Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a dirt separation system that has a dirt cup retaining a filter assembly having a screen element, an exit, and a filter element disposed between the screen element and the exit. A nozzle disposed in the dirt cup directs an airstream generally parallel to the surface of the screen element so that particles in the airstream are primarily separated by the screen element and, as the airstream ultimately travels towards the exit in the dirt cup, are secondarily separated by the filter element.

Abstract: A filter assembly for a removable dirt separation system is disclosed. The filter assembly includes a wall support attached to a wall of the dirt separation system and a screen panel having a number of screen elements. The filter assembly further includes a filter element which is selectively releasable from the screen panel. The screen panel and filter element can be selectively secured to the wall support. A fine particle separation chamber is at least partially defined by the screen elements and the filter element. A portion of the walls of a dirt cup within the dirt separation system is formed by the filter assembly. A method of operating a filter assembly for a removable dirt separation system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A removable dirt separation system for a vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The dirt separation system includes a dirt cup having a number of outer walls having a first portion defined by a filter assembly and a second portion with a first translucent panel to allow viewing material which accumulates within the dirt cup. The dirt cup further includes a top opening allow emptying of the dirt cup and an inlet in fluid communication with a suction nozzle of the vacuum cleaner. The dirt separation system further includes a lid for sealing the upper opening of the dirt cup. The dirt separation system yet further include a dirt duct for routing air which exits the filter assembly to an exit opening of the dirt separation system. A method of operating a removable dirt separation system for a vacuum cleaner is also disclosed.

Abstract: A filter assembly for a removable dirt separation system is disclosed. The filter assembly includes a wall support attached to a wall of the dirt separation system and a screen panel having a number of screen elements. The filter assembly further includes a filter element which is selectively releasable from the screen panel. The screen panel and filter element can be selectively secured to the wall support. A fine particle separation chamber is at least partially defined by the screen elements and the filter element. A portion of the walls of a dirt cup within the dirt separation system is formed by the filter assembly. A method of operating a filter assembly for a removable dirt separation system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A removable dirt separation system for a vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The dirt separation system includes a dirt cup having a number of outer walls having a first portion defined by a filter assembly and a second portion with a first translucent panel to allow viewing material which accumulates within the dirt cup. The dirt cup further includes a top opening allow emptying of the dirt cup and an inlet in fluid communication with a suction nozzle of the vacuum cleaner. The dirt separation system further includes a lid for sealing the upper opening of the dirt cup. The dirt separation system yet further include a dirt duct for routing air which exits the filter assembly to an exit opening of the dirt separation system. A method of operating a removable dirt separation system for a vacuum cleaner is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved carpet extractor is provided having powered brushes for scrubbing cleaning solution on a floor surface and a floor nozzle for extracting soiled cleaning solution from the floor surface in a floor cleaning mode. The extractor may be converted from the floor cleaning mode to an above the floor cleaning mode for cleaning upholstery, stairs, spots on carpet, or the like, with an attached hand held wand having a cleaning solution applicator and an upholstery and stair cleaning nozzle. A pair of motors are provided, one for driving the floor scrubbing brushes when in the floor cleaning mode and one for driving a cleaning solution supply pump and providing pressurized cleaning solution to the wand in the above floor cleaning mode. An automatic conversion mechanism is provided for automatically energizing and de-energizing the motors depending upon the operative position of the handle portion of the extractor.