Abstract: A bearing protection assembly protects a motor having a rotating shaft. The motor includes a bearing carried on the shaft, having one side proximal the motor and one side distal the motor. A support member is positioned adjacent the bearing's distal side and disposed about the shaft. A retaining member is disposed about the shaft, the retaining member and the support member and forms an annular cavity about the shaft. A non-lubricated seal is captured and may be compressed in the annular cavity precludes migration of moisture toward the bearing along the shaft. The seal is preferably made of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. Alternative embodiments allow the seal to be positioned and secured in various ways with respect to the bearing.

Abstract: A quiet by-pass vacuum motor wherein a ring-like cavity is defined between inner and outer walls of the housing for a working air fan. Separating members divide the cavity into passageways which communicate with openings in the housing. A plate having a plurality of vanes thereon is received upon the separating members, the plate extending from the outer wall to a position short of the inner wall. A baffle plate is then received upon the vanes. Working air is exhausted over the baffle plate, between the vanes, over the plate and between the separating members and through the openings. The exhaust path greatly reduces the noise level of the vacuum motor.