Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for cleaning filters used in air breathing machinery. The apparatus is adapted to clean filters that are either contaminated or dirty on the inside surface of its filter medium or on the outside. For this purpose, the filter is placed in a first chamber of a housing wherein it is rotatably supported and wherein there is a vacuum established if the filter surface is dirty on the outside and wherein alternatively a vacuum is established on the inside of the filter if the filter is dirty on the inside surface. This establishes the fact that cleaning air moves through the filter medium in the direction of its contamination. In order to aid in dislodging any contaminants, vibrating hammers are provided on the outside or on the inside of the surfaces of the filters.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a generally cylindrical air filter. The apparatus includes a carriage for receiving the air filter in a generally axially vertical orientation. The carriage is selectively turned to orient the filter generally horizontally. Dirt and debris are dislodged selectively from an inside cylindrical surface and an outside cylindrical surface of the filter by a air pressure nozzle and a pneumatic hammer, respectively. A vacuum apparatus collects the dirt and debris that is dislodged from the filter.