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 vacuum cleaner system having an intake nozzle integrally formed with a concave lower portion of a vacuum canister assembly of the vacuum cleaner system. The intake nozzle protrudes downwardly and communicates with an opening in a convex upper surface of a liquid pan removably attached to the concave lower portion of the vacuum canister assembly. Attaching the intake nozzle with the concave lower portion of the vacuum canister assembly allows the interior area of the liquid pan to be more easily cleaned. In a preferred embodiment of the invention a gasket is interposed between the concave lower portion of the vacuum canister assembly and the convex upper surface of the liquid pan to help provide a relatively air-tight seal between the main vacuum canister and the liquid pan.

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.

Abstract: A wet-dry vacuum cleaning apparatus having a vacuum tube and a head supporting a discharge nozzle at one end of the tube. An assembly is attached to the tube and includes a valve for controlling flow of liquid to the nozzle. The assembly includes a container for detergent adapted to selectively mix with water upstream of the valve. The assembly includes a device for permitting selective introduction of water into said container.