Separator Element Cleaning In Situ And/or Storage Or Removal Of Retained Dirt Patents (Class 15/352)
  • Patent number: 8793891
    Abstract: A novel collapsible aeration system is retrofitted into a grain bin with a discharge opening in the bottom. This grain bin may have a sloped or conical hopper or a flat bottom. The aeration system is formed from a set of connected (e.g. hinged) duct sections that define a round or multi-sided duct having a minimum of three sides or faces. The sides may be flat, curved or corrugated. The collapsible aeration system is folded (collapsed), inserted into the bin via a hole, and then unfolded inside the bin. An air duct is connected to the aeration system to enable the aeration system to dry the grain in the grain bin. This technology enables existing grain bins to be retrofitted with a dryer in an easy and efficient manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: AG Growth International, Inc.
    Inventor: Imre Varro
  • Patent number: 8782850
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a dust collector which includes a first dust separator and a dust container in which a first dust storage unit is formed. A cover is coupled to the dust separating unit and is used to selectively open or close the dust storage unit. The cover is detached from the dust container together with the dust separating unit when the dust container is emptied. The vacuum cleaner may further include a second dust separator on the main body of the vacuum cleaner. In this instance, a second dust storage unit may be formed in the dust collector, and dust separated in the second dust separator may be stored in the second dust storage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Myung Sig Yoo, Man Tae Hwang, Hae Seock Yang, Moo Hyun Ko, Jong Su Choo
  • Patent number: 8776309
    Abstract: A cyclone for a surface cleaning apparatus has spaced apart and opposed first and second cyclone chamber end walls and a cyclone chamber sidewall extending therebetween. At least one of the first cyclone chamber end wall and the second cyclone chamber end wall is openable so as to provide access to the cyclone chamber. An opening extends along only a portion of the perimeter of the cyclone chamber sidewall and is positioned adjacent the second cyclone chamber end wall, the opening defining the dirt outlet whereby dirt exiting the cyclone chamber via the dirt outlet travels in a generally outwardly direction to an exterior dirt collection chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: G.B.D. Corp.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Patent number: 8763201
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tak-Soo Kim, Keon-soo Choi, Young-Jun Cho
  • Patent number: 8758465
    Abstract: A block-base bag is for vacuum cleaners. The bag includes, in the interior thereof, a diffuser made of strips of material and/or sheet materials with oblong-shaped flow openings. Such bags are distinguished by excellent dust storage capacity and extension of the useful life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Eurofilters Holding N.V.
    Inventors: Jan Schultink, Ralf Sauer
  • Patent number: 8756755
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a main body and a dust collecting bin, the dust collecting bin is removably mounted in a mounting portion of the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: AB Electrolux
    Inventors: Gergely Molnar, Gábor Kiss, László Soós
  • Patent number: 8741013
    Abstract: A dust bin for a robotic vacuum comprises a dust bin frame having a cavity defined therein to receive debris, a filter frame disposed within the dust bin frame and defining two filter openings at opposite sides thereof, and a central impeller disposed adjacent to or under the filter frame to draw air from outside of the dust bin into the dust bin. The dust bin also comprises two air filters, one air filter being located on each side of the central impeller, each air filter being inserted into one of the filter openings, each filter having an overhang around a perimeter thereof that includes a sealing face to form a vacuum-assisted seal with the filter frame when air is drawn into the dust bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: David Orrin Swett, Mark Steven Schnittman
  • Patent number: 8732901
    Abstract: Provided is a robot cleaner, and more particularly to a robot cleaner for shielding particularly an air inlet of a foreign material storage unit. The robot cleaner includes a main body including a drive unit for providing a suction force, a main cover for shielding a side of the main body, a foreign material storage unit separably disposed on the main cover, the foreign material storage unit having an air inlet for introducing air containing foreign materials, a foreign material cover disposed on the main cover, the foreign material cover selectively shielding a side of the foreign material storage unit, and a shield member disposed on the foreign material storage unit, the shield member selectively shielding the air inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: In-Bo Shim, Sung-Guen Kim, Byung-Doo Yim, Bong-Ju Kim, Ji-Hoon Sung
  • Patent number: 8726460
