Abstract: The present invention is directed to an outlet for connecting a vacuum-cleaning hose to a centralized vacuum-cleaning installation. The outlet comprises a tubular body mounted in a surface of a fitted-out room at right angles to the surface and includes an open end which is plugged elastically and sealed by retractable member. The tubular body is connected by a member (e.g., pipe) to the vacuum cleaning unit, and the tubular body further includes a means of relaying control information for switching the unit on. At one end of a vacuum-cleaning hose is an end-fitting which is intended to be engaged in the tubular body. The end-fitting includes means for angularly positioning the end-fitting and means of fixing it in the tubular body at the end of its engagement travel therein. The end-fitting also includes an opening arranged opposite the pipe which is connected to the vaccuum-cleaning unit.

Abstract: A system for cleaning, storing and maintaining x-ray cassettes. The system is used within the environment of an x-ray exposure room for shooting x-ray images of x-ray subjects, and an x-ray dark room for developing x-ray images. The system may include a portable transport, cleaning and storage unit for storing, cleaning and transporting x-ray cassettes. The unit includes a work surface, at least one x-ray cassette receptacle for storing x-ray cassettes, and a vacuum apparatus for vacuuming dust particles from the x-ray cassettes and the unit.

Abstract: A floor mounted sweeping suction inlet is provided with a door that carries a user-activated portion by which the door may be opened by contact from a foot. This makes it unnecessary for the householder to bend over to activate the vacuum-operated waste collection system. The vacuum source can be turned-on automatically by opening the door by the presence of a door-activated electrical switch. An adapter converts the floor-mounted vacuum opening to a standard circular opening for receiving a vacuum hose and wand.

Abstract: A shoe cleaning device is formed of a housing having an opening to put a shoe to be cleaned, and a low pressure chamber communicating with the opening; an air sucking and compressing device disposed in the housing and communicating with the low pressure chamber for sucking air; a heating chamber disposed in the housing and communicating with an outlet of the air sucking and compressing device; and a nozzle portion disposed outside the housing and having a flow path communicating with the heating chamber to eject compressed air passing through the air sucking and compression device. A liquid valve is attached to the flow path to provide moisture to air passing through the flow path, and a controller connected to the air sucking and compressing device, the heater and the liquid valve for controlling the same. Materials attached to the shoe can be blown out by compressed air ejected from the nozzle and collected through the opening.

Abstract: A mechanism for effectively removing unwanted material stuck on a hot plate for holding an IC (Integrated Circuit) wafer at an operating temperature during fabrication of the IC wafer. A cleaning head includes a rough surface, facing a bottom of the cleaning head, for scraping against the unwanted material on the hot plate to remove the unwanted material from the hot plate. Additionally, the cleaning head includes a vacuum port, disposed near the rough surface and facing the bottom of the cleaning head, for sucking away the loose unwanted material scraped from the hot plate by the rough surface. Furthermore, a handle is coupled to the cleaning head, and an operator manipulates the handle to cause movement of the cleaning head with respect to the hot plate.

Abstract: A trash can which also houses a vacuum cleaner. The trash can has three compartments. One for housing a 30 gallon trash bag, a second for housing a vacuum hose and various vacuum attachments and a third for housing a vacuum motor and dust collection bag.

Abstract: A fugitive dust collection system includes a dust collecting suction unit which is connected to a hood through a flexible hose. The hood surrounds an unloader for unloading bulk cargo of a dusty nature from the cargo hold of a ship or barge. The dust collection system forms a vertical curtain of air which absorbs a dust cloud or air borne contaminants and transports them to the dust collecting suction unit through the flexible conduit.

Abstract: A warm water supply spot is located near a top end of an egg conveyance device and the degree of slope for the device is increased in the region from the water supply spot to the top end, so that the water dammed by the egg moving up the egg conveyance device does not overflow at the top end. The water is used efficiently without waste.

