Suction To Or From Blast Patents (Class 15/330)
  • Patent number: 6857163
    Abstract: A power blower having a frame, a blower, and a loop-shaped filter member. In an embodiment of the invention, the blower is disposed apart from the frame by an air intake space and has an air intake port facing the frame, and the loop-shaped filter member is disposed around a periphery of the air intake port and is adapted to catch debris on an upstream side of the air intake port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Kioritz Corporation
    Inventors: Giichi Iida, Tadashi Kamoshita
  • Publication number: 20040250373
    Abstract: In a vacuum cleaner, by including a casing having a certain internal space; a suction force generating unit installed in the casing to generate a suction force and discharge sucked air; a head unit combined with the casing to suck impurities on the bottom with air by a suction force of the suction force generating unit or discharge air sucked from the outside; a filter unit for filtering off impurities in air sucked through the head unit or ambient air received from the outside; a flow channel switch means connected with the head unit, the filter unit and the suction force generating unit so as to selectively switch a flow channel in order to guide air including impurities sucked through the head unit by the suction force of the suction force generating unit or make ambient air introduced in the flow channel switch means flow to the head unit; and plural pipes for providing passages of air flowing in the head unit, the filter unit, the suction force generating unit and the flow channel switch means, it is pos
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Ho-Seon Rew, Yong-Woo Lee, Hyeon-Sik Nam, Choon-Myun Chung
  • Publication number: 20040237245
    Abstract: A gasoline powered, portable vacuum operated device, to be used for picking up pet waste in lawns or kennels. The device utilizes a small two cycle internal combustion engine, to create a vacuum through a flexible tube, which picks up feces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas E. Van Wormer
  • Publication number: 20040221416
    Abstract: A leaf collection system for lawn blower/vacuums is disclosed. The collection system includes a port coupling fitted to the exhaust port of a blower/vacuum, a dust cover, and a unique disposable collection bag. The disposable collection bag is constructed of an environmentally friendly, bio-degradeable plastic that will quickly decompose along with the organic leaves and lawn debris collected therein. Both sides of the collection bag has several rows of T-shaped slits and two rows of straight or I-shaped slits that allow air to escape from the bag but retain the leaves and lawn debris deposited therein. The collection bag is shaped to fit inside the dust cover that is fixed to the port coupling. The port coupling includes an elastic lock ring that secures the collection bag to the coupling. The dust cover envelops of the collection bag and shields the operator from the dust that passes through the collection bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph K. Ritter
  • Patent number: 6813805
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaning system and more particularly pertains to a direct port vacuum cleaning system for use in a motor vehicle anytime or anywhere. The system comprises a vacuum generating unit and a vacuum cleaner hose. The vacuum generating unit comprises an electric motor, an impeller and a removable debris canister. The removable debris canister contains a vacuum cleaner hose attachment end and is directly connected to the vacuum cleaner hose. The vacuum generating unit also contains a vacuum exhaust port, located at the opposite end of the vacuum generating unit from the vacuum cleaner hose attachment end. The vacuum generating unit is powered by the vehicle's battery. The battery's power is converted from DC to AC by power inversion means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Inventor: William Ganzenmuller
  • Patent number: 6807706
    Abstract: A locking system for a vacuum cleaner having a top portion and a bottom portion where the bottom portion has an opening. The locking system includes a shoulder extending from an inside surface of the bottom portion, a boss protruding from an outside surface of the bottom portion, a first locking latch secured to the top portion, the first locking latch adapted to extend in to the bottom portion of the vacuum and abut a bottom section of the shoulder and a second locking latch secured to the top portion, the second locking latch adapted to engage the boss. A method for locking the top portion of the vacuum to the bottom portion is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Koblenz Electrica, S.A. de C.V.
