Abstract: A combination electrical and suction hose outlet to be mounted to a building wall as part of a central vacuum cleaning system. In such a system, a remote vacuum cleaner suction hose is plugged into the wall outlet and has a power driven brush carpet sweeper end tool. A 110 volt AC line is formed into the hose and extends from the end tool to an electrical receptacle plug in the outlet. To provide a start signal to a central vacuum system motor, 24 volt DC wiring extends from the wall outlet to a motor controller. The high voltage and the low voltage power lines are maintained in electrical isolation by a circuit located at or near the wall outlet and including an optical coupler. When the end tool is turned on, AC flow is sensed by an associated circuit and the optical coupler is activated, causing a short in the DC power line to provide a start signal to the vacuum motor controller. With this system, the vacuum motor is started automatically when the power driven end tool is turned on.

Abstract: A remote control system for actuating a central vacuum system from a remote location such as a vacuum cleaning hose handle that includes an air flow sensor. In the preferred embodiment, a small, lightweight vacuum sensor and a sensor amplifier that is connected to an LED bar graph meter and a comparator circuit are installed in the remote control hose handle. A low voltage power signal is transmitted through the vacuum cleaner hose and to the remote control handle for the purpose of providing electrical current to power the central vacuum system. The vacuum sensor will enable the consumer to instantly know if the vacuum is producing enough air flow to get proper cleanability. The sensor will also notify the consumer if the vacuum cleaner has a full bag or a problem at the vacuum unit, such as a clogged screen.

Abstract: A remote control system for actuating a central vacuum system from a remote location such as a vacuum cleaning hose handle without the use of a separate, dedicated system of control wires. In a preferred embodiment, a small, lightweight FM radio frequency signal transmitter is installed in the hose handle and the signal is conducted along the household current 60 Hz wires running through the vacuum cleaner hose and wand for the purpose of providing electrical current to power sweeper brush motors. The piggybacked control signal requires no additional conductor wires, such as the low voltage wiring of conventional control systems, thereby saving weight and costs. The control signal travels along the power supply wires running the length of the vacuum hose, which are preferably covered by a sleeve, such as of cloth or plastic, then through a standard plug into a standard electrical outlet.