Dual blower jet assisted vacuum

An improved vacuum cleaner wherein the hand tools have improved cleaning capacity by addition of air jets to the to the hand tools. The air jets dislodge debris and dust from inaccessible spaces to be scavenged by the vacuum stream. The jets are powered by an additional blower (23) housed in the vacuum cleaner body. The blower runs continuously and by drawing air through filter (19) boosts the vacuum power of the machine. A manual switch (5, 5a, 5b) on the vacuum cleaner body turns control plate and control vanes (24, 24a) directing air to the jets and controlling the volume of the air flow from zero to maximum. Air is pushed through tool hose body terminus (2), hose (37), tool hose tool end terminus (40), and tool (46). Vacuum stream is drawn back through channels (36).

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Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] (a) Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates to an improvement to a typical residential type vacuum cleaner, and in particular for the hand tool cleaning attachments. The cleaning function of the hand tools is enhanced with an adjustable air jet added to the end implements powered by a second blower run in conjunction with the suction blower. The intake of the second blower is configured so that in addition to providing positive pressure to the air jet, it adds negative pressure to the vacuum function, increasing efficiency.

[0003] (b) Description of the Prior Art

[0004] There are several devices patented that in particular, combine particle jets in conjunction with a vacuum for use in primarily industrial applications. All these devices are primarily concerned with the tip or tool configuration and not how the device is powered or might be implemented in household uses within the typical configuration of existing vacuum cleaners. What is needed is a singular or plurality of adjustable jets in the implement nose to dislodge dust and dirt from crevasses, small and delicate objects, and hard to reach places, to be scavenged by the vacuum stream. U.S. Pat. No. 6,012,975 by Jager discloses a particle stream and vacuum nozzle that fails to meet the stated objectives, as it is intended to abrade the cleaned surface. Similarly, U.S. patents U.S. Pat. No. 5,709,590 by McPhee et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,498,197 by Roberts et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,667,430 by McPhee et al, and 4,624,080 by Jakobsson fail for the same reason. The device described by U.S. Pat. No. 4,651,381 by Meidel is of limited use. The turbine blades and complex of ducts and tubes would be too cumbersome for general use and it is questionable whether the principals of conservation of energy, friction loss, and transmission losses would allow the device to produce a strong enough jet to be of use. Additionally, the turbine in the vacuum stream would interfere with scavenged debris and tend to clog continuously. U.S. Pat. No. 3,967,341 by Gavin illustrates a gun that can produce either vacuum or blow stream from either end, and would not be applicable. U.S. Pat. No. 4,300,261 pertains to jet streams directed at floor surfaces in a typical vacuum cleaner at the brush roller level and so is again not applicable. None of the prior art describes the means of combining or providing the suction and jet power within the physical and economic limitations of a conventional vacuum cleaner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is a fact that a simple vacuum is unable to draw debris and dust from crevasses and depressions and in fact leaves some dust film behind on cleaned surfaces. It is common to use air jets powered by aerosols or compressors to blow dust and fiber from electronic equipment and the like. This generally leaves the surrounding air filled with suspended dust. For years vacuum manufacturers have tried to address this problem by adding brushes to the ends of the hand tool implements to dislodge dust and debris for the suction stream to pull away. This has several disadvantages. The brush bristles cannot penetrate deep or narrow crevasses and quite simple leave behind dust. It is also necessary to fit the entire tool into the space to perform an effective cleaning so it is impossible to clean small spaces. Further, it is easy to damage delicate objects with the brushes. The ideal way to dislodge dust in these cases is with an air jet, coupled with a surrounding vacuum stream to collect the dust before it enters the surrounding air and resettles on household objects.

[0006] Accordingly, the object of this invention is to address and correct as many of the disadvantages of the currently produced devices as possible.

[0007] It is desirable to provide an air jet and vacuum end within the current size and configurations of existing implements with no cumbersome triggers or operating levers at the implement end.

[0008] It is desirable to provide a variety of tool shapes as exist today, with air jet and vacuum ends, attachable to a single and common supply and scavenge hoses.

[0009] It is a further object of the current invention to provide a method of delivering air jets and vacuum stream to the implements and providing the power within the current size and shape restrictions of traditional vacuum cleaners.

[0010] Another object of the current invention is to allow the air jet to be adjustable from zero to maximum flow with no special skills or aptitude.

