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.

Abstract: A retainer clip for retaining components on a shaft eliminates the need for a threaded shaft and a hex nut to retain the components on the shaft. The retaining clip includes a main body having a through hole for accommodating the shaft, a plurality of teeth for engaging the shaft and projecting radially inwardly from the main body and a plurality of spring members projecting in a direction transverse to the main body.

Abstract: A retainer clip for retaining components on a shaft eliminates the need for a threaded shaft and a hex nut to retain the components on the shaft. The retaining clip includes a main body having a through hole for accommodating the shaft, a plurality of teeth for engaging the shaft and projecting radially inwardly from the main body and a plurality of spring members projecting in a direction transverse to the main body.

Abstract: A motor housing for a vacuum cleaner includes a main body, a peripheral rim, and an interconnecting base bounding portions of a working air chamber. A portion of the peripheral rim defines a sidewall having a plurality of vanes and a plurality of exhaust openings, with the vanes and the exhaust openings cooperating to exhaust air from the working air chamber in response to rotation of the impeller. Each of the vanes having an airfoil-shaped cross section, and each vane is oriented such that the airfoil of each vane is oriented oppositely relative to the airfoil of its adjacent vanes. Thus, a first set of the vanes are positioned to direct air through the exhaust openings, while a second set of vanes are positioned to direct excess air from adjacent the exhaust openings toward the chamber and back into the flow pattern.

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.

Abstract: A thermal fuse includes a first electrical contact extending through and engaged in electrical contact with a second contact. A spring is compressed between the first and second contacts. A thermally deformable pin retains the second contact against the compressed spring. The pin is responsive to a high temperature condition such that the pin deforms, thereby allowing the spring to disengage the first and second contacts.

Abstract: A housing for directing air propelled by an impeller through an object such as a motor has several arcuate vanes which direct the air radially inward towards ports associated with each vane. The vanes of the housing are placed non-symmetrically about the housing, and each vane has a corresponding vane located 180.degree. around the housing. Sharp corners are eliminated on the back of each vane where the vane meets a main body, where each vane meets an outer rim and/or where each vane meets a base portion of the housing. The disclosed housing increases efficiency in moving air while decreasing the noise of the airflow.

Abstract: An electric motor brush subassembly includes a housing base, a housing cover, a brush, and a constant force spring. The brush is mounted between the housing base and the cover with the coil of the spring mounted adjacent to the outer end of the brush. The axis of the coil is disposed at a right angle with respect to the length of the brush and an unrolled spring segment extends along a side of the brush and is fixed in a slot in the cover. The spring exerts a force against the brush to bias the brush against the motor commutator.