Patent Publication Number: US-2022218167-A1

Title: Extraction cleaner

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/453,801, filed Jun. 26, 2019, now allowed, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,964, filed Dec. 21, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,342,402, issued Jul. 9, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/817,749, filed Aug. 4, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,549,648, issued Jan. 24, 2017, which is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/408,684, filed Feb. 29, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,107,558, issued Aug. 18, 2015, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/447,814, filed Mar. 1, 2011, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Extractors are well-known devices for deep cleaning carpets and other fabric surfaces, such as upholstery. Most carpet extractors comprise a fluid delivery system and a fluid recovery system. The fluid delivery system typically includes one or more fluid supply tanks for storing a supply of cleaning fluid, a fluid distributor for applying the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned, and a fluid supply conduit for delivering the cleaning fluid from the fluid supply tank to the fluid distributor. The fluid recovery system usually comprises a recovery tank, a nozzle adjacent the surface to be cleaned and in fluid communication with the recovery tank through a working air conduit, and a source of suction in fluid communication with the working air conduit to draw the cleaning fluid from the surface to be cleaned and through the nozzle and the working air conduit to the recovery tank. The agitation system can include an agitator element for scrubbing the surface to be cleaned, an optional drive means, and selective control means. The agitation system can include a fixed or driven agitator element that can comprise a brush, pad, sponge, cloth, and the like. The agitation system can also include driving and control means including motors, turbines, belts, gears, switches, sensors, and the like. An example of an extractor is disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,237 to Kasper et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. U.S. Pat. No. 5,715,566 to Weaver discloses an extraction cleaning machine capable of being used as an upright machine, or as a separate extraction cleaning module. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
     An aspect of the present disclosure relates to an extraction cleaner, comprising a housing, a recovery system, comprising a recovery tank assembly provided with the housing, the recovery tank assembly comprising a recovery tank having an open top at least partially covered by a cover assembly, a suction inlet in fluid communication with the recovery tank assembly via a working air path, a suction source, and a recovery duct assembly interconnected with the recovery tank assembly, the recovery duct assembly comprising at least one vertical duct adjacent a rear face of the recovery tank. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will now be described with respect to the drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front, right perspective view of an extractor according to the invention with a handle assembly pivotally mounted to a base assembly. 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the extractor taken along line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a partial exploded view of the extractor of  FIG. 1 , illustrating an extraction pod, a base assembly, and a handle assembly. 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the extraction pod of the extractor of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the extractor taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded view of a diverter module and a base of the extractor of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is a lower perspective view of a recovery tank assembly of the extractor of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded view of the base assembly of the extractor of  FIG. 1 , also showing a lower handle assembly of the extractor. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the base assembly of the extractor of  FIG. 1 , with a nozzle cover exploded away. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the base assembly of the extractor of  FIG. 1 , with a cover plate removed. 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded view of a spray tip assembly of the extractor of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the spray tip assembly taken along line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of the spray tip assembly taken along line  13 - 13  of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a latch assembly of the extractor of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 15  is an exploded view of the upper handle assembly of the extractor of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 16  is a schematic view of a fluid distribution system of the extractor of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 17A  is a cross-sectional view of a power assembly of the extractor of  FIG. 1 , illustrating a position when the pod is removed from the base assembly. 
         FIG. 17B  is a cross-sectional view of a power assembly of the extractor of  FIG. 1 , illustrating a position when the pod is partially seated on the base assembly. 
         FIG. 17C  is a cross-sectional view of a power assembly of the extractor of  FIG. 1 , illustrating a position when the pod is seated on the base assembly. 
         FIG. 18  is a schematic view of an electrical system of the extractor of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to the drawings and particularly to  FIGS. 1-3 , an upright extractor  10  according to the invention comprises a housing having a base assembly  12  for movement across a surface to be cleaned and a handle assembly  16  pivotally mounted to a rearward portion of the base assembly  12  for directing the base assembly  12  across the surface to be cleaned. The extractor  10  includes a fluid distribution system for storing cleaning fluid and delivering the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned and a fluid recovery system for removing the spent cleaning fluid and dirt from the surface to be cleaned and storing the spent cleaning fluid and dirt. The components of the fluid delivery system and the fluid recovery system are supported by at least one of the base assembly  12  and the handle assembly  16 . 
     The base assembly  12  comprises a base platform  20  that supports a selectively detachable and portable extraction pod  22  at a forward portion thereof, forward being defined as relative to the mounting location of the handle assembly  16  on the base assembly  12 . The pod  22  comprises a recovery tank assembly  24 , a solution supply tank assembly  26 , an accessory wand  27 , and an extraction module lower body  28  in which the recovery and supply tank assemblies  24 ,  26  are removably received. The pod  22  is illustrated as a generally arcuate member, however, other shapes are feasible. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3-5 , the lower body  28  comprises a module housing  30 , a base  32 , a base cover  34 , and a handle  36 . The base  32  is a generally rectilinear body incorporating various indentations and attachment features such as bosses, ribs, and the like for attaching the components that are mounted to the base  32 . The base  32  comprises a motor cavity  50  in which a motor/blower assembly  52  is mounted for generating a working air flow through the fluid recovery system. A plurality of exhaust holes  54  are formed through the bottom of the motor cavity  50 . A working air exhaust chamber  53  adjacent to the lower portion of the motor cavity  50  is fluidly connected to the exhaust holes  54 . An air path cover  64  is mounted beneath the base  32 , below the motor cavity  50  and forms a working air exhaust pathway A that fluidly connects the exhaust holes  54  with an exhaust connection illustrated herein as a plurality of working air exhaust vents  65  that are formed in a recessed portion of the cover  64 , so that working air can be exhausted from the motor cavity  50  through the bottom of the pod  22 . The working air exhaust vents  65  fluidly communicate with an exhaust connection illustrated herein as a plurality of exhaust inlet slots  75  in a cover plate  152  ( FIG. 9 ) of the base assembly  12  above a corresponding exhaust channel  71  and base exhaust vents  73  in a base housing  150  of the base assembly  12 , when the pod  22  is mounted on the base assembly  12 . Accordingly, when the pod  22  is mounted on the base assembly  12 , the working air exhaust pathway “A” proceeds out of exhaust vents  65  beneath the pod  22 , through exhaust inlet slots  75 , into the exhaust channel  71  and through the base exhaust vents  73  toward the surface to be cleaned. Hence, warm exhaust air can be directed away from the user towards the cleaning surface. Moreover, by routing the working air exhaust pathway A downwardly through multiple housings towards the surface to be cleaned, the sound generated by the working exhaust air flow can be effectively muffled, thus reducing the noise level of the extractor  10  during operation. 
