Abstract: An upright surface cleaning apparatus comprises a floor cleaning head and an upright section moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head. The upright section has a filtration member housing and a suction motor housing. The filtration member housing has a filtration member, an air inlet, an air outlet, an openable top wall and an openable bottom wall and the suction motor housing has a suction motor and an open top. A pre-motor filter is removably receivable in the open top of the suction motor housing. The filtration member housing is removably positionable on the suction motor housing and the filtration member housing seals the open top of the suction motor housing when the filtration member housing is positioned on the suction motor housing whereby the pre-motor filter is revealed when the filtration member hosing is removed. When the filtration member housing is positioned on the suction motor housing, the air outlet of the filtration member housing faces an upstream surface of the pre-motor filter.

Abstract: The handheld vacuum cleaner (10) includes a housing (22), a handle (42), a suction opening (90), and a debris separator (14). The debris separator (14) includes a generally horizontal cyclone (66). An airflow rotate about a cyclone axis (70) to separate debris from the airflow. The cyclone axis (70) being generally perpendicular to an inlet axis (222). A suction source (170) is operable to generate the airflow. The suction source (170) including a suction source axis (186), a motor (178), and a fan (182) rotated by the motor (178) about the suction source axis (186). The suction source axis (186) is positioned at an obtuse angle relative to the inlet axis (222) and perpendicular to the cyclone axis (70). A debris collector (18) is in fluid communication with the debris outlet (126). The debris collector (18) is configured to receive the debris separated from the airflow. The debris collector (18) extends below the suction source (170).

Abstract: A hand vacuum cleaner comprises a cyclone and a dirt chamber external to the cyclone. The cyclone comprises a dirt outlet in communication with the dirt chamber, a cyclone chamber rear end that is axially spaced from and opposed to a cyclone chamber front end and a sidewall located between the cyclone chamber front end and the cyclone chamber rear end. The cyclone air inlet and the cyclone air outlet are located at the cyclone chamber rear end wherein, when the upper end of the hand vacuum cleaner is positioned above the lower end of the hand vacuum cleaner, the central longitudinally extending axis is oriented generally horizontally. A plate is positioned at the front end of the cyclone chamber. The dirt outlet comprises a gap that is provided at the cyclone chamber front end and the gap is provided at a location that is spaced axially inwardly towards the cyclone chamber rear end.

Abstract: A separator assembly including a first cyclone, a second cyclone, and a sealing plate. The second cyclone assembly includes a plurality of second cyclone separators arranged fluidly in parallel. At least a portion of the plurality of second cyclone separators is arranged in a ring of cyclones spaced radially from an axis and connected by wall portions. The sealing plate surrounds a portion of each of the second cyclone separators, configured such that each of the second cyclone separators extends through a respective opening defined in the sealing plate. A flow path is defined between the first cyclone separator to the inlets of the second cyclone separators, at least a portion of the flow path being bounded by at least a portion of an upper surface of the sealing plate and the wall portions.

Abstract: A cleaner which has a main body that forms an external shape, a dust container that is separably combined with the main body and stores dust separated from air, a dust container cover that is configured to open and close the dust container, a handle unit that is disposed behind the dust container, and an operating member that is configured to provide operation force to the dust container cover by moving in a first direction and to release a holding mechanism for preventing separation of the dust container from the main body by moving in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus includes an air flow path, a cyclone bin assembly, and a suction motor. The air flow path extends from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet. The cyclone bin assembly is provided in the air flow path, and includes a cyclone chamber, a cyclone air inlet, a cyclone air outlet, a cyclone axis of rotation, and an axially extending cyclone chamber sidewall extending between first and second axially opposed ends. The cyclone chamber sidewall has first portion that is moveably mounted with respect to a second portion of the cyclone chamber sidewall between a closed position in which the first and second portions meet at a first juncture and a second juncture and an open position in which the cyclone chamber is opened. The first juncture extends at an angle to a plane that is transverse to the cyclone axis of rotation.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus has a first air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet with a suction motor and a cyclone positioned in the first air flow path. The cyclone has a cyclone chamber, a first airflow passage, and a second airflow passage. The first airflow passage and second airflow passage are isolated from each other. The first airflow passage defines a first tangential air inlet to the cyclone chamber and the second airflow passage defines a second tangential air inlet to the cyclone chamber. The second tangential air inlet is positioned around the perimeter of the cyclone chamber sidewall downstream from the first tangential air inlet in the direction of rotation of air in the cyclone chamber.

