Abstract: Applicant has created systems, methods, and apparatuses for controlling the power supply of a vacuum cleaner motor. The systems and apparatuses include pressure taps to detect a pressure differential within a vacuum cleaner, a float that adjusts depending on an amount of liquid stored, and a power switch that toggles based on the pressure differential created by the position of the float. Alternatively, the float can be replaced by an air chamber so that the pressure differential is created by liquid rising above the volume of air trapped in the chamber. The method can include interrupting the current supplied to an electrical circuit of a power switch based upon a pressure differential created within the vacuum. By controlling the power supply to a vacuum cleaner motor based on a pressure differential created by the amount of liquid stored within the vacuum cleaner, the vacuum cleaner can automatically disable the vacuum cleaner's motor as the vacuum approaches its maximum liquid capacity.

Abstract: A vacuum comprising a canister and a removable lid assembly that is configured to couple to the canister. The lid assembly includes a motor, an impeller coupled to the motor, a filter mounting structure configured to receive a filter element, and an impeller inlet with curved inner walls. These curved inner walls help to minimize air flow path disruptions.

Abstract: Applicant has created systems, methods, and apparatuses for controlling the power supply of a vacuum cleaner motor. The systems and apparatuses include pressure taps to detect a pressure differential within a vacuum cleaner, a float that adjusts depending on an amount of liquid stored, and a power switch that toggles based on the pressure differential created by the position of the float. Alternatively, the float can be replaced by an air chamber so that the pressure differential is created by liquid rising above the volume of air trapped in the chamber. The method can include interrupting the current supplied to an electrical circuit of a power switch based upon a pressure differential created within the vacuum. By controlling the power supply to a vacuum cleaner motor based on a pressure differential created by the amount of liquid stored within the vacuum cleaner, the vacuum cleaner can automatically disable the vacuum cleaner's motor as the vacuum approaches its maximum liquid capacity.

Abstract: Applicant has created systems, methods, and apparatuses for controlling the power supply of a vacuum cleaner motor. The systems and apparatuses include pressure taps to detect a pressure differential within a vacuum cleaner, a float that adjusts depending on an amount of liquid stored, and a power switch that toggles based on the pressure differential created by the position of the float. Alternatively, the float can be replaced by an air chamber so that the pressure differential is created by liquid rising above the volume of air trapped in the chamber. The method can include interrupting the current supplied to an electrical circuit of a power switch based upon a pressure differential created within the vacuum. By controlling the power supply to a vacuum cleaner motor based on a pressure differential created by the amount of liquid stored within the vacuum cleaner, the vacuum cleaner can automatically disable the vacuum cleaner's motor as the vacuum approaches its maximum liquid capacity.

Abstract: A vacuum comprising a canister and a removable lid assembly that is configured to couple to the canister. The lid assembly includes a motor, an impeller coupled to the motor, a filter mounting structure configured to receive a filter element, and an impeller inlet with curved inner walls. These curved inner walls help to minimize air flow path disruptions.

Abstract: Applicant has created systems, methods, and apparatuses for controlling the power supply of a vacuum cleaner motor. The systems and apparatuses include pressure taps to detect a pressure differential within a vacuum cleaner, a float that adjusts depending on an amount of liquid stored, and a power switch that toggles based on the pressure differential created by the position of the float. Alternatively, the float can be replaced by an air chamber so that the pressure differential is created by liquid rising above the volume of air trapped in the chamber. The method can include interrupting the current supplied to an electrical circuit of a power switch based upon a pressure differential created within the vacuum. By controlling the power supply to a vacuum cleaner motor based on a pressure differential created by the amount of liquid stored within the vacuum cleaner, the vacuum cleaner can automatically disable the vacuum cleaner's motor as the vacuum approaches its maximum liquid capacity.

Abstract: Applicant has created systems, methods, and apparatuses for controlling the power supply of a vacuum cleaner motor. The systems and apparatuses include pressure taps to detect a pressure differential within a vacuum cleaner, a float that adjusts depending on an amount of liquid stored, and a power switch that toggles based on the pressure differential created by the position of the float. Alternatively, the float can be replaced by an air chamber so that the pressure differential is created by liquid rising above the volume of air trapped in the chamber. The method can include interrupting the current supplied to an electrical circuit of a power switch based upon a pressure differential created within the vacuum. By controlling the power supply to a vacuum cleaner motor based on a pressure differential created by the amount of liquid stored within the vacuum cleaner, the vacuum cleaner can automatically disable the vacuum cleaner's motor as the vacuum approaches its maximum liquid capacity.

Abstract: Applicant has created systems, methods, and apparatuses for controlling the power supply of a vacuum cleaner motor. The systems and apparatuses include pressure taps to detect a pressure differential within a vacuum cleaner, a float that adjusts depending on an amount of liquid stored, and a power switch that toggles based on the pressure differential created by the position of the float. Alternatively, the float can be replaced by an air chamber so that the pressure differential is created by liquid rising above the volume of air trapped in the chamber. The method can include interrupting the current supplied to an electrical circuit of a power switch based upon a pressure differential created within the vacuum. By controlling the power supply to a vacuum cleaner motor based on a pressure differential created by the amount of liquid stored within the vacuum cleaner, the vacuum cleaner can automatically disable the vacuum cleaner's motor as the vacuum approaches its maximum liquid capacity.