     A plurality of ventilation slots  62  in the rear wall of the base  32  are arranged to exhaust motor cooling air from the rear of the pod  22  into surrounding atmosphere. The motor cooling air is drawn along a cooling air exhaust path B that extends from inside the pod  22 , through motor cooling inlet holes  83  formed in a top wall of a motor housing  77  that surrounds the motor side (not shown) of the motor/blower assembly  52 . A motor cooling conduit  79  is fluidly connected to the side of the motor housing  77  and configured to direct the cooling air from the housing  77  into a cooling air exhaust chamber  81  that is fluidly connected to the ventilation slots  62 . The base  32  further comprises a motor inlet conduit  58  that is fluidly connected to the motor cavity  50 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4-6 , a diverter module  55  is mounted to the base  32 , adjacent to the motor inlet conduit  58  via conventional fasteners. The diverter module  55  comprises a generally box-shaped diverter housing  400  with an enclosed rear wall  402 , opposed sidewalls  404 , a top wall  406 , and an angled bottom wall, referred to as angled wall  408  that form a diversion chamber  67  therein. A recovery connection, shown herein as a rectangular nozzle inlet  68 , is formed within the angled wall  408 . Further, a cylindrical hose inlet  60  is formed within one sidewall  404  and a rectangular diverter outlet  56  is formed within the top wall  406 . A removable diverter cover  412  is configured to sealingly mate to the open front side of the diverter housing  400 . The diverter cover  412  comprises a rectangular plate that is preferably molded out of transparent plastic material to permit visibility of the diversion chamber  67 . The diverter cover  412  can be selectively mounted to the diverter housing  400  by any number of known fastening methods such as screws, snaps, and the like, or combinations thereof. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the diverter cover  412  comprises at least one hook  414  protruding from the top edge that is adapted to selectively engage a corresponding slot  416  in the top wall  406  of the diverter housing  400 . The diverter cover  412  further comprises fastener holes  418  along the bottom edge that selectively mate with corresponding mounting bosses  420  on the diverter housing  400 . 
     A diverter door  69  is pivotally mounted within the diversion chamber  67  and adapted to selectively block either of the nozzle inlet  68  or the hose inlet  60 . The diverter door  69  comprises an elongate shaft  422  at one end that protrudes through the rear wall  402  of the diverter housing  400 . The distal end of the shaft  422  is operably connected to a spring biased actuator arm  424  that is mounted adjacent to the rear wall  402  of the diverter housing  400 . The actuator arm  424  is in selective registry with a protrusion  426  on the cover plate  152  ( FIG. 3 ). The diverter door  69  is adapted to pivot inside the diversion chamber  67  in response to rotation of the actuator arm  424  to selectively divert working air flowing through either of the nozzle inlet  68  or the hose inlet  60  to the diverter outlet  56 . The door  69  is normally spring biased in a downward position such that the door  69  seals against the angled wall  408  within the diversion chamber  67  and blocks the nozzle inlet  68 . Alternatively, when the actuator arm  424  is rotated upwardly, the diverter door  69  also pivots upwardly until it seals and blocks the hose inlet  60 , which, in turn, opens the nozzle inlet  68 . 
     The diverter module  55  is visible by a user when the recovery tank  110  is removed from the pod  22 . Accordingly, a user can look through the transparent diverter cover  412 , into the diversion chamber  67  to inspect and ensure that the diverter door  69  is functioning properly and that neither of the diverter nozzle inlet  68 , diverter outlet  56 , or the hose conduit opening  60  is clogged. If a user notices that the diverter module  55  is malfunctioning, this configuration permits a user to easily remove the diverter cover  412  by unfastening two screws retaining the cover  412  to the housing  400 , pivoting the cover  412  upwardly, and then disengaging the hook  414  from the slot  416 . Accordingly, a user can clean and clear any debris clogging the diversion chamber  67  or jamming the diverter door  69  in a facile manner. 
     The base  32  further comprises a tower  63  that protrudes upwardly from the bottom of the base  32 . An electrical connection, shown in the form of a male connector  146  ( FIG. 17A-C ), can be mounted within the tower  63 . Additionally, a fluid delivery connector illustrated herein as a spray tip valve  144 , a pump  142  for pressurizing the cleaning fluid, a solenoid valve  148 , and other common extractor components can be mounted to the base  32  and electrically connected to the male connector  146 . 
     The base cover  34  is a generally rectilinear body incorporating various indentations and attachment features such as bosses, ribs, and the like for attaching the components that are mounted to the base cover  34 . The base cover  34  comprises a generally horizontal top wall  38  and a generally vertical front wall  40  that extends upwardly from the top wall  38 . The top wall  38  also includes a valve opening  42  therethrough. The base cover  34  is mounted to the base  32  by any suitable attachment means, and together they enclose the components mounted therein. 
     Additionally, the pod handle  36  is mounted to the base cover  34 . The handle  36  is positioned between the recovery and supply tank assemblies  24 ,  26  and transverse to the extractor  10  and pod  22  for facile lifting and carrying. A main power switch  140  is mounted in the handle  36  and is electrically connected to the motor/blower assembly  52 , the pump  142 , the solenoid valve  148 , a power cord (not shown), and other electrical components of the extractor  10 , as will be described hereinafter. 
