Patents Assigned to Hoover Company
  • Vacuum cleaner dirt collecting system with filter cleaning devices
    Patent number: 6598263
    Abstract: A dirt collecting system for a vacuum cleaner includes a dirt cup formed with a coarse particle separation chamber and a fine particle separation chamber separated by an apertured wall. Coarse dirt particles directed into the coarse particle separation chamber are prevented from entering the fine particle separation chamber by the apertured wall. The apertured wall is removable from the dirt cup and is cleaned upon removal by a cleaning element. A fine particle filter is located in the fine particle separation chamber for filtering fine particles. The fine particle filter is cleaned by rotating a knob located in the dirt cup lid so that the pleats of the fine particle filter is brushed past a wiper element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: The Hoover Company
    Inventors: David J. Boles, Nick M. Bosyj, David A. Bradshaw, Charles R. Morrow, Rodney J. Svik, Kevin S. Waltz
  • Dirt collecting system for a vacuum cleaner
    Patent number: 6596044
    Abstract: A dirt collecting system for a vacuum cleaner includes a dirt cup formed with a first dirt collecting chamber and a second dirt collecting chamber separated by an apertured wall. An inlet opening is formed in the dirt cup and communicates with the first dirt collecting chamber for inputting a stream of dirt laden air into the first dirt collecting chamber. An exhaust opening is formed in the second dirt collecting chamber for allowing the filtered air stream to exit the dirt cup. The aperture wall includes a pre-filter for filtering coarse particles from a stream of dirt laden air and depositing the coarse particles in the first dirt collecting chamber. A filter member is positioned within the second dirt collecting chamber and communicates with the exhaust port. The filter element filters fine particles from the air stream and deposits the fine particles within the second dirt collecting chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: The Hoover Company
    Inventors: Greg A. Bilek, Steven W. Blate, Nick M. Bosyi, Donald A. Coates, Arne J. Diehl, Kurt D. Harsh, Raymond L. Lawter, Jackson W. Wegelin
  • Spring loaded vacuum cleaner nozzle
    Patent number: 6591447
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner of the fixed or floating nozzle type wherein a spring is utilized for urging the suction nozzle into the carpet pile to maintain and improve nozzle suction over a wide range of carpet pile heights and types. Such cleaners often lose nozzle suction as the pile height of the carpet increases and forces the suction nozzle upward away from the carpet. The addition of a spring to force the suction nozzle downward restores and improves nozzle suction and thereby improves overall cleaning efficiency of the vacuum cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: The Hoover Company
    Inventors: Jackson W. Wegelin, Kurt D. Harsh, Ryan S. Steiner
  • Vacuum cleaner with a microprocessor-based dirt detection circuit
    Patent number: 6571422
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner for providing visual operational status indicators includes a vacuum cleaner having internal components that are indicative of the cleaner's performance. Sensors are coupled to at least one of the internal components to be monitored. A microprocessor receives input from the sensors, analyzes the input, and generates an output signal. Visual indicators are carried by the vacuum cleaner and receive the output signals to display the operational status of the vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: The Hoover Company
    Inventors: Evan A. Gordon, Jay M. Salem
  • Multi-purpose position sensitive floor cleaning device
    Patent number: 6572711
    Abstract: This invention relates to a multi-purpose position sensitive floor cleaning device having two separate and distinct selective modes of operation whereby 180° longitudinal rotation of the floor cleaning device selectively activates one of the two separate and distinct selective modes of operation. The two separate and distinct selective modes of operation are, for example, a scrubbing mode for scrubbing an associated floor and a suctioning mode for suctioning associated liquid from the associated floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: The Hoover Company
    Inventors: Adam C. Sclafani, William G. Alford, Kevin L. Thomas
  • Random motion cleaner
    Patent number: 6571415