Abstract: A vacuum system for machine shop dust, particulate matter, and the like. Blast gates control the flow of vacuum generated by a dust collector to individual machines that may or may not accommodate vacuum ductwork and the like. The blast gate has a rotating blade inside a chassis with a DC motor effectively using a slip clutch or an increased current feedback system to limit the rotation driving of the rotating blade. Importantly, a small aperture serves to allow air flow into the chassis gap through which the rotating blade rotates in order to ensure the particular matter does not lodge inside the chassis thereby preventing the proper operation of the rotating blade. A central controller having a microprocessor or the like may be programmed or programmable and serve to individually control a selected number of blast gates based upon a feedback mechanism.

Abstract: A safety shutoff system for steam and combination steam and water cleaners for permitting safe shutoff at the hand held spray gun thereof. The system includes a fluid reservoir connected to a first valve by a first conduit having a first pump for pumping fluid from the reservoir towards the first valve. A by-pass conduit connects the first valve to the fluid reservoir. An outlet conduit is connected to the first valve. The first valve controls fluid flow between the first conduit and the outlet conduit. The first valve blocks fluid flow from the first conduit into the outlet conduit upon detection of a pressure in the outlet conduit greater than a predetermined pressure such that fluid flowing from the first conduit passes into the by-pass conduit. The outlet conduit has a spray gun with a shutoff valve and a fluid heater between the first valve and the shutoff valve.

Abstract: A device for vacuuming organic materal, comprising an impeller constructed from an elastomer such as polyurethane and shaped so that at operating speeds, the impeller deforms under the centripetal forces into a shape commonly found in such devices having rigid impellers. In an alternative embodiment, the device further comprises a housing and an outlet duct constructed from high density polyethylene. The outlet duct may be directed in at least two directions. In yet another alternative embodiment, the device further comprises a vacuum wand having a flared entrance and may have a riser section which is preferably 18 inches long.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for washing fruit that includes supporting rollers, a nozzle for directing a spray of water at 100 psi at the surface of the whole fruit; and clean-out bars that reduce the movement of the fruit toward the nozzle being transported at a predetermined time.

Abstract: An evacuation apparatus for evacuating waste particles from a plurality of waste sources. A plurality of vacuum lines are in fluid communication with a collector for transporting the waste particles from the waste source to the collector. An ejector is disposed in each of the vacuum lines to provide independent adjustable control of the vacuum level at each inlet.

Abstract: A wireless acoustic communicator is disclosed which permits a remotely-located operator to monitor and control a central vacuum cleaner. The acoustic communicator does not need problematic batteries, airflow blockers, or special wiring networks but uses only low-frequency acoustic signals that are transmitted through the pipe system of the vacuum cleaner. Command signals are effectively transmitted, even while air is flowing through the pipe system, by using a continuous multi-frequency signal, a resonant physical structure, and an adaptive signal detector. A preferred embodiment uses a powerful reed to generate a continuous acoustic signal. The reed is manually plucked by a slide switch to start vibration, which is then continued by the airflow through the pipe system caused by the running vacuum motor. The vacuum motor runs only if the signal is present. The acoustic communicator includes a resonant detection tube that filters the signal before it reaches a microphone.

Abstract: A wireless acoustic communicator is disclosed which permits a remotely-located operator to monitor and control a central vacuum cleaner. The acoustic communicator does not need problematic batteries, airflow blockers, or special wiring networks but uses only low-frequency acoustic signals that are transmitted through the pipe system of the vacuum cleaner. Command signals are effectively transmitted, even while air is flowing through the pipe system, by using a continuous multi-frequency signal, a resonant physical structure, and an adaptive signal detector. A preferred embodiment uses a powerful reed to generate a continuous acoustic signal. The reed is manually plucked by a slide switch to start vibration, which is then continued by the airflow through the pipe system caused by the running vacuum motor. The vacuum motor runs only if the signal is present. The acoustic communicator includes a resonant detection tube that filters the signal before it reaches a microphone.

Abstract: A demand responsive central vacuum system having a vacuum producer driven by a variable speed motor and connected to a piping system having inlet ports located in areas to be cleaned. Wet and dry separators are connected in tandem in the piping system between the inlet ports and the vacuum producer. A flow switch detects when a flow condition is present in the piping system indicating that the vacuum system is in use and provides a signal to a controller which increases the operational speed of the drive motor and opens a bleed valve connected to the piping system to bleed air into the piping system.

