A floor cleaning machine for cleaning a floor surface includes a recovery tank having an inlet conduit and a flow divider. The flow divider includes a divider inlet in downstream fluid communication with the inlet conduit. The flow divider divides the flow into at least two separate flow paths. Each separate flow path includes a first flow path portion for directing the flow in a first direction away from the divider inlet, a second flow path portion directing the flow in a second flow direction that is substantially different from the first flow direction, and a flow redirector portion for redirecting the flow from the first flow direction to the second flow direction. The recovery tank also includes a tank body in downstream fluid communication with the flow divider. The tank body collects dirty fluid from the floor surface.

A floor cleaning machine for cleaning a floor surface includes a recovery tank having an inlet conduit and a flow divider. The flow divider includes a divider inlet in downstream fluid communication with the inlet conduit. The flow divider divides the flow into at least two separate flow paths. Each separate flow path includes a first flow path portion for directing the flow in a first direction away from the divider inlet, a second flow path portion directing the flow in a second flow direction that is substantially different from the first flow direction, and a flow redirector portion for redirecting the flow from the first flow direction to the second flow direction. The recovery tank also includes a tank body in downstream fluid communication with the flow divider. The tank body collects dirty fluid from the floor surface.

A vacuum cleaner with a reduced frictional force between a vacuum base and a cleaning medium is described. The vacuum has a handle, yoke, body, and base. A handle and yoke distinct from, and behind, the base provides a moment arm anterior to the base when a force is applied. The handle and yoke assembly reduce the friction between the cleaning surface and the vacuum, allowing for larger motor and debris capturing capabilities, with easier handling and maneuverability resulting in advanced and superior cleaning capabilities.

A vacuum cleaner with a reduced frictional force between a vacuum base and a cleaning medium is described. The vacuum has a handle, yoke, body, and base. A handle and yoke distinct from, and behind, the base provides a moment arm anterior to the base when a force is applied. The handle and yoke assembly reduce the friction between the cleaning surface and the vacuum, allowing for larger motor and debris capturing capabilities, with easier handling and maneuverability resulting in advanced and superior cleaning capabilities.

An apparatus for diverting a fluid flow path automatically diverts a fluid flow path in accordance with inclining of a main body, and includes two or more selectable fluid flow paths through which an external air stream is drawn, a fixed fluid flow path to be selectively connected to one of the selectable fluid flow paths, a path selecting unit to connect the fixed fluid flow path to one of the selectable fluid flow paths, and a driving member to provide a driving force for path selecting of the path selecting unit. If mounted in an external apparatus, the driving member causes the path selecting unit to move and connect to the fixed fluid flow path in accordance with inclining of the external apparatus.

An apparatus for diverting a fluid flow path automatically diverts a fluid flow path in accordance with inclining of a main body, and includes two or more selectable fluid flow paths through which an external air stream is drawn, a fixed fluid flow path to be selectively connected to one of the selectable fluid flow paths, a path selecting unit to connect the fixed fluid flow path to one of the selectable fluid flow paths, and a driving member to provide a driving force for path selecting of the path selecting unit. If mounted in an external apparatus, the driving member causes the path selecting unit to move and connect to the fixed fluid flow path in accordance with inclining of the external apparatus.

A self-contained vacuum apparatus having a housing with an air inlet aperture for receiving debris, a dustbag in the housing communicable with the air inlet for storing received debris, a suction motor communicable with the air inlet aperture for generating suction at the aperture to draw the debris into the dustbag, an air outlet aperture communicable with the suction motor to exhaust air from the vacuum apparatus, and an on/off switch for activating the vacuum apparatus, the vacuum apparatus being mountable in a cavity to locate the air inlet aperture adjacent a floor surface so that debris urged towards the air inlet aperture is drawn into the dustbag upon activation of the on/off switch.

A surface cleaning apparatus includes a surface cleaning head having a dirty air inlet and an upper section mount moveably coupled to the surface cleaning head. An upper portion is mounted to the upper section mount. The upper section comprises a wand. A portable surface cleaning unit is removably mounted to the upper portion. An air flow path extends from the dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet and includes an upstream portion comprising the wand and a flexible air flow conduit downstream of the wand. Each of the wand and the portable cleaning unit can be separately removable from the upper section mount.

A surface cleaning apparatus includes a heated vapor generator for generating steam and a supply tank for containing a supply of fluid. A liquid conduit that is in fluid communication with the supply tank is in heat exchange relationship with a vapor conduit that is in fluid communication with the heated vapor generator.

A surface cleaning apparatus includes a heated vapor generator for generating steam and a supply tank for containing a supply of fluid. A liquid conduit that is in fluid communication with the supply tank is in heat exchange relationship with a vapor conduit that is in fluid communication with the heated vapor generator.