Abstract: Provided is a cleaner including a dust collecting device for separating dust from air, wherein the dust collecting device includes a dust collecting case having a dust discharging port opened to discharge the collected dust; a discharge cover coupled to one side of the dust collecting case to open and close the dust discharge port; and a sealing member provided to extend from an inner surface of the dust collecting case to a coupling surface of the dust collecting case while being in contact with the dust collecting case and thus to be sealed when the dust discharging port is closed.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner including a debris separator that includes a housing, a cyclonic separator including a cylindrical wall having a first end and a second end. The cylindrical wall is located in within the housing and the cyclonic separator further includes a dirty air inlet, a clean air outlet, a debris outlet adjacent the second end, and a longitudinal axis surrounded by the cylindrical wall and the longitudinal axis of the cyclonic separator extends in generally a horizontal orientation. The debris separator further includes a lid coupled to the housing and the cyclonic separator is coupled to the lid such that the cyclonic separator is removable from the housing with the lid. A debris collection chamber is located within the housing and in fluid communication with the debris outlet of the cyclonic separator.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a cyclone bin assembly having a sidewall surrounding a contiguous interior volume and comprising multiple segments of different profile and width.

Abstract: Provided is a cleaner including a dust collecting device for separating dust from air, wherein the dust collecting device includes a dust collecting case having a dust discharging port opened to discharge the collected dust; a discharge cover coupled to one side of the dust collecting case to open and close the dust discharge port; and a sealing member provided to extend from an inner surface of the dust collecting case to a coupling surface of the dust collecting case while being in contact with the dust collecting case and thus to be sealed when the dust discharging port is closed.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a suction nozzle and a dirt separating and collecting system. The dirt separating and collecting system can include a bagless filter module and a bagged filter module that can be interchanged to convert the dirt separating and collecting system between a bagless configuration and a bagged configuration.

Abstract: A floor cleaning machine including a base including a suction nozzle and a distribution nozzle, a handle pivotably coupled to the base about a pivot axis, a supply tank assembly coupled to the handle, and a suction motor assembly in fluid communication with the suction nozzle. The floor cleaning machine further includes a recovery tank coupled to the handle in fluid communication with the suction motor assembly to receive and store fluid and dirt drawn through the suction nozzle and an expandable hose fluidly communicating the recovery tank and the suction nozzle. The hose is in an expanded configuration when the handle is pivoted to a substantially upright position and the hose is in a retracted configuration when the handle is pivoted about the pivot axis to a reclined position and the hose at least partially wraps around the pivot axis in the expanded and the retracted configurations.

Abstract: An agricultural planter includes a chassis, a pneumatic system carried by the chassis, and a row unit carried by the chassis. The row unit includes a unit body, a metering unit carried by the unit body, a flexible coupling locked onto the port by an inner lip formed on an inner surface of the coupling. The metering unit includes a port with a channel formed within the port. The coupling has a sliding region formed on an outer surface of the coupling. The row unit also includes a locking ring bound within the sliding region of the coupling. The locking ring is slidable across the sliding region between a locked position and an unlocked position, such that the locking ring prevents the coupling from deforming to allow the inner lip off the port in the locked position. The row unit also includes a hose connecting the pneumatic system to the channel of the port through the coupling.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprising a cyclonic separating apparatus including a dirty air inlet, a main body connected to the cyclonic separating apparatus and a motor and fan unit for generating an airflow through the cyclonic separating apparatus from the dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, wherein the cyclonic separating apparatus includes at least a first cyclonic cleaning stage and an elongate filter arranged fluidly downstream from the first cyclonic cleaning stage, the elongate filter being housed in a duct at least partially surrounded by the first cleaning stage, and wherein the filter comprises an inlet portion and a filter portion defining a generally tubular filter chamber, the inlet portion including one or more radially facing inlets to permit air to flow into the inlet portion in a radial direction from where the air flows from the inlet portion to the filter chamber in an axial direction.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner having a nozzle and a support movable between a projected state and a retracted state. The support, in its projected state, is adapted to support the vacuum cleaner in a self-standing position. The support is mounted to the nozzle and projects from the nozzle in its projected state.