[0011] Still another object is that the air jet and vacuum hand tools be combined and integrated into the mechanism of the traditional upright vacuum cleaner, though the contemplated system is readily adaptable to any form of vacuum cleaner.

[0012] An additional objective of the current invention is to power the vacuum blower, jet blower, floor brush, and drive wheels from the same motor and single power switch.

[0013] Still a further objective of the current invention is that the air jet blower also provide and boost the vacuum stream whether the air jet is in use or not.

[0014] These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, showing the contemplated novel construction, and elements as herein described, and more particularly defined by the amended claims, it being understood that changes in the precise embodiments to the herein disclosed invention are meant to be included as coming within the scope of the claims, except insofar as they may be precluded by the prior art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the vacuum cleaner.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the vacuum cleaner with the body cover removed.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the vacuum cleaner with the body cover removed.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a front exploded perspective view of the vacuum cleaner.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a rear exploded perspective view of the vacuum cleaner.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a rear exploded view of the blower stack, controls and ducts.

[0021] FIG. 7 is a front exploded view of the blower stack, controls, and ducts.

[0022] FIG. 8 is a cross section according to FIG. 7 through the hand tool hose stem at the body deck attachment.

[0023] FIG. 9 is a cross section according to FIG. 7 and FIG. 10 of the air jet blower and control plates.

[0024] FIG. 10 is a cross section according to FIG. 7 through the blower stack.

[0025] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of the air routing.

[0026] FIG. 12 illustrates some hose options for delivering jet air and vacuum stream.

[0027] FIG. 13 is a section of a typical hand crevasse tool with air jets and hose transition.

[0028] FIG. 14 is a section of another typical hand tool with air jets and hose transition.

[0029] FIG. 15 is bottom view of representative hand tools.

[0030] FIG. 16 is schematic of a compressor powered jet driven by vacuum motor with manual controls.

[0031] FIG. 17 is schematic of a compressor powered jet driven by its own motor with manual controls.

[0032] FIG. 18 is schematic of a compressor powered jet driven by its own motor with a pressure sensor to activate motor.

[0033] FIG. 19 is schematic of a compressor powered jet driven by the vacuum motor with a pressure sensor to activate motor.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] The current invention can best be understood by referring first to FIG. 1. A typical upright vacuum cleaner is represented and comprised of a lower body assembly 1, housing the motor, blowers, controls, wheels, floor brush, and various ducts. The hand tool body terminus end assembly 2 is shown without the hose for clarity. The upper body assembly 3 contains the refuse chamber, HEPA filter, handle, and hand tool storage that is typical of most conventional upright vacuum cleaners. Additionally, a hand tool selection knob 5a and air jet volume adjusting knob 4a are shown on the lower body assembly 1 side. Additional standard features such as lights and floor brush roller height adjustment controls would naturally be installed.

[0035] FIG. 2 is a similar view with the lower body assembly 1a cover removed. A conventional floor brush roller 14 is contained in roller vacuum chamber 13. Duct 11 leads from chamber 13 to intake port on the vacuum blower in blower stack assembly 17 and on to the hand tool vacuum stack 21. Hand tool selection knob 5a is attached to control vane 5b and rod 5 which selects vacuum stream direction from floor roller brush vacuum chamber 13 to hand tool vacuum stack 21. Air jet volume adjusting knob 4a is connected to rod 4 and control arm 4b. Motor 10 drives blowers in blower stack assembly 17, as well as floor roller brush 14, and other standard features. Debris and dirt are directed through rotational duct joint 16 along duct channel 8 to be dropped into refuse chamber 6. Air from the chamber 6 passes through a common wall screen into HEPA filter chamber 7, where it is filtered and passes into scavenge channel 9, through duct joint 15 and on to intake air jet blower in blower stack assembly 17. For clarity FIG. 3, a rear view of FIG. 2, illustrates the same sequence: A conventional floor brush roller 14 is contained in roller vacuum chamber 13. Duct 11 leads from chamber 13 to intake port on the vacuum blower in blower stack assembly 17 and on to the hand tool vacuum stack 21. Hand tool selection knob 5a is attached to selection blade 5b and rod 5 which selects vacuum stream direction from floor roller brush vacuum chamber 13 to hand tool vacuum stack 21. Air jet volume adjusting knob 4a is connected to rod 4 and control arm 4b. Motor 10 drives blowers in blower stack assembly 17, as well as floor roller brush 14, and other standard features. Debris and dirt are directed through rotational duct joint 16 along duct channel 8 to be dropped into refuse chamber 6. Air from the chamber 6 passes through a common wall screen into HEPA filter chamber 7, where it is filtered and passes into scavenge channel 9, through duct joint 15 and on to intake air jet blower in blower stack assembly 17.

