Abstract: A filter housing (60) comprises an inlet for receiving airflow, a cavity for receiving a filter (70) and an airflow passage between the inlet and the filter (70). At least one vane (65a, 65b, 65c) is positioned in the airflow passage for partitioning the airflow passage into a plurality of ducts (51, 52, 53). Each vane (65a, 65b) has a non-linear shape in the direction of flow through the airflow passage. This helps to reduce acoustic emissions from the machine since sound waves emitted by the fan and/or motor are caused to bounce off the vanes (65a, 65b), which allows the vanes (65a, 65b) to absorb some of the sound energy. The filter housing (60) can form part of a vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: An exhaust assembly for an appliance comprises a filter housing (60) for retaining a filter (70) and an exhaust duct (90) which receives airflow from the filter housing (60). Vanes (75) are positioned in the filter housing (60) for guiding airflow from the exhaust side of the filter (70) to the exhaust duct (90). The vanes (75) spread the airflow entering the exhaust duct (90) across the width thereof so as to reduce noise and to reduce the velocity of the exiting air. The exhaust duct (90) increases in cross-sectional area in the direction of flow through the exhaust duct (90) so as to further reduce the velocity of the exiting air.

Abstract: A filter housing includes an inlet for receiving an airflow, a cavity for receiving a filter and an airflow passage between the inlet and the cavity. At least one vane, positioned in the airflow passage, partitions the airflow passage into a plurality of ducts. The vanes lie adjacent to, or contact, the upstream surface of the filter such that each duct communicates with a separate portion of the upstream surface of the filter. The airflow passage extends in a direction which is inclined to the upstream surface of the filter. The vanes help to distribute the flow of air more evenly across the surface of the filter and also help to reduce acoustic emissions from the machine of which the filter housing forms a part.