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a vacuum source adapted to generate an airstream, a filter, a separating unit having a first sub-separator and a second sub-separator, and airflow passages to connect the vacuum source, the filter and the separating unit in a first configuration corresponding to a vacuum cleaning mode and a second configuration corresponding to a filter cleaning mode. In the vacuum cleaning mode, the airflow passages are configured to direct the airstream through the separating unit such that the airflow passes in parallel through the first sub-separator and the second sub-separator, then in a forward direction through the filter. In the filter cleaning mode, the airflow passages are configured to direct the airstream through the separating unit such that airflow passes in a reverse direction through the filter, and then through the separating unit such that the airflow passes in series through the first sub-separator and the second sub-separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: AB Electrolux
    Inventors: Stefan Jonsson, Henrik Nygren
  • Patent number: 8726459
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided. The vacuum cleaner includes a cleaner body, in which a dust collector mount part is formed, a dust collector that is removably mounted on the dust collector mount part, at least one compressing member that reduces a volume of dust stored in a dust storage part of the dust collector, a power transfer device that transfers a driving force to the at least one compressing member from outside connected with the at least one compressing member, and a controller that decides an amount of dust stored in the dust storage part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Chang Ho Yun, Gun Ho Ha, Jin Young Kim, Man Tae Hwang, Hae Seock Yang, Jong Su Choo, Chang Hoon Lee, Jin Wook Seo, Myung Sig Yoo, Moo Hyun Ko, Pil Jae Hwang
  • Patent number: 8726461
    Abstract: A home cleaning appliance comprises a housing, an airstream suction source, a cyclone main body, and a dirt cup. The housing includes a main suction opening. The airstream suction source is mounted to the housing and includes a suction airstream inlet and a suction airstream outlet. The suction source selectively establishes and maintains a flow of air from the main suction opening, via the airstream inlet, to the airstream outlet. The cyclone main body is supported by the housing and is in communication with the main suction opening. The cyclone main body has a uniform outer circumference and includes a first stage separator, and a plurality of downstream second stage separators. The first stage separator has a longitudinal axis offset from a longitudinal axis of the cyclone main body in order to accommodate the second stage separators. The dirt cup is connected to the cyclone main body. The dirt cup includes a first particle collector and a second particle collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited
    Inventors: Sergey V. Makarov, Robert A. Salo, Mark E. Cipolla, Steven W. Kegg
  • Patent number: 8713752
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided. The vacuum cleaner may include a vacuum cleaner, comprising a main body, and a dust separator selectively on the main body, the dust separator comprising a dust separation device, a dust compression device having at least one compression member disposed therein, the at least one compression member being configured to be rotated to compress dust, and a storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Sung Su Kang
  • Patent number: 8713751
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus is disclosed. In some embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus comprises a member having a dirty fluid inlet. A fluid flow path extends from the dirty fluid inlet to a clean air outlet of the surface cleaning apparatus and includes a suction motor. At least one cyclone is positioned in the fluid flow path and has at least one material outlet and a divider plate associated with the material outlet. A material collection chamber is in flow communication with the at least one cyclone. The apparatus further comprises a liner bag retaining member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: G.B.D. Corp.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Patent number: 8701244
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The vacuum cleaner includes a body having a vacuum motor provided therein; a dust collection device provided in the body to collect dust; a dust compression device expandable or contractible selectively; a passage switching device configured to selectively communicate the dust compression device with a low pressure part having a lower pressure than a pressure of the dust collection device and a high pressure part having a higher pressure than a pressure of the dust collection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Kietak Hyun, Geunbae Hwang, Jaedal Lee
  • Patent number: 8702828
    Abstract: A flat bag is for vacuum cleaners. The bad includes, in the interior thereof, at least one diffuser which forms an intermediate plane and is made of strips of material and/or sheet materials with oblong-shaped flow openings. Such flat bags are distinguished by excellent dust storage capacity and extension of the useful life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Eurofilters Holding N. V.
    Inventors: Jan Schultink, Ralf Sauer
  • Patent number: 8702827
    Abstract: A flat bag for vacuum cleaners includes, in the interior thereof, at least two diffusers made of strips of material and/or sheet materials with oblong-shaped flow openings. Such flat bags are distinguished by excellent dust storage capacity and extension of the useful life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Eurofilters Holding N.V.
