Floor Nozzle Air Flow Diverted To Off-floor Cleaning Means Patents (Class 15/334)
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Patent number: 8037570Abstract: A vacuum can include a housing having an inlet adapted to receive debris being vacuumed. A mounting bar can be fixedly coupled to the housing. A floor collector assembly can be rotatably disposed about a first axis defined by the mounting bar. The floor collector assembly can include a first debris-passing member coupled to the mounting bar, a second debris-passing member rotatably coupled to the first debris-passing member and a third debris-passing member removably coupled to the second debris-passing member. The first debris-passing member can define an opening. The floor collector assembly can be operable in a plurality of modes. In a first mode, the opening can be substantially perpendicular relative to a vacuumed surface. In a second mode, the second debris-passing member can be rotated relative to the first debris-passing member about a second axis such that the opening is at an acute angle relative to the vacuumed surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2011Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: Katherine Phelan, Gregg L. Sheddy, Paul S. White, Michael P. Kunz, Stuart J. Wright, Christopher J. Murray, Trevor T. Bludis, Alfred H. Judge
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Patent number: 8032981Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a brush assembly that travels along a cleaning surface and draws in dirt-entrained air therethrough, a cleaner body that is connected to the brush assembly and has a dust collector, a fixing unit that detachably mounts the cleaner body onto the brush assembly such that the vacuum cleaner is used as an upright type vacuum cleaner and dismounts the cleaner body from the brush assembly such that the vacuum cleaner is used as a canister type vacuum cleaner, and a regulation unit that restricts a horizontal rotation of the brush assembly if the cleaner body is mounted onto the brush assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2008Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Dong-hun Yoo
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Patent number: 8032982Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner having a suction path switching unit is provided that includes a cleaner body having and a body frame; a suction inlet body hinged to the body frame; a hose in fluid communication with the body frame and an extension pipe; and a suction path switching unit disposed on the body frame. The suction path has an operating duct elastically arranged on a suction path to be able to slide up and down. As the extension pipe is inserted into or withdrawn from a socket disposed on the body frame, the operating duct selectively diverts the suction path to a first suction path flowing from the suction inlet body to the dust collecting unit or a second suction path flowing from the extension pipe to the dust collecting unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2008Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Byung-jo Lee, Joung-soo Park, Tae-gwang Kim
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Patent number: 7996954Abstract: A path-conversion valve assembly for a vacuum cleaner comprises a valve member rotatably mounted in an air path formed in a cleaner of a vacuum cleaner which includes a socket for receiving a hose nozzle, and a resilient member mounted in the air path to resiliently press the rotating valve member in an opposite direction to the rotating direction of the valve member.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2005Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Dong-yun Lee, Tae-gwang Kim
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Patent number: 7979955Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a recovery tank. The surface cleaning apparatus can further include a base, and the recovery tank can have side rails to facilitate alignment of the recovery tank with the base. The recovery tank can include a float assembly with a pivotable closure member. The recovery tank can have a lid with a handle and latch to secure the lid to the recovery tank. Further, the recovery tank can comprise a lid with a working air conduit mounted to the lid and removable from the recovery tank with the lid.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2008Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth M. Lenkiewicz, Alan J. Krebs
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Patent number: 7979953Abstract: A vacuum cleaner that is convertible between an upright mode and a canister mode by use of a hose is provided. The vacuum cleaner includes a hose clamping unit capable of protruding outside the cleaner body or retreating back to the cleaner body according to a mode change of the vacuum cleaner.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2008Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Dong-hun Yoo
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Patent number: 7937802Abstract: A vacuum cleaner for use in both an upright form and a canister form, which can mount and dismount a cleaner body to and from a suction nozzle assembly is disclosed. The vacuum cleaner includes a suction nozzle assembly to draw in dust or dirt along with air while moving along a surface to be cleaned; a cleaner body having a dust separating unit to separate and collect the dust or dirt from the air drawn in from the surface to be cleaned; a supporting unit hingedly joined to the suction nozzle assembly to support a lower part of the cleaner body to communicate with the suction nozzle assembly; and a locking unit to detachably lock the lower part of the cleaner body to the supporting unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2008Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Dong-hun Yoo, Jeong-hee Cho, Myoung-sun Choung, Yun-hee Park, Il-du Jung
