Abstract: Central vacuum cleaning system comprising a vacuum source including: a motor within a motor housing and a motor control circuit connected to the motor; a handle to be held by an operator, a flexible hose for connecting the handle to a conduit system that is connected to the vacuum source; a user input interface at an input location on the handle for controlling an operation of the motor through the motor control circuit; and a communications system to transfer control signals from the user input interface to the motor control circuit wherein the communications system comprises an RF wireless transceiver in the handle, and an RF wireless transceiver at the motor control circuit.

Abstract: A central vacuum cleaning system comprising a vacuum source including: a motor within a motor housing, a receptacle extending from the motor housing for receiving dirt, and a motor control circuit connected to the motor; a handle to be held by an operator, a flexible hose for releasably connecting the handle to a conduit system that is connected to the vacuum source, such that when the motor is activated during use of the system, dirt is drawn by a vacuum created by the vacuum source through the attachment, handle, hose, and conduits, and into the receptacle; a user input interface at an input location on the handle for controlling an operation of the motor through the motor control circuit; and a communications system to transfer control signals from the user input interface to the motor control circuit wherein the communications system comprises an RF wireless transceiver in the handle, and an RF wireless transceiver at the motor control circuit.

Abstract: A central vacuum cleaning system including a receptacle for receiving dirt; conduits terminating in valves to which a flexible hose may be attached; a motor for generating airflow through the conduits to the receptacle; a motor control circuit controlling power to the motor; and a remote module receiving, through a communications medium from the motor control circuit, signals indicating an operating condition of the central vacuum cleaning system.

Abstract: A dryer venting system comprising a motor powered fan for connection in-line with the exhaust of the dryer; a sensor to sense operation of the dryer venting system; a dryer disabling device; and a controller configured to monitor a sensed operation of the dryer venting system as sensed by the sensor and to monitor for operation of the dryer, the controller configured to cause the dryer disabling device to disable the dryer when the sensed operation indicates that the dryer venting system is operating improperly and to cause the fan to turn on when the dryer is operating.

Abstract: A central vacuum cleaning system including a receptacle for receiving dirt; conduits terminating in valves to which a flexible hose may be attached; a motor for generating airflow through the conduits to the receptacle; a motor control circuit controlling power to the motor; and a remote module receiving, through a communications medium from the motor control circuit, signals indicating an operating condition of the central vacuum cleaning system.

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.

Abstract: A central vacuum cleaning system can include a vacuum unit, a plurality of inlet valves, an exhaust, a cleaning air path from the inlet valves through the vacuum unit to the exhaust, and a control unit. An example control unit can include a power input, a power output, motor control circuitry to control application of power from the power input to the power output, a first port, a second port, a conduit providing a conduit air path between the first port and the second, a heat sink in thermal contact with the conduit air path and a component of the motor control circuitry, wherein the control unit is connected through the first port and the second port in the cleaning air flow path between the inlets and the exhaust, and the power output is connected to a power input of the vacuum unit.

Abstract: A dryer venting system comprising a motor powered fan for connection in-line with the exhaust of the dryer; a sensor to sense operation of the dryer venting system; a dryer disabling device; and a controller configured to monitor a sensed operation of the dryer venting system as sensed by the sensor and to monitor for operation of the dryer, the controller configured to cause the dryer disabling device to disable the dryer when the sensed operation indicates that the dryer venting system is operating improperly and to cause the fan to turn on when the dryer is operating.

Abstract: While a dryer is running, continuously automatically monitor operation of a dryer venting system, and continuously automatically determining if the dryer venting system is operating improperly, and if it is determined that the dryer venting system is operating improperly then automatically disabling the dryer. If the dryer starts running then automatically turning on a booster fan. Operation of booster fan is monitored by sensing the current drawn. Monitoring operation of the venting system through a first controller and automatically disabling the dryer through a second controller. Automatically turn off the booster fan if the dryer is not running. Automatically adjust operating parameters of the dryer venting system in an attempt to operate the venting system properly, and disabling the dryer if the venting system continues to operate improperly after adjustment. Check to determine if the dryer is drawing current to indicate the dryer is running.

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: Handle has status indicators viewable by operator while viewing location being cleaned and using handle in ordinary cleaning position, and light illuminating location being cleaned. Indicators are LED lamps. Light is an LED lamp. Microphone senses particles and illuminates an indicator. Indicators and light are provided in a housing section that forms part of a housing for handle. Housing section may be integrated with the remainder of the housing, or may be unit that fits into remainder of housing. Light has central axis generally parallel, within approximately five degrees from parallel, with cleaning axis of handle. Indicators each have a central axis generally parallel, within approximately 5 degrees from parallel, with cleaning axis of handle. The indicators have limited beam angle. Indicator viewable over grasping section of handle from towards distal end of handle. The cleaner may be a vacuum cleaner, which may be a central vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: Handle has status indicators viewable by operator while viewing location being cleaned and using handle in ordinary cleaning position, and light illuminating location being cleaned. Indicators are LED lamps. Light is an LED lamp. Microphone senses particles and illuminates an indicator. Indicators and light are provided in a housing section that forms part of a housing for handle. Housing section may be integrated with the remainder of the housing, or may be unit that fits into remainder of housing. Light has central axis generally parallel, within approximately five degrees from parallel, with cleaning axis of handle. Indicators each have a central axis generally parallel, within approximately 5 degrees from parallel, with cleaning axis of handle. The indicators have limited beam angle. Indicator viewable over grasping section of handle from towards distal end of handle. The cleaner may be a vacuum cleaner, which may be a central vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A central vacuum cleaning system can include a vacuum unit, a plurality of inlet valves, an exhaust, a cleaning air path from the inlet valves through the vacuum unit to the exhaust, and a control unit. An example control unit can include a power input, a power output, motor control circuitry to control application of power from the power input to the power output, a first port, a second port, a conduit providing a conduit air path between the first port and the second, a heat sink in thermal contact with the conduit air path and a component of the motor control circuitry, wherein the control unit is connected through the first port and the second port in the cleaning air flow path between the inlets and the exhaust, and the power output is connected to a power input of the vacuum unit.

Abstract: An appliance and a method of determining a wireless communication frequency range from received AC power input comprising automatically determining an AC power characteristic from the AC mains power, automatically mapping the determined AC power characteristic to the wireless frequency range within a pre-determined wireless frequency range, and automatically selecting the wireless communication frequency range to communicate with an auxiliary appliance.

Abstract: Sensor includes electrodes on internal layer of multilayer printed circuit board, and sensing circuitry drives electrodes and reads signal having characteristic based upon capacitance between electrodes. Board may have first layer second layer, with electrodes between layers. One layer may be thicker than other layer such that capacitance external to board is primarily contributed from adjacent other layer. Electrodes may be on internal surface and sensing circuitry may be on opposing external surface. Components for sensing circuitry may be assembled to board such that board and components are multilayer printed circuit board assembly.

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

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 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.