Patent ID: 6286180
Filing Date: 2001-09-11
Classification: A47L,B01F,C11D,F16K,H05B

Abstract:
An improved upright water extraction cleaning machine comprising a base adapted for movement across a supporting surface, a handle pivotally mounted to the base, a fluid pump having a fluid inlet connected to at least one liquid holding tank and a fluid outlet connected to at least one spray nozzle to thereby transfer liquid from the at least one holding tank to the at least one spray nozzle under pressure and distribute the liquid onto the supporting surface, a suction nozzle mounted to the base to remove liquid and debris from the surface, and a vacuum source mounted to one of the base and the handle and connected to the suction nozzle to generate a working air flow for recovering the liquid and debris, the improvement comprising:a priming valve having a valve body with an interior chamber, a valve inlet port connected to the pump and a valve outlet port connected to the vacuum source, a valve element located within the interior chamber and movable between a priming position wherein the valve element is spaced from the valve outlet port such that liquid can be drawn into the interior chamber of the hollow body when the vacuum source is operating, and a sealing position wherein the valve element seats against the valve outlet port to block liquid from entering the vacuum source.