[0036] FIG. 4 represents a more detailed view of the preferred embodiment. Lower body assembly 1 is composed of cover 1a and houses the other components. Motor 10 provides power to blower stack assembly 17, floor brush roller 14 and drive wheels as provided. Blower stack assembly consists of jet blower housing 22, jet blower impeller 23, jet control plate 24, blower cover plate 25, jet blower intake chamber 26, vacuum blower housing 27, vacuum blower impeller 28, vacuum blower housing cover 29, and retaining nut 30. Hand tool control stem 5 fits through hole in vacuum duct 11, positioning curved control vane 5b beside and in front of intake aperture of vacuum blower housing cover plate 29. Hand tool control knob 5a is connected to stem 5 and when turned, rotates control vane 5b around aperture in plate 29, directing vacuum stream either from floor brush roller chamber 13 or from hand tool vacuum stack 21. Flow from the vacuum blower is directed to duct joint 16 along duct channel 8 to refuse chamber 6. Air passed through a screen in the common wall into HEPA filter chamber 7, through HEPA filter 19, out the bottom of HEPA filter chamber 7 into scavenge channel 9, through duct joint 15 through return duct 21a and into jet blower intake chamber 26. Air jet volume adjusting knob 4a is connected to stem 4 and control arm 4b which connects to jet control plate 24, and which when turned rotates plate 24 diverting air from the discharge port in jet blower to tool jet port and to tool jet stack 12.

[0037] FIG. 5 is a rear exploded view and is included for clarity. Functions are as above: Lower body assembly 1 is composed of cover 1a and houses the other components. Motor 10 provides power to blower stack assembly 17, floor brush roller 14 and drive wheels as provided. Blower stack assembly consists of jet blower housing 22, jet blower impeller 23, jet control plate 24, blower cover plate 25, jet blower intake chamber 26, vacuum blower housing 27, vacuum blower impeller 28, vacuum blower housing cover 29, and retaining nut 30. Hand tool control stem 5 fits through hole in vacuum duct 11, positioning curved control vane 5b beside and in front of intake aperture of vacuum blower housing cover plate 29. Hand tool control knob 5a is connected to stem 5 and when turned, rotates control vane 5b around aperture in plate 29, directing vacuum stream either from floor brush roller chamber 13 or from hand tool vacuum stack 21. Flow from the vacuum blower is directed to duct joint 16 along duct channel 8 to refuse chamber 6. Air passed through a screen in the common wall into HEPA filter chamber 7, through HEPA filter 19, out the bottom of HEPA filter chamber 7 into scavenge channel 9, through duct joint 15 through return duct 21a and into jet blower intake chamber 26. Air jet volume adjusting knob 4a is connected to stem 4 and control arm 4b which connects to jet control plate 24, and which when turned rotates plate 24 diverting air from the discharge port in jet blower to tool jet port and to tool jet stack 12.

[0038] FIG. 6 is a detailed rear exploded view of the blower stack. The blower stack assembly 17 consists of jet blower housing 22, jet blower impeller 23, jet control plate 24 with diversion vanes 24a, blower cover plate 25, jet blower intake chamber 26, vacuum blower housing 27, vacuum blower impeller 28, vacuum blower housing cover 29, and retaining nut 30. Hand tool control stem 5 fits through hole in vacuum duct 11 and center of air volume control stem 4, positioning curved control vane 5b beside and in front of intake aperture of vacuum blower housing cover plate 29. Hand tool control knob 5a is connected to stem 5 and when turned, rotates control vane 5b around aperture in plate 29, directing vacuum stream either from floor brush roller chamber 13 or from hand tool vacuum stack 21. Flow from the vacuum blower is directed to duct joint 16. Air returns through duct joint 15 through return duct 21a and into jet blower intake chamber 26. Air jet volume adjusting knob 4a is connected to stem 4 and control arm 4b which connects to jet control plate 24, and which when turned rotates plate 24 diverting air from the discharge port in jet blower to tool jet port and to tool jet stack 12. Hand tool body terminus end assembly is comprised of hose 37, jet tube 2a and vacuum tube 2b.