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Patent number: 7877836Abstract: A cleaning apparatus is disclosed. The cleaning apparatus includes a base portion for movement along the surface and a handle pivotally connected to the base portion. The cleaning apparatus further includes a solution tank for supplying a flow of cleaning solution to the surface. The solution tank removably mounted to one of the handle and the base portion. The cleaning apparatus still further includes a recovery tank removably mounted to one of the handle and the base portion and a floor suction nozzle secured to the base portion and in fluid communication with the recovery tank. The cleaning apparatus yet further includes a suction source in fluid communication with the floor suction nozzle for generating suction to draw dirt and liquid through the floor suction nozzle and into the recovery tank.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2004Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology LimitedInventor: David L. O'Neal
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Patent number: 7854038Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes a base. A bracket is attached to the base. Wheels are rotatably attached to the base for wheeling the base across a floor. A cleaning attachment is configured to be attached to the base and moved against the floor to clean the floor as the base is wheeled across the floor. The base is manually pushed by a handle to wheel the base across the floor. The handle is configured to be removably attached to the base by being hooked onto the bracket and then pivoted relative to the bracket into an installed position.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2009Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: The Scott Fetzer CompanyInventors: Terry L. Zahuranec, David Scott Smith, Daniel L. Steele, Diane L. Dodson
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Patent number: 7823251Abstract: A surface-treating appliance in the form of a vacuum cleaner has a main body, a surface-treating head and a support assembly. The support assembly is moveable between a supporting position, in which it supports the main body, and a stored position, in which it lies substantially against the main body. The provision of a support assembly that lies substantially against the main body of the appliance when not needed improves the maneuverability and range of motion achievable by the appliance in use. The support assembly may be brought out of its supporting position by a user-depressible pedal, which makes the appliance user-friendly.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2006Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Dyson Technology LimitedInventors: James Dyson, Stephen Benjamin Courtney, Peter David Gammack, William Robert James White
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Patent number: 7676883Abstract: A changeover valve, for an upright vacuum cleaner, comprises a movable valve member (31) connected via a flexible duct to a dirt separator of the cleaner, and a valve body (30) having inlet ports (32, 33) connected, respectively, to an air inlet in the underside of a floor-engaging unit of the cleaner and, via a flexible hose, a suction nozzle of the cleaner. The valve member (31) is movable relative to the valve body (30) for selective alignment with either of the inlet ports (32, 33).Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2005Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Hoover LimitedInventors: Euan Skinner Macleod, John Taylor, Ross Richardson, William Edwards
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Patent number: 7657966Abstract: An upright bypass type vacuum base section pulls from a suction chamber surrounding the bag.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2007Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Inventor: Barry R. Schwartz
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Patent number: 7647671Abstract: A suction cleaner that sucks in dust, from a suction mouth of a suction mouth body, with airflow generated through operation of an electric air blower and introduces the sucked airflow into a dust collection device to collect the dust. The suction mouth body is provided with a first suction mouth and a second suction mouth. An agitator is arranged at the first suction mouth. The first suction mouth is selected by a suction mouth-switching device, and the agitator is driven when the suction is carried out from the first suction mouth. A mechanism for transmitting power to the agitator includes a driving pulley that co-rotates with the agitator, an idler that can be rotated independently of the agitator, and a belt that is shifted between the driving pulley and the idler by a belt-switching device.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2002Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroshi Yoshimura, Noboru Nishinaka, Susumu Hamada
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Patent number: 7631392Abstract: A vacuum cleaner base has a brush chamber having at least a portion that is transparent, a brush rotatably mounted in the brush chamber, and an elastomeric bumper that surrounds at least three sides of the brush chamber. The bumper is translucent at least where it overlaps that portion of the brush chamber that is transparent.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2006Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.Inventor: Denise A. Meitz
