Abstract: This invention relates to a vacuum cleaner comprising a body with a vacuum source. The vacuum cleaner is provided with at least two filter chambers, a first filter chamber for a first filter means in a surface cleaning mode and a second chamber for the same or a second filter means in a filter cleaning mode.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner dust separation unit having a cyclone chamber (113) and a dust collection chamber (115). The cyclone chamber (113) extends along a longitudinal axis (398), and has an air inlet (183), an air outlet (408), an inlet wall (396) between the air inlet (183) and the air outlet (408), and one or more air passages (404) through the inlet wall (396). The dust collection chamber (115) is adapted to receive dirt from the cyclone chamber (113). In one aspect, the inlet wall (396) comprises an elliptical wall that is located adjacent the air inlet (182) and angled relative to the longitudinal axis (398). In another aspect, the cyclone chamber (113) has an end wall (432) located opposite the inlet wall (396), and a dirt outlet (114) to the dust collection chamber (115) located adjacent the end wall (432), and the end wall (432) has a recessed portion (438) surrounding an extended portion (436) that protrudes into the cyclone chamber (113).

Abstract: A carrier, such as an autonomous cleaning apparatus, has a self-adjusting wheel assembly that can move vertically, thereby enabling the carrier to readily pass over a surface. The wheel assembly may include microswitch, which activates a control mechanism for the carrier when a wheel assembly is in a predetermined position along its path of vertical movement. Rollers can be located at the bottom of the carrier to function in cooperation with the wheel assemblies so as to facilitate the ability of the carrier to pass over obstacles. This ability may be enhanced by constructing the bottom of the front portion of the carrier so that it is slanted or inclined upwardly in a direction outward from the bottom of the carrier. A driving wheel may be rotatably attached to a wheel support, and which may also support a power source and a transmission.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vacuum cleaner comprising a body with a vacuum source. The vacuum cleaner is provided with at least two filter chambers, a first filter chamber for a first filter means in a surface cleaning mode and a second chamber for the same or a second filter means in a filter cleaning mode.

Abstract: A carrier, such as an autonomous cleaning apparatus, has a self-adjusting wheel assembly that can move vertically, thereby enabling the carrier to readily pass over a surface. The wheel assembly may include actuating means, which activates a control mechanism for the carrier when a wheel assembly is in a predetermined position along its path of vertical movement. Rotatable support means can be located at the bottom of the carrier to function in cooperation with the wheel assemblies so as to facilitate the ability of the carrier to pass over obstacles. This ability may be enhanced by constructing the bottom of the front portion of the carrier so that it is slanted or inclined upwardly in a direction outward from the bottom of the carrier. A driving wheel may be rotatably attached to a support means, and which may also support a power source and a transmission means.