[0039] FIG. 7 is a detailed exploded front view of the blower stack and is included for clarity. Functions are as above: The blower stack assembly 17 consists of jet blower housing 22, jet blower impeller 23, jet control plate 24 with diversion vanes 24a, blower cover plate 25, jet blower intake chamber 26, vacuum blower housing 27, vacuum blower impeller 28, vacuum blower housing cover 29, and retaining nut 30. Hand tool control stem 5 fits through hole in vacuum duct 11 and center of air volume control stem 4, positioning curved control vane 5b beside and in front of intake aperture of vacuum blower housing cover plate 29. Hand tool control knob 5a is connected to stem 5 and when turned, rotates control vane 5b around aperture in plate 29, directing vacuum stream either from floor brush roller chamber 13 or from hand tool vacuum stack 21. Flow from the vacuum blower is directed to duct joint 16. Air returns through duct joint 15 through return duct 21a and into jet blower intake chamber 26. Air jet volume adjusting knob 4a is connected to stem 4 and control arm 4b which connects to jet control plate 24, and which when turned rotates plate 24 and diversion vanes 24a diverting air from the discharge port in jet blower to tool jet port and to tool jet stack 12. Hand tool body terminus end assembly is comprised of hose 37, jet tube 2a and vacuum tube 2b.

[0040] FIG. 9 is a section through the jet blower showing the blower housing 22, blower impeller 23 and control plate 24 and sleeve 31. As control plate 24 is turned, diversion vanes 24a are rotated to partially or fully open discharge port 22b while simultaneously partially or fully opening the tool jet port 22a bleeding air to tool jet duct 12a. The effect of this is to allow the blower to constantly be pulling air through the system, boosting vacuum power, while supplying air when needed to the tool head jets.

[0041] FIG. 10 is a section through blower stack assembly 17 and is self explanatory.

[0042] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the air flow through the system.

[0043] FIG. 8 is a section through the hand tool end terminus 2 and vacuum jet tube stack 12 and 21. Terminus assembly 2 is inserted into tube stack seating the vacuum tube into the vacuum stack and seating the jet tube over the jet stack with seal flange 38 creating an air tight seal against lower assembly cover 1a. Air is simultaneously pulled through vacuum channel 36 by the vacuum blower and pushed through jet channel 34 by the jet blower, each channel being defined by hose walls 37.

[0044] FIG. 12 are sections through two possible hose configurations, one with concentric channels 34 and 36 held in position by intermittent spacers 39. The other is simply two channels running parallel and attached. Both are constructed of flexible hose material 37.

[0045] FIG. 13 is a section through a typical hose tool end terminus and hand tool. Jet channel 34 formed by flexible hose 37 ends at tool end terminus assembly 43. Air is spread around terminus tube 43 between double walls 47. Tool assembly 46 is slid on terminus assembly 43, seating flange 45 into groove 44 and pushing air through tool jet channels 34 to discharge 41. Intake 42 scavenges air and residue, pulling it back along vacuum channel 36.

[0046] FIG. 14 is a similar section showing another tool configuration and functions as above.

[0047] FIG. 15 illustrates possible tool end configurations.

[0048] FIG. 16 is a schematic illustration of the general system with compressed air provided to the jet by a piston compressor 47 driven by vacuum motor 10 and connected to air expansion cylinder 48. A manual switch 52, when turned on, engages clutch 49 causing motor 10 to drive compressor 47. A manual control 51 to valve 50 regulates airflow to the jet.

[0049] FIG. 17 is a schematic illustration of the general system with compressed air provided to the jet by a piston compressor 47 driven by its own motor 10 and connected to air expansion cylinder 48. A manual switch 52 turns on motor 10 to drive compressor 47. A manual control 51 to valve 50 regulates airflow to the jet.

[0050] FIG. 18 is a schematic illustration of the general system with compressed air provided to the jet by a piston compressor 47 driven by its own motor 10 and connected to air expansion cylinder 48. A manual control 51 to valve 50 turns on and regulates airflow to the jet. When air is bled from cylinder 48, a pressure sensing switch 53 turns on motor 10.