    Inventor: Jesus Fernandez-Grandizo Martinez
  • Publication number: 20040194248
    Abstract: A vacuum and disposal system for the collection and disposal of animal feces. The vacuum and disposal system consists of a vacuum source, a vacuum tube, a flexible hose, and an intake tube. The vacuum is provided by an electric motor powered by a rechargeable battery and is used to create a vacuum or suction through the vacuum tube, the flexible hose, and the intake tube to collect the animal feces. A cartridge having a filter is inserted into the intake tube to receive the animal feces collected. After collection, the vacuum and disposal system is converted to an unload position for the removal of the cartridge from the intake tube and the ultimate disposal of the animal feces. Alternatively, a compact vacuum and disposal system may be used in smaller areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventor: Carl Michael Holtz
  • Publication number: 20040187252
    Abstract: The present invention provides a blower-vacuum device with both a blowing mode of operation and a vacuuming mode of operation and having dirty fan operation in the vacuuming mode thereof, which comprises: a hand-holdable unit (10) comprising a motor having an output shaft extending outwardly of said hand-holdable unit; an impeller connected to said output shaft; a first attachment (22, 24, 26, 28) for removable engagement with the hand-holdable unit (10) in the vacuuming mode of operation and comprising both a first volute (22) for enclosing said impeller and a vacuum tube (26) in fluid communication with an inlet of said first volute; a second attachment (16, 18, 20) for removable engagement with the hand-holdable unit (10) in the blowing mode of operation and comprising both a second volute (16) for enclosing said impeller and a blower tube (20) in fluid communication with an outlet of said second volute; wherein the first attachment further comprises a handle (24) on or proximal to said first volute; and t
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Clare Tate, John Sadler
  • Patent number: 6735813
    Abstract: An air blower/vacuum includes a nozzle, a fan, and a main body. The main body is formed with a vacuum pathway and a blower pathway, located upstream and downstream, respectively, from the fan with respect to the flow of air. The main body is also formed with an attachment hole in fluid communication with both the vacuum pathway and the blower pathway. The attachment hole supports the nozzle rotatable between a vacuum mode orientation and a blower mode orientation. In the vacuum mode orientation, the pathway of the nozzle is in fluid communication with the vacuum pathway. In the blower mode orientation, the pathway of the nozzle is in fluid communication with the blower pathway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Ryobi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinji Oohama
  • Publication number: 20030233730
    Abstract: A portable leaf blower that includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet and an impeller adapted to generate an airflow from the inlet to the outlet. An electric motor rotatably drives the impeller. The leaf blower includes a power control circuit for substantially continuously varying the speed of the electric motor. A thumb wheel mounted in the handle of the leaf blower is used to control the amount of power delivered to the electric motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Applicant: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel L. Sanders, Tomas A. Pribanic, Terry D. Jewell, Sieglinde J. Verges, Donald M. Woods
  • Patent number: 6647586
    Abstract: A portable vacuum cleaning apparatus intended to be carried either on a single shoulder or worn backpack style, wherein the vacuum cleaner has an extensible tube and nozzle arrangement that may be held substantially fully enclosed in the vacuum cleaner case, wherein the hose or wand may be collapsed when not in use to prevent entanglement, or may be incrementally extended and secured in a desired position for use. Additional advantages of the present invention include a suspension arrangement for flexibly suspending the internal components of the vacuum and for providing a moment to counteract the force and movement of the wand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventors: Alma L. Rogers, Dietrich Hoecht
  • Patent number: 6640384
    Abstract: A portable blower-vacuum includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet. A motor is disposed within the housing for rotatably driving an impeller to transfer an airflow from the inlet to the outlet. The blower-vacuum also includes an elongated air outlet structure over which an elongated blower tube may be slid for attachment in a blower mode and removed in a vacuum mode. The outlet structure possesses a configuration that improves the ease with which the blower tube may be fitted to the air outlet. The blower-vacuum also includes a cover disposed over the inlet in a blower mode and a skirt adapted to cooperate with the cover and the inlet to substantially reduce or eliminate lateral airflow from entering the inlet from between the cover and the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Sanders, Sieglinde J. Verges, Terry Jewell, Tomas Pribanic, David Wiseman
  • Patent number: 6622341
