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: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an improved, simulated tufted cushion and method of making the same which involves simultaneously forming the tufts with simulated buttons and creases between tufts in a single operation in a heated press.

Abstract: This invention relates to the discovery that chemicals existing in natural waters, which have been pretreated in municipal water treatment facilities, as well as natural surface and underground waters which have not been so pretreated, do inhibit the biocidal effect of known water disinfectants of the metallic ion type. This may be overcome by exchanging for the halide ions in such water an anion, such as bicarbonates, which does not inhibit the biocidal effect of metallic ions, nor does it react chemically with known oxidizing biocides to form halogenated organics which are suspected of causing cancer. Further, water treated in accordance with this invention substantially maintains its original ionic character to maintain the water in a natural state, for example, not deionized.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a reusable dust bag which may be used in an enclosed-bag type of vacuum cleaner interchangeably with a disposable paper dust bag.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a liquid supply system having an inline liquid processor or purifier and which supplies liquid continuously or intermittently to an appliance or other point of use. The apparatus includes a valve structure which normally directs the flow of liquid through a pipe connected to the processor or purifier where impurities are removed before the liquid flows to the appliance and, when a predetermined quantity of liquid has passed through the valve structure, the flow of liquid to the processor is interrupted and the liquid is directed through a bypass pipe which is connected directly to the appliance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a separable coupling for connecting a suction hose to a vacuum cleaner and at the same time establishing an electric circuit between conductors in the hose and in the cleaner and involves means for preventing short circuits in the coupling even though the latter may suffer a mechanical damage.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an arrangement for attaching a suction hose to an enclosed bag type of upright vacuum cleaner for the purpose of above-the-floor cleaning.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an improved wand for connecting a vacuum cleaner suction nozzle having an electric motor therein to a suction hose. A wand of this type normally serves as both a rigid handle for manipulating the nozzle and as a conduit for the passage of air from the nozzle to the hose. In addition, the present wand is provided with a sheath of preferably electrical insulating material for retaining an electric cord for supplying current to the motor in the nozzle from conductors carried by the suction hose.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an improved hook for use on an electrical appliance such as an upright vacuum cleaner or floor polisher, around which may be wound or looped the electric cord for storing the latter when the appliance is not in use, but which may be moved so as to quickly release all turns but one of the cord.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an improved arrangement for and method of electrically testing a cord-set during the molding of the male plug and female receptacle to the opposite ends of the insulated electric cord. In order to accomplish this, the mold for forming the molded plug and receptacle is provided with suitable contacts which upon the closing of the mold automatically establish electrical connections between the terminals of the cord-set and circuits in testing apparatus. These tests consist of checking for continuity in each conductor and for shorts between conductors or terminals and a skin ground test for the purpose of detecting stray strands of wire or any current carrying object that would carry current to the outside surface of the molded plug or receptacle.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided control means in a vacuum cleaner for automatically maintaining a substantially constant volumetric air flow within the limits of the capabilities of the system, under varying conditions of resistance to flow occurring any place in the line of flow from the suction nozzle to the inlet to the fan. A further feature is the provision, as part of the control means, of an electric circuit which may be employed also to start and stop, by means of a switch on the hose handle, both the main fan motor and a motor for driving a brush in the nozzle.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a molded commutator having an improved form of anchoring tooth for each bar extending substantially the entire length of the bar for securing the latter to the molded hub. The invention involves an improved process of forming each anchoring tooth without the removal of any material and hence without wastage.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided improved winding retention means for the field coils in the stator of a rotary electric machine, particularly for coils which are wound in place on the field core by an automatic winding machine. As is well known, winding guides are temporarily secured at each axial end of the stator poles. The shuttles of the winding machine wind successive turns of wire around the poles and in the space between the latter and the winding guides. The retention means includes insulated flat steel wire or strips which .[.are secured to the core as by extending.]. .Iadd.extend .Iaddend.through passages or slots formed in the core laminations. These strips extend out from .[.opposite ends of.]. the core .[.and.]. .Iadd.in both directions and are bent to form off-sets which bear against opposite ends of the core to prevent longitudinal displacement of the strips in the apertures. The end portions of the strips beyond the off-sets extend .Iaddend.