     The module housing  30  is a belt-like member that encircles the recovery and supply tank assemblies  24 ,  26 . The module housing  30  comprises a body  70  to which the accessory wand  27  is mounted. The accessory wand  27  comprises an accessory hose  80  and an accessory wand handle  90 . A hose clip  88  is affixed to the exterior of the module housing  30  to selectively retain the accessory wand handle  90  to the pod  22 . A hose conduit  84  passes through an opening  86  in the body  70  near a hose wrap  72 . The hose  80  is fluidly connected to one end of the hose conduit  84 , thereby connecting the accessory wand  27  to the fluid recovery system, which is described in greater detail hereinafter. 
     A hose wrap  72  and a cord wrap  74  are also mounted to the module housing  30 . The hose wrap  72  can have a generally circular hub  76  from which a plurality of tabs  78  transversely extend. The accessory hose  80  can be wrapped around the hub  76  and retained by the tabs  78  to carry the hose  80  on the pod  22 . Similarly, the cord wrap  74  comprises at least two opposing tabs  82  around which a cord (not shown) can be wrapped to carry the cord on the pod  22 . The aforementioned components can be mounted to the module housing  30  by any commonly known and suitable means such as mechanical fasteners, sonic welding, adhesive, or the like. 
     The supply tank assembly  26  comprises a solution tank  92 , which defines a cleaning fluid supply chamber  94  for storing a quantity of cleaning fluid. The solution supply tank assembly  26  further comprises a fill cap  96  and a valve  98  which are fastened to a threaded inlet  100  of the solution tank  92 . When the solution supply tank assembly  26  is mounted to the pod  22 , the valve  98  is received in a receiver  102  that is positioned within the valve opening  42  in the base cover  34 . The solution tank  92  can be filled with cleaning solution via inlet  100 , and can be selectively removed from the pod  22  by a carry handle  104 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 7 , the recovery tank assembly  24  comprises a recovery tank  110  with an open top which is enclosed by a removable tank cover  126 . The recovery tank  110  defines a recovery chamber  114  sized to receive a quantity of spent cleaning solution and dirt. The rear face of the recovery tank  110  includes a recess  116  in which a recovery tank duct assembly  118  is affixed. The recovery tank duct assembly  118  comprises an inlet conduit  120  and an exhaust duct  122 . Further, the recovery tank assembly  24  can be selectively removed from the pod  22  by a carry handle  124  in order to discard the spent cleaning fluid and dirt to an appropriate receptacle or waste drain. 
     The cover  126  comprises a curved divider wall  128  that extends downwardly from the interior of the cover  126 . A separator plate  130  is fixed to the lower portion of the cover  126  by any commonly known and suitable means and comprises a recovery tank inlet  132  and a recovery tank exhaust outlet  134 . The recovery tank inlet  132  is in fluid communication with the downwardly extending inlet conduit  120  ( FIG. 4 ), and the recovery tank exhaust outlet  134  is in fluid communication with the downwardly extending exhaust duct  122  ( FIG. 4 ). The divider wall  128  and separator plate  130  are adapted to provide fluid separation between the recovery tank inlet  132  and the recovery tank exhaust outlet  134 . The recovery tank assembly  24  further comprises a float  136  that is slidingly attached to the separator plate  130 . The float  136  extends down into the recovery chamber  114 . As the fluid level increases in the recovery chamber  114 , the buoyant float  136  rises with the rising fluid. An upper portion of the float blocks an opening  129  in the divider wall  128  that is fluidly connected to the recovery tank exhaust outlet  134 , thereby preventing liquid from entering the exhaust air flow path. Additionally, the cover  126  is secured to the recovery tank  110  by a latch  138 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8-10 , the base platform  20  comprises a base housing  150 , a cover plate  152 , a brushroll assembly  154 , and a floor suction nozzle assembly  156 . The base housing  150  is a generally rectilinear body incorporating various internal attachment features such as bosses, ribs, and the like for attaching the components that are mounted inside the base housing  150 . The cover plate  152  is mounted to the base housing  150  by any suitable attachment means, and together they enclose the components mounted therein. A heater  158  can be mounted within the base platform  20  for supplying heated cleaning fluid to the fluid distribution system; a brush motor  160  can also be mounted within the base platform  20  for driving the brushroll assembly  154 . Additionally, a brush motor switch  226  is mounted to the base housing  150  for selectively controlling power to the brush motor  160 , as will be described hereinafter. 
     The brushroll assembly  154  comprises at least one rotatably mounted brushroll  162 , opposed support legs  164 , and a drive belt  166 . The brushroll assembly  154  shown comprises two brushrolls  162  that are rotatably mounted between the opposed support legs  164 . The support legs  164  are pivotally mounted to the base housing  150 . The brushrolls  162  comprise geared ends (not shown) such that each brushroll  162  can be operably connected to the brush motor  160  via the drive belt  166  and an intermediate belt (not shown) that operably connects the brushrolls  162 , as is well known in the extractor and vacuum cleaner arts. Further, the brushroll assembly  154  is configured to pivot with respect to the base platform  20 . This flexible mounting configuration ensures constant engagement between the brushrolls  162  and the cleaning surface, even as the extractor  10  passes over cleaning surfaces having varying heights such as dissimilar carpets, rugs, or the like. 
     The floor suction nozzle assembly  156  comprises a nozzle body  170 , a removable nozzle cover  172 , and opposed nozzle end caps  174 . The nozzle cover  172  comprises one or more mounting ears  173  that can be secured to the nozzle body  170  by mechanical fasteners (not shown). A gasket (not shown) can be fitted between the nozzle cover  172  and the nozzle body  170  to ensure a sealing connection between the two components. Additional mechanical sealing features such as a lap joint or tongue and groove joint can be incorporated along the mating walls of the nozzle cover  172  and nozzle body  170 , either instead of, or in conjunction with the gasket. The nozzle body  170  comprises hooks (not shown) that protrude upwardly from the back wall of the nozzle body  170  that are adapted to engage corresponding retention slots (not shown) formed in the lower forward portion of the end caps  174 . Accordingly, the lower forward portion of the nozzle body  170  is retained by the engagement of the hooks and mounting slots, whereas the upper portion of the nozzle body  170  is retained by the nozzle cover  172  and associated mounting ears  173  and fasteners. Accordingly, the mounting configuration permits the nozzle cover  172  to be removed and separated from the nozzle body  170  for facile cleaning of either or both of the nozzle cover  172  and nozzle body  170 . 
