Abstract: A cleaning apparatus including cyclones (11, 52, 81, 107) connected to a uniquely configured receiving chamber (12, 53, 99, 112) is described. The chamber has a diameter furthest from the cone opening (32, 75, 98, 118) at least 3 times the diameter of the cone opening such that dirt is not re-entrained from the chamber. Also described is an apparatus with a sealing member (33, 76, 100, 117) between the receiving chamber and cyclone which provides a seal during air flow and which allows separation of the chamber and cyclone for dirt removal. Also described is a ring second sealing member (34, 104) around an open portion of the receiving chamber which allows removal of the chamber from an outer container (10, 80) to facilitate emptying dirt.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a safety filter for an outlying filter cartridge of a hand-guided vacuum cleaner. The filter cartridge includes a rigid air-permeable jacket and accommodates a paper filter bag which is seated in the jacket. The safety filter is a bag corresponding to the form of the jacket and is made of electrostatically-charged non-woven fabric. The safety filter is mounted between the jacket and the paper filter bag.

Abstract: A canister vacuum cleaner includes a dust bag mount for mounting a dust bag with a collar onto the vacuum cleaner. The bag mount includes a mounting plate with a circular aperture. The dust bag collar includes an aperture that, upon installation of the collar, is aligned with the aperture in the mounting plate. Raised structure surrounds the aperture in the mounting plate and extends into the aperture in the collar upon installation providing a seal between the mounting plate and collar. The raised structure includes ramps and inclined surfaces to bend and lift the dust bag collar over the raised structure during its installation and removal. This structure also serves to index and retain the collar once it is installed and to seal the space between the installed dust bag collar and the mounting plate. A pair of channels are provided at the sides of the mounting plate for holding and guiding the edges of the dust bag collar during its installation and removal.

Abstract: Vacuum loading apparatus is provided for ingesting a mixture of debris (such as particulate matter) and ambient air, for collecting the debris for disposal, and for filtering the ingested air before discharging it to atmosphere. The apparatus comprises three relatively light-weight, portable, independently movable modules, each incorporating a weeled chassis, to facilitate their movement to, from and on the jobsite, whereat they are interconnected for use by large flexible hoses. The power module comprises a motor-driven vacuum blower. The debris-receiver module comprises a receiver tank with a removable disposable debris-collection bag therein (which bag may or may not have an associated filter) and a debris-collection vacuum hose connected to the exterior thereof. The upper and lower ends of the receiver tank and the inside and outside of the bag are exposed to the same negative air pressure in the tank to prevent its collapse or damage by a pressure equalization duct.

Abstract: A cyclone dust collector is comprised of a lower dust chamber (5) having a tangential air inlet (10) and an upper dust chamber (4) in combination with a suction device. A dividing plate separates the upper and lower dust chambers from one another. A communicating duct (2) is installed in the dividing plate (3) in such a manner to extend downward into the lower dust chamber (5), and a cyclone drum (15) is supported in such a manner to enclose the dust (2). A disk (17) is supported to vertically divide the inside of the drum (15) into a pair of upper and lower parts. The air introduced into the lower dust chamber (5) is caused to flow in a swirl in the cyclone drum (15), the dust particles in the air are separated by centrifugalization to be allowed to drop along the inside wall of the drum (15) and the separated dust particles fall onto the bottom of the cyclone drum (15) without being affected by the swirling flow.

Abstract: A sealed filtration cannister including a filtration mechanism sealed within the cannister. A prefilter and a HEPA filter entrap asbestos-containing dust within the sealed cannister. Upon usage of the filtration cannister for a predetermined number of hours, the cannister is disposed of in its entirety. The cannister is used in conjunction with a separate vacuum cleaner device having a suction hose communicating with a cannister lid removably mounted on top of the cannister. Alternatively, the cannister is used with a portable vacuum motor assembly removably mounted on top of the cannister to provide independent suction to the filtration cannister.

Abstract: A lightweight, upright, top-loading vacuum cleaner wherein a seal between the disk of a filter bag and a duct for conveying dirt-laden air to the bag is provided adjacent the outer peripheral edges of the disk resulting in the disk becoming an integral part of the seal while eliminating pressure differential across opposite sides of the disk. A portion of the duct extending into the filter bag is capable of being displaced to an open position for filter bag loading and unloading and is normally closed to maintain the seal by a latch which cooperates with the handle vacuum cleaner handle. The vacuum cleaner handle includes electrical components having projections which are releasably received and supported within an electrical receptacle supported by the vacuum cleaner housing.