[0051] FIG. 19 is a schematic illustration of the general system with compressed air provided to the jet by a piston compressor 47 driven by vacuum motor 10 and connected to air expansion cylinder 48. A manual control 51 to valve 50 turns on and regulates airflow to the jet. When air is bled from cylinder 48, a pressure sensing switch 53 engages clutch 49, causing motor 10 to drive compressor 47.

[0052] Accordingly, it can be seen that the improvements as described solve many of the problems of the currently produced vacuum cleaners by providing a simple means of dislodging dirt, dust, and residue to be collected by the vacuum stream. It provides an integrated jet stream to the hand tools along with a vacuum stream in the same conduit and without creating bulky hard to use hand tools and requiring no trigger or valve apparatus at the working end. The jets may be incorporated into existing tool designs without increasing bulk or diminishing functional use.

[0053] It further provides a means of delivering compressed air without a separate motor or device by means of a second and distinct blower driven by the same motor that powers the vacuum blower. Additionally the jet stream strength is adjustable from no stream to the maximum by a simple turn of a control on the vacuum body. The second blower is configured so that in addition to providing a jet stream when needed, it continuously boosts the vacuuming power of the machine. Due to the design of the control, this boost power remains constant no matter the amount of air being delivered to the jet.

[0054] It should be noted that the primary blower providing negative pressure for the vacuum function could feed from the same source as the jet blower so that no impeller would ever be in contact with debris or dirt. Additionally, the jet mechanism may be incorporated within the shells of existing vacuum cleaners. Although the focus of this embodiment has been on traditional upright vacuum cleaners, this embodiment can be used in all manner of canister or hand held type vacuum machines, being light weight and simple in design.

[0055] Although the above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. For example, where the ducts are shown in a particular configuration or shape they may be different: round instead of rectangular or routed differently. Where the hand tool control is shown at the vacuum blower intake aperture, it may be located elsewhere and combined with other functions such as carpet height adjusting or floor brush roller disengagement controls. Though it is desirable to incorporate jets into existing tool configurations, the addition of jets may lead to new and specialized hand tool designs.

[0056] In place of a second blower providing pressure to the tool jets, a larger single blower could be used with the air intake being fed from the filter discharge end and then diverting a portion of the blower discharge to the jet system with a control.

[0057] While the invention has been particularly shown, described and illustrated in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments and modifications thereof, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that equivalent changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as claimed except as precluded by the prior art.

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS

[0058] 1. Lower Body Assembly

[0059] 2. Tool Hose End Assembly

[0060] 3. Upper Body Assembly

[0061] 4. Air Flow Control Rod

[0062] 4a. Air Flow Control Knob

[0063] 4b. Air Flow Control Arm

[0064] 5. Hand Tool Control Rod

[0065] 5a. Tool Vacuum Control Knob

[0066] 5b. Hand Tool Control Vane

[0067] 6. Refuse Chamber

[0068] 7. HEPA Filter Chamber

[0069] 8. Duct Channel

[0070] 9. Scavenge Channel

[0071] 10. Motor

[0072] 11. Duct

[0073] 12. Tool Jet Stack

[0074] 12a. Tool Jet Blower Discharge Duct

[0075] 13. Brush Roller Vacuum Chamber

[0076] 14. Brush Roller

[0077] 15. Scavenge Duct Joint

[0078] 16. Duct Joint

[0079] 17. Blower Stack Assembly

[0080] 18. Filter Chamber Cover

[0081] 19. Filter

[0082] 20. Chamber Assembly

[0083] 21. Tool Vacuum Tower

[0084] 22. Jet Blower Housing

[0085] 22a. Tool Jet Port

[0086] 22b. Discharge Port

[0087] 23. Jet Blower Impeller

[0088] 24. Jet Control Plate

[0089] 24a. Diversion Vane

[0090] 25. Blower Cover Plate

[0091] 26. Jet Blower Intake Chamber

[0092] 27. Vacuum Blower Housing

[0093] 28. Vacuum Blower Impeller

[0094] 29. Vacuum Blower Housing Cover

[0095] 30. Retaining Nut

[0096] 31. Spacer Sleeves

[0097] 32. Jet Blower Assembly

[0098] 33. Vacuum Blower Assembly

[0099] 34. Jet Air Channel

[0100] 35. Jet Air Inlet

[0101] 36. Vacuum Channel

[0102] 37. Hose

[0103] 38. Seal Flange

[0104] 39. Spacers

[0105] 40. Air Jet Terminus

[0106] 41. Jet Discharge

[0107] 42. Vacuum Intake

[0108] 43. Hose Tool End Terminus

[0109] 44. Groove

[0110] 45. Seating Flange

[0111] 46. Tool Assembly

[0112] 47. Piston Compressor

[0113] 48. Pressure Cylinder

[0114] 49. Clutch

[0115] 50. Jet Control Valve

[0116] 51. Manual Jet Control

[0117] 52. Manual Compressor Control

[0118] 53. Pressure Sensor

[0119] Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.