    Abstract: A position shifting plate for an air blowing device includes a casing having an inlet defined in an underside of the casing and an outlet defined in an end of the casing. An annular neck extends from the underside of the casing and encloses the inlet. A gap is defined between the underside of the casing and the neck. A guide member extends from the underside of the casing. A shifting plate has a grated portion and a hole. A flange extends from the shifting plate and two rails extend inward from the flange so as to be movably inserted in the gap. The shifting plate movably contacts the guide member to shift the hole or the grated portion to cover the inlet of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Jenn Feng Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jung-Chang Jong
  • Publication number: 20030037403
    Abstract: The present invention provides a potable vacuum cleaner with charging and discharging functions, which comprises a housing being composed of front housing and rear housing, a electric fan, a dust deposit casing with a dust filter formed in the front housing therein, an air inlet provided at the head of the front housing, characterized in that a vent of the cleaner is positioned at the rear end of the rear housing, and the size and profile of the air inlet and vent are matched with the interface of a connecting tube. The potable vacuum cleaner of the invention can be used for charging and discharging an air cushion bed, a pneumatic raft, and a large balloon etc., when a connecting tube is connected with the vent or the inlet of the cleaner, in addition to be used as a cleaner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Applicant: NINGBO FUJIA ELECTRIC APPLIANCE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Weigo Lang
  • Patent number: 6499182
    Abstract: A convertible blower port for a vacuum cleaner includes a cylindrical port wall carried by a portion of a vacuum cleaner. The port wall has a first end facing inwardly toward the vacuum cleaner and a second end opposite the first end. The port wall defines a blower passage in communication with the plenum of the vacuum cleaner. A blower port outlet is provided on the second end of the port wall. A removable cap closes off the blower port outlet and has an exterior surface for gripping the cap and has a hub configured to fill the blower passage. The hub has a substantially smooth inner end face that is positioned generally across the first end of the port wall and faces the plenum of the vacuum cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Shop-Vac Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. Berfield, Ronald Griffin, Kevin Fry, Randy L. Buss
  • Patent number: 6453507
    Abstract: A wet dry cannister vacuum having an upper and lower chamber separated by an intermediate wall. A blower (1) in the upper chamber providing a low and high pressure head communicating with respectively with low and high pressure compartments. A valve (2) opening from the low pressure compartment through the intermediate wall to the lower chamber. Another valve (8) opening from the high pressure compartment through the intermediate wall into the lower chamber. A water reservoir in the bottom of the lower chamber. A duct (15) opens on one end near the bottom of the lower chamber and on the other end to ambient air pressure. In operation, before wet or loose dry material is vacuumed, a small amount of water is introduced into the lower chamber by length of flexible hose being attached to the duct (15) and to a water source on the other. After priming, an attachment for cleaning may be attached to the hose, such as a shampoo wand (25).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Inventor: Gene Wilson Gilbert
  • Patent number: 6442790
    Abstract: A blower/vacuum having an air inlet cover and a blower tube, both of which attach to a blower housing for operation in a blower mode. The air inlet cover is preferably able to removably attach to the blower housing and the blower tube. Blower/vacuums of the present invention may generally prohibit operation unless both the blower tube and the air inlet cover are first installed. The blower/vacuum is further adapted to operate in a vacuum mode by removing the air inlet cover and blower tube and replacing the same with a vacuum tube assembly and a vacuum collection container, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Steven J. Svoboda, Chadwick A. Shaffer
  • Publication number: 20020108207
    Abstract: An air blower/vacuum includes a nozzle, a fan, and a main body. The main body is formed with a vacuum pathway and a blower pathway, located upstream and downstream, respectively, from the fan with respect to the flow of air. The main body is also formed with an attachment hole in fluid communication with both the vacuum pathway and the blower pathway. The attachment hole supports the nozzle rotatable between a vacuum mode orientation and a blower mode orientation. In the vacuum mode orientation, the pathway of the nozzle is in fluid communication with the vacuum pathway. In the blower mode orientation, the pathway of the nozzle is in fluid communication with the blower pathway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Shinji Oohama
  • Publication number: 20020108206
