Abstract: A vacuum cleaner including a dirty air inlet (12, 14) communicating with a clean air outlet by way of an airflow path has a cyclone (18) arranged in the airflow path. In use, air flowing along the airflow path from the dirty air inlet (12, 14) to the clean air outlet passes through the cyclone (18). At least one bleed valve (20) is arranged in the wall of the airflow path upstream of the cyclone (18). Preferably, three bleed valves (20) are located in the wall of the airflow path and, more preferably, the bleed valves (20) are substantially identical to one another. Control may be provided for controlling the amount of air bled through the bleed valve (76) when a single bleed valve is provided.

Abstract: A portable vacuum surface cleaning apparatus for taking up and recovering fluids such as liquids and debris from floors or carpets that includes an elongated circuitous or convoluted passageway having an inlet at one end and an outlet at the other end adapted for communication with a vacuum source and communicating with the recovery chamber through a top access opening in a region thereof intermediately between the inlet and outlet, the elongated passageway including a first section extending from the inlet to an elevated region thereof remote from the inlet and above the recovery chamber portion, an intermediate section in communication with the first section in the elevated region thereof and extending therefrom to overlie and communicate with the top opening of the recovery chamber portion, and a third section in communication with the intermediate section in the region thereof above the top opening and extending therefrom toward the outlet.

Abstract: A portable vacuum surface cleaning apparatus for taking up and recovering fluids such as liquids, and debris from floors or carpets that includes an elongated circuitous or convoluted passageway having an inlet at one end and an outlet at the other end adapted for communication with a vacuum source and communicating with the recovery chamber through a top access opening in a region thereof intermediately between the inlet and outlet, driven rotary brush associated with the apparatus and supported rearwardly thereof and projecting therebelow for contacting the surfaces to be cleaned; and a diluent or cleaning solution source associated with the apparatus including a discharge flow passage directed rearmost thereof to an outlet from an integral well or repository for the reception of a removable container or capsule having an integral displaceable dispensing valve for diluent or cleaning solutions.