Abstract: A specially arranged, five stage, four compartment, vacuum loader is provided to collect, remove, and dispose asbestos and other hazardous material in an efficient, effective, and safe manner without exposing surrounding personnel to the collected asbestos or other hazardous material.

Abstract: A specially arranged, two compartment, four stage industrial dust collector is provided which is efficient, effective, and economical. The first compartment has a lower chamber which contains a cyclone and an upper chamber which contains a downstream spiral baffle or rings to remove larger particulates of dust. The second compartment has an annular upper chamber with a special arrangement of overhead nozzles for downward air flow to remove particulates of dust by kinetic energy and a lower chamber containing filters for lateral and upward air flow to filter the remaining particulates of dust.

Abstract: A relatively rigid, air permeable panel suitable, for example, as a diffuser on a hard box vacuum cleaner housing. The panel is a composite of fabric and a polymeric frame molded in situ on the fabric. The disclosed molded frame technique avoids the necessity of separate fastening means between the fabric and frame and obviates the need for edge finishing of the fabric.

Abstract: The invention provides a resiliently mounted top cap for a cleaner bag that tends to urge a bag upwardly to tighten it. At the same time, the cap may be removed downwardly against its spring bias for shaking as a dirt loosening mechanism. The cap also includes an integral cord hook so that downward movement of it against its spring bias also provides a cord dump function.

Abstract: A filter apparatus is disclosed for removing contaminants directly from paper handling machines in data processing rooms. Such contaminants include paper dust and carbon black from high speed paper handling machines such as computer printers, paper cutters and the like. The apparatus comprises a wheeled housing having a top cover with an outlet grille. A squirrel cage fan is suspended from the cover beneath the grille. A filter pack is mounted beneath the fan. The bottom of the housing has an inlet opening connected to a duct which passes air from the machine being serviced, through the filter pack and out the grille.A vacuum motor is mounted in the bottom of the housing and connected to a flexible hose for picking up material on the floor as well as spillage from inside the data processing machines. This material is passed through an in-line filter. The air from both the duct and the flexible hose is passed through the filter pack.

Abstract: A vacuum exhaust dust collector for a standard upright vacuum cleaner is provided and consists of a cylindrical elongated tank holding water therein that has a plurality of air exhaust holes at an upper portion near its neck, at least one elastic band for attaching the tank to an elongated handle of the vacuum cleaner and a flexible elongated hose that has a screw cap near one end that engages with the neck and a retainer clamp at the other end which fits over an exhaust pipe of the vacuum cleaner allowing dust particles to be caught in the water within the tank whereby air exhausted will be dust free.

Abstract: A resilient support sustaining the upper terminus of a dirt collecting bag on the handle of an upright vacuum cleaner in which an extensible strap on the bag is fastened within a downwardly open recess on the handle maintaining the upper terminus of the bag completely within the handle recess.

Abstract: An electric cleaner incorporates an effective noise suppression arrangement for minimizing the noise generated by the exhaust from the electric air blower. The present invention provides an electric cleaner comprising an air rectifying duct installed on its external surfaces so that the exhaust from the electric air blower can smoothly and quietly pass through it, while the noise emitted by the exhaust can be significantly minimized throughout the vacuum cleaning operation even when using a compact cleaner.

Abstract: A sealed filtration cannister including a filtration mechanism sealed within the cannister. A prefilter and a HEPA filter entrap asbestos-containing dust within the sealed cannister. Upon usage of the filtration cannister for a predetermined number of hours, the cannister is disposed of in its entirety. The cannister is used in conjunction with a separate vacuum cleaner device having a suction hose communicating with a cannister lid removably mounted on top of the cannister. Alternately, the cannister is used with a portable vacuum motor assembly removably mounted on top of the cannister to provide independent suction to the filtration cannister.

Abstract: A by-pass type wet/dry vacuum cleaner includes a dirt accumulating tank that is free-standing on one end thereof and open at the other end. A removable lid provided to close the other end mounts an inner cage that supports a primary filter cuff and also mounts an outer cage that prevents a primary filter blanket from being drawn into contact with the secondary filter and thereby substantially block air flow through the latter. The outer cage is constructed of two U-shaped formed spring wire element that are pivotably mounted to the inner surface of the lid so as to be movable between erected and collapsed positions without utilizing tools and without dismounting either element from the lid. Cooperating detent formations on the elements maintains them in their erected positions.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning appliance comprises a lower efficiency cyclone unit and a high efficiency cyclone unit connected in series. This enables both large and fine dirt particles to be dealt with.