Abstract: A brush vacuum cleaner having a brush set for receiving a driven brush roller, wherein at least one electric motor for a suction fan and for the drive of the brush roller is disposed in the brush set and wherein at least three air guiding channels are formed in a pivotable connecting element between the brush set and a filter housing. A supply of the dirt-laden suction air from the brush set to the filter housing takes place through the first air guiding channel, the filtered air is returned to the brush set through the second air guiding channel and through the third air guiding channel exhaust gas of the suction fan is returned to the filter housing to an air outlet.

Abstract: In a wireless mobile communications system, a method for controlling a radio resource allocation is provided. A network transmits access control information to a terminal such that a request for the radio resource allocation which will be transmitted from the terminal can be controlled. The terminal selectively transmits the request for the radio resource allocation based on the received information, thus a transmission of an unnecessary request for the radio resource can be minimized, thereby preventing a waste of the radio resource.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprises an improved dirt separator and collection module, which includes an exhaust grill comprising a plurality of vanes defining inlet passages for guiding working air through the module. At least one of the vanes can define an air exhaust conduit for exhausting working air from the module through the exhaust grill.

Abstract: A device for performing an action on a surface comprises at least one movably arranged functional body (21, 22), driving means for driving the functional body (21, 22), main safety means for decoupling the driving means from the functional body (21, 22) when a load exerted by the functional body (21, 22) in the direction of the driving means under the influence of resistance forces experienced by the functional body (21, 22) exceeds a predetermined maximum value, and additional safety means (40) which are movably arranged in the vicinity of the functional body (21, 22), and which are capable of exerting loads on the main safety means to different extents in different positions, at a side of the main safety means associated with the functional body (21, 22). The additional safety means may comprise a bar (40) having a non-circular cross-sectional area, which is rotatable about its longitudinal axis (41).

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner that includes an upright main body, an upright fan motor generating a suction force, and a wheel assembly that is mounted on the upright main body and guides movement and rotation of the upright main body. The upright main body includes a first housing that is installed on the wheel assembly so as to be rotatable in a leftward/rightward direction, and a second housing that is installed in the first housing so as to be rotatable in a forward/backward direction. The vacuum cleaner can be moved and rotated by freely moving an extension frame extending upward from the second housing in forward, backward, leftward, and rightward directions.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for vacuum operated sorting. The apparatus may include a plurality of casing members each having a passageway with a filter member across the passageway. The casing members may be removably coupled to one another in a desired order and/or quantity and attached to a vacuum source to provide sorting of objects such as beads into a plurality of size ranges.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner with bag mount and disposable bag is described. In some embodiments, the vacuum bag may include a semi-permeable dirt bag having a top edge, a generally flat collar having a top edge, and a first opening in the collar configured to accept a dirty air nozzle, where the top edge of the vacuum bag does not extend beyond the top edge of the collar. In some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner may include a dirty air nozzle, a vacuum bag having a substantially rigid collar including a dirty air opening, and at least one void used for alignment of the collar; a mounting member releasably connected to the vacuum cleaner and movable between a loading position and a fully closed position, and a latch to releasably retain a top edge of the collar to keep the mounting member in the fully closed position.

Abstract: An upright surface treating appliance includes a main body, a surface treating head connected to a yoke, and a stand. To provide a compact appliance the yoke and the stand are pivotable independently relative to the main body about a common pivot axis. This can also enable the yoke and the stand to be rotatably connected to the main body using one or more common connectors or bearings.

