concave shape of a bowling alley.