Abstract: A dual filter wet/dry hand-held vacuum cleaner includes a two-stage filtration system effective to provide liquid and/or dry pick-up while minimizing the frequency with which it needs cleaned out that, at cleanup time, may be cleaned efficiently with little or no dust generation and minimal or no direct contact with accumulated grime.

Abstract: Insertion of a dust wand into a portable vacuum filtration canister removes foreign matter therefrom when and where necessary without polluting the air. A powerpack provides cordless (rechargeable or non-rechargeable) and corded operation. A readily serviceable grid filter, and a HEPA or other filter provides cleaned air free of dirt, dust and allergens.

Abstract: An interchangeable control panel module removably mountable to the housing of the powered unit of a hand-held vacuum cleaner may be configured to provide the feature mix of a given product model without requiring redesign of the housing of the powered unit to accommodate the feature mixes of different product models. The feature face of the interchangeable control panel module is aesthetically continuous with the housing of the powered unit and may be configured to include at least one of an on/off power switch, a headlight and a battery charge indicating bar graph.

Abstract: A rotary brush attachment tool for a hand-held vacuum cleaner having a dust bowl terminating in a nozzle end provides a mechanical force that acts to move foreign matter into the attachment tool from which the foreign matter is drawn into the nozzle end of the dust bowl of the hand-held vacuum cleaner to which it is removably attached.

Abstract: Exhaust from a hand-held vacuum cleaner is directed rearwardly away from its dust bowl nozzle end through rearwardly disposed exhaust ports providing foreign matter pickup at its nozzle end in a manner not disturbed by exhaust turbulence.

Abstract: An illuminated magnifying lens assembly includes a magnifying lens, a storage case having upper and lower portions, a support frame disposed about and supporting the lens, and a retainer element and fastener secured to the case and pivotally connecting the frame to the case such that the frame and lens therewith may be pivoted relative to the case in a circular arc from a stored position between the upper and lower portions of the case to a plurality of deployed viewing positions wherein the frame is angularly displaced from the case and the lens is exposed. The lens assembly also includes an electrical light source disposed within the frame for emitting and projecting light through a small hole in the frame and onto an object being magnified by the lens as observed through the lens. The light source is activated by pivoting the frame in a predetermined direction from the stored position to one of the deployed positions. The light source include a lamp, batteries, and a switch mechanism.

Abstract: A miniature pocket flashlight includes a battery receptacle and electrical switch unit, a lamp, and a lens module with an integral lens element which are all encased and covered by an outer sheath of flexible material. The lens module are mounted to an end of the battery receptacle and electrical switch unit and has a central passage formed therein behind the lens element which receives, surrounds and protects the lamp which is also mounted and electrically connected to the one end of the unit. The flexible outer sheath of the pocket flashlight is formed by a pair of flexible flaps integrally connected together at one end where they define an aperture for external exposure of an end of the lens element. The outer sheath is stretched over the components and the peripheral edges of the flexible flaps are attached to one another so as to encase and enclose and thereby retain together the lens module, lamp and battery receptacle and electrical switch unit.

Abstract: A peripherally sealed card-like flashlight device includes an inner light generating module, a middle folded card insert, and an outer peripherally sealed protective cover. The inner module includes a flat battery pack, a lamp having a light emitting element and a pair of conductive lead elements extending therefrom, and an electrical switch assembly attached on the flat battery pack. Strips of metallic tape are used to electrically connect one of the lead elements to one electrically conductive portion of the flat battery pack and to position the other of the lead elements over an aperture through the switch assembly and overlying and spaced from another electrically conductive portion of the flat battery pack.

Abstract: A lighting device characterized by its light weight and ease of handling. One application of the lighting device is a lighted bookmark which can be placed between the pages of a book and also functions as a portable book light while reading. The invention utilizes a novel neck mechanism possessing a memory effect that repeatedly returns the light-bearing neck to its original curved position when extended. The light-bearing neck of the bookmark can be retracted to fit within the body of the bookmark and can also be pushed to extend out of the bookmark, causing the light to automatically energize above the pages of a book when reading. The novel light-bearing neck mechanism can be successfully incorporated into other lighting devices such as a lighted notepad and the like.