Patents Examined by Chris K. Moore
  • Patent number: 6507974
    Abstract: A dust collector includes a main frame, a suction device, a hollow support member, upper and lower dust collecting bags, and a plurality of clamping plates. The suction device includes a housing formed with an inlet and outlet, and a blade unit for drawing and discharging dust-laden air into and from the housing via the inlet and outlet, respectively. Each clamping plate includes a mounting segment secured on an outer wall surface of the support member, a clamping segment that cooperates with the outer wall surface of the support member so as to clamp a mouth portion of the lower dust collecting bag therebetween, and a guide segment that guides the mouth portion of the lower dust collecting bag for insertion between the clamping segment and the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: San Ford Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mao-Nan Cheng
  • Patent number: 6505379
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaning and/or drying systems having heaters which provide drying air to aid in drying or combined cleaning and drying. The system is particularly adapted and beneficial for use on carpets, hut can also be used to clean other surfaces such as smooth floors or upholstery. The heaters are on a portable cleaning unit used within the room being cleaned. A support unit is preferably provided outside the room or building to generate vacuum and remove moisture from the room. The support unit is typically mounted on a vehicle and can provide compressed air or other gases and cleaning fluids. Compressed air can be used to agitate and facilitate both cleaning and drying. Compressed air can also be used to apply one or more additives, such as deodorizers and fragrances. The portable unit can also be used for drying flooded carpets and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Inventor: Kris D. Keller
  • Patent number: 6502278
    Abstract: An upright type vacuum cleaner includes a cyclone type dust collector to collect contaminants from the air that is drawn in through a suction brush. The cyclone type dust collector includes a cover, first and second cyclone receptacles, and a lower door. The first cyclone receptacle separates by centrifugal force and collects large particle contaminants. The second cyclone receptacle, disposed in the first cyclone receptacle, separates and collects minute dust and includes a grill having a plurality of fine holes, through which air from the first cyclone receptacle flows into the second cyclone receptacle. The lower door provides access to the contaminants collected in the first and second cyclone receptacles. A reverse flow prevention section is also provided to prevent a reverse flow of contaminants from the lower door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventors: Jang-Keun Oh, Kyu-Chang Park
  • Patent number: 6499183
    Abstract: A low-profile and highly-maneuverable vacuum cleaner having improved functionality including, alone or in combination, a headlight, a sidelight, anti-ingestion bars, side brushes, a squeegee, and a scent cartridge for use in cleaning floors, floor coverings, carpets, upholstery, and other surfaces. One embodiment includes a tortuous air flow path created by baffles that divert air flow. The tortuous path creates quieter air flow through the vacuum housing. The tortuous air flow arrangement is for cooling the internal parts of a vacuum cleaner. Another embodiment includes an indicator light assembly for the vacuum cleaner visually providing the user with the vacuum's current operation status. In another embodiment, the rear wheels are recessed within the head housing and slightly offset rearwardly of the rear wall of the head housing to provide enhanced maneuverability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Oreck Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Chris M. Paterson, Javier Verdura, Owen T. Bourgeois, Jeffrey A. Millard, Mel Teitzman, Paul A. Moshenrose
  • Patent number: 6499182
    Abstract: A convertible blower port for a vacuum cleaner includes a cylindrical port wall carried by a portion of a vacuum cleaner. The port wall has a first end facing inwardly toward the vacuum cleaner and a second end opposite the first end. The port wall defines a blower passage in communication with the plenum of the vacuum cleaner. A blower port outlet is provided on the second end of the port wall. A removable cap closes off the blower port outlet and has an exterior surface for gripping the cap and has a hub configured to fill the blower passage. The hub has a substantially smooth inner end face that is positioned generally across the first end of the port wall and faces the plenum of the vacuum cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Shop-Vac Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. Berfield, Ronald Griffin, Kevin Fry, Randy L. Buss
  • Patent number: 6497000
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus for cleaning ophthalmic devices. The apparatus has a conveying system for transporting lens mold carriers to a cleaning station. The cleaning station has at least one movable cleaning assembly which is situated above the lens mold carrier and has a recess. When the cleaning assembly is lowered to the lens mold carrier, a substantially enclosed or enclosed cavity containing the lens mold is created by the carrier and the recess of the cleaning assembly. Compressed gas is injected into the cavity to dislodge any debris that may be present on the lens molds, and a vacuum is employed to remove gas and debris from the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventor: Todd Aldridge Russell
  • Patent number: 6497002
    Abstract: A low-profile and highly-maneuverable vacuum cleaner having improved functionality including, alone or in combination, a headlight, a sidelight, anti-ingestion bars, side brushes, a squeegee, and a scent cartridge for use in cleaning floors, floor coverings, carpets, upholstery, and other surfaces. One embodiment includes a tortuous air flow path created by baffles that divert air flow. The tortuous path creates quieter air flow through the vacuum housing. The tortuous air flow arrangement is for cooling the internal parts of a vacuum cleaner. Another embodiment includes an indicator light assembly for the vacuum cleaner visually providing the user with the vacuum's current operation status. In another embodiment, the rear wheels are recessed within the head housing and slightly offset rearwardly of the rear wall of the head housing to provide enhanced maneuverability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Oreck Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Chris M. Paterson, Javier Verdura, Owen T. Bourgeois, Jeffrey A. Millard, Mel Teitzman, Paul A. Moshenrose