Abstract: A body of a vacuum cleaner comprising three subassemblies, i.e., a front subassembly, a central subassembly, and a rear subassembly. The front subassembly stores the matter drawn through a suction port formed in a suitable position. The central subassembly can be connected and disconnected with the front subassembly and has an evacuating device therein. The rear subassembly is connected to the central subassembly by coupling members and acts to cover the back side of the evacuating device incorporated in the central subassembly.

Abstract: A refuse bag frame for supporting a refuse bag in a vacuum cleaner is provided. The vacuum cleaner has a cylindrical bin lined by the refuse bag and a cover thereover including a vacuum blower, the rim of the open end of the refuse bag is clamped between the rim of the cylindrical bin and the cover. The refuse bag frame includes at least one flat, band-like, horizontal hoop having a diameter no greater than the internal diameter of the cylindrical bin and a plurality of flat, spaced-apart, rigid, vertical supports connected to said at least one hoop and having lengths no greater than the internal height of said cylindrical bin so as to form a cylindrically-shaped frame dimensioned to fit within the refuse bag lining the cylindrical bin of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner bag support in which a compression spring is itself supported in the interior of the upper terminus of an outer bag and carries a bag top support which resiliently maintains the bag elevated against lateral expansion thereof. An ornamental bag top member may be carried on the upper terminus of the outer bag and attached to the bag top support for movement therewith.

Abstract: A canister filter assembly (10) for use in a vacuum line for trapping particulates and liquids from fluid drawn through the vacuum line including a cupped shaped container portion (12) and a lid portion (14) disposed over the container (12) in sealing engagement therewith. The lid (14) includes a fluid inlet (28) and a fluid outlet (30). A filter assembly (16) including a hydrophobic filter (32) and a prefilter (34) filters the particles and aerosols from the fluids passing through the fluid outlet (30). A filter support (18) supports the filters (32, 34, 36) within the filter assembly (16) and includes a cap member (40) spaced below the prefilter (34). The cap member (40) includes an upwardly extending peripheral rim (42) perfecting a seal with the remainder of the filter support (18).

Abstract: A motorized vehicular vacuum street sweeper (2) includes a hopper (14), a vacuum system (12) for suctioning debris and depositing same in the hopper (14), and a multi-stage filtration system (16) including a coarse filter above the hopper (14) and two different material filters (54 and 56) in an exhaust section (30) of the vacuum system (12) downstream and external of the hopper (14) to filter dust and the like and afford a cleaner exhaust to the atmosphere.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vacuum cleaner comprising a body housing an electric powered blower, a dust case being connected to and free to be detached from the body, a lid having an intake and being fitted to the dust case, which lid is free to be opened and closed, a bag-shaped filter being freely fitted to and removable from the inner surface of the lid and communicating with the intake, and a dust dumping aperture provided in the dust case and accessible by pivoting away a filter housing unit, the dust dumping aperture being used to remove the bag-shaped filter from the dust case.

Abstract: A by-pass type wet/dry vacuum is provided with a removable lid assembly that includes an electric motor having a lower insulating housing, a cover for the upper end of the motor, a blower housing including vanes for regulating flow of main blower air, a fan having a pancake type impeller, a fan cover and a tank lid having an integrally formed float cage.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner including a dust chamber, a vacuum chamber and a source for producing low pressure in the vacuum chamber, wherein the dust chamber and the vacuum chamber are partitioned by a first filter unit, and wherein the vacuum chamber is provided with a secondary filter unit in which at least one filter element is suspended from the ceiling of the vacuum chamber radially thereof. A rotary shaft is provided at the center of the radially arranged filter elements, the rotary shaft radially supporting vibrating vanes, each of which is designed to vibrate each filter element of the secondary filter unit on its inner peripheral portion, thereby causing the dust entrained therein to fall off by vibration. The rotary shaft is additionally provided with a single vibrating arm horizontally extended so as to vibrate each filter element of the secondary filter unit on its bottom portion.