Abstract: A backflush filter cleaning system for use with a vacuum cleaner employing an internal filter may include a filter cage having a first end, a second end and a peripheral opening, a backflush valve coupled to the first end, an intake plenum coupled to the second end, the plenum having an air outlet, an inlet valve coupled between the peripheral opening and the air outlet, and a cleaning actuator coupled to at least one of the valves. The system can be adapted to clean a filter coupled to a vacuum cleaner where the system can include a means for establishing a first airflow path from inside the collector through the filter, to the vacuum source, a means for flowing air along the first airflow path, and a means for establishing a second airflow path from an atmosphere surrounding the vacuum cleaner through the backflush valve, through the filter, and into the collector to clean the filter.

Abstract: A filter system for a vacuum cleaner may include an air intake manifold having a tubular air inlet and a tubular perforated filter cage, the filter cage having a first end coupled to the air inlet and a free second end, the air inlet having an outer surface with a seal, a filter agitator coupled to the intake manifold and arranged alongside the filter cage, the filter agitator having a cleaning surface disposed adjacent to the filter cage, and a filter holder having a first end, a longitudinally opposite second end for coupling to a filter, and at least one coupler for removably coupling the filter holder to the filter inlet of the vacuum cleaner. A method of cleaning a vacuum cleaner filter may include coupling the filter holder to the filter inlet and rotating the filter holder so that the filter rotates about the filter cage.

Abstract: A support system may include a holder having a peripheral surface and a slot, a mount having a stop boss adapted to communicate with the peripheral surface, and a shaft coupled with the mount and slot, thereby slideably and rotatably coupling the holder and mount. A method of moving an object coupled to a support system may include supporting the object in a first position by disposing the mount at a start point of a path so that a center of gravity of the holder can be disposed at a first location relative to a pivot, moving the mount toward an end point of the path, which can include allowing the holder to rotate about the pivot, disposing the mount at the end point, and supporting the object in a second position.

Abstract: A motor mounting assembly includes a motor mount member having a first and second generally opposing sides. A generally U-shaped channel is formed in the second side of the motor mount member extending around its periphery to form a lip extending from the first side of the motor mounting member. The U-shaped channel allows slight movement of the motor mount member in a radial direction to absorb vibrations from a motor attached thereto.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-stepped accessory holder for an appliance having accessories that have dissimilar inner diameter connections, such as accessories with a male and/or a female ends. The female end of an accessory has a first inner diameter, and the male end of an accessory has a second inner diameter. The accessory holder includes a base having a first perimeter, and an upper portion mounted atop the base that has a second perimeter. The second perimeter of the upper portion is smaller than the first perimeter of the base. When the female end of an accessory is placed upon the accessory holder, the female end engages the first perimeter of the base. If it is desired that an accessory's male end be placed upon the holder, the male end engages the second perimeter of the accessory holder's upper portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a holder for storing accessories on a wet/dry vacuum. The holder securely attaches to the vacuum and readily detaches therefrom. The detachable holder may be detached with the accessories. While an operator dumps debris out of the drum of the vacuum, detaching the holder prevents the accessories from being inadvertently spilled out of or discarded from the holder. The detachable accessory holder fully secures to a bracket attached to the vacuum. The secure attachment prevents the holder from falling off or tipping on the vacuum. To attach the holder to the bracket and vacuum, grooves on the holder are set on to an axle of the vacuum. As the holder is pivoted about the axle, tabs and a latch on the holder engage slots and a step on the bracket. To remove the holder, the operator presses on the latch and lifts the holder from the bracket and the appliance.

Abstract: An adapter for connecting a hose to a hose receptacle of an object in a locking relationship. The adapter includes a first end adapted to be fixedly attached to one of the hose receptacle or the hose and a second end having a first locking element adapted to selectively engage a second locking element to establish a locking relationship. The adapter is suitable for adapting a friction-based vacuum appliance hose connection receptacle such that it can be used with a hose-locking mechanism to selectively, securely lock the hose to the vacuum appliance.

Abstract: A switch assembly includes a switch having an actuator extending from a base that is movable between first and second switch positions. A housing defines an opening in which the switch is seated. A pivot member extends from the control member and is received by a socket defined in the housing such that the control member is movable on the pivot member between first and second controller positions. A contact member extends from the control member so that movement of the control member between the first and second controller positions moves the actuator between the first and second switch positions.

Abstract: An adapter for connecting a hose to a hose receptacle of an object in a locking relationship. The adapter includes a first end adapted to be fixedly attached to one of the hose receptacle or the hose and a second end having a first locking element adapted to selectively engage a second locking element to establish a locking relationship. The adapter is suitable for adapting a friction-based vacuum appliance hose connection receptacle such that it can be used with a hose-locking mechanism to selectively, securely lock the hose to the vacuum appliance.