Abstract: A water system for a fruit washer has a low pressure pre-rinse section for removal of heavy debris and a high pressure wash section to remove organic material. Water is collected from the high pressure section. A filter removes the organic material from the collected water. The filtered water is stored and includes a reservoir and a make-up water supply line for receiving water from a make-up water supply to maintain a predetermined water level in the reservoir. A first low pressure pump is connected to draw collected water from the reservoir. A portion of the output from the first pump is directed to the pre-rinse section. A second high pressure pump receives the other portion of the output from the first pump and directs filtered water to the high pressure section.

Abstract: A vacuum system for a building, in particular, a building with multiple dwellings. There is a fan to develop suction mounted in a compartment having a dust inlet and a dust outlet. A motor drives the fan. The motor has a drive shaft to extend into the fan compartment. There is a dust collection head communicating with the inlet. A dust disposal pipe connected to the outlet extends to a remote dust receptacle. There is a vent for the dust receptacle to prevent dust being fed back into the atmosphere. The system can operate satisfactorily without a filter. It draws dust in from a point between the source of the dust and the dust receptacle so that suction is not applied through the contents of the dust receptacle.

Abstract: The invention discloses a control device for an integrated suction cleaner unit (1) pneumatically connected to a system of tubes (13) which open, at their ends (13A), onto couplings (11) into which the mating end (9) of a hose (8) is inserted, the latter having at its other end (8A) a handle (5) onto which are fitted the cleaning accessories. The control device for the suction cleaning unit is of the type using acoustic transmission via the tube system (13) located between the suction cleaning unit (1) and the couplings (11) pressure wave detection (19, 23 and 28) for detecting specific acoustic pressure waves and controlling the suction cleaning unit (1).

Abstract: A central-vacuum power unit is provided having a molded rubber gasket which seals and vibrationally isolates a vacuum motor. The power unit includes a canister forming a hollow interior and a plate dividing the hollow interior into first and second chambers. The vacuum motor is located within the first chamber and has an inlet in fluid communication with the second chamber through an opening in the plate. The molded rubber gasket encircles the plate opening and seals the vacuum motor to the plate. The gasket also forms a seat for the vacuum motor and supports the vacuum motor against the plate. The gasket includes a ring-shaped main wall, a protrusion extending from the main wall and engaging an end surface of the vacuum motor, and an outer wall extending from the main wall and engaging the outer periphery of the vacuum motor. Distinct primary and secondary seals are formed by the protrusion and outer wall. The outer wall is shaped so that a seal can be obtained over a relatively short longitudinal length.

Abstract: A vacuum and piping system can be installed on tables, bars, and the like, quickly and effectively for the purpose of removing cigarette smoke. The multi-component system includes vacuum nozzles, ashtrays which are threadably attachable to the nozzles, a system of smoke removing piping, and a large filtering tank and vacuum cleaning unit located at a remote location. The vacuum cleaning unit employs a wet and dry vacuum cleaner to pull cigarette smoke from ashtrays and overhead smoke capturing nozzles and direct it to a water filter for cleansing. The ashtrays are fixedly secured to tables and bars, and they include threadably openable and closeable nozzles. When open, the nozzles may be used to withdraw cigarette smoke to the cleaning filter, and when closed, water may be piped through the system for purposes of removing captured ashes and other debris. The nozzles may also be partially opened to allow a fine spray of water to be directed into ashtrays so that they can easily cleaned with a hand cloth.

Abstract: A machine for washing eggs (1) has a washing section with spray nozzles (23) and with a brush frame (12) carrying brushes facing down towards the conveyor and having an underside profiled according to the egg shape. The brush frame is suspended in a stationary machine frame and may be actuated by a drive (30,38) for reciprocating movement in both the longitudinal and the transverse directions of the conveyor so that the brushes are moved in a curved movement in relation to the conveyor and thus also in relation to the eggs, which results in a thorough cleansing of, particularly, the end areas of the eggs.