    Abstract: A blower/vacuum having an air inlet cover and a blower tube, both of which attach to a blower housing for operation in a blower mode. The air inlet cover is preferably able to removably attach to the blower housing and the blower tube. Blower/vacuums of the present invention may generally prohibit operation unless both the blower tube and the air inlet cover are first installed. The blower/vacuum is further adapted to operate in a vacuum mode by removing the air inlet cover and blower tube and replacing the same with a vacuum tube assembly and a vacuum collection container, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Applicant: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Steven J. Svoboda, Chadwick A. Shaffer
  • Patent number: 6385809
    Abstract: The vacuum includes a body having a main air passageway, and first and second air passageways diverging from the main passageway. The first air passageway defines a blower port. A closable door having an open and a closed position directs air flow from the main air passageway to either the first or second diverging air passageways to switch between vacuum and blowing modes. In one embodiment the wet/dry vacuum assembly is arranged such that each of the component parts may be placed in an assembly fixture and attached to a unit without reorienting the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Michael F. Martin, Christopher J. Steger
  • Patent number: 6381803
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner capable of drawing different current levels in vacuum and blower modes is disclosed. The vacuum cleaner comprises at least one electric motor and an impeller disposed in an impeller housing, the impeller driven by the at least one electric motor. A receptacle has an inlet and an orifice in fluid communication with the impeller housing, wherein the impeller creates a low pressure area in the receptacle thereby drawing air into the inlet. An outlet is in air flow communication with the impeller housing, wherein air from the impeller is expelled through the outlet. A switch is associated with the outlet, wherein the switch has a first position in which a first current may be drawn by the at least one motor and a second position in which a second current, less than the first current, may be drawn by the at least one motor. A device is removably attached to the outlet for directing air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Shop Vac Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. Berfield, Ronald Griffin, Mark E. Baer
  • Patent number: 6367119
    Abstract: A dual-duty blowing and exhausting apparatus is provided. The apparatus may be quickly and conveniently converted between blowing and exhausting configurations without exposing its parts to undue wear or damage, and without causing the escape of the collected dust or other scrap material. The apparatus comprises a body member formed with an intermediate cylinder section having a conically contoured internal surface portion coaxially disposed about an axial bore. The apparatus also includes an exhaust valve coupled to a first end section of the body member in substantially sealed manner. This exhaust valve serves to guide compressed air introduced into the body member to the conically contoured internal surface portion for expulsion through the tapered throat portion during the exhausting operation. The apparatus further includes a blow valve detachably coupled to the exhaust valve for effecting the blowing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Wuu-Cheau Jou
  • Patent number: 6324720
    Abstract: The present invention provides for noise reduction during operation of a portable blower by reducing the noise or acoustic energy escaping from the housing outlet and blower tube. The noise reduction is achieved by placing sound absorbing material in the blower tube. The sound absorbing material may include flared upstream and downstream ends to reduce turbulence. The sound absorbing material may be held within the blower tube by an insert frame such that substantial portions of the sound absorbing material are exposed to air passing through the blower tube. Also disclosed is a sound absorbing insert that can be placed within an existing blower tube to retrofit portable blowers with noise reduction technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Beckey, Rodney D. Lund, Steve R. Porter, Chadwick A. Shaffer, Steven J. Svoboda
  • Patent number: 6295692
    Abstract: The present invention is a vacuuming apparatus convertible between a backpack mode, a canister mode and an upright mode. Additionally, the present invention is convertible into a handheld mode and a blower mode. Each of these modes are accomplished through attachments which are able to be easily attached and detached together. The apparatus has a power unit having an electric motor and impeller; a base unit containing a filter; a backpack unit for use in the backpack mode; a canister unit for use in the canister mode; a blower unit for use in the blower mode; a handheld unit for use as a handheld vacuum cleaner in a hand held mode; and a work bench waste collection mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Pro-Team, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry R. Shideler
  • Patent number: 6295693
    Abstract: An air compressor includes a housing having an air outlet for selectively supplying a pressurized air to an air device, and having a port for coupling to the air device and for drawing the air out of the air device, and having an air inlet for allowing the air to flow into the housing. One or more nozzles each may be selectively and detachably secured to either of the air outlet and the port of the housing for coupling to various kinds of air devices. The air inlet may be selectively blocked for facilitating the drawing of the air into the housing via the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventor: Wen San Chou
