Abstract: In apparatus for vacuuming particulate matter an enclosed housing includes at least one inlet for ingress of particulate matter and at least one outlet enabling air to egress from the housing, the inlet and outlet being oppositely disposed. A fan is connected to the at least one inlet and one outlet to generate a partial vacuum within the housing, and a cyclone is connected to the at least one outlet removing secondary particulate matter contained in the particulate matter. A duct interconnects the cyclone and a region of the housing spaced therefrom for conducting air from the housing to the cyclone. A duct inlet in the form of a slit extends transversely across the housing in the region of the at least one inlet.