Abstract: A central vacuum system mountable between adjacent studs of a wall formed of a cabinet having a top wall, side walls, a rear wall, an upper dividing wall extending beneath the side walls, a lower dividing wall extending between the side walls beneath the upper dividing wall, the walls together forming in enclosure with upper, center and lower compartments; a first hinged door covering the upper compartment, and a second hinged door covering the center and lower compartments; a hose extendable between a stored position in the center compartment, and an extended position extending from the upper compartment, the hose having an inner end and a distal end connected to a handle stored position in the upper compartment; a reversible drive means within the center compartment to move the hose between stored and extended positions; and a vacuum source mounted in the lower compartment, the inner end of the hose communicating with the vacuum source.

Abstract: A central vacuum hose storage unit to be positioned between the studs of a wall having upper and lower storage chambers and a reversible hose drive assembly positioned to deploy a vacuum hose from a stored position in the lower chamber outwardly through the upper chamber. The drive assembly includes a pair of spaced drive rollers each including a toothed gear with a central shaft opening, and a hose engaging member secured to the gear, the periphery of the roller members having opposed concave faces together defining a hose receiving nip, and radially extending, equally spaced, flexible hose engaging segments extending transversely across the concave faces, and a reversible drive means operatively connected to both roller gears.

Abstract: A central vacuum unit having an acoustic damping system is provided. The central vacuum unit includes a canister having a sidewall forming a hollow interior and a lid closing an end of the sidewall, a vacuum motor within the canister which emits noise during operation, at least one cooling air inlet for admitting cooling air into the hollow interior, and at least one cooling air outlet in the sidewall for exhausting the cooling air from the hollow interior. Additionally, the sidewall has an exhaust port and the motor has an exhaust pipe extending through the exhaust port. The acoustic damping system includes an acoustic damping tunnel, an acoustic damping canopy, and an exhaust port seal. The acoustic damping tunnel is within the hollow interior and forms a pathway between the hollow interior and the cooling air outlet. The pathway is lined with a sound absorbing material so that the tunnel reduces noise emitted from the hollow interior through the cooling outlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a suction apparatus to be connected to a machine of the textile processing or prepration industry connected to a suction system (1a, 1b, 14) with a work area (a) and a first suction apparatus (3) which is stationary in the surrounding of the work area for the aspiration of fibers, small parts and/or particles (dirt) from the work area. With it a machine cleaning system is created which is able to clean problem zones of the work area of a machine without imosing a load on the space surrounding the machine. This is achieved if a second suction line (4, 16) in form of a hose that is flexible at least in sections the end (6) of which opening towards the work area (A) of the machine is freely movable for cleaning while its end attached to the machine is connected to the suction system (1a, 1b, 14) in order to introduce the aspired dirt into the suction system.

Abstract: An air vacuum system is provided. The air vacuum system is used to clean or remove dust particles or other particulate matter from a building. The vacuum system includes an air vacuum outlet flush-mounted with a floor region of the building. The air vacuum outlet comprises a vacuum port operably coupled to a vacuum supply. Further included with the air vacuum outlet is a vacuum port cap which can be mounted within the vacuum port to seal the air flow within the vacuum supply. The vacuum port cap is designed having a pivot arm which extends from a position flush with the surface of the cap to a position in which a user can grasp the arm and lift the cap from the port. The arm thereby pivots about an axis which extends through a receptacle formed within the upper surface of the cap. The receptacle is used to receive the pressed end of the arm for allowing the opposed end to protrude upward. The opposed end includes flanges which can be grasped by the user's fingers to remove the cap from the vacuum port.

Abstract: An improved egg washing, breaking and separating system is constructed of two side-by-side washers feeding a corresponding pair of candlers. From the candlers, a respective pair of conveyor transition ramps lead to corresponding ones of a pair of stacked upper and lower egg breaker/separator units. Each egg breaker/separator unit includes an endless chain of a plurality of individual egg cracker/separator cup assemblies with the upper chain independently driven about a four sided frame, preferably in opposition to the lower chain. Eggs are shuttled into the cup assemblies from each of the conveyor transition ramps. The chains of cracker/separator cup assemblies ride via slides operating within tracks extending about the frame. Each washer allows rows of eggs to advance along an egg conveyor which travels beneath a plurality of endless chains of brushes as well as a cleaning water distribution manifold.