    Abstract: A self-propelled bare floor cleaner is provided having a random motion generator which enhances the maneuverability of the bare floor cleaner. The random motion generator is rotatably attached to the frame of the cleaner and propels the cleaner across the floor in a random motion. This random motion facilitates cleaning of the floor by making the cleaner easier to manipulate. The random motion generator includes a hollow spherical shell. In the preferred embodiment, the hollow spherical shell houses a weighted motor assembly which is rotatably mounted on a center fixed axle which extends diametrically between the first and second hemispherical halves and is attached thereto. The weighted motor assembly is comprised of a motor housing and a power source, such as batteries or cells. A motor is housed within the motor housing and rotates the motor housing about the center fixed axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: The Hoover Company
    Inventors: Douglas E. Gerber, Kevin L. Thomas
  • Conversion valve assembly
    Patent number: 6536074
    Abstract: A conversion valve arrangement for converting a vacuum cleaner from floor use to off-the-floor use. A valve door located in the suction duct leading from the nozzle body shuts off the suction airstream to the nozzle body when the vacuum cleaner is moved into the upright stored position. A projection on the motor housing located beneath the handle engages a resilient member cooperating with a crank arm on the valve door to close the valve door when the handle is moved to the upright position. The resilient member is comprised of a front valve arm and a rear valve arm pivotally linked together. The motion of the rear valve arm is transmitted to the front valve arm in one direction by a stop. The motion of the rear valve arm is transmitted to the front valve arm in the opposite direction by the stiffness of a spring disposed between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: The Hoover Company
    Inventors: David J. Boles, Nick M. Bosyj, Jeffery S. Louis, Gregg A. McAllise, William McGill, Jr., Dave O'Neal
  • Accessory tool storage door for a floor care appliance
    Patent number: D473356
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: The Hoover Company
    Inventors: Matthew J. Archer, David W. Moine
  • Portion of a floor care appliance
    Patent number: D473357
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: The Hoover Company
    Inventor: Ronald J. Stephens
  • Upper portion of a vacuum cleaner
    Patent number: D473686
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: The Hoover Company
    Inventors: Matthew J. Archer, Douglas C. Barker, David W. Moine
  • Upper portion for an upright extractor
    Patent number: D473981
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: The Hoover Company
    Inventor: Richard A. Wareham
  • Handle for a robotic vacuum cleaner
    Patent number: D473983
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: The Hoover Company
    Inventors: Ronald J. Stephens, Matthew J. Archer, Shai Abramson, Shalom Levin, Oded Davidovitch, Yoav Tikochinksy
  • Sensor visor for a robotic vacuum cleaner
    Patent number: D473984
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: The Hoover Company
    Inventors: Ronald J. Stephens, Matthew J. Archer, Shai Abramson, Shalom Levin, Oded Davidovitch, Yoav Tikochinksy
  • Foot of an upright vacuum cleaner
    Patent number: D473986
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: The Hoover Company
    Inventors: Richard S. Parr, William G. Alford, Darwin T. McKnight, Matthew J. Archer
  • Robotic vacuum cleaner
    Patent number: D474312
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: The Hoover Company
    Inventors: Ronald J. Stephens, Matthew J. Archer, Shai Abramson, Shalom Levin, Oded Davidovitch, Yoav Tikochinsky
  • Vacuum cleaner suction nozzle
    Patent number: D474315
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: The Hoover Company
    Inventors: Matthew J. Archer, Douglas C. Barker, David W. Moine, Ryan S. Steiner, Ronald J. Stephens
  • Hood portion of a floor care appliance
    Patent number: D474569
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: The Hoover Company
    Inventors: Matthew J. Archer, David W. Moine
  • Dust bin viewing window for a robotic vacuum cleaner
    Patent number: D474868
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: The Hoover Company
    Inventors: Ronald J. Stephens, Matthew J. Archer, Shai Abramson, Shalom Levin, Oded Davidovitch, Yoav Tikochinksy
  • Suction nozzle for an upright extractor
    Patent number: D475492
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: The Hoover Company
    Inventors: Richard A. Wareham, Richard R. Tucker
  • Portion of a dirt collecting container for floor care appliance
    Patent number: D476784
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: The Hoover Company
    Inventors: Matthew J. Archer, David W. Moine