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Patent number: 7624475Abstract: Disclosed herein is an upright type vacuum cleaner capable of being converted to a canister type. The vacuum cleaner comprises a main body having a suction port and a discharge port, a suction unit having a dust collecting port and a discharge opening, and on which the main body is rotatably installed, a handle installed to the main body, an extension pipe disposed between the handle and the main body and having a hollow inner space to define a flow passage for foreign substances, a securing mechanism between the extension pipe and the main body to restrict a circumference of the extension pipe, a cover installed at a portion of the main body where the securing mechanism and a lower end of the extension pipe are disposed, and an attaching mechanism between the securing mechanism and the cover to allow the extension pipe to be detached from the securing mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2006Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Assignee: Ace Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Im Suk Choi
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Publication number: 20090271941Abstract: The present invention provides an upright vacuum cleaner (10) having an elongate body (12) and comprising a floorhead (14) on which the elongate body is mounted, the floorhead (14) having a first inlet (140) for dirty air, a wand having a second inlet for dirty air, a changeover valve (22) for selecting between a flow of dirty air from the first or second inlet, a dust collection chamber (18) also having a dirty air inlet (180), a duct (28) for conveying said flow of dirty air from the changeover valve (22) to the dust collection chamber inlet (180), and a source of suction power for drawing the dirty air from the first or second inlet through said changeover valve (22) and said duct (28) to the dust collection chamber inlet (180).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2009Publication date: November 5, 2009Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: Eric Coburn, Barry Pears, Derek Muir, Stephen Houghton
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Patent number: 7600291Abstract: Disclosed herein is a main body mounting structure of an upright type vacuum cleaner capable of being converted to a canister type. The mounting structure comprises a main body having a suction port and a discharge port formed thereon and including a suction device inside the suction port, a connection panel on which the main body is detachably installed, a suction unit having a dust collecting port and a discharge opening and on which the connection panel is rotatably installed, an attaching mechanism disposed between the main body and the connection panel, an extension pipe and a handle detachably installed to the main body and having a hollow inner space to define a flow passage along which foreign substances are induced, and a suction hose connected at one end with the suction port and selectively connected at the other end with the discharge opening or the handle.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2006Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: Ace Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Im Suk Choi
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Patent number: 7594297Abstract: Disclosed herein is an angle control apparatus for an upright type vacuum cleaner. The angle control apparatus comprises a main body having a suction port and a discharge port formed thereon and including a suctioning device inside the suction port, a suction unit having a dust collecting port and a discharge opening and on which the main body is rotatably installed, a suction hose made of an elastic material and positioned between the suction port and the discharge opening, and a locking assembly installed to the suction unit to restrict rotation of the main body. With the angle control apparatus, the main body of the vacuum cleaner is rotatably coupled to the suction unit such that the main body is rotated at a suitable angle with respect to the suction unit sliding on a floor according to a location of a user during the cleaning operation, thereby enabling a convenient cleaning operation.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2006Date of Patent: September 29, 2009Assignee: Daewoo Electronics CorporationInventor: Im Suk Choi
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Patent number: 7594296Abstract: A convertible vacuum cleaner is provided. The vacuum cleaner includes a support base extending in a vertical direction, a main body selectively installed on the support base, a power generating unit disposed in the main body to generate a suction force, a suction nozzle unit that uses the suction force to draw in external air, a dust collection unit disposed in the main body to filter and collect dust and dirt contained in the external air, a flexible connection hose transmitting the suction force to the suction nozzle unit, a hose coupling portion formed on the main body to receive a first end of the connection hose, and a hook unit for supporting the main body on the support base.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2005Date of Patent: September 29, 2009Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Sang Jun Park
