Abstract: A central vacuum cleaning system hose handle uses a battery, and has a battery compartment and a battery housing. Battery housing is interchangeable with power plug housing. When housing is drawer then drawer and handle have slide mechanism on which drawer extends in and out. First stop limits depth drawer can slide in. Second stop limits depth drawer can extend out. External access prevented when drawer extended to first stop, permitted when drawer extended to second stop. Releasable locking mechanism inhibits drawer from extending out when handle in use. Crib releasably retains battery. Spring electrical contacts at opposing ends of crib. Crib generally formed to profile of battery. Drawer oriented generally parallel to longitudinal wand adapter axis of handle, crib opening away from axis. Alternatively, housing has body with internal chamber to receive battery and an opening to provide access through an aperture in the handle to the chamber.

Abstract: A central vacuum cleaning system has multiple vacuum sources. The multiple vacuum sources are connected through pipes to wall valves. In use a hose is plugged into one of the valves. A handle is connected to the hose. A wand extends from the handle. Attachments such as a power brush are connected to the wand. Switches apply power from one or more power sources to the vacuum sources. The application of power by the switches is controlled by a control circuit.

Abstract: An integrated apparatus 1 has a cooling section 3, a motor section 5, a suction section 7 and control module 8. The motor section 5 drives the suction section 7 to draw vacuum air 9 through inlet 11 and exhaust vacuum air through outlet 13. The motor section 5 also drives the cooling section 3 to draw cooling air 15 through cooling air inlet 17, and push it through the motor section 5 to cool the motor section 5. The control module 8 controls the operation of the motor section 5. The control module 8 is located in the cooling air path after the motor section 5. The cooling air for the motor section 5 also cools the control module 8. The cooling section 3, motor section 5, suction section 7 and control module 8 are integrally mounted to form a single unit.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning system for use in a structure. System has receiver adapted to receive communication that an appliance has been activated, and a control circuit adapted to control the central vacuum cleaning system upon receipt of a communication at the receiver that the appliance has been activated. Example appliances include doorbell, telephone or ERV. System may have a communication module that communicates with corresponding appliance communication module. The system communication module may transmit communications to the appliance communication module. Alternatively, the appliance communication module may transmit communications to the system communications module. The modules may both receive and transmit. Preferably, communications between modules are radio frequency (RF) wireless, however wired communications, where wiring is possible or available, are also suitable.

Abstract: A central vacuum cleaning system 3 has a central vacuum unit 17 with a motor 10, a motor compartment 19, and a vacuum chamber 25. The system 3 also has a control circuit 1 for controlling power to the motor 10, and one or more airborne contaminant sensors 15 for sensing contaminants within the system 3. The sensors 15 may be located in pipes 31 motor compartment 19, vacuum chamber 25 and hose handle 34. Vacuum air may be drawn through aperture 37 in wall valve 38.

Abstract: Sign 1 has frame 13 attaching to base 9 and supporting character plates 4. Casing 11 attaches to frame 13 and holds character plates 4 against frame 13. Light assembly 15 and base 9 backlight character plates 4. Backlight is diffusion chamber 17 sidelit by light assembly 15. Casing 11 hides access to the mount and is not easily removable. Light assembly 15 is externally powered and is activated by external messages and by low ambient light. An Emergency Alarm message causes flashing in one colour and intermittent activation of sound. For non-emergency, alternate light mode is used with constant sound. Transmitter 1501 transmits messages for the sign 1. The transmitter 1501 learns emergency telephone numbers for dial detection on a telephone line, in addition to standard emergency telephone number. Emergency button 1507 can begin transmission of emergency alarm message. Transmitter 1501 may have other alarm inputs.

Abstract: Hose nipple has longitudinal axis, distal end, and aperture. Distal end closed and in line with axis for insertion into wall valve. Aperture opens out of line with axis. Nipple and valve alignment mechanisms align nipple and valve apertures for mating. Valve member slides in valve on insertion of nipple through opening of valve against front surface of member. In first position, front surface between opening and aperture. Fluid connection through valve prevented. In second position, front surface further into valve, and fluid connection provided. Valve and nipple longitudinal retention mechanisms retain nipple. Mechanisms engaged by rotational movement. Valve and nipple rotational coupling mechanisms form rotational coupling that is manually engageable and releasable. Hose assembly has nipple, handle, and stretch hose. Handle may have turbine and generator, air causes turbine to turn and generator to generate electrical energy. Central vacuum cleaning system has vacuum source, valve, piping, and assembly.

Abstract: A central vacuum cleaning system control subsystem for use in a central vacuum cleaning system having a motor includes a central vacuum unit control module with a receiver for wirelessly receiving command signals, and a power stage for controlling the motor in accordance with command signals received through the receiver. The control module is stable in high ambient temperature. Current flowing to the motor is sensed, and motor overcurrent and undercurrent conditions are determined. The control module determines when the motor is in an overcurrent condition. Power stage has a triac for controlling power to the motor. The control module also has a microprocessor that compares the current sensed against a normal operating current to determine overcurrent condition. Power to motor ceases when overcurrent condition exists. A generator is powered by air flow in a cleaning system for production of electrical energy.