  • Patent number: 6226833
    Abstract: A blower to which power is connected from an electric motor is swingably mounted on a wheeled support. A handle is attached to the wheeled support so as to be vertically adjusted. It is also possible to pivotally support the blower on the moving means in a lower position, construct a vertical swing linking mechanism in a position higher than the above position, attach a lever for adjusting the position in the vertical direction of the discharge pipe, and connect a cable to the vertical swing linking mechanism. A lever for swinging the discharge pipe may be attached to the handle and a cable can be directly interposed between the lever and the discharge pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: New Delta Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyohisa Kawaguchi, Mamoru Iwamoto
  • Patent number: 6141824
    Abstract: A blower nozzle (30) and a vacuum nozzle (40) extending in parallel with each other are connected to a main body (10) housing therein a fan (19) and a motor (20). The main body (10) is provided with a dust bag (50). In a vacuum mode, air is directly sucked from the vacuum nozzle and is introduced into the dust bag by the rotation of the fan. In a blower mode, the air similarly sucked from the vacuum nozzle is directed toward the blower nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignees: Ryobi North America, Inc., Ryobi Limited
    Inventors: Nobuaki Fujiwara, Naoki Kikuchi, Robert G. Everts
  • Patent number: 6141823
    Abstract: A blower nozzle (30) and a vacuum nozzle (40) extending in parallel with each other are connected to a main body (10) housing therein a fan (19) and a motor (20). The main body (10) is provided with a dust bag (50). In a vacuum mode, air is directly sucked from the vacuum nozzle and is introduced into the dust bag by the rotation of the fan. In a blower mode, the air similarly sucked from the vacuum nozzle is directed toward the blower nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Ryobi Limited
    Inventors: Nobuaki Fujiwara, Naoki Kikuchi, Robert G. Everts
  • Patent number: 6092260
    Abstract: A hand-held blower mechanism includes an elongated housing having an inlet and outlet, and having a nozzle portion at the outlet. A motor is positioned within the housing along a central drive axis which intersects the inlet and the outlet. A centrifugal fan is positioned within the housing adjacent the inlet and is driven by the motor about the drive axis. A reservoir is removably secured to the nozzle portion with a tube in fluid communication with the outlet to facilitate spraying of fluid from the reservoir as air is blown through the outlet by the fan. Various attachments are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Ryobi North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Nobuto Kai
  • Patent number: 6049942
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for cleaning and rejuvenating septic tank sewage systems. Where the septic tank has a drainfield associated therewith, the method comprises penetrating the ground near a drainfield lateral, and agitating the area near the drainfield lateral while simultaneously applying suction to the drainfield lateral. Accumulated scum and waste is thereby removed from the drainfield lateral. Where the septic tank system has a dry well associated therewith, the method comprises penetrating the bottom of the dry well and agitating the area underneath the dry well to form accumulated scum and waste into a froth or malt at the bottom of the dry well, and removing the froth or malt by suction. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a penetrating nozzle attached to an articulated boom assembly for penetrating the ground near a drainfield lateral or underneath a dry well to apply forced air or fluid or suction to agitate the area near the drainfield lateral or underneath the dry well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Inventor: Edward P. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6000096
    Abstract: Parallel tube type, gasoline powered, blower/vacuums with improved versatility are provided. In one possible feature, a flapper throttle adjacent to the housing for controlling the engine is pivotable from side-to-side with respect to an elongate handle. The elongate handle is sufficiently long to allow a plurality of gripping positions, while the flapper throttle is sufficiently long to allow the operator to access the flapper throttle from different gripping positions on the handle. In another possible feature, a pivotable lever throttle is provided at an interface of the handle forward portion and a transverse grip portion at the handle forward portion end. The lever throttle has a first end accessible to the operator when gripping the transverse grip portion, and a second end accessible to the operator when gripping the handle forward portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Ryobi North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Everts, Kenneth M. Brazell, Raul Vidal, Jack B. Sing, Taku Ohi, Harold J. Coleman
  • Patent number: 5979013