Abstract: A novel dust and debris removal and collection system including a distributed vacuum transport system is provided for connection to a plurality of machines located in one or more shop areas. The central vacuum airflow generation equipment is preferably remotely operated to ensure vacuum generation when a machine is being operated for which dust and debris removal is desired. In order to prevent undesired loss of vacuum, a central valve is used having a outlet port for connection to one or more vacuum sources, and a plurality of inlet ports, each associated with one of a plurality of machines located in the one or more shop areas. The central valve is operated to apply vacuum from the one or more vacuum sources to only that one of the plurality of machines which is in operation, thereby preventing a loss of vacuum to other, non-operating machines.

Abstract: This invention relates to an inlet valve assembly for central vacuum systems and the method of installing the same. In particular, this invention relates to an inlet valve assembly including an inlet face plate, a mounting plate, having a deformable mounting flange, and an electrical receptacle integrally formed with a high voltage wire. In some uses, the inlet valve assembly also can include a low voltage wire which can be used to complete a low voltage circuit to initiate a central vacuum motor. The mounting plate can accommodate the electrical receptacle in a temporary position and the inlet face plate can rear mount the receptacle into a locked position where the receptacle is securely attached to the inlet face plate. In this manner, the receptacle may be mounted to the inlet face plate even though one end of the high voltage wire is already wired into an electrical box.

Abstract: Apparatus for vacuum collection of material, where a vacuum source is used for creating a vacuum to draw air into a displacement chamber, and at least two hoses are connected to the displacement chamber for vacuum collection of materials from various locations. Pressure sensors are connected to sense pressure in each hose, dampers are operable in response to the relative pressures between the hoses so as to vary the effective area of the respective connections between the hoses and the displacement chamber in order to equalize and optimize the relative pressures, and an automatic control such as a programmable logic controller is employed to operate the dampers in response to said sensed pressures.

Abstract: A method of treating fungible produce at a wash station having a floor, comprising the steps of washing the produce, using a wash nozzle, with liquid containing a chemical treating agent. Effluent from the washing is collected in a storage tank. Liquid in the storage tank is conducted to a secondary tank, via a screen. Liquid in the secondary tank is conducted to a self-cleaning, self-backwashing filter. Back wash is conducted by gravity to a plurality of bag filters which collect particulate and discharge the filtered back wash into the secondary tank, above the screen. Liquid is conducted from the lower outlet of the self-backwashing filter to the storage tank. Liquid from the storage tank is conducted to the wash nozzle. The chemical treating agent is not filtered out by any of the filtration steps so that the chemical treating agent contained in the effluent from the washing may be reused and need not be dumped.

Abstract: A combined inlet structure and switching device for a central vacuum system includes an inlet housing having top, bottom and side walls defining a vacuum inlet chamber and a front with a dirt receiving opening. An aperture is located in the top wall and can be connected to a pipe leading to a central vacuum source. A closure member is movable between first and second positions in order to close or open the aperture. A foot operated actuator is connected to the housing and is able to pivot the closure member between the first and second positions. A spring biases the closure member towards the first position and operates when the actuator is pressed in one direction. When the closure member is moved to the second position, it will remain there unless the actuator is pressed in another, opposite direction. There is also a switch mechanism responsive to movement of the actuator for opening and closing an electrical circuit connected to the central vacuum source.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus and method, particularly applicable to a brush bed conveyor system, by which objects, typically citrus fruit, are washed or sprayed. A moveable high pressure spray manifold is contained within a manifold carriage and is disposed within the conveyor chassis such that it is moved along above a brush bed by a conveyor chain. Separation bars extend from the conveyor chain to segregate the objects into queues retained within the spray pattern of the manifold. When the manifold reaches a predetermined end position, a release latch is decoupled from the separation bars to disconnect the separation bars and conveyor chain from the manifold carriage. The predetermined end position is sensed and the manifold carriage is quickly returned to its initial position by means of a selectively activated pneumatic piston assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning ducts such as used in HVAC systems includes as part of the apparatus a propeller having pitched, flexible blades for rotatably engaging the interior duct surface for dislodging soot and propelling a cloud of soot along the duct to an evacuation point. The method includes establishing a temporary block in the duct, moving the propeller along the duct for dislodging soot and generation a dust cloud, and evacuating the duct by drawing the soot cloud created by the propeller.

