Oh Charles, this is utterly fascinating and from the 'horse's mouth' no less. We thank you so much for unearthing these valuable and interesting recollections - more please, if possible.
I can see the engineering logic behind the floor/rug tool design. Not the only company to try a system of inlet holes to set up a swirl inside the nozzle but perhaps the only one to do it with a static nozzle. He put the edge cleaning channels at the corners and the sides (none across the front or back) letting the broad smooth plate eliminate track patterns...and of course it helps overcome the strong leeching action of that bottom plate to the carpet under the Comet's extreme suction, using the same motor & double fans of the Compact and Filter Queen.
Charles, is the central brush supported only at each end, suspended across the middle of the opening with airflow all around it?
I see now from your pictures that the 4 foot hose section that came with mine is likely the original, much faded in color. The farmer fellow in Cottam Onatrio just east of Windsor that I got it from told me he got it at a yard sale and used it to clean up around the barn and after the dog and his scattering of Doggie Chow. I can attest to that...all manner of pellets, mouse nest material, sticks and stones were inside the motor compartment, having fallen or climbed in around the missing switch pedal, also jamming up the cord winder drum.
Old Haley, she's a big golden blonde gal, may not be the prettiest at the dance but she's tough and can out-vacuum most every other gal in the neighborhood.