Abstract: An electric cleaner incorporates an effective noise suppression arrangement for minimizing the noise generated by the exhaust from the electric air blower. The present invention provides an electric cleaner comprising an air rectifying duct installed on its external surfaces so that the exhaust from the electric air blower can smoothly and quietly pass through it, while the noise emitted by the exhaust can be significantly minimized throughout the vacuum cleaning operation even when using a compact cleaner.

Abstract: A refuse bag frame for supporting a refuse bag in a vacuum cleaner is provided. The vacuum cleaner has a cylindrical bin lined by the refuse bag and a cover thereover including a vacuum blower and a collection inlet, the rim of the open end of the refuse bag is clamped between the rim of the cylindrical bin and the cover. The refuse bag frame includes at least one hoop having a diameter no greater than the internal diameter of the cylindrical bin and a plurality of spaced-apart, rigid, vertical supports connected to said at least one hoop and having lengths no greater than the internal height of said cylindrical bin, the vertical supports being connected to the at least one hoop so as to form a cylindrically-shaped frame dimensioned to fit within the refuse bag lining the cylindrical bin of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: The invention comprises a negative-pressure plastic bag leader in the form of a cylindrical chamber into which the plastic bag is received. The chamber is double-walled, an outer wall being imperforate, and the inner wall being foraminous, and the two being spaced apart, in a substantial concentricity, to define an annular void therebetween. A closure caps the upper, open end of the chamber, and has a conduit in traverse thereof through which to admit gas, and refuse suspended in such gas into the chamber. Further, the closure has an aperture formed therethrough for communicating with a source of negative pressure, and for extracting gas from the chamber. The aperture opens into the chamber and also into the annular void. Accordingly, both the chamber and the annular void experience the same negative pressure, and the plastic, refuse-collecting bag is held securely in place against the inner wall of the chamber.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns primarily the filter dirt-collecting bag for a vacuum cleaner having a motor and motor-driven fan in a housing. The outlet from the fan projects outwardly and usually upwardly from the housing and is removably connected to the bottom of the flexible bag for collecting the dust, which bag substantially and preferably completely covers the housing like a pillow to muffle the mechanical noise from the motor and fan. Inside the bag is a tube, which may be non-porous and flexible, connected at its lower end directly to the fan outlet at the bottom of the bag and at its upper end to the top of the bag. Adjacent the upper end of this tube is connected an outwardly and downwardly extending tubular extension, spout or nozzle, for muffling the air noise from the fan and directing the dirt toward the bottom of the bag.

Abstract: A dirt box for an upright vacuum cleaner comprises an elliptical upper side wall portion below a top wall, a bowl-shaped bottom wall, an inlet neck opening into the chamber in the lengthwise direction and below one end of the upper side wall portion, and aimed to establish a swirling action. An outlet port for the dirt box is off-center toward the end from which the inlet extends. The bowl-bottomed dirt box is tilted and emptied through the inlet neck.

Abstract: A connector for connecting a filter bag to the suction inlet of a vacuum cleaner. The filter bag connector includes a dirt interceptor extending across the air flow path from the suction inlet to intercept high speed dirt particles at the center and upper center portion of the air flow path, absorb kinetic energy therefrom, and deliver the intercepted dirt particles into the substantially unimpeded lower and side portions of the air flow path for delivery with the slower moving dirt particles therein freely into the filter bag. Resultingly, abrasion of the filter bag is effectively minimized for providing extended useful life of the filter bag. In the illustrated embodiment, the dirt interceptor includes an upper flat portion and a lower flat portion extending at different angles to the perpendicular to the flow path. In the illustrated embodiment, the dirt interceptor tapers across its width and in thickness toward the distal end thereof.

Abstract: A suction cleaner having a motor fan unit and a casing having a dirt bag receiving compartment closed by a bag carrier in the form of a door and having a bag mount therein in the form of an air conduit extending from the motor fan unit. A dirt collecting bag can be disposed on each of the bag carrier and the bag mount. The bag carrier and the bag mount are relatively movable towards one another to automatically cause a latching assembly to secure a bag on the bag mount, with an opening of the bag in sealing engagement with the air conduit. The bag mount is movable between a bag unloading position away from said casing, and an operative position in which the bag is carried by the bag mount away from the bag carrier.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a vacuum cleaner which comprises a dust collector detachably installed in a main body of the cleaner. A primary filter composed of a horizontal wall and a vertical wall is disposed within the dust collector. Both the horizontal and vertical walls are permeable to air and include a dust filter. A secondary filter is disposed behind the vertical wall of the primary filter. A first path for dust is defined btween the horizontal wall of the primary filter and the bottom of the body and merged into a second path developed between the vertical wall of the primary filter and the second filter. Preferably, the horizontal and vertical walls of the primary filter include a coarse mesh for trapping relatively large dust and the secondary filter includes a fine mesh for trapping relatively small dust which has passed through the primary filter.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided with a dirt cup and a dirt cup holder that telescopically engages with a handle of the cleaner for the guidance of it as the handle of the cleaner pivots relative to the main body of the cleaner.

