| 摘要 |
<p>METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CLEANING CARPETS AND SURFACES USING CLEANING FLUID A method and apparatus for cleaning surfaces using a high velocity stream or streams of cleaning fluid. The high velocity stream or streams issue from one or more nozzles that are moving at a high velocity relative to the surface to be cleaned and are directed at the surface at an inclined angle thereto. In one embodiment, the source of cleaning fluid is under a high pressure of about 200 to 700 pounds per square inch and the nozzles are moving in a direction so that the velocity imparted to the issuing stream by each moving nozzle adds to the already high velocity of the stream due to the high pressure alone of the source of cleaning fluid. In another embodiment, two nozzles are rotated at a high velocity about an axis perpendicular to the surface to be cleaned with each nozzle being directed at a different area of the surface and having a different flow rate, angle of inclination to the surface, spray pattern, and/or spraying arc. The nozzles can be spaced at different distances from the axis of rotation in this embodiment and the closed paths sprayed by the nozzles as they move about an axis can be distinct or overlap. In a preferred embodiment, the nozzle spraying the area farther from the axis of rotation sprays the smaller area and has the greater flow rate. The spray patterns of the nozzles can be solid streams, fans, cones or any desired pattern. In another embodiment, at least three nozzles are directed at the surface to be cleaned and rotated at high velocities about the axis of rotation. In all of the embodiments, the flow rate, spray pattern, angle of inclination to the surface, spraying area, and spraying are for each nozzle can be individually set and the various nozzle arrangements can be easily removed and substituted one for another in the apparatus. The various nozzle arrangements are new and novel and can be used with improved results in conventional cleaners that operate with the source of cleaning fluid under relatively low pressure. The moving nozzles enable the invention to spray a given area quickly and with a minimum of cleaning fluid. The apparatus can be operated with or without a driving motor for the rotating nozzles. The invention further includes a vacuum pick up system and wall nozzles that enable the invention to clean near walls or at the edge of the carpet.</p> |
