Abstract: A portable vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The portable vacuum cleaner includes a rechargeable battery and a DC motor. The portable vacuum cleaner further includes a DC power input port for receiving DC power from a remote power source. The DC motor is operable in response to power from either the battery or the remote power source.

Abstract: A vacuum assembly having a housing and a motor and motor shaft secured within the housing; a fan coupled to the motor shaft and an air intake port and an air exhaust port located within the housing; a circuit board mounted in a cooling air path in the housing, wherein the cooling air path is located between the air intake port and the air exhaust port such that the fan causes cool air to flow across the circuit board; a pulley assembly coupled to the motor shaft and including a disposable belt, the pulley assembly located in the housing in such position that the circuit board blocks access to the disposable belt; a first connector portion secured to the circuit board; a second connector portion coupled to a plurality of wires coupled to at least the motor; the first and second connector portions configured to mate in a single direction.

Abstract: A battery powered vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The vacuum cleaner comprises a motor, a battery pack comprising a plurality of battery cells arranged in a generally horseshoe configuration and wrapped about the motor, and a battery door providing access to the battery pack and adapted to permit removal of the battery pack from the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A mop bucket assembly is disclosed which allows for moving a bucket from one position to another while reducing spillage from the bucket by using an integrated lid to keep liquid from splashing out of the bucket. The disclosed mop bucket assembly also discloses a mop bucket assembly having a caution or warning sign formed integral with the mop bucket assembly that can be deployed when mopping is in progress.

Abstract: Mating connectors enable a vacuum cleaner section to be releasably attached to a toolbox section. The connectors include a downward-facing tongue that fits in a corresponding horizontal slot. The tongue has a vertical slot that corresponds with a vertical flange adjacent the slot. An interacting tab and slot prevent the vacuum cleaner section from being removed from the toolbox section when a closeable top on the toolbox section is closed. The two sections attach in a position in which upright side walls on the vacuum cleaner section align with the upright sides on the toolbox section, and an extended horizontal work surface is formed by portions of the hinged top on the toolbox section and the vacuum cleaner section. A handle on the vacuum cleaner section can form part of the horizontal work surface, which has parallel lateral grooves with co-linear segments on opposite sides of a recessed channel.

Abstract: A new wall-mountable vacuum cleaner and bracket combination provides easy locking. Both the vacuum cleaner and the bracket have mounting rims. When the vacuum cleaner is on the bracket, a support surface on a proximal end of one of the two mounting rims engages a terminal edge of the other of the two mounting rims. The vacuum cleaner can be secured in place by moving a movable arm from an extended position to a retracted position in which the vacuum cleaner is locked in place. To accommodate the required movement of the movable arm, the bracket has a deflectable locking edge that moves between a rest position and a deflected position.

Abstract: An electric motor is described in which a first magnet wire forms a first pole of the coil, is disposed across two terminals of a fuse, and terminates at a first end on a power switch. The portion of the first magnet wire between the terminals of the fuse is severed such that all current of the motor must travel through the conductor of the fuse. The second end of the first magnet wire terminates at dual tang terminal disposed on the brush housing.

Abstract: The disclosed disposable vacuum cleaner has a disposable bag with a collar at the bottom, rather than on the sides. Dirty air enters the bag vertically, rather than horizontally, through a duct that is positioned near the floor, separate from the handle on the vacuum cleaner. An elongated, light-weight tube is disposed within the bag, and has a lower end that is connected to the collar. The tube is made of a thin, lightweight, lay-flat tubing with opposed creases, and is flexible and collapsible. It has a length that is greater than half the height of the sides of the bag. The collar has a seal that is trapped between two pieces of mounting material and extends around the periphery of the duct, providing an elastic seal. The bag has a top that is reinforced with a cardboard support. Extending flanges on the support can be used to suspend the bag from arms in the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A vacuum assembly having a housing and a motor and motor shaft secured within the housing; a fan coupled to the motor shaft and an air intake port and an air exhaust port located within the housing; a circuit board mounted in a cooling air path in the housing, wherein the cooling air path is located between the air intake port and the air exhaust port such that the fan causes cool air to flow across the circuit board; a pulley assembly coupled to the motor shaft and including a disposable belt, the pulley assembly located in the housing in such position that the circuit board blocks access to the disposable belt; a first connector portion secured to the circuit board; a second connector portion coupled to a plurality of wires coupled to at least the motor; the first and second connector portions configured to mate in a single direction.

Abstract: A mop bucket assembly is disclosed which allows for moving a bucket from one position to another while reducing spillage from the bucket by using an integrated lid to keep liquid from splashing out of the bucket. The disclosed mop bucket assembly also discloses a mop bucket assembly having a caution or warning sign formed integral with the mop bucket assembly that can be deployed when mopping is in progress.

Abstract: The disclosed vacuum assembly can be mounted in a vehicle. The motor/fan assembly is positioned above a chassis wall. Lateral flanges on opposed sides of the tank support the tank in generally horizontal sliding motion from a forward position to an elevated rearward position. A rear flange supports the tank as it pivots to a mounted position in which an inlet on a removable lid on the tank communicates with a hose, and an outlet on the lid communicates with the motor/fan assembly. In a removed position, the inlet and outlet are disconnected. Alignment bosses fit in aligned openings when the tank is in the mounted position.

Abstract: A method for assembling a motor shaft with a bearing, a motor housing, and an impeller is disclosed. A motor shaft extension is used to retain the impeller axially on the motor shaft and allows the motor shaft to drive an additional component, such as an impeller, located a distance from the motor. The motor shaft extension may be fabricated from aluminum or hardened steel. Additionally, the motor shaft extension may be embodied in a tube extending past the end of the motor shaft and a shaft extension pressed into the end of the tube.