     An inlet  176  to the fluid recovery system is defined by an opening in the lower portion of the nozzle body  170 . A recovery connection, illustrated herein as an outlet  178  of the nozzle assembly  156  is defined by a flexible nozzle conduit  180  protruding upwardly from the rear of the nozzle cover  172 . 
     The base platform  20  further comprises a fluid delivery connection illustrated herein as a pod receiver  182  and at least one spray tip assembly  184 . The pod receiver  182  is mounted to the cover plate  152  and fluidly couples the fluid distribution system to the spray tip assembly  184 . The illustrated embodiment comprises two spray tip assemblies  184  that are pivotally mounted to the base housing  150  for dispensing cleaning fluid onto the surface to be cleaned. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11-13 , a first spray tip assembly  184  comprises a removable spray tip insert  300  that is fluidly and removably connected to a pivot coupling  302 . The pivot coupling  302  is fluidly and rotatably connected to a pivot barb  304 . The pivot barb  304  is fluidly connected to a right hand barb  306  that protrudes from a T-fitting  308  via a tubing segment (not shown). A second spray tip assembly  184  is fluidly connected to a left hand barb  310  protruding from the opposite side of the T-fitting  308 . 
     The pivot barb  304  comprises a cylindrical pivot barb inlet  312  and a pivot barb outlet  314  that define an internal liquid flow path  316  oriented along divergent axes that form an obtuse angle. Grooves  318  around the circumference of the outlet  314  are adapted to seat a pair of O-ring seals  320 . A mounting leg  322  protrudes downwardly from the junction of the inlet  312  and outlet  314  and is adapted to be received in a corresponding pocket (not shown) in the cover plate  152 . 
     The pivot coupling  302  comprises a cylindrical coupling inlet  324  oriented orthogonal to a cylindrical coupling outlet  326 , thus forming an L-shaped liquid flow path  328  therein. A pivot shaft  330  protrudes outwardly from a closed end wall  332  of the coupling inlet  324 . The internal sealing surface  334  of the coupling inlet  324  is sized to rotatably and sealingly receive the pivot barb outlet  314  and associated O-ring seals  320 . Accordingly, upon installation of the pivot barb outlet  314  into the coupling inlet  324 , the O-ring seals  320  compress slightly to create a liquid impermeable seal, while simultaneously permitting rotation of the coupling inlet  324  about the pivot barb outlet  314 . 
     The coupling outlet  326  also comprises a sealing surface  334  that is sized to removably and sealingly receive a spray tip insert inlet  336 . The spray tip insert inlet  336  comprises a grooved cylindrical wall  338  adapted to seat two O-ring seals  320  thereon and defining a liquid flow path  340  therein. Upon installation of the spray tip insert inlet  336  into the coupling outlet  326 , the O-ring seals  320  seated within the grooved cylindrical wall  338  compress to create a liquid impermeable seal, while also permitting the spray tip insert  300  to be selectively removed for cleaning or replacement. 
     The spray tip insert  300  further comprises a spray orifice  342  and an associated deflector wall  344  that is spaced from the orifice  342  and adapted to guide pressurized liquid along a desire spray path. The spray tip insert  300  further comprises a resilient latch  346  that is integral to the front portion of the spray tip insert  300 . The latch  346  comprises a deflecting leg  348  with a catch  350  arranged to selectively engage a corresponding retainer tab  352  on the cover plate  152 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8-10 , the base platform  20  further comprises a power assembly  190  through which the base assembly  12  can be electrically connected to the pod  22 . The power assembly  190  comprises an electrical connection shown in the form of a female connector  192 , an electrical stack  194 , a stack collar  196 , and a stack cover  198 . The female connector  192  is mounted within the electrical stack  194 , which protrudes up from the base housing  150  and extends through the stack collar  196  that is formed in the cover plate  152 . The electrical stack cover  198  is pivotally mounted to the upper end of the stack collar  196  and is spring (not shown) biased to the horizontal/closed position. Further, a tab  200  protrudes outwardly from the forward facing edge of the stack cover  198 . 
     A pair of wheels  202  is rotatably mounted to the rear of the base platform  20 . The wheels  202  are rotatably mounted on axles  204  that are retained within bearing holes  205  on the base housing  150  by retainer clips  206 , as is commonly known in the art. The wheels  202  partially support the base assembly  12  on the surface to be cleaned. 
     A lower handle assembly  210  comprises a rearward shell  212  and a forward shell  214  that mate to form a lower handle cavity therebetween. The lower handle assembly  210  is pivotally mounted to the base platform  20  through a pair of trunnions  216  that are located at a lower portion of the lower handle assembly  210  and are formed in part by each of the rearward and forward shells  212  and  214 . A release mechanism  218 , best seen in  FIG. 2 , is mounted within the lower handle assembly  210  to releasably lock the handle assembly  16  to the base assembly  12  in an upright, storage position. The release mechanism  218  comprises a spring biased, pivotally mounted detent pedal  220 , as is commonly known in the extractor and vacuum cleaner arts. The release mechanism  218  further comprises a latching rod  222  that extends along the length of the pedal  220 , parallel to the pivot axis of the detent pedal  220 . The ends of the latching rod  222  selectively engage mounting slots  224  ( FIG. 3 ) formed on opposed sides of the rear portion of the cover plate  152 . 
     A trigger microswitch (not shown) is mounted in the lower handle assembly  210 . As will be discussed in more detail hereinafter, the trigger microswitch (not shown) is electrically coupled to the solenoid valve  148  ( FIG. 4 ) and is configured to selectively activate fluid communication between the solution tank  92  and the spray tip assemblies  184  to dispense the cleaning solution onto the surface to be cleaned. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 10 and 14 , the base platform  20  also includes a latch assembly  230  that releasably retains the pod  22  ( FIG. 1 ) to the base platform  20 . The latch assembly  230  comprises a release pedal  232 , a latch  234 , and a connecting rod  236 . The release pedal  232  and the latch  234  are both pivotally mounted to the base housing  150  and are positioned near opposed sidewalls of the base housing  150 . Moreover, the release pedal  232  and latch  234  are both spring biased, as is well known in the extractor and vacuum cleaner arts. Further, the release pedal  232  protrudes from the base platform  20  so as to be accessible to the user. The connecting rod  236  is affixed to the release pedal  232  and latch  234  and extends, unobstructed, across the width of the base housing  150 . 