    Abstract: The present invention provides for noise reduction during operation of a portable blower by reducing the noise or acoustic energy escaping from the inlet of the blower housing. The noise reduction is achieved in one respect by placing sound absorbing material in a plenum attached to the inlet opening of the blower housing. Other features of the preferred plenum include louvered openings and angled engagement members to draw the plenum tightly against the blower housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Beckey, Steven R. Porter, Rodney D. Lund, Chadwick A. Shaffer, Steven J. Svoboda, Steven T. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 5938410
    Abstract: A dust sucking/blowing device including a housing including a fan chamber for receiving a fan therein, a dust collecting sleeve fitted around the fan chamber and formed with a first and a second inlets communicating with a dust collecting room which is formed with at least one perforation for communicating with the incoming compartment of the chamber. The sleeve is further formed with an outlet for communicating with the outgoing compartment of the fan chamber. A control guide cartridge includes a hollow cartridge body formed with an inlet section fitted with the outlet of the sleeve for guiding air flow into the cartridge body, and an outlet for outward guiding the air flow from the cartridge body. When the outlet of the cartridge body is aligned with the fitting hole of the second casing, the outlet of the cartridge body permits the air flow from the fan to be outward blown from the passage of the dust sucking/blowing tube fitted with the fitting hole for blowing away dusts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Inventor: Jeen-Ju Lee
  • Patent number: 5924166
    Abstract: The cleaning gun of this invention is equipped for connection to a source of compressed air under 80 psi, and with a directional dial that is mutually adjustable to cause a vacuum to draw in ambient air through an inlet/outlet tube as for removing oily dust and lint from machinery, and to cause air to be blown through the inlet/outlet tube under a maximum of 30 psi as for removing dry dust and lint from machinery and clothing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Inventors: Christopher R. Jones, Darrell K. Terpstra
  • Patent number: 5894630
    Abstract: An air conducting convertor for a powered string trimmer is disclosed, wherein the trimmer to be converted has a power shaft with opposing proximal and distal ends, a power-providing unit disposed upon the proximal end thereof, and a string head coupling disposed on the distal end thereof. The converting apparatus includes a collar bracket adjacent the distal end of the trimmer, and struts projecting from the collar bracket and supporting a surrounding fan shroud. A fan having blades pitched to move air distally through the shroud is coupled with the trimmer's standard trimmer head coupling. A curved, rotatable air duct with interior baffle plates is engaged with the shroud and projects distally therefrom. A debris bag is suspended from the trimmer's shaft has a collector portion which is engaged with the proximal rim of the fan shroud, so when a fan pitched to move air proximally is mounted on the trimmer, the apparatus is able to act as a vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: International Retail Direct Promotions, Inc.
    Inventors: Hubert E. Bitner, William A. Brown
  • Patent number: 5768743
    Abstract: A clean fan debris collecting apparatus is disclosed in which the suction of debris is performed by an entrained stream of air (34). The apparatus comprises a motor (24) which drives an impeller (20) which generates at air steam which is directed down an air supply duct (6). The air stream is then directed into a collecting duct (4) through an air inlet (8) which is located adjacent to a collecting mouth (5) of the collecting duct. The air stream, upon entering the collecting duct (4) generates the entrained stream of air (34) which sucks debris into the collecting mouth (5) and transports it up the collecting duct (4) to a collecting bag (30). An air stream dispersing apparatus (26) is located adjacent to the air inlet (8) to disperse the air stream as it enters to collecting duct (4). This dispersion improves the efficiency with which the entrained stream of air can be generated. Alternatively the air inlet (8) can be formed to include the static air dispersing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventor: Craig Webster
  • Patent number: 5735018
    Abstract: An improved blower for moving debris on a surface is provided. The blower includes a frame mounted on wheels and a motor mounted to the frame. A blower housing with an inlet opening and a discharge chute is also mounted to the frame. A fan is located in the blower housing and is drivingly connected to the motor to generate an air flow having a predetermined volumetric flow. An adjustable height, pivotable deflector is mounted in the discharge chute to split the air flow into upper and lower portions. The deflector is pivotable from a first, downwardly inclined position, to concentrate the lower portion of the air flow along the surface to create a lifting force for lifting and moving the debris while the upper portion of the air flow moves the debris outwardly, to a second position, in which the pivotable deflector is upwardly inclined to create an expanded air flow profile. The deflector height is adjustable to adjust the volumetric flow of the upper and lower portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Schiller-Pfeiffer, Incorporated