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Patent number: 7591042Abstract: Provided is an upright vacuum cleaner including a carrying handle formed at an upper surface of the vacuum cleaner and conveniently gripped by a user while being transferred, the carrying handle having a hose seat surface on which a hose is seated such that a user conveniently uses the vacuum cleaner.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2005Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Kyung Chul Kim
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Patent number: 7587786Abstract: A vacuum cleaning apparatus includes a cleaning attachment. A base has an outlet port configured to be attached to the cleaning attachment and draw air from a household surface through the attachment and exhaust the air through the outlet port. A handle is configured to have an installed position removably attached to the base for manually moving the base by the handle. The handle has an inlet port configured to be connected to a dirt receptacle and to move toward and into connection with the outlet port by movement of the handle toward and into the installed position, for the air exhausted through the outlet port to flow through the inlet port into the receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2005Date of Patent: September 15, 2009Assignee: The Scott Fetzer CompanyInventors: Terry L. Zahuranec, David Scott Smith, Daniel L. Steele, Diane L. Dodson
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Publication number: 20090193611Abstract: A bypass type cleaning apparatus includes a suction nozzle; an air suction unit being in fluid communication with the suction nozzle via an entering passage; and at least two contaminant collecting receptacles being in fluid communication with at least two exits formed at the air suction unit, respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2008Publication date: August 6, 2009Inventors: Jang-keun Oh, Min-ha Kim
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Patent number: 7559112Abstract: Disclosed is a passage-conversion valve assembly for a vacuum cleaner, having a valve member having a socket for a hose nozzle and mounted in an air passage in a cleaner body, a resilient member mounted in the air passage to resiliently bias the valve member in one direction, and an actuator mounted to one sidewall of the air passage to push the valve member in an opposite direction to the resilience by the resilient member when the hose nozzle is mounted to the socket.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2005Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Byung-Jo Lee, Yun-Hee Park
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Patent number: 7555810Abstract: A floor care apparatus includes a housing having a nozzle assembly and a canister assembly. A suction inlet is provided on the nozzle assembly. A dirt collection vessel, a suction generator and a wand receiver are carried on the housing. A first air flow pathway connects the suction inlet to the dirt collection vessel and the suction generator. An air flow control valve includes a valve body received in the first air flow pathway and an actuator having at least a portion thereof extending into the wand receiver. A cleaning wand assembly is displaceable between a first storage position wherein a first end of the cleaning wand assembly is held in the wand receiver engaging the actuator and opening the valve and a second position wherein the cleaning wand assembly is withdrawn from the wand receiver for cleaning with the cleaning wand assembly thereby disengaging the actuator and closing the valve.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2007Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: Panasonic Corporation of North AmericaInventors: Alan T. Pullins, Shannon D. Phegley, Donald E. Proffitt, II, Eric J. Streciwilk
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Patent number: 7533439Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface in which cleaning solution is dispensed to the surface and substantially simultaneously extracted along with the dirt on the surface in a continuous operation is provided. The cleaning apparatus includes a base portion for movement along the surface and a handle pivotally connected to the base portion. The handle includes a lower portion and an upper portion pivotally connected to the lower portion and pivoted between an upper position for use and a lower position for storage. A solution tank for supplying a flow of cleaning solution to the surface is removably mounted to one of the base portion and the handle. A recovery tank removably mounted to one of the base portion and the handle and is in fluid communication with a suction nozzle secured to said base portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2004Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: Healthy Gain Investments LimitedInventors: William H. Theiss, Jr., David J. Boles, Kenneth H. Cooper, Michael A. Durbin, Frank D. Fowler, Timothy T. Hertrick, Laura J. Keiper, Charles A. Lang, Richard S. Parr, Kenneth L. Symensma, Jason L. Williams, Donald R. Wright, Ryan S. Steiner
