Patents by Inventor Michael F. Wright

Michael F. Wright has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8001652
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner (A) includes an upright housing section (B) and a nozzle section (C). A cyclonic airflow dirt and dust separating chamber (54) is defined in said upright housing section. A suction source (E) pulls air and entrained dirt, dust, and other contaminants through a main suction opening (26) formed in the underside (24) of the nozzle and into the cyclonic airflow chamber (54). The cyclonic airflow chamber causes the suction airstream to travel in a cyclonic path such that the entrained contaminants are separated therefrom and deposited into a dirt container (52) that defines the chamber (54). A main filter element (K) filters residual contaminants from the suction airstream between the chamber and the suction source. The main filter element is preferably made from high-density polyethylene porous filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Bair, Richard C. Gibbs, Mark E. Reindle, Michael F. Wright
  • Patent number: 7797792
    Abstract: A floor cleaning device (10) includes a housing (40) and a container (43) removably received by the housing. A suction nozzle (18, 18?, 18?) is fluidly connected with the container and with a suction source (52) when the container is received by the housing. A filter (114) is selectively fluidly connected with the container and with the suction source. A float (170) selectively closes the fluid connection of the filter with the container. The filter and the float may be removable as a unit (42) from the cleaning device. The nozzle may be removable, allowing an appropriate nozzle to be selected according to the type of floor surface to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Mark E. Cipolla, Michael F. Wright, John S. Murphy, Richard C. Farone
  • Patent number: 7507269
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes a nozzle base having a main suction opening formed in an underside thereof. A housing is hingedly connected to the nozzle base. The housing includes a dirt separation chamber and a dirt receptacle for receiving dirt and dust separated by the dirt separation chamber. A conduit connects the nozzle base to the housing. A suction source is located in one of the housing and the nozzle base. The suction source is in fluid communication with the dirt separation chamber. A generally conically shaped filter extends into the dirt separation chamber along a longitudinal axis of the dirt separation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: John S. Murphy, David Khalil, Michael F. Wright, Robert A. Matousek, Yung Leong Hin
  • Patent number: 7254864
    Abstract: A floor cleaning device (10) includes a housing (40) and a container (43) removably received by the housing. A suction nozzle (18, 18?, 18?) is fluidly connected with the container and with a suction source (52) when the container is received by the housing. A filter (114) is selectively fluidly connected with the container and with the suction source. A float (170) selectively closes the fluid connection of the filter with the container. The filter and the float may be removable as a unit (42) from the cleaning device. The nozzle may be removable, allowing an appropriate nozzle to be selected according to the type of floor surface to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Mark E. Cipolla, Michael F. Wright, John S. Murphy, Richard C. Farone
  • Patent number: 7146681
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a first housing defining a cyclonic airflow chamber and a second housing defining a main suction opening that is in communication with an inlet of the cyclonic chamber. A suction source has a suction airstream inlet in communication with an outlet of the cyclonic chamber, and establishes a suction airstream that enters the main suction opening, passes through the cyclonic chamber, and passes to an outlet of the suction source. Particulates entrained in the suction airstream are separated therefrom when said suction airstream moves in a cyclonic fashion through the cyclonic chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Michael F. Wright, Charles J. Thur, Brett Latimer, Paul D. Stephens, Mark E. Cipolla, Craig J. Barbeck
  • Patent number: 7137169
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a suction nozzle, a housing connected to the suction nozzle and a suction fan and motor assembly mounted to the housing. A dirt collecting receptacle is mounted to the housing and is in communication with the suction nozzle and suction fan and motor assembly. A support plate is pivotally mounted to the housing and selectively holds a cleaning sheet for collecting dust and debris from a surface to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: John S. Murphy, David Khalil, Michael F. Wright, Robert A. Matousek, Craig M. Saunders, Jeffrey M. Kalman, Chun Ming Ho, Kiyoshi Yokote
  • Patent number: 7134166
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a first housing defining a cyclonic airflow chamber and a second housing defining a main suction opening that is in communication with an inlet of the cyclonic chamber. A suction source has a suction airstream inlet in communication with an outlet of the cyclonic chamber, and establishes a suction airstream that enters said main suction opening, passes through said cyclonic chamber, and passes to an outlet of said suction source. A substantial portion of particulates entrained in the suction airstream are separated therefrom when said suction airstream moves in a cyclonic fashion through the cyclonic chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Michael F. Wright, Charles J. Thur, Brett Latimer, Paul D. Stephens, Mark E. Cipolla, Craig J. Barbeck
  • Patent number: 7131165
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a first housing defining a cyclonic airflow chamber and a second housing defining a main suction opening that is in communication with an inlet of the cyclonic chamber. A suction source has a suction airstream inlet in communication with an outlet of the cyclonic chamber, and establishes a suction airstream that enters said main suction opening, passes through said cyclonic chamber, and passes to an outlet of said suction source. A substantial portion of particulates entrained in the suction airstream are separated therefrom when said suction airstream moves in a cyclonic fashion through the cyclonic chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Michael F. Wright, Charles J. Thur, Brett Latimer, Paul D. Stephens, Mark E. Cipolla, Craig J. Barbeck