    Inventors: Jan Schultink, Ralf Sauer
  • Patent number: 8695157
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner with a vacuum, a filtering unit, a switching device for switching between a vacuum cleaning and filter cleaning modes, and a separating unit is disclosed. In the vacuum cleaning mode, the vacuum forces a first air stream in a first air stream path through the filtering unit, in a first direction, to filter out dust from the dust laden air stream. In the filter cleaning mode, the vacuum forces a second air stream in a second air stream path through the filtering unit, in a second direction reverse to the first direction, to remove dust from the filtering unit. In the filter cleaning mode, the separating unit is in the air path between the vacuum and the filtering unit to separate dust removed from the filtering unit. In the vacuum cleaning mode, the separating unit is not in an air stream path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: AB Electrolux
    Inventors: Jonas Beskow, Håkan Miefalk, Stefan Jonsson, Anders Haegermarck
  • Patent number: 8695158
    Abstract: A loading mechanism is disposed on a dust-collecting apparatus. The loading mechanism includes two positioning members disposed on a dust-collecting bucket of the dust-collecting apparatus, two support members disposed on the dust-collecting apparatus, two slide members respectively sliding on the support members, an operation member connected to the slide members, and two limit members connected with the operation member and the support members. The slide members can engage with the positioning members. The user just pulls up the operation member to link the slide members to slide along the support members, such that the dust-collecting bucket can be connected to the dust-collecting apparatus or detached from the dust-collecting apparatus quickly and conveniently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: San Ford Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuan-Tai Cheng
  • Patent number: 8661611
    Abstract: A dust collector includes a centrifugal separator, a discharge unit having a filtered dust collecting space provided with a discharge unit discharge hole at a discharging side of the centrifugal separator and an intake passage communicating with a bottom of the discharge unit discharge hole, a filter unit provided with a filter member and mounted at the discharge unit discharge hole, and a sealing member including a dust removing device mounted on the filter unit and a dust container formed on a bottom surface of the centrifugal separator, wherein the sealing member opens the filtered dust collecting space and the intake passage by means of the weight thereof and closes the filtered dust collecting space and the intake passage by means of negative pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jang Keun Oh
  • Patent number: 8656551
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to the field of vacuum cleaning and in particular the collection of air-entrained debris, in a filter bag. The filter bag is for use in vacuum cleaning apparatus, and comprises fine planar filtration means in the form of a collection bag and coarse planar filtration means both being adapted to be placed in a suction-induced air stream with the coarse filtration means disposed upstream of the fine filtration means, wherein the fine filtration means serves to provide a fine filter for retaining dust particles and wherein the coarse filtration means comprises a relatively coarse filter material having a thickness of at least 4 mm which provides a matrix volume in which dust may be collected. The volume occupied by the coarse filtration means comprises at least 2%, preferably at least 5%, most preferably at least 10% of the maximum internal volume defined by the collection bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Numatic International Limited
    Inventor: Christopher Robert Duncan
  • Publication number: 20140041150
    Abstract: A filter unit (100) for a vacuum cleaner includes a filter body (110) and a dust removing means (120). The filter body is elongated and at least partly flexible and the dust removing means is configured to collapse and expand the filter body in response to a force applied on the dust removing means. The filter body comprises pleats (115) extending along the filter body. The filter unit of the present invention is advantageous in that it reduces clogging and thereby increases the efficiency of the vacuum cleaner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: AKTIEBOLAGET ELECTROLUX
    Inventors: Fredrik Sjöberg, Ulrik Danestad
  • Patent number: 8640302
    Abstract: A filter bag of a vacuum cleaner has a filter mounting plate that includes a generally strap-shaped securing element with pivot members on an end thereof. A housing of the vacuum cleaner defines a filter bag compartment therein and has pivot receivers into which the pivot members can be substantially vertically inserted. Then the filter mounting plate can be pivoted into a substantially horizontal installed position as the filter bag is inserted into the filter bag compartment. In the installed position, a first stop member of the filter mounting plate contacts and is stopped by a second stop member of the housing so as to prevent further pivoting and so as to properly position and hold the filter mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Stein & Co. GmbH
    Inventors: Achim Liffers, Bernd Falkenstein
  • Patent number: 8640304
