Patent ID: 8631538
Filing Date: 2014-01-21
Classification: A47L

Abstract:
1. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a housing having a suction nozzle and that is adapted to move along a surface to be cleaned; a cleaning powder distribution system associated with the housing and having a powder storage container that stores a powdered cleaning solution, a propellant that pressurizes the powdered cleaning solution, a distributor positioned at a location on the housing forwardly of the suction nozzle, a conduit between the powder storage container and the distributor, and a valve in the conduit to control the flow of the powdered cleaning solution from the powder storage container to the distributor, wherein the distributor is configured on the housing to propel the powdered cleaning solution to a target area on the surface to be cleaned adjacent to the housing when the valve is opened; a recovery system adapted to remove soiled powdered cleaning solution from the surface and including the suction nozzle, a recovery tank, a suction source having a suction inlet fluidly connected to the recovery tank and the suction nozzle to draw soiled powdered cleaning solution through the suction nozzle and deposit the soiled cleaning solution in the recovery tank; and an actuator coupled to the valve for selectively opening the valve to dispense the powdered cleaning solution from the distributor; and wherein the cleaning powder distribution system is adapted to propel powdered cleaning solution to the selected target area adjacent the housing on the surface to be cleaned when the actuator opens the valve and the propellant comprises pressurized air that is exhausted from the suction source.