Abstract: A cleaning appliance of the canister type includes separating apparatus for separating dirt from a dirt-bearing fluid flow, a floor engaging rolling assembly, and a steering mechanism for steering the cleaning appliance as it is maneuver over a floor surface and for pivoting the separating apparatus relative to the rolling assembly.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner with a reduced frictional force between a vacuum base and a cleaning medium is described. The vacuum has a handle, yoke, body, and base. A handle and yoke distinct from, and behind, the base provides a moment arm anterior to the base when a force is applied. The handle and yoke assembly reduce the friction between the cleaning surface and the vacuum, allowing for larger motor and debris capturing capabilities, with easier handling and maneuverability resulting in advanced and superior cleaning capabilities.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a based and a handle. The handle has first and second valves to selectively receive suction airflow from a main suction inlet, a first edge cleaning inlet, and an accessory hose. The first valve is operable to connect a dirt separator to either a main floor cleaning inlet or an auxiliary cleaning inlet. The second valve is operable to selectively connect the auxiliary cleaning inlet to the edge cleaning inlet. The accessory hose is mountable to an accessory hose mount on the handle. When mounted, the accessory hose contacts a second actuator for the second valve to hold the second valve in an edge cleaning position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lock-out system and a lock-out apparatus for a vacuum cleaner having a closeable shell for a filter bag. The system includes a filter bag collar mount and a locking mechanism for a filter bag movably connected to the filter bag collar mount. The locking mechanism is able to be in one of an engaged position or in a disengaged position relative to the filter bag mount. Also, the locking mechanism in the disengaged position prevents the closeable shell from closing.

Abstract: A floor cleaner including a nozzle and a handle assembly pivotably mounted to the nozzle. The handle assembly including a handle, a motor housing supporting a suction source in fluid communication with the nozzle, and a bag housing defining a filter cavity. A door is removably coupled to the handle assembly and includes a retainer configured to secure a filter bag including a bag aperture to the door such that the door and the retainer are removable from the handle assembly as an assembly. The retainer includes a retainer handle positioned above the bag aperture.

Abstract: An upright surface treating appliance includes a main body having a user operable handle, and a support assembly for allowing the appliance to be rolled along a surface using the handle. The support assembly includes a yoke pivotably connected to the main body, and a pair of domed-shaped wheels rotatably connected to the yoke. A surface treating head is connected to the yoke. The yoke is shaped so that a section of the yoke is located between the rims of the wheels. To afford a compact appearance to the appliance, the outer surfaces of the wheels and the section of the yoke together at least partially delimit a substantially spherical volume.

Abstract: A multi-cyclone dust separator according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises at least three dust separation units for separating dust stepwise from relatively larger size. The dust separation units comprise a first dust separation unit primarily separating dust from external air drawn in; a second dust separation unit secondarily separating dust from the air primarily dust-separated by the first dust separation unit; and a third dust separation unit thirdly separating dust from the air secondarily dust-separated by the second dust separation unit. Here, the first to third dust separation units are multi-layered in a serial manner.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner with a reduced frictional force between a vacuum base and a cleaning medium is described. The vacuum has a handle, yoke, body, and base. A handle and yoke distinct from, and behind, the base provides a moment arm anterior to the base when a force is applied. The handle and yoke assembly reduce the friction between the cleaning surface and the vacuum, allowing for larger motor and debris capturing capabilities, with easier handling and maneuverability resulting in advanced and superior cleaning capabilities.

Abstract: A surface-treating appliance, such as a vacuum cleaner, has a main body and a support assembly. The support assembly is moveable between a supporting position, in which it supports the main body, and a retracted position. The support assembly includes a user-operable pedal, a component such as a stand and an actuator arranged to act on one of the pedal and the component over a first range of positions between the supporting and retracted positions and to act on the other of the pedal and the component over a second range of positions between the supporting and retracted positions. This arrangement brings the pedal and component positively into and out of the supporting and retracted positions.

