Abstract: A one piece plastic liner (40) for use in cyclonic vacuum cleaner (10) is described. The liner preferably fits inside of an outer cyclone or container (11) around an inner cyclone (12) and is held in place by the dirt receiver (13), the inner cyclone and the cover (15). The liner collects separated dirt from both cyclones and is easy to remove and replace by removing the cover, the inner cyclone and the receiver when the vacuum cleaner becomes full of dirt.

Abstract: A disc-shaped shroud having a cylindrical section (50c, 132) adjacent to an inner surface (15b, 111b) of a cyclonic container (15, 111) including a preferred combined shroud and disc unit (50) for use in a dual inner and outer cyclonic vacuum cleaner (10) is described. The combined shroud and disc unit fits on the outside surface (20c) of the inner cyclone (20) and aids in removal of dirt and fibrous matter from the airflow in the outer cyclone (15). Improved airflow between the outer cyclone (15) and inner cyclone (20) is achieved because of the shroud and disc unit (50).

Abstract: A dual cyclonic vacuum cleaner device (10) including outer cylcone (11), inner cyclone (12), collecting receiver (13) and motor (14) and a valve (46) in a housing (38) which preferably closes a passage into an inlet scroll (27) leading to the inner cyclone when the outer cyclone is full is described. The valve rises to meet a ring stop (47) to cause the closure because of the differential pressure (.DELTA.P) between a pressure at an opening (45) and a pressure inside of the housing. The valve (46) prevents dirt laden air from entering directly into the shroud 31 which could plug the inner cyclone, put dirt in the vacuum motor and expel dirt laden air to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus including inner cyclone (11) connected to a uniquely configures receiving chamber (12, 53, 99, 112) is described. An outer container (10) is outwardly tapered to facilitate dirt removal. 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 inner cyclone which provides a seal during air flow and which allows separation of the chamber and inner 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 the outer container (10, 80) to facilitate emptying dirt.

Abstract: A combined disc and shroud unit (30) for use in a dual cyclonic cleaner (10) is described. The unit fits on the outside surface (12b) of the cyclone (12) and aids in removal of dirt and fibrous particles in the container (11). Improved separation is achieved because of the unit.

Abstract: An improved cleaning apparatus 10 is described wherein a shroud 21 with a moveable collar 22 is provided on the outside surface 12b of a cyclone 12 in an air outlet 13d from a container 11 leading to the cyclone 12 to dislodge accumulated dirt in the air outlet when a fan 18 drawing air through the apparatus is stopped. The apparatus preferably has a disc 20 which prevents long strands, such as hair, in the dirt from clogging the air outlet 13d from the container 11. The apparatus is preferably in the form of a vacuum cleaner.