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Patent number: 7533441Abstract: An air path conversion valve assembly of an upright vacuum cleaner, having a duct member mounted to the body of the vacuum cleaner, including a first air path connected with the brush assembly, a second air path connected with a hose, a third air path connected with a suction source of the vacuum cleaner, and a crossing air path in which the first, the second, and the third air paths meet; a valve member pivotably mounted to the crossing air path; a cam unit pivoting the valve member to connect the first air path and the third air path when the body is inclined, and connect the second air path and the third air path when the body is upright; and at least one link member connecting the cam unit and the valve member to transfer a driving force of the cam unit to the valve member.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2006Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: Samsung Guangju Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Dong-hun Yoo
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Patent number: 7484265Abstract: A hand-held nozzle is attached to the end of a vacuum and fluid delivery hose of an upright deep cleaner. The nozzle includes a reservoir to contain a solution to be applied to a surface. When a solution delivery system of the deep cleaner is pressurized, water from the upright cleaner clean water tank is routed through the hose to the hand-held nozzle. The water is routed through a venturi valve connected to the reservoir, which draws the solution to the valve to mix with the water stream. The resultant mixture flows from the hand-held nozzle for application to a surface being treated. One embodiment of the solution reservoir includes a retainer cap bonded to the reservoir and utilizing a bayonet-type mounting arrangement for mounting the reservoir to a nozzle assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2004Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.Inventors: Gary A. Kasper, Samuel L. Hansen, John L. Jansen, Phong Hoang Tran, Eric J. Hansen, Gabriel S. Vander Baan
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Publication number: 20080263813Abstract: A vacuum cleaner for use in either a canister form or a stick form is disclosed. The vacuum cleaner includes a cleaner body, a suction unit having an air suction opening formed in a bottom surface of the cleaner body to drawn in air, a dust collecting unit disposed in the cleaner body to separate dust or dirt from the air and to collect and store the dust or dirt therein, and a mode selecting unit on the cleaner body to select one of a first mode and a second mode. The first mode is a mode where a handle member for moving the cleaner body is connected to the cleaner body and the suction unit and the dust collecting unit are communicated with each other. The second mode is a mode where an external accessory is connected to the cleaner body to communicate with the dust collecting unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2007Publication date: October 30, 2008Inventors: Jung-Guyn Han, Jang-Keun Oh, Jin-Gon Lee
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Patent number: 7441306Abstract: Provided is a suction nozzle structure of a vacuum cleaner for enhancing a foreign particle suction efficiency. The suction nozzle structure includes: a suction tube in which a negative pressure is formed; a suction hole formed at a bottom of the suction nozzle structure such that air and foreign particles are sucked by the negative pressure of the suction tube; an agitator installed at an upper side of the suction hole; an air guide provided with an air suction passage communicating the suction hole with the suction tube, for guiding air flow; and a foreign particle rotation-preventing portion formed protruding from the air guide, for preventing a foreign particle from rotating.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2005Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Kyung Chul Kim
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Patent number: 7424767Abstract: Provided is a street sweeper for collecting debris from a street surface. The street sweeper includes a chassis mounted on wheels, a rotating broom for removing debris from a street surface, and a hopper for collecting the removed debris. A passageway extends between the broom and the hopper to transfer the debris removed from the street surface. To remove debris from areas difficult to access with the rotating broom, the street sweeper also includes a litter hose connected to an air flow generating device that communicates with the hopper. The airflow generating device provides a suction force within the litter hose for removing debris and discharges that debris into the hopper. The airflow generating device and suction force work independently of the internal conditions of the hopper. In an embodiment, the airflow discharged into the hopper can exhaust through the passageway extending between the broom and the hopper.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2004Date of Patent: September 16, 2008Assignee: Elgin Sweeper Co.Inventors: Brian David Giles, Peter J. McDonough
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Patent number: 7421759Abstract: An apparatus (20) for cleaning a surface (22) includes a clean fluid tank (26) containing a cleaning fluid (46) and configured for delivery of the fluid (46) to the surface (22). The clean fluid tank (26) has a first outer surface (76). A waste fluid tank (30) is coupled with the clean fluid tank (26) and has a second outer surface (78). The second surface (78) abuts the first surface (76) to form a conduit (84) between the first and second surfaces (76, 78), the conduit (84) being in fluid communication with the waste fluid tank (30). Vacuum motors (94) and (108), in communication with the conduit (84), operate to vacuum waste fluid (164) and air (116) into the waste fluid tank (30). The air (116) is expelled from the waste fluid tank (30) via the conduit (84).Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2004Date of Patent: September 9, 2008Assignee: Northland Products, Inc.Inventors: William J. Michael, Reed A. Davis