     The release pedal  232  is a generally L-shaped member comprising a foot plate  238  and a pivot leg  240 , which are substantially orthogonal to one another. A pedal catch  247  extends across the top portion of the pivot leg  240  and is adapted to selectively engage a detent  262  ( FIG. 3 ) on one side of the pod  22 . A downwardly and inwardly angled lead-in  249  extends across the top inner edge of the pedal catch  247 . The top surface of the foot plate  238  can comprise a plurality of raised bumps or other features to increase friction between the plate  238  and a user&#39;s foot. A pivot shaft  242  is located at a lower portion of the pivot leg  240 , spaced from the foot plate  238 , and is pivotally retained between the base housing  150  and the cover plate  152  ( FIG. 3 ). The pivot leg  240  also includes a passage  244  through which a pedal end (not shown) of the connecting rod  236  passes. The passage  244  is located above the pivot shaft  242 , and therefore above the pivot point of the release pedal  232 . Additionally, a torsion spring  246 , or any other suitable biasing means, biases the release pedal  232  upward. 
     The latch  234  is also a generally L-shaped member comprising a catch  248  and a pivot leg  250 , which are substantially orthogonal to one another. A downwardly and inwardly angled lead-in  249  extends across the top inner edge of the catch  248 . A pivot shaft  252  is located at a lower portion of the pivot leg  250 , spaced from the catch  248 , and is pivotally retained between the base housing  150  and the cover plate  152  ( FIG. 3 ). The latch  234  also comprises a rod channel  254  for retaining a latch end (not shown) of the connecting rod  236 . The rod channel  254  is located below the pivot shaft  252 , and therefore below the pivot point of the latch  234 . Additionally, a torsion spring  256 , or any other suitable biasing means, biases the latch  234  toward the center of the extractor  10 . 
     The connecting rod  236  is an elongated member comprising ends (not shown) which are bent substantially perpendicular to the center portion. The pedal end passes through the passage  244  and lies adjacent the pivot leg  240  above the pivot shaft  242 . The latch end is inserted into the rod channel  254  of the latch  234 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , the handle assembly  16  comprises a lower handle assembly  210  ( FIG. 3 ) (previously described) and an upper handle assembly  14 . The upper handle assembly  14  comprises a forward shell  270  and a rearward shell  272  that mate to form an upper handle cavity  274  therebetween. A handle grip  276  is mounted to the upper portion of the upper handle assembly  14  for maneuvering the extractor  10  across the surface to be cleaned. The handle grip  276  is formed by two mating halves, a forward member  278  and a rearward member  280 . The handle grip  276  further comprises a fluid trigger  282  pivotally mounted between the mating members  278 ,  280  and operatively coupled to a push rod  284  that is enclosed within the upper handle cavity  274 . As will be discussed in more detail hereinafter, the push rod  284  is slidingly coupled to the trigger  282  and is configured to selectively activate the trigger microswitch (not shown) located in the top of the lower handle assembly  210  ( FIG. 3 ). The upper handle assembly  14  also includes a recess  286 , formed in the shells  270  and  272 , in which cleaning accessory tools can be mounted and stored. A transparent window  273  can be secured to the forward shell  270  to enhance visibility of the recess  286 . Although not shown, the recess  286  can include mounting clips or other features to enable selected accessory tools or other extractor-related items to be mounted. The upper handle assembly  14  is secured to the lower handle assembly  210  by any suitable mechanical means, such as fasteners, screws, or the like. 
     Referring back to  FIGS. 3 and 14 , the above described latch assembly  230  is configured such that the user can selectively remove the pod  22  from the base assembly  12  to use the extractor  10  as a portable cleaning apparatus. To release the pod  22  from the base platform  20 , the user depresses the release pedal  232 , which pivots the release pedal  232  downwardly against the spring  246  bias. Because the pedal end of the connecting rod  236  is affixed to the release pedal  232  above the pivot axis of the pivot shaft  242  the connecting rod  236  is translated to the right, or outwardly, away from the centerline of the extractor  10 . This outward motion pulls the latch end of the connecting rod  236  in the same direction, to the right also. The latch end, however, is affixed to the latch  234  below the pivot axis of the pivot shaft  252 , which in turn pivots the catch  248  of the latch  234  to the left, or outwardly, away from the centerline of the extractor  10 , thereby releasing the mating detent  262  on the pod  22 . The pod  22  is then free to be lifted off the base  12 . 
     As mentioned above, the extractor  10  comprises a fluid delivery system for storing the cleaning fluid and delivering the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned. For visual clarity, the various electrical connections within the fluid delivery system are not shown in the drawings described above but are depicted schematically in  FIG. 16 . Referring now to FIG.  16 , the fluid delivery system comprises the solution tank  92  for storing a cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid can comprise one or more of any suitable cleaning fluids, including, but not limited to, water, concentrated detergent, diluted detergent, and the like. Preferably, the cleaning fluid comprises a mixture of water and concentrated detergent. When the solution supply tank assembly  26  is mounted to the pod  22  ( FIG. 1 ), the receiver  102  opens the normally closed valve  98 , which dispenses cleaning fluid to the downstream fluid delivery system. An exemplary valve and valve seat are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,167,586, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The cleaning fluid flows from the solution tank  92  to the pump  142 , which pressurizes the cleaning fluid. It should be noted that the valve  98  is normally closed, such that when the solution tank assembly  26  is removed from the pod  22 , cleaning fluid is prevented from flowing out of the solution tank  92 . 