  • Patent number: 7117558
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner (A) includes an upright housing section (B) and a nozzle section (C). A cyclonic airflow dirt and dust separating chamber (54) is defined in said upright housing section. A suction source (E) pulls air and entrained dirt, dust, and other contaminants through a main suction opening (26) formed in the underside (24) of the nozzle and into the cyclonic airflow chamber (54). The cyclonic airflow chamber causes the suction airstream to travel in a cyclonic path such that the entrained contaminants are separated therefrom and deposited into a dirt container (52) that defines the chamber (54). A main filter element (K) filters residual contaminants from the suction airstream between the chamber and the suction source. The main filter element is preferably made from high-density polyethylene porous filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Bair, Richard C. Gibbs, Mark E. Reindle, Michael F. Wright
  • Patent number: 7117557
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner (A) includes an upright housing section (B) and a nozzle section (C). A cyclonic airflow dirt and dust separating chamber (54) is defined in said upright housing section. A suction source (E) pulls air and entrained dirt, dust, and other contaminants through a main suction opening (26) formed in the underside (24) of the nozzle and into the cyclonic airflow chamber (54). The cyclonic airflow chamber causes the suction airstream to travel in a cyclonic path such that the entrained contaminants are separated therefrom and deposited into a dirt container (52) that defines the chamber (54). A main filter element (K) filters residual contaminants from the suction airstream between the chamber and the suction source. The main filter element is preferably made from high-density polyethylene porous filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Bair, Richard C. Gibbs, Mark E. Reindle, Michael F. Wright
  • Patent number: 7052523
    Abstract: A bagless canister vacuum cleaner includes a selectively removable dirt cup, and an airstream flows rotationally through the dirt cup between an interior wall of the dirt cup and a filter assembly selectively mounted in the dirt cup so that entrained contaminants are separated from the airstream flowing through the dirt cup and collected by the dirt cup. The filter lies substantially parallel to the support surface on which the vacuum cleaner is supported. A cover member is connected to the main housing, and the cover member is selectively movable to and held in an operative position in covering relation with an open first end of a dirt cup. The main housing defines a base conformed to self-support the main housing on a support surface with the dirt cup arranged with its open first end at a higher elevation than its closed second end. The removable dirt cup includes a handle adapted for being held by a user, and the dirt cup defines or includes a spout to facilitate emptying dirt therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: John S. Murphy, Robert A. Matousek, Jeffrey M. Kalman, Craig M. Saunders, Richard C. Farone, David DiNunzio, Mark E. Cipolla, Paul D. Stephens, Michael F. Wright, Robert A. Salo
  • Patent number: 7048804
    Abstract: A cleaning device (10) includes a handle assembly (14). A cleaning head (12, 312, 512) is pivotally mounted to the handle assembly (14). The cleaning head selectively holds a cleaning pad (70) for collecting dust and debris from a surface to be cleaned. A suction nozzle (18) is carried by the cleaning head. A dirt collecting receptacle (208) is mounted to the housing and is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle and with a suction fan and motor assembly (30). At least one spray nozzle (22) is mounted on the suction nozzle. A liquid delivery system (90) delivers a cleaning fluid to the at least one spray nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: David Kisela, Richard C. Farone, Steven D. Waldron, Michael F. Wright, Craig M. Saunders, Jeffrey M. Kalman, Lindsey Tufts, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6944909
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner (A) includes an upright housing section (B) and a nozzle section (C). A cyclonic airflow dirt and dust separating chamber (54) is defined in the upright housing section. A suction source (E) pulls air and entrained dirt; and dust through a main suction opening (26) in the underside (24) of the nozzle and into the cyclonic airflow chamber (54). The cyclonic airflow chamber causes the suction airstream to travel in a cyclonic path such that the entrained contaminants are separated therefrom and deposited into a dirt container (52) that defines the chamber (54). A main filter element (K) filters residual contaminants from the suction airstream between the chamber and the suction source. A final filter assembly (F) filters the suction airstream discharge by the suction source to ensure that the air discharge into the atmosphere is contaminant free.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Bair, Richard C. Gibbs, Mark E. Reindle, Michael F. Wright
  • Patent number: 6901626
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes an upright housing section and a nozzle section. A cyclonic airflow dirt and dust separating chamber is defined in said upright housing section. A suction source pulls air and entrained dirt, dust, and other contaminants through a main suction opening formed in the underside of the nozzle and into the cyclonic airflow chamber. The cyclonic airflow chamber causes the suction airstream to travel in a cyclonic path such that the entrained contaminants are separated therefrom and deposited into a dirt container that defines the chamber. A main filter element filters residual contaminants from the suction airstream between the chamber and the suction source. The main filter element is preferably made from high-density polyethylene porous filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Bair, Richard C. Gibbs, Mark E. Reindle, Michael F. Wright