Abstract: A fluid/particle separator assembly includes an apertured rotary separator mounted substantially to close an inlet to a chamber through which a fluid is forced by a pump or impeller. The separator is rotated at such a speed that inclined faces bounding its apertures, and facing in the circumferential direction of motion, occlude direct flow through the separator; particles in the flow rebound from the separator to remain on its inlet side while the cleansed fluid passes through the rotor, is centrifuged outwardly and ducted by baffles in the chamber to an outlet. A method of separating particles from a flowing fluid by means of said rotary separator is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having an air non-pervious body in the shape of a closed bellows in the suction chamber thereof with one end of the bellows bearing against the dust container, and the other end bearing against a partition separating the suction chamber from a positive pressure chamber housing the motor-fan unit. The bellows communicates with the pressure chamber through a conduit so that the bellows can be brought into communication with the positive pressure side of the fan so that the bellows expands and compresses said dust container and its contents, and thus increases the filling capacity of the dust container. The running costs of operating a vacuum cleaner is thus substantially reduced.

Abstract: There is disclosed a quick-connect-disconnect coupling for attaching a flexible dirt-receiving bag to the handle of an upright vacuum cleaner. The coupling includes first and second coupling members, respectively, which are rigidly attached to the handle and to the bag, with the second member rigidly supporting at least a major portion of a bag-supporting casing as a cantilever. The first coupling member defines a pocket in which there is provided a fixed member and a movable member. The movable member is biased toward the fixed member, and the second coupling member is adapted to be releasably inserted between the fixed and movable members. The movable and fixed members cooperate with the second coupling member to define a one-way ratchet which is releasable upon movement of the movable member away from the fixed member.

Abstract: The present accessory is connected between the pickup head and the intake of a dry vacuum cleaner to catch water drawn in through the pickup head when the vacuum cleaner is in operation. The accessory has a housing with a water collection chamber and a baffle in the way of the discharge from an intake fitting which can be connected to a hose having the vacuum pickup head at its opposite end. An outlet fitting on the housing is out of the direct path of the discharge from the intake fitting. This outlet fitting can be attached to a hose leading to the intake of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: An improved valve system for creating reverse pulses of air through the filter element of a vacuum cleaner in order to shake and drive collected dust from the filter element during operation of the vacuum cleaner, by equipping the vacuum cleaner with a valved conduit downstream from the filter element and upstream from the inlet (vacuum side) of the exhauster wherein the valve consists of a pair of movable rigid sealing surfaces adapted to rotate about a single axis positioned such that one rigid surface opens outwardly towards the exterior of the conduit against the pressure gradient while the other rigid surface opens inwardly towards the interior of the conduit assisted by the pressure gradient.

Abstract: A hand vacuum cleaner includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet, and a front and a rear part connectable with each other so as to constitute the housing. The housing has a front face and a rear face spaced from the inlet in the flow direction of incoming contaminated air entering the housing. A dust filter is located in the housing at the rear face thereof. A blower is located in the housing for aspirating the contaminated air into the housing through the inlet and into the dust filter and for urging the filtered air therefrom in a second direction towards the outlet. An intermediate plate is provided in the interior of the housing, which has a first formation constituting a first passage for the incoming contaminated air, a second formation constituting a second passage for guiding the filtered air from the dust filter towards the outlet and a third formation for fixing thereon the blower.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a rotor which is mounted to turn at the inside of a filter bag of the device, and which acts when turned to contact the bag and displace accumulated dust from its outer surface. The rotor may be actuable from the outside of the cleaner when a cover of the cleaner is in closed active condition. The rotor desirably includes one or more resiliently flexible arms which are deflectable to a reduced diameter condition by the bag when the bag is constricted inwardly against and about the rotor by the flow of suction air when the device is in use.

