Abstract: A cord winder apparatus for a vacuum cleaner system. The apparatus generally comprises a generally circular spool upon which a power cord is wound, and a generally circular race over which the spool is coaxially disposed to enable the spool to be rotated thereon as the power cord is unwound and rewound on the spool. The race and spool are further positioned coaxially over a portion of a motor of the vacuum cleaner system to maintain a compact profile of the system. A coil spring is further coupled to the spool to provide a constant retracting force to rotate the spool in a retract direction to rewind the power cord once it has been at least partially unwound from the spool. A brake is further included for releasably maintaining the spool in a desired position once the power cord has been unwound from the spool a desired amount.

Abstract: A handle assembly for securing a vacuum hose to an intake nozzle of a vacuum cleaner system. A handle housing having first and second mating handle housing sections and a plurality of oppositely facing ridges and oppositely facing grooved portions protruding from inner surfaces of the housing sections is adapted to house a ribbed end portion of a vacuum hose and an elbow section having a shoulder portion protruding therefrom. The ridges and grooved portions are adapted to abuttingly engage the ribbed end portion of the vacuum hose and the shoulder portion of the elbow section respectively when the first and second handle housing sections are matingly engaged, to thereby prevent clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation of the vacuum hose as the handle assembly is articulated into various positions during use. The vacuum hose further includes a relatively smooth inner surface which is operable to slide over a portion of the elbow section housed within the handle assembly housing.

Abstract: A separator for use in connection with a liquid bath-type vacuum cleaner system. The separator includes an annular, cup-like housing adapted to rotate axially about its vertical axis for generating a centrifugal force to be applied to intake air therein; and a plurality of intake/exhaust slots particulates entrained in the intake air and liquid particulates from a liquid bath to be drawn into an interior area of the housing and coalesce therein, whereby the coalesced particulates are subjected to centrifugal force and are thereby separated from the intake air. The intake/exhaust slots further enable the coalesced particulates to be forcibly expelled from the interior area of the housing therethrough as they are forced radially outwards by the centrifugal force generated by the rapid, axial rotation of the housing.

Abstract: A separator for use in connection with a liquid bath type vacuum cleaner system. The separator includes an annular, cup-like housing adapted to rotate axially about its vertical axis for generating a centrifugal force to be applied to intake air therein; a plurality of slots on the housing for allowing dust and dirt particulates entrained in the intake air and liquid particulates from a liquid bath to be drawn into an interior area of the housing and coalesce therein, whereby the coalesced particulates will be subjected to centrifugal force and will thereby be separated from the intake air; and a plurality of exhaust slots for allowing the coalesced particulates to be forcibly expelled from the interior area of the housing as they are forced radially outwards by the centrifugal force towards and through the exhaust slots by rapid, axial rotation of the housing.In one preferred embodiment a plurality of elongated slots in the housing provides both an intake and an exhaust function.

Abstract: A separator for use in connection with a liquid bath-type vacuum cleaner system. The separator includes an annular, cup-like housing adapted to rotate axially about its vertical axis for generating a centrifugal force to be applied to intake air therein; and a plurality of intake/exhaust slots formed in the housing for enabling dust and dirt particulates entrained in the intake air and liquid particulates from a liquid bath to be drawn into an interior area of the housing and coalesce therein, whereby the coalesced particulates are subjected to centrifugal force and are thereby separated from the intake air. The intake/exhaust slots further enable the coalesced particulates to be forcibly expelled from the interior area of the housing therethrough as they are forced radially outwards by the centrifugal force generated by the rapid, axial rotation of the housing.

Abstract: A safety interlock circuit for a vacuum cleaner system is disclosed for interrupting the flow of current through conductors of a vacuum hose and handle assembly whenever an electrical attachment accessory is disconnected from the handle assembly during operation of the vacuum. A pulse-type reset circuit is also disclosed for re-enabling current flow through the conductors of the vacuum hose and handle assembly after the electrical attachment accessory has been reattached to the handle assembly. The safety interlock circuit of the preferred embodiment comprises a relay coil, a plurality of normally open relay contacts, and a current sensing resistor, all connected in series with an AC power source and a motor of the electrical attachment accessory. A voltage doubler is also connected in parallel with the current sensing resistor for supplying a DC voltage to the relay coil.

Abstract: A device for allowing inspection of foreign matter in a stream of fluid flow in a conduit includes a filter disposed transversely in the fluid flow for filtering and collecting foreign matter from the fluid flow passing therethrough. A support frame supports the filter and allows connection to the conduit. A filter retainer is connected to the support frame for retaining the filter therebetween and has a first position disposed transversely in the fluid flow. A first pivotal member interconnects the filter retainer and the support frame for allowing pivotal movement of the filter retainer in a direction substantially perpendicular to the fluid flow from the first position to a second position outside the fluid flow to allow the filter to be removed and inspected.