     Pressurized fluid exits the pump  142  and flows into a T-fitting  290  that is fluidly connected to both the accessory wand  27  and the mechanical spray tip valve  144 , which is spring biased to a normally closed position. The solenoid valve  148  is positioned in the fluid flow path upstream from the spray tip valve  144  to selectively control the flow of fluid thereto. When the user depresses the fluid trigger  282  ( FIG. 15 ) on the upper handle assembly  14 , the push rod  284  slides downwardly and engages the microswitch (not shown), which, in turn, actuates the solenoid valve  148  to permit pressurized cleaning fluid to flow through the solenoid valve  148  to the spray tip valve  144 . It should be noted that the spray tip valve  144  is normally closed, such that when the pod  22  is removed from the base assembly  12 , cleaning fluid is prevented from flowing out of the spray tip valve  144 . 
     When the pod  22  is mounted to the base assembly  12  with the solenoid valve  148  opened, the receiver  182 , which is mounted in the base platform  20 , opens the normally closed spray tip valve  144  thereby connecting the fluid delivery connections between the pod  22  and the base assembly  12  and permitting pressurized cleaning fluid to be delivered from the supply tank assembly  26  to the spray tip assemblies  184  for dispensing cleaning fluid onto the surface to be cleaned. Additionally, the heater  158  and a fluid filter  292  can be fluidly connected between the receiver  182  and the spray tip assemblies  184 . The heater  158  can be adapted to increase the temperature of the cleaning fluid. An in-line heater for an extraction cleaning machine is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,237, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The filter  292  can comprise a threaded access cap  293  that can be removed by a user to access and clean a removable mesh screen (not shown) that is adapted to trap small debris and contaminates to prevent clogging the spray tip assemblies  184 . 
     As described above, the accessory wand  27  is fluidly connected to the fluid delivery system by the T-fitting  290 . The accessory wand  27  comprises an accessory wand spray tip  294  and an accessory wand fluid trigger  296 . The fluid trigger  296  is operably connected to a normally closed plunger valve (not shown) that is mounted within the accessory wand  27  and fluidly connected to the spray tip  294  and the T-fitting  290 . The spray tip  294  is operably connected to the plunger valve such that when the user depresses the fluid trigger  296 , the plunger valve opens and delivers the pressurized cleaning fluid through the accessory wand spray tip  294 , and onto the surface to be cleaned. Optionally, an assortment of interchangeable accessory tools (not shown) can be fluidly connected to the distal end of the accessory wand such that cleaning fluid flows through the spray tip  294 , through the accessory tool (not shown) and onto the surface to be cleaned. 
     The above described fluid delivery system configuration permits fluid to be selectively dispensed through both of the spray tip assemblies  184  located in the base assembly  12  when the pod  22  is mounted to the base assembly  12 , or, alternatively, through the accessory hose spray tip  294  located in the accessory wand  27 , when the pod  22  is detached from the base assembly  12 . A user can selectively control fluid flow to the spray tip assemblies  184  by selectively depressing the fluid trigger  282  located in the handle. Likewise, a user can selectively control fluid flow to the accessory hose spray tip  294  by selectively depressing the accessory wand fluid trigger  296 . 
     As will be recognized by one skilled in the extractor art, the fluid delivery system can include various modifications. Furthermore, the pump  142  is optional and can be eliminated in lieu of a commonly known gravity fed fluid delivery system. Additionally, the spray tip assembly  184  can be replaced by a plurality of spray tips or an alternate fluid distributor, such as a perforated distribution bar. 
     As mentioned above, the extractor  10  comprises a fluid recovery system for removing the spent cleaning fluid and dirt from the surface to be cleaned and storing the spent cleaning fluid and dirt. The fluid recovery system comprises the motor/blower assembly  52  that generates a working air flow through the working air path of the extractor  10 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3-7 , when the pod  22  is mounted to the base assembly  12  in the floor cleaning mode, a working air path C originates at the nozzle inlet  176  and extends through the fluid flow path in the nozzle assembly  156 , through the nozzle conduit  180 , and the nozzle outlet  178 . The working air path continues into the pod  22  by entering the diversion chamber  67  through the nozzle inlet  68  in the diverter housing  400 . The working air path C exits the diversion chamber  67  through the diverter outlet  56 , and continues on to the inlet conduit  120 , which is in fluid communication with the recovery tank inlet  132 . The working air path C passes through the recovery tank inlet  132  into the air/fluid separation chamber where it passes over the separator plate  130 . As described above, the divider wall  128  and separator plate  130  provide fluid separation between the recovery tank inlet  132  and the recovery tank exhaust outlet  134 . The recovered dirt and water fall into the recovery chamber  114 . 
     The working air path “C” transitions into the working air exhaust pathway “A” when it exits the recovery chamber  114 . The working air exhaust pathway “A” exits the recovery chamber  114  through the opening  129  and recovery tank exhaust outlet  134 , and into the exhaust duct  122 , which is fluidly connected to the motor inlet conduit  58  in the base  32 . The working air passes through the motor inlet conduit  58  and enters the motor cavity  50 . As previously described, the working air is drawn through the motor/blower assembly  52  and exits the motor cavity  50  through the exhaust holes  54 , and passes through a working air exhaust chamber  53  formed between the air path cover  64  and the base  32  and out the exhaust vents  65 . The working air continues through to flow through an exhaust channel  71  and out the base exhaust vents  73 . Thus air can be exhausted from the bottom of the extractor  10  towards the surface to be cleaned and into surrounding atmosphere. 