Abstract: An automatic shutoff arrangement for a vacuum cleaner of the "clean air" type in which the vacuum fan is downstream of the dirty air passageway and vacuum filter. The automatic shutoff arrangement includes an apparatus for sensing a selected characteristic of the air flow at a first point adjacent the entrance to the dirty air passageway and at a second point along the clean air passageway between the vacuum filter and fan and operates in response to a relative change in the selected characteristic between such points to interrupt power to the vacuum motor and/or indicate to the operator that the dirty air passageway is obstructed or vacuum filter is full.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating solid impurities from a fluid, such as air, comprising a housing, a set of filter elements fixed on a set of perforated sleeves, a fan with a driving electric motor, a louvered cyclone positioned around the filter elements, a centrifugal coupling designed to automatically connect the set of perforated sleeves with the shaft of the electric motor, and a receptacle for impurities separated from the air by the apparatus.

Abstract: The combination of a vacuum cleaner and a dust filter container. The dust filter container does not have a conventional attachment plate. A support structure is located in the vacuum cleaner housing having a projecting member provided with a hole, the latter is inserted through a slot in the dust container whereby the hole aligns with an opening in the dust container. The hole in the projecting member and the opening form a through passage into the dust container from the inlet suction conduit of the vacuum cleaner. A seal is arranged in the vacuum cleaner housing between a flange on the suction conduit and a portion of the dust filter container surrounding the hole therein.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cyclone-type aspirated dirt separator for use in washing dirt from dirt-laden dry airstreams and, more particularly, to a device of the class described which is especially suited for use with a dry pick-up vacuum cleaner as a means for collecting the dirt it picks up in a water bath. The separator is characterized by a riser tube with an open top and an opening in its lower end immersed in a water bath into which dirt-laden dry air is introduced tangentially for ascending spiral movement therethrough while simultaneously aspirating water. Internal baffles create turbulent flow in the water/dirt-laden air mixture and they thus prevent vortexing which otherwise results in a relatively unwashed dirt-laden air column centered inside a hollow water column.

Abstract: A filter medium for use in a vacuum cleaner is shown with external brush means which is movable across the filter face for cleaning the soil therefrom. The brush means may either be moved manually, by automatic controls, by time switches, by pressure differentials operating in a piston-cylinder arrangement, or by a pressure indicator unit which monitors the clogging condition of the filter. Moreover, control means are provided for protecting the vacuum cleaner drive motor from damage from liquids when liquids may be drawn into the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: Suction cleaning apparatus comprising a container adapted for the collection of a liquid is provided with an inlet for connection to a suction head adapted for picking up liquid whereby incoming air flow is directed substantially radially inwardly relative to the container and impinges directly on an inner wall whereby it is spread in substantially equal and opposite streams around the interior of the container. The inner wall surrounds a suction inlet whereby suction is applied to the interior of the container and the arrangement minimises the tendency for a vortex to be generated in air flow towards such suction inlet, thereby reducing the tendency of foam to be produced on the surface of the collected liquid within the container.

Abstract: A discharge valve assembly for use in dust collection systems is disclosed. The valve assembly includes a conduit (160) and a rotatable valve member (162). A rod (192) is connected to the valve member (162). The conduit (160) is formed of an elastic material and has a generally circular cross section. The conduit (160) also has an inner diameter (164) in an unstretched condition. The valve member (162) has a generally circular cross section and an outer diameter (178) which is greater than the inner diameter (164). The rod (192) has an axis spaced from a line bisecting the valve member (162) and is connected to the valve member (162) for rotation of the valve member (162) between a closed and an open position. In one embodiment of the invention, a plurality of discharge valve assemblies are disposed below a number of dust separator mechanisms (60,92). A discharge valve assembly can also serve as a suction or vacuum breaking means (158) in a multiple-stage dust collector system.

Abstract: The invention comprises a negative-pressure plastic bag leader in the form of a cylindrical chamber into which the plastic bag is received. The chamber is double-walled, an outer wall being imperforate, and the inner wall being foraminous, and the two being spaced apart, in a substantial concentricity, to define an annular void therebetween. A closure caps the upper, open end of the chamber, and has a conduit in traverse thereof through which to admit gas, and refuse suspended in such gas into the chamber. Further, the closure has an aperture formed therethrough for communicating with a source of negative pressure, and for extracting gas from the chamber. The aperture opens into the chamber and also into the annular void. Accordingly, both the chamber and the annular void experience the same negative pressure, and the plastic, refuse-collecting bag is held securely in place against the inner wall of the chamber.