Abstract: An upright type vacuum cleaner is provided that includes a cleaner body formed with a mounting space; a vacuum motor mounted in the cleaner body to produce suction force; a brush assembly connected to the cleaner body; a dust collection device mounted in the mounting space and having a dust collection bin; and a lifting/lowering unit for lifting or lowering the dust collection bin in relation to the cleaner body, so that the dust collection bin is anchored in the mounting space or removed from the mounting space, wherein the cyclone cylinder has a locking handle and a handle connection part is formed on a corresponding part of the cleaner body so that the locking handle can be removably connected to the handle connection part.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided that includes a cleaner body; a dust separating apparatus fixed to the cleaner body; a first dust receptacle detachably attached to the cleaner body on a bottom portion of the dust separating apparatus to collect large particle dust; a second dust receptacle detachably attached to the cleaner body on a bottom portion of the first dust receptacle to collect fine particle dust; and a locking device having a first position in which the dust separating apparatus is closely contacted to the first and second dust receptacles, and a second position in which the dust separating apparatus is spaced apart from the first and second dust receptacles at a predetermined interval. The second dust receptacle is detached from the first dust receptacle at the second position, and is detached from the cleaner body after the first dust receptacle is disengaged from the cleaner body.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a front, an upper portion and a lower portion. The vacuum cleaner comprises an air flow passage extending from a nozzle having a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet. A cyclone unit comprises at least one cyclone having a cyclone air inlet positioned in the air flow passage. A suction motor is positioned in the air flow passage. In one aspect, the vacuum cleaner is a hand vacuum cleaner and the nozzle is positioned at a lower portion of the hand vacuum cleaner and preferably below the vacuum cleaner. In another aspect, the vacuum cleaner is a hand vacuum cleaner and the nozzle includes a lower open sided passage. In accordance with another aspect, the vacuum cleaner has an air treatment member that is positioned at least partially above the air inlet.

Abstract: An extractor cleaning machine includes a base or foot, a handle pivotally coupled to the foot, and a suction source in fluid communication with a suction nozzle on the foot. A distributor is in fluid communication with a distribution nozzle on the foot and is operable to distribute a cleaning fluid to the surface through the distribution nozzle. A recovery tank is removably coupled to the foot and is in fluid communication with the suction source. The recovery tank receives and stores the fluid and dirt drawn through the suction nozzle when the recovery tank is in an operating position. A recovery tank handle is formed as a single unitary component with a recovery tank lid to allow a user to uncouple the recovery tank from the foot to empty the recovery tank. The recovery tank also includes a pour spout.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner including a nozzle, an air conduit including a projecting tube, a suction source positioned to provide a flow of dirty air, a bag docking assembly, and a filter bag coupled to the bag carrier. The bag docking assembly includes a main body mounted to the air conduit. A bag carrier is configured to engage the main body and configured to move between a first position and a second position. A lever is coupled to the main body and the bag carrier and the lever is configured to move the bag carrier between the first position and the second position. The bag docking assembly is configured such that when the bag carrier is in the first position, the filter bag is not engaged with the projecting tube and when the bag carrier is in the second position, the filter bag is engaged with the projecting tube.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner for cleaning a surface includes an upper body having a dust collection container disposed therein, a base unit and a carriage configured to move the base unit on the surface. A tilting joint is disposed between the base unit and the upper body. The tilting joint is operable to provide tilting of the upper body relative to the base unit about a horizontal axis from a vertical parked position to an inclined tilted operating position. A swivel joint is disposed between the base unit and the upper body. The swivel joint is operable to provide a change in a direction of travel of the base unit by twisting the upper body. A rotation-locking device is configured to lock the upper body against rotation when the vacuum cleaner is in the parked position.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a base with an inlet facing a surface, a handle connected to the base, an air passage connecting the base inlet to the handle, and a removable handheld unit. The handheld has an inlet nozzle, a dirt separator, a vacuum fan to generate a working airflow into the inlet nozzle and through the dirt separator, and a housing joining the handheld, the dirt separator and the vacuum fan. The vacuum has a docking latch with a first latch position in which the latch holds the handheld in an operating position on the handle, and a second position in which the latch permits removal of the handheld from the operating position. The vacuum also has a safety catch with a catch member on the handle and a second member on the handheld. The catch members resiliently hold the handheld unit on the handle in a partially-removed position.