    Inventors: William F. Gallagher, Mark R. Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 5727283
    Abstract: A collection apparatus includes an air outlet, a collection mouth and an apparatus for creating an airstream for discharge at the air outlet. The collection apparatus further includes a cylinder mounted at the air outlet for rotation and a device for directing an airstream tangentially across the surface of said cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventor: Craig Duncan Webster
  • Patent number: 5722111
    Abstract: A blower vacuum attachment for use with a multi-purpose power tool having a motor for powering the attachment on the elongated tubular boom extending between the attachment and the motor through which a drive shaft extends. The attachment includes a tubular connector for attaching a blower housing to the tubular boom. The blower housing has an axial air inlet and a circumferential air outlet. An impeller oriented within the housing and driven by the drive shaft draws air into the axial air inlet and discharges air to the air outlet. An intake tube is affixed to the blower housing inlet and extends axially therefrom. A debris collection bag and a blower tube can be alternately attached to the blower housing air outlet so that the blower vacuum attachment could be used respectively as a vacuum or as a blower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Ryobi North America
    Inventors: Lee Sowell, Kenneth M. Brazell
  • Patent number: 5711048
    Abstract: An improved convertible electric blower/vac. The blower/vac includes an improved air inlet cover with an adjustable choke member. The air inlet cover also includes a pressure ring for increasing the efficiency of the blower/vac impeller when the unit is operated in the blower mode. The blower/vac also includes a blower tube and a vacuum bag collar, each with resilient tabs that engage receptacles on the blower/vac to retain the blower tube and vacuum bag collar on the unit. The housing outlet of the blower/vac includes guides that interact with longitudinal ribs on the blower tube and the vacuum bag collar to reduce unwanted rotational deflection of the blower tube and vacuum bag collar when either is engaged on the housing outlet. The blower/vac includes an improved vacuum tube for use of the blower/vac in the vacuum mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Anthony N. Pink, Dean R. Toensing
  • Patent number: 5701632
    Abstract: A debris blowing apparatus with a motor, a fan driven by the motor, an inlet to the fan and an air outlet from the fan. A portion of the air which is emitted through the outlet is recycled through a metering aperture into the air inlet to maintain a constant load on fan whilst varying the air output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Webster, John Sadler
  • Patent number: 5689852
    Abstract: An improved convertible electric blower/vac. The blower/vac includes an improved air inlet cover with an adjustable choke member. The air inlet cover also includes a pressure ring for increasing the efficiency of the blower/vac impeller when the unit is operated in the blower mode. The blower/vac also includes a blower tube and a vacuum bag collar, each with resilient tabs that engage receptacles on the blower/vac to retain the blower tube and vacuum bag collar on the unit. The housing outlet of the blower/vac includes guides that interact with longitudinal ribs on the blower tube and the vacuum bag collar to reduce unwanted rotational deflection of the blower tube and vacuum bag collar when either is engaged on the housing outlet. The blower/vac includes an improved vacuum tube for use of the blower/vac in the vacuum mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Steven J. Svoboda, Dean R. Toensing
  • Patent number: 5673457
    Abstract: A debris blower and/or vacuum device is disclosed which comprises a motor unit which drives an impeller. When the device is to be used as a blower, a volute arrangement adopted for blowing in which the impeller is locatable is releasably attached to the motor unit. The blower volute includes an air inlet and an air outlet duct for expelling a stream of air created by the impeller. When the device is to be used as a vacuum, a volute arrangement adapted for vacuuming in which the impeller is locatable is releasably attached to the motor unit. The vacuum volute includes a suction duct for transporting debris to the impeller in an airstream created by the impeller and an air expelling duct for transporting debris away from the impeller in the stream of air to a collecting location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Webster, John Sadler
  • Patent number: 5664284
    Abstract: An apparatus for opening drains and the like includes a suitable vacuum/pressure source such as the inlet/outlet ports of an enclosed motor driven fan, together with a control mechanism for selectively applying vacuum/pressure pulses to a partially or completely blocked drain for loosening and purging the blockage. A lightweight portable unit including vacuum/pressure sources, control mechanism, collection receptacle, and associated air pressure/vacuum ducts is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Lemaks Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry G. Brzoska
  • Patent number: 5659920