    Abstract: The surface cleaning apparatus includes a cyclone positioned in am air flow passage. The cyclone has a cyclone air inlet and a cyclone air outlet, a dirt outlet spaced from the cyclone air inlet, a cyclone chamber wall and a longitudinal axis. The surface cleaning apparatus also includes a dirt collection chamber in communication with the dirt outlet. The dirt collection chamber has an openable wall mounted to the surface cleaning apparatus by a hinge and a centrally positioned longitudinal axis, the openable wall has a center and a hinge side. The surface cleaning apparatus also includes a plate positioned at an interface of the dirt collection chamber and the cyclone. The plate is moveably mounted to the openable wall. The surface cleaning apparatus also includes a biasing member biasing the plate towards the hinge side of the openable wall a suction motor positioned in the air flow passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: G.B.D. Corp.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Patent number: 8635739
    Abstract: A robot cleaner system includes docking structure to allow a dust discharge port of a robot cleaner to come into close contact with a dust suction port of a docking station without an additional drive device. The robot cleaner system includes a robot cleaner having a dust discharge port, a docking station having a dust suction port to suction dust collected in the robot cleaner, and a docking device to perform a seesaw movement as it contacts the robot cleaner when the robot cleaner docks with the docking station, to allow the dust suction port to come into close contact with the dust discharge port. The docking device includes a link member installed in the docking station in a pivotally rotatable manner, one end having a contact portion to come into contact with the robot cleaner, and the other end having a docking portion defining the dust suction port therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Youn Baek Lee, Soo Sang Yang, Yeon Taek Oh, Jeong Hun Kim
  • Patent number: 8635738
    Abstract: This invention relates to a dusting system (1) comprising a dusting tool (20) with a cleaning portion (21) connected to a handle (22), and an elongated chamber (10) for holding the dusting tool. The chamber comprises a storage compartment (15) arranged for storing at least a part of the cleaning portion as the dusting tool is inserted into the chamber, and a cleaning compartment (11) arranged between the opening (13) of the chamber and the storing compartment (15). Further, an outlet channel (12) is arranged for enabling fluid communication between the chamber and a vacuum source. The outlet channel is arranged at the cleaning compartment, thereby enabling a cleaning of the cleaning portion upon insertion or extraction of the cleaning portion into or from the storage compartment. The system may be a self standing unit or be integrated into a vacuum cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: AB Electrolux
    Inventor: Johann Zita
  • Patent number: 8631540
    Abstract: A canister attachment for leaf blowers/vacuums is an apparatus that attaches to existing yard waste leaf blower/vacuum's to provide a user with a facilitated means to collect solid animal waste or other debris deposited on the ground. The apparatus comprises a suction nozzle assembly, a canister, a suction duct, a support assembly, and a leaf blower/vacuum. The suction nozzle assembly comprises a canister mount and a nozzle. The canister comprises a nozzle mount, a lateral surface, a filter plate, a duct opening, and a first and second chamber. The suction duct comprises a duct canister mount, a channel, and a leaf blower/vacuum mount. The configuration of these components provides the user with a mobile accessory that utilizes the suction from existing conventional leaf blowers/vacuums to siphon animal waste through the nozzle and into the canister. Furthermore, the apparatus provides an exhaust catch to prevent accidental discharge through the leaf blower/vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Inventors: Jerry Robichaux, Nurcan Robichaux
  • Patent number: 8615844
    Abstract: A dust filter for filtering dust out of an air stream has a filter membrane pleated into a row of pleats. A pleat deflector is movably suspended for moving along the row of pleats for cleaning the filter membrane. The deflector has a free end extending between the pleats when the deflector and the pleats are in undeflected condition, such that when the deflector is moved along the row of pleats, the pleats are deflected and released in succession along the row. The deflector includes a flexible plate of which at least a portion between the suspension and the free end has a width transverse to the direction of movement of the deflector, where the width decreases with the distance to the suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Margarita Zwanette Van Raalte, Thelma Fernandina Geusebroek-Oskam, Paulus Hermanus Van Wolferen, Akko Wolters
  • Patent number: 8607408
    Abstract: In a vacuum cleaner (1) particulate matter (32) accumulates on a counter-weighted flap (4). When the weight of the particulate matter (32) exceeds the effect of the counterweight (15) and the effect of any air-pressure differential across the flap (4), the flap opens and voids particulate matter (32) from within the vacuum cleaner (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Uneeda Vac (Australia) Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Michael Herrett
  • Publication number: 20130319478