  • Patent number: 6857164
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner. (A) includes an upright housing section (B) and a nozzle section (C). A cyclonic airflow dirt and dust separating chamber (54) is defined in said upright housing section. A suction source (E) pulls air and entrained dirt, dust, and other contaminants through a main suction opening (26) formed in the underside (24) of the nozzle and into the cyclonic airflow chamber (54). The cyclonic airflow chamber causes the suction airstream to travel in a cyclonic path such that the entrained contaminants are separated therefrom and deposited into a dirt container (52) that defines the chamber (54). A main filter element (K) filters residual contaminants from the suction airstream between the chamber and the suction source. The main filter element is preferably made from high-density polyethylene porous filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Bair, Richard C. Gibbs, Mark E. Reindle, Michael F. Wright
  • Patent number: 6848146
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a first housing defining a cyclonic airflow chamber and a second housing defining a main suction opening that is in communication with an inlet of the cyclonic chamber. A suction source has a suction airstream inlet in communication with an outlet of the cyclonic chamber, and establishes a suction airstream that enters said main suction opening, passes through said cyclonic chamber, and passes to an outlet of said suction source. A substantial portion of particulates entrained in the suction airstream are separated therefrom when said suction airstream moves in a cyclonic fashion through the cyclonic chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Michael F. Wright, Charles J. Thur, Brett Latimer, Paul D. Stephens, Mark E. Cipolla, Craig J. Barbeck
  • Publication number: 20040205929
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner (A) includes an upright housing section (B) and a nozzle section (C). A cyclonic airflow dirt and dust separating chamber (54) is defined in said upright housing section. A suction source (E) pulls air and entrained dirt, dust, and other contaminants through a main suction opening (26) formed in the underside (24) of the nozzle and into the cyclonic airflow chamber (54). The cyclonic airflow chamber causes the suction airstream to travel in a cyclonic path such that the entrained contaminants are separated therefrom and deposited into a dirt container (52) that defines the chamber (54). A main filter element (K) filters residual contaminants from the suction airstream between the chamber and the suction source. The main filter element is preferably made from high-density polyethylene porous filter media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Bair, Richard C. Gibbs, Mark E. Reindle, Michael F. Wright
  • Publication number: 20040163201
    Abstract: A bagless canister vacuum cleaner includes a selectively removable dirt cup, and an airstream flows rotationally through the dirt cup between an interior wall of the dirt cup and a filter assembly selectively mounted in the dirt cup so that entrained contaminants are separated from the airstream flowing through the dirt cup and collected by the dirt cup. The filter lies substantially parallel to the support surface on which the vacuum cleaner is supported. A cover member is connected to the main housing, and the cover member is selectively movable to and held in an operative position in covering relation with an open first end of a dirt cup. The main housing defines a base conformed to self-support the main housing on a support surface with the dirt cup arranged with its open first end at a higher elevation than its closed second end. The removable dirt cup includes a handle adapted for being held by a user, and the dirt cup defines or includes a spout to facilitate emptying dirt therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Applicant: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: John S. Murphy, Robert A. Matousek, Jeffrey M. Kalman, Craig M. Saunders, Richard C. Farone, David DiNunzio, Mark E. Cipolla, Paul D. Stephens, Michael F. Wright, Robert A. Salo
  • Patent number: RE38949
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner (A) includes an upright housing section (B) and a nozzle section (C). A cyclonic airflow dirt and dust separating chamber (54) is defined in said upright housing section. A suction source (E) pulls air and entrained dirt, dust, and other contaminants through a main suction opening (26) formed in the underside (24) of the nozzle and into the cyclonic airflow chamber (54). The cyclonic airflow chamber causes the suction airstream to travel in a cyclonic path such that the entrained contaminants are separated therefrom and deposited into a dirt container (52) that defines the lower portion of the chamber (54). A main filter element (11) filters residual contaminants from the suction airstream between the chamber and the suction source. The main filter element is preferably made from high-density polyethylene porous filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Michael F. Wright, Charles J. Thur, Mark E. Cipolla, Brett A. Latimer, Paul D. Stephens
  • Patent number: RE39473
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes an upright housing section and a nozzle base section. A cyclonic airflow dirt and dust separating chamber is defined in the upright housing section. A suction source pulls air and entrained dirt, dust, and other contaminants through a main suction opening formed in the underside of the nozzle base section and into the cyclonic airflow chamber. The cyclonic airflow chamber causes the suction airstream to travel in a cyclonic path such that the entrained contaminants are separated therefrom and deposited into a dirt container that defines the chamber. A main filter element filters residual contaminants from the suction airstream between the chamber and the suction source. An exhaust filter housing includes an airstream suction duct in fluid communication with an outlet of the airflow chamber and an inlet of the suction source. An outlet of the suction source is in fluid communication with an exhaust plenum of the exhaust filter housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Robert A. Salo, Charles J. Thur, Paul D. Stephens, Mark E. Cipolla, Michael F. Wright