  • Patent number: 6497001
    Abstract: A hand-held vacuum cleaner includes a housing, a suction fan and a first motor assembly located in the housing and a dirt container detachably mounted on the housing. A suction nozzle is selectively mounted on the housing and is usable both in an attached position and in a detached position for cleaning. A brushroll and a second motor are mounted within the suction nozzle. An electrified hose is connected to the housing and to the suction nozzle. The dirt container includes an inlet in fluid communication with the electrified hose, and an outlet in fluid communication with the suction fan and first motor assembly. A filter assembly is releasably positioned for form an outlet of the dirt container. The dirt container has a latching mechanism for securing the dirt container to the housing. The housing further includes a hollow section formed above the suction fan and first motor assembly for storing a cleaning attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: David Di Nunzio, John S. Murphy, Michael F. Wright, Jeffrey M. Kalman, Craig M. Saunders, Richard C. Farone, Robert A. Matousek
  • Patent number: 6490755
    Abstract: A low-profile and highly-maneuverable vacuum cleaner having improved functionality including, alone or in combination, a headlight, a sidelight, anti-ingestion bars, side brushes, a squeegee, and a scent cartridge for use in cleaning floors, floor coverings, carpets, upholstery, and other surfaces. One embodiment includes a tortuous air flow path created by baffles that divert air flow. The tortuous path creates quieter air flow through the vacuum housing. The tortuous air flow arrangement is for cooling the internal parts of a vacuum cleaner. Another embodiment includes an indicator light assembly for the vacuum cleaner visually providing the user with the vacuum's current operation status. In another embodiment, the rear wheels are recessed within the head housing and slightly offset rearwardly of the rear wall of the head housing to provide enhanced maneuverability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Oreck Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Chris M. Paterson, Javier Verdura, Owen T. Bourgeois, Jeffrey A. Millard, Mel Teitzman, Paul A. Moshenrose
  • Patent number: 6490753
    Abstract: A steam cleaner includes a housing, a head cleaning member fitted to an upper end opening of the housing, an electric heater received in the housing, a pump also received in the housing, and a water container secured to the bottom of the housing. The pump has an inlet connected to the water container, and an outlet connected to a water pipe passing through the electric heater. A nozzle is connected to the upper end of the water pipe. When the pump and the heater are activated, the pump forces the water in the container through the water pipe for allowing the water to be heated to become steam by the electric heater. The steam is sent out via both the nozzle and the head member to help kill bacteria when the head member is rubbed against an object in cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Fong Yen Electrical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shih-Yang Chen
  • Patent number: 6490754
    Abstract: A low pressure air cleaning system that allows a surface to be cleaned easily by blowing particulate matter from the surface including a housing defined by a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a back wall, a first end wall, and a second end wall. A motor is disposed within the housing. The motor has a power cord extending outwardly of the first end wall of the housing. The motor includes an air intake. The air intake has an open outer end extending outwardly of the first end wall. The motor includes an air outlet. An air compression tank is disposed within the housing. The air compression tank has an air inlet in communication with the air outlet of the motor. The air compression tank has an air outlet. A regulator is disposed within the housing. The regulator has an air inlet in communication with the air outlet of the air compression tank. The regulator includes an air outlet extending outwardly of the second end wall of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Inventor: Raymond E. Spaulding
  • Patent number: 6490751
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaning system and more particularly pertains to a direct port vacuum cleaning system for use in a motor vehicle anytime or anywhere. The system comprises a vacuum generating unit and a vacuum cleaner hose. The vacuum generating unit comprises an electric motor, an impeller and a removable debris canister. The removable debris canister contains a vacuum cleaner hose attachment end and is directly connected to the vacuum cleaner hose. The vacuum generating unit also contains a vacuum exhaust port, located at the opposite end of the vacuum generating unit from the vacuum cleaner hose attachment end. The vacuum generating unit is powered by the vehicle's battery. The battery's power is converted from DC to AC by power inversion means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Inventor: William Ganzenmuller
  • Patent number: 6490752
    Abstract: An electric vacuum cleaner including a motor-driven blower driven by an inverter circuit. The inverter circuit has a plurality of switching elements. The inverter circuit AC-drives a motor-driven blower according to periodic switching between the switching elements. The periodic switching is based on the detected value of physical quantities related to the electric vacuum cleaner. The electric vacuum cleaner can, in the highest operation mode, undergo a sudden fluid load variation. The electric vacuum cleaner is able to limit, by way of the inverter circuit, the unpleasant sound produced by the vacuum cleaner due to the change in rotation velocity of a rotor of a motor of the vacuum cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Toshiba TEC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kushida, Tsuyoshi Takanose