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided, including a suction inlet, a dirt collection container, a filter device, a suction conduit, a suction unit, wherein the dirt collection container is in flow communication with the suction unit via the filter device and the suction conduit and wherein the filter device has a negative pressure applied to it by the suction unit, and including an external air valve device, wherein the filter device is capable of having external air applied thereto on the clean side thereof via the external air valve device and wherein for cleaning the filter device the external air valve device is capable of being brought from a closed valve position to an open valve position and back again from the open valve position to a closed valve position, characterized by a battery device for supplying energy to the external air valve device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: Alfred Kärcher GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Maic Hensel, Frank Fuchs, Julien Scholl
  • Patent number: 8595894
    Abstract: A battery-powered insect removal device comprises a funnel-shaped housing further including a cylindrical handle which has a fan motor, a battery, an operating switch, and electrical components which generate a vacuum across the opening of the funnel. During use, the device is electrically activated and then placed near a flying or crawling insect. The vacuum will draw the insect inside where it is exterminated by a plurality of fan blades and collected within and interior receptacle. The receptacle is removable for emptying and cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventor: Issa Kakish
  • Publication number: 20130312792
    Abstract: A method is provided for cleaning at least one filter of a vacuum cleaner, wherein the vacuum cleaner comprises a suction inlet and a dirt collection container, which can be subjected to negative pressure by a suction unit via the at least one filter and a suction extraction line, and wherein for cleaning purposes the at least one filter can be acted upon by external air on the clean side via at least one external air valve, which moves from a closed valve position via an open valve position back into the closed valve position for cleaning the at least one filter. So that the at least one filter can be cleaned particularly effectively, the suction power of the suction unit can be increased before transfer of the external air valve to the open valve position and reduced again later. A vacuum cleaner for performing the method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: Alfred Karcher GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Maic Hensel, Julien Scholl, Frank Fuchs, Ulrich Engenhardt, Britt Wirbel, Steffen Kunz
  • Patent number: 8590101
    Abstract: The present invention provides a suction cleaning module comprising: a first housing, a second housing, a third housing and a fan blower. The second housing, connected to the bottom of the first housing, has a shell section such that a suction channel is formed between the shell section and the first housing and has a dust collection space communicating with the suction channel. The third housing, respectively coupled to the first and second housing, has a filtered flow outlet. The fan blower connected to the third housing has a flow inlet and a flow inlet corresponding to the filtered flow outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chun-Hsien Liu, Ya-Hui Tsai, Tung-Chuan Wu, Lai-Sheng Chen
  • Patent number: 8591615
    Abstract: A dust collecting apparatus for a vacuum cleaner is provided. The dust collecting apparatus includes a centrifugal separating portion, a dust receptacle to collect dust which is separated by the centrifugal separating portion and a filter portion having a filter unit separating dust from an air current discharged from the centrifugal separating portion. The filtering portion further includes a dust removing unit to detach the filter dust caught in the filter unit, and a dust discharge member to move the filter dust to an upstream of the centrifugal separating portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tak-Soo Kim, Joo-Seok Jeong
  • Patent number: 8584313
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided. The vacuum cleaner includes a cleaner body including a suction motor, a dust separation device communicated with the cleaner body, the dust separation device separating dusts, a dust container separably mounted on the cleaner body, the dust container including a dust storage part storing the dusts separated by the dust separation device, a compressing member compressing the dusts stored in the dust storage part, a magnetic member seat part disposed at the dust container, a magnetic member seated on the magnetic member seat part, a cover coupled to the magnetic member seat part to cover the magnetic member, and a magnetism detection unit disposed at the cleaner body to detect magnetism of the magnetic member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Young-Ho Kim
  • Patent number: 8584314
    Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein provides a flea vacuum. The device may include a nozzle having a first opening and a second opening. The first opening may have a tapered end and may be configured to vacuum an insect (e.g., a flea, etc). The device may also include a hose coupled to the nozzle. The device may also include an adapter coupled to the hose. The adapter may have an end configured for insertion into a vacuum. The device may also include a kill agent comprising bentonite as the active ingredient for killing and/or neutralizing pests, such as for example fleas. Related apparatus and methods are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Fleavac, LLC