Claims

1. For a typical conventional vacuum cleaner a means of generating positive pressure and delivering the resulting air stream to the working end of the hand tools comprising:

a. An air pressure generating element driven by an electric motor both contained in the body of said vacuum cleaner: and
b. a controlling device on the body of said vacuum cleaner for regulating the amount of air in said air stream: and
c. a conveying means to deliver said air stream to the hand tool hose terminus on the body of said vacuum cleaner: and
d. a flexible conveying means to deliver said air stream to the hand tool hose terminus at the tool end of the said hand tool hose: and
e. a connecting member at the tool end of said hand tool hose connecting to said hand tool hose and said flexible conveying means and said connecting member being hollow and having a salient edge and a means of distributing said air stream around the salient edge: and
f. a hand tool shaped to attach to said connecting member with a groove located to engage said salient edge on said connecting member and said hand tool having a plurality of internal perimeter conduits from said groove to the tip of said hand tool so that said distributed air stream from said salient edge travels from said groove through said internal perimeter conduits to said tip of said tool and said hand tool being hollow within the said internal perimeter conduits so that the vacuum air stream may pass in the opposite direction of said air stream through the center of said hand tool and center of said connecting member to said hand tool hose.

2. An air jet delivering device according to claim 1 wherein the air pressure generating element is a centrifugal type blower driven by the vacuum blower motor and has two discharge ports arrayed at an interval around the perimeter of the housing one said port discharging into the ambient atmosphere and the other said port discharging into the conveying means to the hand tool air terminus on the vacuum body and an intake fed by the air discharge from the refuse filter.

3. An air jet delivering device according to claim 2 wherein the controlling device consists of a plate free to rotate inside the air jet blower housing and said plate having two other curved plates set perpendicular to said plate and arrayed around the perimeter of said plate so that one said curved plate fully covers one said discharge port and the other said discharge port is fully open and when said plate is rotated one said curved plate begins to cover one said discharge port as the other said curved plate uncovers the other said discharge port so that when the said plate has been rotated to its extent opposite said ports are fully opened and fully closed and the rotation of said plate is controlled by a manually operated device on the vacuum cleaner body.

4. An air jet delivering device according to claim 1 wherein the air pressure generating element is a centrifugal type blower driven by the vacuum blower motor and has two discharge ports arrayed at an interval around the perimeter of the housing one said port discharging into the ambient atmosphere and the other said port discharging into the conveying means to the hand tool air terminus on the vacuum body and an intake fed by ambient air.

5. An air jet delivering device according to claim 1 wherein the air pressure generating element is a piston type compressor driven by the vacuum blower motor accompanied by an air tank and clutch activated by a manually operated device on the vacuum cleaner body and the air jet volume controlled by a manually operated device on the surface of the vacuum cleaner body.

6. An air jet delivering device according to claim 1 wherein the air pressure generating element is a piston type compressor driven by the vacuum blower motor accompanied by an air tank and clutch activated by a pressure sensing device and the air jet volume controlled by a manually operated device on the surface of the vacuum cleaner body.

7. An air jet delivering device according to claim 1 wherein the air pressure generating element is a piston type compressor driven by a separate motor accompanied by an air tank and activated by a manually operated device on the surface of the vacuum cleaner body and the air jet volume controlled by a manually operated device on the surface of the vacuum cleaner body.

8. An air jet delivering device according to claim 1 wherein the air pressure generating element is a piston type compressor driven by a separate motor accompanied by an air tank and activated by a pressure sensing device and the air jet volume controlled by a manually operated device on the surface of the vacuum cleaner body.

Patent History
Publication number: 20040098825
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 21, 2002
Publication Date: May 27, 2004
Inventors: Daniel P. Swift (Laramie, WY), Thomas R. LaCroix (Grand Junction, CO)
Application Number: 10300537
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Air Blast With Suction (015/345)
International Classification: A47L005/14;