Abstract: An improved egg washing, breaking and separating system is constructed of two side-by-side washers feeding a corresponding pair of candlers. From the candlers, a respective pair of conveyor transition ramps lead to corresponding ones of a pair of stacked upper and lower egg breaker/separator units. Each egg breaker/separator unit includes an endless chain of a plurality of individual egg cracker/separator cup assemblies with the upper chain independently driven about a four sided frame in a direction opposite to the lower chain. Eggs are shuttled into the cup assemblies from each of the conveyor transition ramps. The chains of cracker/separator cup assemblies ride via slides operating within tracks extending about the frame. Each washer allows rows of eggs to advance along an egg conveyor which travels beneath a plurality of endless chains of brushes as well as a cleaning water distribution manifold.

Abstract: Described is a method, particularly applicable to a brush bed conveyor system, by which objects, typically citrus fruit, are washed or sprayed. A moveable high pressure spray manifold is contained within a manifold carriage and is disposed within the conveyor chassis such that it is moved along above a brush bed by a conveyor chain. Separation bars extend from the conveyor chain to segregate the objects into queues retained within the spray pattern of the manifold. When the manifold reaches a predetermined end position, a release latch is decoupled from the separation bars to disconnect the separation bars and conveyor chain from the manifold carriage. The predetermined end position is sensed and the manifold carriage is quickly returned to its initial position by means of a selectively activated pneumatic piston assembly.

Abstract: A canister vacuum cleaner improved by noise dampening means interposed between the outlets of its internal vacuum pump and the air outlet from the canister. The noise dampening means may comprise a baffle interposed between the pump outlets and air outlet of the canister in a manner which provides little resistance to a flow of air from the pump outlets to the air outlets of the canister. Further means which may comprise further baffles may be provided to dampen noise from the pump driving electric motor and motor cooling fan.

Abstract: A power vacuum truck having a movable roof to accommodate expanding vacuum bags, and a method of raising the roof are disclosed. The power vacuum truck utilizes a hydraulic pump to drive a fan and compressor in order to eliminate mechanical linkages and the concomitant breakdown and maintenance associated therewith, and eliminates holes in the roof previously necessary to accommodate the expandable vacuum bags. An vehicle having an automatic transmission can be used.

Abstract: A "universal" end fitting for a central vacuum cleaner hose, having a reversible electrical connector body that can be reversed without being disconnected from the end fitting, and which accordingly need not be realigned after being reversed, is provided. The connector body is permanently but rotatably affixed to the end fitting. Because it is permanently affixed, the connector body need not be realigned after being rotated to a new position.

Abstract: A combination electrical and suction hose outlet to be mounted to a building wall as part of a central vacuum cleaning system. In such a system, a remote vacuum cleaner suction hose is plugged into the wall outlet and has a power driven brush carpet sweeper end tool. A 110 volt AC line is formed into the hose and extends from the end tool to an electrical receptacle plug in the outlet. To provide a start signal to a central vacuum system motor, 24 volt DC wiring extends from the wall outlet to a motor controller. The high voltage and the low voltage power lines are maintained in electrical isolation by a circuit located at or near the wall outlet and including an optical coupler. When the end tool is turned on, AC flow is sensed by an associated circuit and the optical coupler is activated, causing a short in the DC power line to provide a start signal to the vacuum motor controller. With this system, the vacuum motor is started automatically when the power driven end tool is turned on.

Abstract: A dry vacuum apparatus for a dental operatory features an in-line configuration wherein a power unit subassembly is directly mounted upon a collection tank with a pair of brushless DC vacuum motor fan units in axially aligned, vertically stacked reverse relation with air inlets of the motors confronting one another and with a vacuum air outlet of one blower connected in series relation to a vacuum air inlet of the other blower, an air cooling circuit being provided for supplying cooling air to a common sealed plenum chamber servicing the confronting motor air inlets and also to the vacuum air inlets of the blowers.