     The previously described fluid recovery system is operable only through the base assembly  12  floor suction nozzle assembly  156  when the pod  22  is mounted to the base assembly  12 . To enable suction through the accessory wand  27  and attached hose, the pod  22  must be removed from the base assembly  12  and used in the portable accessory cleaning mode. Removing the pod  22  from the base assembly  12  automatically diverts the working air path through the accessory wand  27 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 6 , removing the pod  22  from the base assembly  12  lifts the nozzle inlet  68  off of the nozzle conduit  180 , thereby disconnecting the recovery connections between the pod  22  and base assembly  12 , and slides the actuator arm  424  attached to the shaft  422  of the diverter door  69  away from the protrusion  426 , which allows the spring-biased diverter door  69  to pivot downwardly to a closed position. Accordingly, when the pod  22  is removed from the base assembly  12 , the door  69  blocks off the nozzle inlet  68  in the diverter housing  400  and the working air path therethrough. Moreover, blocking off the nozzle inlet  68  opens a working air path between the hose inlet  60  and the diverter outlet  56 , recovery tank duct assembly  118  and upstream accessory wand  27 . The working air path originates at an accessory wand nozzle inlet  298  on the accessory wand handle  90 , and continues through the accessory hose  80 . The accessory hose  80  is fluidly connected to the hose conduit  84 , which in turn, is fluidly connected to the hose inlet  60  and diversion chamber  67 . From the diversion chamber  67 , the working air then flows through the remainder of the working air path, including the recovery tank  24 , motor inlet conduit  58 , motor cavity  50 , a suction source comprising a motor/blower assembly  52 , and downstream exhaust holes  54  and ventilation slots  62  as previously described for the floor cleaning mode. Conversely, when the pod  22  is mounted on the base assembly  12 , the actuator arm  424  contacts the protrusion  426 , which pivots the diverter door  69  upwardly, thus opening the diverter outlet  56  and blocking the hose inlet  60 . Accordingly, when the pod  22  is mounted to the base assembly  12 , the working air path C flows through the floor suction nozzle assembly  156  and downstream fluid recovery system while the working air flow path through the accessory wand  27  is simultaneously blocked. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 17A-C , the power assembly  190  is configured to selectively provide power from the pod  22  to the base assembly  12 . When the pod  22  is removed from the base assembly  12 , the male connector  146  mounted in the tower  63  of the base  32  of the pod  22  is lifted away and disconnected from the mating female connector  192  mounted in the base assembly  12 , thereby disconnecting the electrical connections between the pod  22  and base assembly  12 . As shown in  FIG. 17A , the stack cover  198  is spring biased to a horizontal/closed position in which the stack cover  198  encloses the open upper end of the electrical stack  194 , thereby covering and protecting the electrical connector  192  housed therein. 
     As the pod  22  is installed onto the base assembly  12 , the lower portion of the tower  63  contacts the tab  200  of the stack cover  198  and pivots the stack cover  198  upwardly against its spring bias to a partially open position, as seen in  FIG. 17B . As the pod  22  continues to be lowered into the installed position, the tower  63  pivots the stack cover  198  to a fully open position, thereby exposing the female connector  192 . Referring now to  FIG. 17C , when the pod  22  is fully seated onto the base assembly  12 , the male and female connectors  146 ,  192  fully engage and make an electrical connection between the pod  22  and the base assembly  12 . 
     This configuration protects the male and female connectors  146  and  192 . When the pod  22  is removed from the base assembly  12 , the male connector  146 , located on the underside of the pod  22 , is protected because it is recessed within the tower  63 . Further, the female connector  192  is protected by the stack cover  198 , which shields the connector  192  from liquid, debris, and user contact, for example. 
     A description of the operation of the extractor  10  follows. It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the extractor art that the operation can proceed in any logical order and is not limited to the sequence described below. The following description is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. 
     Prior to operation, the pod  22  can be operably mounted to the base assembly  12 , or can be detached from the base assembly  12  to be used as a standalone extractor. As the pod  22  is mounted to the base assembly  12 , several connections between components systems can be made contemporaneously. In the illustrated embodiment, four such connections are made, although the extractor  10  can also be configured such that fewer connections are made at the same time. While the four illustrated connections will be described in more detail below, they are, generally: the interconnection of the fluid delivery system, the interconnection of the recovery connections, the interconnection of the exhaust system, and the interconnection of the electrical system. More specifically, the spray tip valve  144  is adapted to be connected with the pod receiver  182  when the pod  22  is operably mounted to the base assembly  12 , such that cleaning fluid can be dispensed to the floor surface, the outlet  178 , which is fluidly interconnected with the suction nozzle assembly  156 , is adapted to be connected with the nozzle inlet  68  when the pod  22  is operably mounted to the base assembly  12 , such that the motor/blower assembly  52  is fluidly interconnected to the suction nozzle assembly  156 , the exhaust inlet slots  75 , which is fluidly interconnected with the exhaust vent  73 , is adapted to be connected with the exhaust vents  65  when the pod  22  is operably mounted to the base assembly  12 , such that the outlet of the motor/blower assembly  52  is fluidly interconnected to the exhaust vent  73 , and the female connector  192  is adapted to be connected with the male connector  146  when the pod  22  is operably mounted to the base assembly  12 . 
     In operation, a user prepares the extractor  10  for use by filling the solution tank  92  with at least one cleaning fluid. To fill the solution tank  92  with cleaning fluid, the user removes the solution supply tank assembly  26  from the pod  22  by simply lifting the solution supply tank assembly  26  by the carry handle  104 , which disengages the valve  98  from the receiver  102 . Next, the user unscrews and removes the fill cap  96  from the inlet  100  and fills the solution tank  92  with cleaning fluid. The user then replaces the fill cap  96  onto the inlet  100  and mounts the solution supply tank assembly  26  onto the pod  22 , thereby coupling the valve  98  with the receiver  102 , which opens the valve  98  and fluidly connects the solution tank  92  with the fluid distribution system. 
     To operate the deep cleaner  10  in the floor cleaning mode, with the pod  22  mounted to the base assembly  12 , the user actuates the main power switch  140  to supply power from a power source, such as an electrical outlet, to energize the motor/blower assembly  52  which generates a working airflow through the fluid recovery system. Additionally, the main power switch  140  simultaneously energizes the pump  142 , and the solenoid valve  148 , as shown schematically in  FIG. 18 . Power is supplied to the base assembly  12  through the pod  22  when the pod  22  is mounted thereon. The base assembly  12  and pod  22  are electrically connected through the mating male and female electrical connectors  146 ,  192  as described above. 