    Inventor: Donald Lewis
  • Patent number: 8572799
    Abstract: A cleaning robot system includes a robot and a robot maintenance station. The robot includes a chassis, a drive system configured to maneuver the robot as directed by a controller, and a cleaning assembly including a cleaning assembly housing and a driven cleaning roller. The robot maintenance station includes a station housing and a docking platform configured to support the robot when docked. A mechanical agitator engages the roller of the robot with the robot docked. The agitator includes an agitator comb having multiple teeth configured to remove accumulated debris from the roller as the agitator comb and roller are moved relative to one another. The robot maintenance station includes a collection bin arranged to receive and hold debris removed by the mechanical agitator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Chikyung Won, Stephen A. Hickey, Mark Schnittman, Zivthan A. Dubrovsky, Selma Svendsen, Jed Lowry, David Swett, John Devlin
  • Patent number: 8549700
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a visualization device for dust collection of a vacuum cleaner, the visualization device includes a collecting unit mounted on one side of a pathway on which the suction force of a vacuum cleaner for sucking dust is transmitted, and moves at least some of the sucked dust in one direction, a dust collecting unit of transparent material coupled with the collecting unit and exposes a state of dust received by the collecting unit to the outside, a discharge unit which guides air and dust, which has passed through the dust collecting unit, to be discharged into the pathway that transmits the suction force of the vacuum cleaner, a foreign material separation unit provided in the dust collecting unit to generate cyclonic flow, and a foreign material discharge unit inserted into the inside of the foreign material separation unit by the manipulation of a user from one side of the dust collecting unit and allows the inflow of air from the outside into the inside thereof to discharge dus
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Geunbae Hwang, Kyeongseon Jeong
  • Patent number: 8549704
    Abstract: A hand-held vacuum cleaner with a container for the storage of dirt and debris therein. To provide improved efficiency and performance, the hand-held vacuum may employ a primary HEPA filter, a device for swirling a dirt and debris laden air flow and/or a mechanized filter cleaning device. Swirling may be employed to direct entrained dirt and debris in a desired direction relative to the container to slow the rate with which dirt and debris accumulates on the primary filter and/or to centrifugally remove dirt and debris from the air flow. Mechanized cleaning is employed to shake, scrape or otherwise remove accumulated dirt and debris from the primary filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Milligan, Patrick W. Mooney, Xianyao Shen, Ted A. Kimball, Andrew Walker
  • Patent number: 8544142
    Abstract: The dust container is disposed in the dust collector, so as to receive dirt drawn by the dust collector. The dust container includes a fastening device. The dust container can be taken out from the dust collector by operating the fastening device in one operation, and then installed back into the dust collector after the dirt is cleared away, thereby completing actions of disassembling, assembling and clearing the dust container quickly and cleanly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: MSI Computer (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tse-Ying Tso, You-Wei Teng
  • Patent number: 8544143
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a dust collector that compresses dust stored inside a dust container to minimize the volume of the dust. The dust collector would include one or more pressing plates that are used to compress the dust stored in dust collector. Various methods are used to control movements of the movable pressing plates to facilitate the compression operations. Also, various methods are used to determine when the dust collector is full and needs to be emptied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Man Tae Hwang, Hae Seock Yang, Hoi Kil Jeong, Myung Sig Yoo, Jae Kyum Kim, Moo Hyun Ko, Kie Tak Hyun, Jong Su Choo, Young Bok Son, Kyeong Seon Jeong, Min Park, Sung Hwa Lee, Il Joong Kim, Jin Hyouk Shin, Gun Ho Ha, Jin Wook Seo, Chang Ho Yun, Jin Young Kim, Chang Hoon Lee, Yun Hee Park
  • Patent number: 8544144
    Abstract: Provided is a dust separation apparatus of a vacuum cleaner. The apparatus includes a dust-collecting body defining a dust-storing part, a compressing member configured to compress dust stored in the dust-collecting body, and a lower cover on a lower side of the dust-collecting body, the lower cover opening and closing the dust-storing part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Heon-Pyeong Ji, Hae-Seock Yang, Young-Min Hyun, Hyuk-Joo Kwon, Hyo-Churl Shin, Sang-Jun Park, Jin-Wook Seo
  • Patent number: 8539639