Abstract: A remote control system for actuating a central vacuum system from a remote location such as a vacuum cleaning hose handle without the use of a separate, dedicated system of control wires. In a preferred embodiment, a small, lightweight FM radio frequency signal transmitter is installed in the hose handle and the signal is conducted along the household current 60 Hz wires running through the vacuum cleaner hose and wand for the purpose of providing electrical current to power sweeper brush motors. The piggybacked control signal requires no additional conductor wires, such as the low voltage wiring of conventional control systems, thereby saving weight and costs. The control signal travels along the power supply wires running the length of the vacuum hose, which are preferably covered by a sleeve, such as of cloth or plastic, then through a standard plug into a standard electrical outlet.

Abstract: A central vacuum system for workspaces such as auto body or wood shops. A vacuum generating unit is rotatably mounted at a level above the heads of the shop workers and integrated with a rigid boom having a flexible vacuum hose at its distal end such that the boom may be swung in an arc parallel to the floor space and thereby give access to the vacuum over a wide area. In a preferred embodiment, the boom is hinged at its center so as to facilitate access to the vacuum within the radius of the arc.

Abstract: This device has a housing 2, a motorized vacuum turbine 4 pneumatically connected to outlet 2b of a housing, and at least one tube 6 whose downstream end 6a terminates in housing 2, and structure 13, 40 connected to upstream end 6b of tube 6 capable of generating a temporary pneumatic pressure wave in the direction of its downstream end 6a. The latter is associated with structure 20, 22 for detecting the pressure wave and acting on module 23 for controlling the power to electric motor 3 of vacuum turbine 4 to start the system operating. The pneumatic pressure wave is conveyed by tube 6 itself from its upstream end 6b to its downstream end 6a, this downstream end being provided with a shutoff flap 18, normally held in the closed position and capable of causing the tube to be opened under the influence of the vacuum flow.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a housing having a front and a rear and laterally opposite sides, and an opening in each side of the housing permitting communication with the interior of the housing. Each opening is generally located intermediate the front and rear of the housing. A partition located inside the housing divides at least a portion of the volume enclosed by the housing into two chambers of substantially equal volume, which are substantially sealed from one another. Vacuum pumps create a vacuum in the chambers relative to ambient. The partition is constructed and arranged so that the opening is a first of the sides of the housing communicates solely with a first of the chambers, and an opening in a second of the sides communicates solely with a second of the chambers.

Abstract: A dust collection apparatus comprising a base duct, an adapter duct rotatably mounted on the upper end of the base duct, a first duct arm pivotaly connected to the upper end of the adapter duct and made of steel plates, a first connecting mechanism for connecting the adapter duct and the first duct arm, and second drive means for swinging the first duct arm. The first connecting mechanism comprises cylindrical holders projecting from the adapter duct, two branches of substantially U-shape provided with openings in which the cylindrical holders are inserted rotatably, air tight seals positioned between the openings of the branches and the cylindrical holders, a shaft penetrating the two branches and the adapter duct for rotatably connecting the first duct arm to the adapter duct, and support means arranged in the adapter duct for supporting the shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for sucking up liquid spills of relatively small volumes is provided, comprising a container to which vacuum can be applied pneumatically, and a pick-up hose and wand. The apparatus is totally free from electrically operated components, so as to eliminate risk of fire-causing sparks during operation, and is light-weight, portable and small in size, so as to be disposed in handy positions adjacent to factory locations where spillage may occur.

Abstract: This invention relates to a central suction-cleaning installation with water flushing and double rinsing. This installation is characterized in that it contains water flush generating means consisting of a water intake at the bottom end (5) of the chamber (7) via a duct (25) linked to a source of pressurized water (20) and in which there are interposed an electrovalve (26) and a needle valve tap (27) controlled by a float (28) which is arranged inside the chamber, above a reserve of water (13), in that the chamber is further provided with a double rinsing system containing, on the one hand, a diffuser ring (31) directed at said reserve of water and, on the other, a spray diffuser (32) of a dust filter (35) placed between the suction plant (34) and said diffuser ring (31), whereby the ring and spray diffusers are linked to said source of pressurized water via a duct (29) which is provided with an electrovalve (30). This invention is useful for applications in central suction-cleaning.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of control for a device such as a vacuum cleaner or a central vacuum cleaner comprising a central machinery and a pipe or a pipe system connecting the central machinery with a working point.