  • Patent number: 6484355
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner containing an air passage system which is modified to increase the amount and speed of air drawn into the vacuum cleaner without increasing the capacity of the motor, whereby the performance of the vacuum cleaner is enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seong Ho Cho, Seong Bin Lee, Sung IL Park
  • Patent number: 6484347
    Abstract: A steam cleaner has a housing, a steam generator, a pump, a reservoir, a cap and a filter. The steam generator is mounted in the housing. The pump is mounted in the housing and communicates with the steam generator. The reservoir is detachably attached to a base on the housing. The cap is detachably attached to the reservoir and communicates with the steam generator. The filter is detachably attached to the cap and extends into the reservoir. Accordingly, the water in the reservoir is filtered by the filter before the water is transported to the steam generator. The structure of the housing and the mold to form the housing are simplified. The cost for manufacturing the steam cleaner is reduced. Furthermore, to install and to change the filter is easier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: Ta-Chin Wang
  • Patent number: 6484351
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided which includes a housing and a latch assembly disposed on the housing. The latch assembly includes a latch that is movable relative to the housing between a first state and a second state. The vacuum cleaner also includes a blower that is disposable on the housing and has a first state wherein the blower is detached from the housing and a second state wherein the blower is disposed on the housing. The blower includes a latching surface disposed adjacent the latch with the blower in the second state. The blower moves the latch between the first state and the second state as the blower is moved between the first state and the second state, and the latch engages the latching surface with the blower in the second state and the latch in the first state to secure the blower to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Shop Vac Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald Griffin, Craig A. Seasholtz
  • Patent number: 6484349
    Abstract: Handle assemblies for floor care devices, and methods for using the same, are disclosed. In one embodiment, a handle apparatus includes a main member partially surrounding a cord retaining space that is adapted to receive a plurality of portions of a power cord of the floor care device. A retaining member is moveably attached to the main member, and includes a retaining surface that is positionable proximate the cord retaining space. In a first or “retaining” position, the retaining surface retains the plurality of power cord portions within the cord retaining space, and in a second or “releasing” position, the retaining surface releases the plurality of power cord portions from the cord retaining space. In alternate embodiments, the retaining member may be rotatably, pivotably, or slidably attached to the main member, pivotably attached to the main member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Oreck Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Chris M. Paterson, Shane P. Cohen, Jeffrey A. Millard, Dennis Lamb, Terrance Monty Roberts, Javier Verdura
  • Patent number: 6484350
    Abstract: A bagless canister vacuum cleaner having a chasse, an air blower and a dust extraction and collection unit is provided. The dust extraction and collection unit has an easily removable inlet chamber and an easily removable outlet chamber. The inlet chamber is substantially cylindrical, and the outlet chamber is disposed concentrically within the upper portion of the inlet chamber. Duct work within the chasse conducts air from the air inlet and into the inlet chamber in tangential fashion, such that air swirls about the inside walls of the inlet chamber. Air within the inlet chamber is then allowed to escape from the inlet chamber into the outlet chamber via a plurality of small holes disposed in the side walls of the outlet chamber. Air within the outlet chamber is exhausted to the blower via a top wall opening in the outlet chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Shell Electric MFG. (Holdings) Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Billy Yung
  • Patent number: 6484356
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaning tool has a housing with a brush chamber and a turbine chamber. A vacuum connector is connected to the housing remote from the brush chamber. A brush roller is arranged in the brush chamber and an air turbine is arranged in the turbine chamber for driving the brush roller. A vacuum airflow enters the brush chamber via a suction slot, flows from the brush chamber into the turbine chamber, flows within the turbine chamber through the air turbine, and exits from the turbine chamber into the vacuum connector. The turbine chamber has an intake cross-section transverse to a flow direction of the vacuum airflow that is greater than an outlet cross-section at the turbine chamber end facing the outlet window. Intermediate cross-sections of the interior of the turbine chamber decrease in a direction toward the turbine chamber end such that the turbine chamber tapers toward the outlet cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Düpro AG
    Inventor: Peter Wörwag
  • Patent number: 6484353
    Abstract: A riding type sweeper with a rear-mounted engine and a driven sweeper roller located between the front axle and the rear axle, wherein the sweeper roller transports the dirt into a coarse dirt container disposed behind the sweeper roller, from which the fine dirt is suctioned off by a filter blower unit. The filter blower unit is arranged in the region before the rear-mounted engine in a vertically superpositioned arrangement, with the blower turbine together with the fine filter being arranged in a common box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: WAP Reinigungssysteme GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Arthur Rau