Abstract: A method for cleaning first and second filters of a suction device for cleaning purposes is provided. The suction device has a dirt collection container with a suction inlet. The dirt collection container is subjected to negative pressure via first and second suction lines, respectively, following the first and second filters. First and second closing valves close first and second external air inlets, respectively, into the first and second suction lines. For cleaning the filters, the closing valves are opened, subjecting the filters to external air on the clean space side. The dirt collection container is subjected to negative pressure via the first suction line and first filter by a first suction unit and via the second suction line and second filter by a second suction unit. The suction lines are sealed off relative to each other on the clean space side at least during the cleaning of the filters.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner of a type comprising an elongated support body (1) including a handle (3) in an upper end of the support body, a nozzle device attached to a lower end of the support body by means of a rotatable joint, and a vacuum unit, including an electric motor, a fan and a debris collecting compartment, being accommodated in the support body. An upper portion of the support body (1) is provided with a layer (7, 8) of a slip reducing material at least on a rear surface thereof.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a dust removing apparatus includes a main body in which a dust collecting unit is disposed, a filter disposed inside the dust collecting unit, the dust removing apparatus to dust off the filter, a rotating handle that allows the dust removing apparatus to be rotated, the rotating handle disposed in an outer surface of the dust collecting unit, and a body cover in which a rotating-handle exposing hole is formed for the rotating handle to be exposed outside in a state that the dust collecting unit is disposed in the main body, the body cover rotatably disposed at the main body. The vacuum cleaner can remove dust from filter regardless whether the dust collecting unit is disposed in or separated from the main body. The vacuum cleaner also can remove dust from the filter while the vacuum cleaner operates.

Abstract: A separating apparatus for a cleaning appliance, such as a vacuum cleaner, includes a separator for separating dirt and dust from a fluid flow and a collecting chamber arranged to collect dirt and dust separated by the separator. A first catch for opening a closure member on the collecting chamber is provided, with first releasing means for releasing this catch. There is also provided a second catch for releasing the collecting chamber from the separator and second releasing means for releasing the second catch. The second releasing means is inaccessible when the first catch is engaged. A cover associated with the first releasing means obscures the second releasing means until the first catch has been released. The invention prevents the user from accidentally releasing the collecting chamber from the separator when it was the user's intention simply to empty dirt and dust from the collecting chamber.

Abstract: A floor cleaner including a nozzle and a handle assembly pivotably mounted to the nozzle. The handle assembly including a handle, a motor housing supporting a suction source in fluid communication with the nozzle, and a bag housing defining a filter cavity. A door is removably coupled to the handle assembly and includes a retainer configured to secure a filter bag including a bag aperture to the door such that the door and the retainer are removable from the handle assembly as an assembly. The retainer includes a retainer handle positioned above the bag aperture.

Abstract: A cyclone dust-separating apparatus that may be conveniently maintained and repaired is disclosed. The cyclone dust-separating apparatus includes a cyclone chamber that separates dust using a whirling air current about a horizontal rotating axis, and a first cover that is detachably attached to an end of the cyclone chamber to expose the cyclone chamber. The first cover can be detached, so the cyclone dust-separating apparatus may be conveniently maintained and repaired.

Abstract: A bagless vacuum cleaner system dustcup assembly and method for using said system with a vacuum cleaner apparatus to separate dirt from a mixture of dirt and air inducted into said vacuum cleaner apparatus. Said bagless vacuum cleaner system generally comprises a dustcup assembly, a handle assembly and a motor intake adaptor.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner having a steering unit is provided. The upright vacuum cleaner includes a cleaner body having a suction motor and a dust separating and collecting unit, a suction port assembly rotatably connected to a lower portion of the cleaner body, a handle mounted to the cleaner body, and a steering unit to elastically support the cleaner body so that the center of gravity of the cleaner body shifts to the direction where the cleaner body is rotated, according to the rotation of the cleaner body to the left or right.

Abstract: A cyclonic vacuum cleaner includes a body portion, a nozzle portion and a dirt cup which is removable from the body portion. The dirt cup collects dirt and other debris separated by a cyclone and a cyclone slinger portion in the body portion. A main filter may be housed in a transparent filter door downstream of the cyclone. The dirt cup may be inserted into and sealingly held within the body portion by using a rotational caroming structure.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a cyclonic airflow chamber that facilitates the separation of contaminants from a suction airstream. The airflow chamber includes a chamber inlet and a chamber outlet, with the chamber inlet being fluidically connected with at least one of a suction nozzle and an above-the-floor cleaning tool. An exhaust filter housing includes a suction duct and an exhaust plenum, with the suction duct communicating with the chamber outlet. A suction source housing includes an open end communicating with the exhaust plenum and a closed end. A suction source is positioned within the suction source housing to define an annular exhaust flow passageway surrounding the suction source from the housing closed end to the housing open end. The suction source includes a suction inlet communicating with the suction duct and an exhaust outlet communicating with the housing closed end.