Abstract: A separator for separating entrained particles from a fluid flow incorporates a cyclone chamber having an outer wall and a cyclonic flow region; a fluid inlet for introducing a cyclonic fluid flow to the cyclonic flow region; a fluid outlet for removing the fluid flow from the cyclone chamber; a particle separation member positioned in the cyclone chamber beneath at least a portion of the cyclonic flow region, the particle separation member having an upper surface and plurality of apertures; and a particle receiving chamber disposed beneath the particle separation member for receiving particles passing into the particle receiving chamber through the apertures. In operation, a fluid is introduced to flow cyclonically in a chamber having a cyclonic flow region and a particle separation member positioned in the cyclone chamber to define a particle receiving chamber. The back pressure in the chamber is adjusted to promote the formation of a laminar boundary layer adjacent the particle separation member.

Abstract: A cyclone separator having an improved efficiency to remove a broader spectrum of contained particles is disclosed. The cyclone separator is provided with a member positioned to interact with at least the inner portion of a fluid circulating within the cyclone cavity to impart changes in the acceleration of the fluid as it rotates within the cyclone cavity.

Abstract: A cyclonic separation device is provided having improved pressure loss characteristics. A fluid supply conduit in flow communication with an inlet to a cyclone is located and configured to extend longitudinally through a central portion of the cyclone, whereby the sharp bending of the conduit may be reduced, thereby reducing pressure losses in the device, without unduly interfering with the cyclonic flow within the cyclone. The present invention may be adapted for use with cyclonic separation devices of all types, including single- and multi-stage cyclonic separators. The cyclonic separation device may be incorporated in a vacuum cleaner such as an upright vacuum cleaner. A three dimensional conduit which is optionally used with a cyclonic separator is provided.

Abstract: A cyclone separator having an improved efficiency to remove a broader spectrum of contained particles is disclosed. The inner wall of the cyclone separator is configured to continuously impart changes in the acceleration of a fluid as it rotates within the cyclone cavity.

Abstract: A cyclone separator having an improved efficiency to remove a broader spectrum of contained particles is disclosed. The cyclone separator is provided with a member positioned to interact with at least the inner portion of a fluid circulating within the cyclone cavity to impart changes in the acceleration of the fluid as it rotates within the cyclone cavity.

Abstract: A cyclone separator having an improved efficiency to remove a broader spectrum of contained particles is disclosed. The inner wall of the cyclone separator is configured to continuously impart changes in the acceleration of a fluid as it rotates within the cyclone cavity.

Abstract: An anti-reentrainment device is provided for use with a cyclone separator. The anti-reentrainment device comprises a plurality of upwardly extending members positioned towards the bottom of a cyclone chamber and extending radially inwardly across the cyclone chamber. The vanes separate the lower end of the cyclone from the cyclonic fluid flow portion, thereby creating a reduced flow region above particle settling out of a fluid in the cyclone. The device impedes the cyclonic flow from reentraining the separated particles.

Abstract: A particle separation member is provided for use with a cyclone separator. The particle separation member divides the separator into a cyclone chamber and a particle receiving chamber. The cyclone chamber and the particle receiving chamber communicate via a plurality of apertures in the particle separation member. The separation member comprises two cooperating members movable between an open position and a closed position to provide access to the particle receiving chamber to empty the collected contents therefrom.

Abstract: A particle separation member is provided for use with a cyclone separator. The particle separation member divides the separator into a cyclone chamber and a particle receiving chamber. The cyclone chamber and the particle receiving chamber communicate via a plurality of apertures in the particle separation member. The particle separation member is provided with an access member which is movably mounted with respect to the particle separation member for providing access to the particle receiving chamber to empty the collected contents therefrom.

Abstract: A particle separation member is provided for use with a cyclone separator. The particle separation member divides the separator into a cyclone chamber and a particle receiving chamber. The cyclone chamber and the particle receiving chamber communicate via a plurality of apertures in the particle separation member. The apertures have baffle members for reducing the flow of fluid in the particle receiving chamber.

Abstract: An anti-reentrainment device is provided for use with a cyclone separator. The anti-reentrainment device has a plurality of vane upwardly extending members positioned in the bottom of a cyclone chamber and extending radially inwardly across the bottom. The vanes separate the bottom of the cyclone from the cyclonic fluid flow portion, thereby creating a reduced flow region above deposited particles settling on the bottom of the cyclone. The device impedes the cyclonic flow from reentraining the deposited particles.

Abstract: A particle separation member is provided for use with a cyclone separator. The particle separation member divides the separator into a cyclone chamber and a particle receiving chamber. The cyclone chamber and the particle receiving chamber communicating via a plurality of apertures in the particle separation member.

Abstract: A cyclone separator having an improved efficiency to remove a broader spectrum of contained particles is disclosed. The transverse section of the inner wall of the cyclone separator is configured to impart changes in the rate of acceleration of a fluid as it rotates within the cyclone cavity.

Abstract: A cyclonic separation device is provided having improved pressure loss characteristics. A fluid supply conduit in flow communication with an inlet to a cyclone is located and configured to extend longitudinally through a central portion of the cyclone, whereby the sharp bending of the conduit may be reduced, thereby reducing pressure losses in the device, without unduly interfering with the cyclonic flow within the cyclone. The present invention may be adapted for use with cyclonic separation devices of all types, including single- and multi-stage cyclonic separators.

Abstract: A terminal insert for a cyclone separator for separating a material from a fluid. The terminal insert has a distinct member positioned within the cyclone separator to impinge upon at least a portion of the fluid as it rotates within the cyclone separator to destructively interfere with the rotational motion of the fluid within the cyclone separator.