A floor cleaner including a recovery tank in fluid communication with a vacuum source and a suction inlet. The recovery tank is configured to store cleaning fluid drawn through the suction inlet from a surface by the vacuum source. The recovery tank includes a tank body and a strainer. The tank body has a lower end wall and a sidewall that extends upwardly from the lower end wall and an inlet duct that extends upwardly from the lower end wall. The strainer is positioned inside the tank body, the strainer movable from a lowermost position to a removed position. The strainer includes a perforated body and an aperture through the body, the inlet duct extends through the aperture of the strainer, and the strainer engages an outer surface of the inlet duct retaining the strainer onto the inlet duct.

A surface cleaning apparatus such as an extractor has an upright section moveably mounted to a surface cleaning head. The upright section comprises a first stage liquid separator and a second stage cyclone separator, wherein the liquid collection container and the solid collection chamber are emptyable concurrently.

Aspects of the present invention relate to a triggerless extractor surface cleaning device for cleaning a surface in which a cleaning solution is distributed to the surface and extracted using suction along with dirt and/or debris on the surface in a continuous operation as the extractor moves along the surface. The extractor further comprises an encoder positioned adjacent a wheel of the extractor for detecting a rotational direction and speed of the wheel to generate a signal. Based on receiving the signal, a controller controls operation of a valve to situationally distribute the cleaning solution to the surface depending on a forward rotation of the wheel and independent of user actuation of a trigger positioned on a handle used to propel the extractor along the surface. Distribution of the cleaning solution can be further optimized based on the detected rotational speed of the wheel.

Aspects of the present invention relate to a triggerless extractor surface cleaning device for cleaning a surface in which a cleaning solution is distributed to the surface and extracted using suction along with dirt and/or debris on the surface in a continuous operation as the extractor moves along the surface. The extractor further comprises an encoder positioned adjacent a wheel of the extractor for detecting a rotational direction and speed of the wheel to generate a signal. Based on receiving the signal, a controller controls operation of a valve to situationally distribute the cleaning solution to the surface depending on a forward rotation of the wheel and independent of user actuation of a trigger positioned on a handle used to propel the extractor along the surface. Distribution of the cleaning solution can be further optimized based on the detected rotational speed of the wheel.

Aspects of the present invention relate to a triggerless extractor surface cleaning device for cleaning a surface in which a cleaning solution is distributed to the surface and extracted using suction along with dirt and/or debris on the surface in a continuous operation as the extractor moves along the surface. The extractor further comprises an encoder positioned adjacent a wheel of the extractor for detecting a rotational direction and speed of the wheel to generate a signal. Based on receiving the signal, a controller controls operation of a valve to situationally distribute the cleaning solution to the surface depending on a forward rotation of the wheel and independent of user actuation of a trigger positioned on a handle used to propel the extractor along the surface. Distribution of the cleaning solution can be further optimized based on the detected rotational speed of the wheel.

A floor cleaner including a vacuum source, a base having a suction inlet, a body pivotally coupled to the base, a handle that extends from the body. The floor cleaner further includes an upper end, the handle adjacent the upper end, a lower end opposite the upper end, the base adjacent the lower end, a front side, the suction inlet adjacent the front side, a back side opposite the front side, a battery that powers the vacuum source, the battery adjacent the back side, a supply tank configured to store a cleaning fluid, the supply tank adjacent the back side, and a recovery tank configured to store the cleaning fluid drawn through the suction inlet from the surface by the vacuum source, the recovery tank adjacent the front side.

A vacuum and blower device is disclosed. The vacuum and blower device comprises a fan driven by a first motor, and a housing with a vent, a vacuum input aperture, and a blower output aperture. The vacuum input aperture and the blower output aperture are on one end of the device. The vacuum and blower device further includes an airflow director, the airflow director being held within the housing and adapted to be rotated between a first and second position. A blower output channel communicates with the airflow director and the blower output aperture. In the first position, the fan draws air through the vacuum input aperture and out the vent and airflow to the blower output channel is blocked. In the second position, the fan blows air through the blower output channel and out the blower output aperture.

An extractor cleaning machine that includes a base movable along a surface to be cleaned, the base including a distribution nozzle and a suction nozzle. The extractor further includes a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle. A recovery tank is in fluid communication with the suction source and the suction nozzle to receive the fluid drawn through the suction nozzle. The extractor further includes a supply tank including a first chamber for storing a first fluid, a second chamber for storing a second fluid, and a third chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber and the second chamber to receive the first and second fluids, the third chamber also in fluid communication with the distribution nozzle for supplying a mixture of the first and second fluids to the distribution nozzle.

A mobile surface maintenance machine embodiment includes a mobile body, a solution tank for containing a cleaning fluid, wheels for supporting the mobile body, a maintenance tool(s), an output channel, an electric power source, a first electric motor, and a pressure washer. The pressure washer includes a spray wand, a pressure pump, and a second electric motor. The pressure pump is fluidly coupled to the spray wand and to the solution tank. The pressure pump is configured to pressurize the cleaning fluid supplied to the spray wand. The second electric motor is operatively coupled to and configured to drive the pressure pump. The second electric motor is configured to receive electric power from the electric power source and is commonly powered by the electric power source that provides power to the first electric motor. The second electric motor is separate from the first electric motor.

A mist generating system for a cleaning implement is adapted to generate a finely atomized liquid mist for suppressing dust, allergens, and other airborne particulates. The mist generating system can be adapted to fit many cleaning implements such as vacuum cleaners, wet extraction cleaners, floor mops, and dusters to suppress airborne dust and particulates generated during operation and the cleaning process.