    Abstract: It is presented a dust cup housing (11) comprising a filter assembly which comprises an outer filter (25) and an inner filter (24). The outer filter and inner filter are formed as receptacles and the inner filter is slidably insertable into the outer filter. In a mounted position the inner filter is arranged to be substantially fully inserted into the outer filter. The filter assembly further comprises a fixing member (40, 41; 50, 51; 60, 61) which is arranged to retain the inner filter in a predetermined displacement (d) position relative to the mounted position, in response to the inner filter being subjected to an extraction force for detaching the filter assembly from the dust cup housing. Thereby a user of the filter is in a convenient and intuitive way alerted that the filter assembly comprises more than one filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: AB Electrolux
    Inventors: Christer Engström, Torkel Ingre
  • Patent number: 8533903
    Abstract: A floor cleaning apparatus includes a housing having a nozzle assembly and a canister assembly. The nozzle assembly includes a suction inlet. Both a suction generator and a dirt collection assembly are carried on the housing. The dirt collection assembly includes a dirt cup, a shroud concentrically received within the dirt collection chamber defined by the dirt cup and at least one rib projecting from the shroud toward the bottom wall of the dirt cup. The rib is positioned so as to reduce air turbulence in the dirt collection chamber between an airflow guide on the shroud and the bottom wall of the dirt cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation of North America
    Inventors: Eric E. Muhlenkamp, Joe M. Reynolds, Jeffrey T. Roney
  • Patent number: 8528163
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided. The vacuum cleaner may include a dust separation device that separates dust and a dust container in which the dust separated in the dust separation device may be stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sang-Jun Park, Young-Min Hyun, Hyuk-Joo Kwon, Hyo-Churl Shin, Hae-Seock Yang, Jin-Wook Seo
  • Publication number: 20130228194
    Abstract: A filter system for a vacuum cleaner may include an air intake manifold having a tubular air inlet and a tubular perforated filter cage, the filter cage having a first end coupled to the air inlet and a free second end, the air inlet having an outer surface with a seal, a filter agitator coupled to the intake manifold and arranged alongside the filter cage, the filter agitator having a cleaning surface disposed adjacent to the filter cage, and a filter holder having a first end, a longitudinally opposite second end for coupling to a filter, and at least one coupler for removably coupling the filter holder to the filter inlet of the vacuum cleaner. A method of cleaning a vacuum cleaner filter may include coupling the filter holder to the filter inlet and rotating the filter holder so that the filter rotates about the filter cage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: EMERSON ELECTRIC CO.
    Inventor: Stuart V. Holsten
  • Patent number: 8516654
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner system includes at least one air flow control valve coupled to a vacuum motor, a pressure chamber and a filter. The at least one valve is operable to couple the at least one filter to the vacuum source to provide suction therethrough when the at least one valve is in a first position, and alternately to couple the at least one filter to the pressure chamber when the at least one valve is in a second position to supply pressurized air from the pressure chamber to the at least one filter to clean the at least one filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Pathfinder Concepts, LLC
    Inventors: Travis D. McCutchen, Clinton J. McCutchen
  • Patent number: 8516648
    Abstract: An indoor unit of an air conditioner having an air filter provided on a suction side of an indoor fan has a construction in which dust removed from the air filter by a dust removing part can be recovered easily and reliably. The construction includes a dust removing part (51) for removing dust captured by an air filter (30) provided on the suction side of an indoor fan (21), storage containers (60), (81) having the dust removing part (51) stored therein, a nozzle insertion part (110) into which a nozzle (150) of a cleaner can be inserted, and a suction passage (95) for making the storage containers (60), (81) to communicate with the nozzle insertion part (110).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiko Sakashita, Yoshiharu Michitsuji
  • Patent number: 8510906
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dong-yun Lee
  • Patent number: 8510908
    Abstract: A surface treating head assembly for an appliance such as a vacuum cleaner includes a head and a piston assembly operable to apply a force to the head. The piston assembly is connected to the main motor of the vacuum cleaner by a valve. When the valve is opened, suction airflow flows through tubes connecting the motor to the piston assembly. The resulting suction force causes the piston assembly to contract, thereby drawing the cleaner head downwards. Thus, the head is urged towards the floor surface so as to improve the efficiency of a cleaning operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Scott Andrew Maguire, Paul Dawson, Matthew Charles Edward Wilson
  • Patent number: 8510907
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises at least one cyclone and at least one dirt collection chamber. The dirt collection chamber has a removeably mounted door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: G.B.D. Corp.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad