Abstract: The present invention relates to upright and cannister vacuum cleaners. The improved vacuum cleaners utilize toroidal vortex technology to provide efficient airflow in a sealed system. The sealed system prevents dust from escaping into the atmosphere and retains kinetic energy of flowing air. The present invention is also quieter, lighter, and simpler than conventional designs.

Abstract: An improved elastic motor is disclosed having a constant torque characteristic. The motor utilizes a reel with elastic stretched to its maximum tension. Each unit length of the elastic is allowed to relax back to its normal state while generating work in a process that will continue until the wheel is fully unwound. The present invention will ease design of mobile devices and the like by providing a power source having a predictable and stable output characteristic.

Abstract: A vortex generating apparatus has the capability of attracting and removably adhering one or more solid objects, with the improvement of being able to removably adhere to non-planar surfaces, e.g., concave or convex surfaces and/or inside and outside corners. Generally, the apparatus comprises an impeller housed within a shell. The vortex attractor generates a vortical fluid flow in the form of a helical or spiral shaped flow. The fluid flow creates a low pressure region extending from the impeller end of the device. This low pressure region is contained by the walls of the fluid flow, thus directing the attractive forces toward a surface and minimizing effects of ambient fluid on the system. When the surface is part of a stationary object, wall, floor or ceiling, the vortex attractor may move toward and adhere to the surface. When the surface is part of a movable object, the vortex attractor may attract the object and maintain the attracted position.

Abstract: The present invention is a separation apparatus that combines the effects of a cylindrical vortex and a series of partial toroidal vortices. The toroidal vortex and cylindrical vortex fluid flows combined provide better separation than either fluid flow alone. Moreover, the present invention may be constructed such that an arbitrary number of partial toroidal vortices, in series, having relatively small radii are formed thereby allowing any level of separation to be achieved.