     Power supplied from the pod  22  can energize the electrical components within the base assembly comprising the heater  158 , the brush motor  160 , and a PCB  186 . Power to the brush motor  160  is selectively controlled by the brush motor switch  226  mounted within the base assembly  12 . The normally open brush motor switch  226  is configured to close and supply power to the brush motor  160  when the handle assembly  16  is reclined during use. To recline the handle assembly  16 , the user depresses the detent pedal  220 , which disengages the release mechanism  218  from the base housing  150  and frees the handle assembly  15  to pivot rearwardly. When the user reclines the handle assembly  16 , a protrusion (not shown) on the right hand trunnion  216  of the lower handle assembly  210  releases an actuator button  228  ( FIG. 8 ) on the brush motor switch  226 , which closes the brush motor switch  226  and supplies power to the brush motor  160  for floor cleaning. When the handle assembly  16  is returned to the upright storage position, the protrusion (no shown) on the trunnion  216  engages the actuator button  228 , which opens the brush motor switch  226  and cuts power to the brush motor  160 . 
     With the handle assembly  16  reclined and brush motor  160  energized, the user grasps the handle grip  276  and moves the extractor  10  along the surface to be cleaned while selectively applying the cleaning fluid by depressing the fluid trigger  282 . The cleaning fluid is dispensed through spray tip assemblies  184  while the brushrolls  162  agitate the surface to be cleaned. The user may also selectively dispense cleaning fluid through the accessory wand spray tip  294  by depressing the accessory wand fluid trigger  296 . Spent cleaning fluid and dirt on the surface to be cleaned are entrained in the working air flow and removed through the floor suction nozzle assembly  156  and flow through the working air path C described above, into the recovery chamber  114 , where the spent cleaning fluid and dirt are separated from the working air. The working air continues along the working air exhaust pathway A out of the recovery chamber  114  to the motor cavity  50 , and the exhaust air from the motor cavity  50  proceeds out of exhaust vents  65  beneath the pod, through exhaust inlet slots  75  in the cover plate  152 , into the exhaust channel  71  and through the base exhaust vents  73  formed in the bottom of the base housing  150  towards the surface to be cleaned. 
     The recovery tank assembly  24  is quickly and easily emptied by first grasping the carry handle  124  and lifting the recovery tank assembly  24  off of the module lower body  28 . Next, the cover  126  is unlocked and removed from the tank housing  40  by unlatching the latch  138 . The user then grasps the recovery tank  110  and inverts it to discard the spent cleaning fluid and dirt to an appropriate receptacle or waste drain. 
     Moreover, a user may easily clean or replace the spray tip insert  300  by depressing the resilient latch  346  to release the catch  350  from the retainer tab  352 . Next, a user lifts the deflecting leg  348  upwardly, which rotates the associated pivot coupling  302  about the pivot barb outlet  314 . When the deflecting leg  348  clears the retainer tab  352 , a user can pull the spray tip insert  300  out of the pivot coupling  302 . The O-ring seals  320  around the spray tip insert inlet  336  slide along the sealing surface  334  inside the coupling outlet  326 . Upon removal, a user can easily clear potential clogs from the spray orifice  342  of the spray tip insert  300 , or simply replace the entire spray tip insert  300  with a new one and then re-install and remount the spray tip insert  300  following the above-described steps in reverse order. 
     To operate the extractor  10  in the portable accessory cleaning mode, the user removes the pod  22  from the base assembly  12  by depressing the release pedal  232 . As the release pedal  232  pivots downwardly about the pivot shaft  242 , the pedal catch  247  pivots outwardly and disengages a corresponding detent (not shown) on the base  32  of the pod  22 . The pivot leg  240  pulls the pedal end of the connecting rod  236  outwardly, away from the centerline of the extractor  10 , while simultaneously pulling the latch end of the connecting rod  236  inwardly, toward the centerline of the extractor  10 . The latch end pulls the rod channel  254  inwardly and because the rod channel  254  is positioned below the pivot shaft  252 , the pivot leg  250  and catch  248  pivot outwardly, away from the centerline of the extractor  10 , thus disengaging a detent  262  on the base  32  of the pod  22  so that pod  22  can be lifted off of the base  12 . 
     As the user lifts the pod  22  away from the base  12 , the actuator arm  424  slides off of the corresponding protrusion  426  on the cover plate  152  and the spring-biased diverter door  69  pivots downwardly and blocks the nozzle inlet  68 , while simultaneously opening the working air path to the hose  80  and upstream accessory wand  27  through the hose inlet  60 . Additionally, the male connector  146  is separated from the female connector  192 , thereby disconnecting power to the electrical circuit in the base assembly  12 . The tower  63  disengages the tab  200  of the stack cover  198 , which springs back to its spring-biased horizontal/closed position covering the upper end of the electrical stack  194  to shield the electrical connector  192  housed therein from water or debris. 
     Next, the user actuates the main power switch  140 . When desired, the user selectively depresses the accessory wand fluid trigger  296  to dispense cleaning fluid from the solution tank  92 , through tubing that fluidly connects the pump  142  and T-fitting  290 , and through the accessory wand spray tip  294  and associated accessory tool (not shown) to the surface to be cleaned. The spent cleaning fluid and dirt on the surface to be cleaned are extracted through the accessory tool (not shown), accessory wand nozzle inlet  298  on the accessory wand handle  90 , and into the accessory hose  80 . As described above, the accessory hose  80  is fluidly connected to the hose conduit  84 , the hose inlet  60 , and the diversion chamber  67 . From the diversion chamber  67 , the working air then flows through the remainder of the working air path described above and into the recovery chamber  114 , where the spent cleaning fluid and dirt are separated from the working air and the separated working air continues to flow along the working air path out of the recovery chamber  114  to the motor cavity  50 , through the motor/blower assembly  52 , and the exhaust air from the motor cavity  50  exits the base assembly  12  through exhaust holes  54  and corresponding exhaust vents  65  underneath the base the base  32 . 
     The disclosed embodiments are representative of preferred forms of the invention and are intended to be illustrative rather than definitive of the invention. The illustrated upright extractor is but one example of the variety of deep cleaners with which this invention or some slight variant can be used. Reasonable variation and modification are possible within the forgoing disclosure and drawings without departing from the scope of the invention which is defined by the appended claims.