    Abstract: A blower vacuum device of the kind having a motor (2) which is located in a housing (4) and which drives an impeller (12) located in a the volute (16). The volute (16) has an air inlet (18) and an air outlet (20). When the device is used as a blower a blower attachment (28), formed in a single piece from a blower duct (28) and a grill (22), is releasably attached to the volute so that the grill (22) is attached over the air inlet of the volute and the blower duct (28) is attached over the air outlet. When the device is used as a vacuum, a vacuum attachment (36) which is formed in one piece from a suction duct (30) and a collecting bag duct (34) is releasably attached to the volute so that the suction duct (30) is attached over the air inlet and the collecting bag duct (34) is attached over the air outlet. This means that it is easy to change the device between a blowing mode and a vacuum mode by detaching a single piece blowing attachment from the device and replacing it with a single piece vacuum attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Webster, John Sadler
  • Patent number: 5638574
    Abstract: A convertible leaf blower and vacuum apparatus includes a fan and baffle supported on one end of a cylindrical member for insertion into a collar defining an air inlet of the fan for narrowing the diameter of the air inlet when the apparatus is being connected to the collar. A vacuum tube replaces the cylindrical member when the apparatus is in a vacuum. The vacuum tube is connected to the collar in the same manner as the cylindrical member. A cover for overlaying the air inlet is attached on one side to the fan housing by a hinge and the other side by a releasable fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: WCI Outdoor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Haupt, Michael S. Houge
  • Patent number: 5606769
    Abstract: A wet/dry utility vacuum cleaner with detachable blower is disclosed. The detachable blower, when mounted in sealed relationship to a lid positioned above a utility vacuum cleaner drum, operates as a wet/dry utility vacuum cleaner. When separated from the utility vacuum cleaner drum, the detachable blower can be used for non-vacuuming applications. The utility vacuum drum lid includes two detachable latches, a detachable blower latch and a detachable drum latch. The detachable blower latch detachably mounts the detachable blower to the lid while the detachable drum latch detachably mounts the lid relative to the utility vacuum cleaner drum. The detachable blower includes a U-shaped handle positioned in proximity to the detachable blower latch to enable gripping the U-shaped handle while permitting operation of the detachable blower latch for engaging or disengaging the detachable blower relative to the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Mark J. Tomasiak, Jeffrey L. Young, Stuart V. Holsten
  • Patent number: 5604954
    Abstract: A blower vacuum comprising a motor (10) operated by a switch (16) and located in a housing (4), a fan (14) drivable by a motor, at least one attachment member (6,106) which covers the fan and which is releasably attachable to the housing, and a safety interlock located at the interface between the housing and the attachment member comprising an actuating means (53) for activating the switch only when the attachment member is attached to the housing and a locking means (54, 42) for locking the attachment member to the housing when the motor is switched on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Webster, John Sadler
  • Patent number: 5588178
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to an impeller for use in a centrifugal fan that also includes a housing and a drive shaft. The impeller is mounted on the shaft for rotation therewith within the housing. The impeller further includes a disk-shaped back plate and an axis of rotation extending through the center of the circular back plate. A plurality of circumferentially spaced fins or blades extend generally radially of the axis of rotation, selected blades including mulching parts and the remainder of the blades being devoid of the mulching parts. The mulching parts are adjacent the radially inner portions of the selected blades and the mulching parts extend substantially axially of the impeller and into an air intake opening of the housing. The selected blades having the mulching parts are circumferentially spaced and are separated by at least one remaining blade which is devoid of a mulching part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: McCulloch Corporation
    Inventor: Li-Hsiung Liu
  • Patent number: RE36627
    Abstract: An improved convertible electric blower/vac. The blower/vac includes an improved air inlet cover with an adjustable choke member. The air inlet cover also includes a pressure ring for increasing the efficiency of the blower/vac impeller when the unit is operated in the blower mode. The blower/vac also includes a blower tube and a vacuum bag collar, each with resilient tabs that engage receptacles on the blower/vac to retain the blower tube and vacuum bag collar on the unit. The housing outlet of the blower/vac includes guides that interact with longitudinal ribs on the blower tube and the vacuum bag collar to reduce unwanted rotational deflection of the blower tube and vacuum bag collar when either is engaged on the housing outlet. The blower/vac includes an improved vacuum tube for use of the blower/vac in the vacuum mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Anthony N. Pink, Dean R. Toensing