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Patent number: 7386915Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner having dual cleaning motor and fan units is provided having a cleaning head engagable with a floor and a suction nozzle and a brush roller rotatably mounted therein. A first motor and fan unit is mounted in the vacuum cleaner for producing suction in the suction nozzle and is operatively connected to the brush roller for rotating it. An upright housing is connected to the cleaning head, the housing having a handle for moving the vacuum cleaner along the floor during floor cleaning use. Contained in the housing are a dirt storage container, a passageway leading from the suction nozzle in the cleaning head to the storage container and a second motor and fan unit operatively associated with the storage container for drawing dirt laden air from the cleaning head through the passageway and into the storage container simultaneously with operation of the first motor and fan unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2004Date of Patent: June 17, 2008Assignee: Tacony CorporationInventors: Douglas L. Blocker, John F. Kaido
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Patent number: 7377008Abstract: A multifunction vacuum cleaner, in which a main body is removably connected to a frame portion, comprises a nozzle assembly for suctioning in an air including dusts or dirt on a cleaning area, a main body having a cyclone dust collector for centrifugally separating the dusts or dirt from the sucked air, a dust receptacle for collecting the separated dusts or dirt, a main body frame having an upper casing and a lower casing, a button operation portion formed on an upper part of the main body frame, and a connecting projection integrally formed with the button operation portion and moving elastically, and a frame portion which is pivotably connected with the nozzle assembly, and having a connecting groove to correspond to the connecting projection. The main body of the vacuum cleaner is removably mounted in the frame portion. As a result, the main body can be conveniently connected with or separate from the frame portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2003Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jung-seon Park, Il-Won Yang
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Patent number: 7367082Abstract: A floor care appliance is provided for cleaning bare surfaces such as tile, marble, linoleum and wood. The floor care appliance includes a port for the connection of an accessory hose and wand for off the floor cleaning. A variety of cleaning implements can be attached to the wand for cleaning hard to reach bare surfaces such as tile and grout. The port includes a suction inlet, cleaning solution outlet, and an air turbine inlet for an air turbine pump which pressurizes the cleaning solution. A pivoting door seals the suction inlet, cleaning solution outlet, and air turbine inlet when the accessory hose and wand are not in use.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2005Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Inventors: Evan A. Gordon, Jeffery S. Louis, Kevin E. Scheifele, Jeffery A. Morgan, Brent L. Burchfield
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Patent number: 7367081Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing, a floor suction nozzle operatively attached to the housing, and a suction source operatively attached to the housing and placed in fluid communication with the floor suction nozzle. The assembly further includes a valve assembly operatively associated with the floor suction nozzle. The valve assembly is selectively movable between a first position which at least partially blocks suction to the floor suction nozzle and a second position which substantially allows suction to flow through the floor suction nozzle. The apparatus further includes an accessory hose assembly having a proximal end in fluid communication with the valve assembly and a distal end. The apparatus still further including a holder mounted to the housing and adapted to receive the distal end of the accessory hose.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2004Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Inventor: David L. O'Neal
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Patent number: 7360274Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having an integral frame assembly and a detachable main body connected to the frame assembly comprises a nozzle assembly for drawing in an air from a surface to be cleaned, the air containing dust and dirt, a main body, and a frame assembly including a frame body and a connecting portion integrally formed with a lower part of the frame body. The main body includes a body frame, a dust collector connected to the body frame for separating the dust and dirt from the air drawn into the dust collector, and a drive motor for generating a suction force. According to the present invention, the main body of the vacuum cleaner is easily attached to and detached from the frame assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2003Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jung-seon Park, Hyung-il Jeon
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Patent number: 7356874Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner comprises a body including a dust separator, a floor engaging head having a first dirty air inlet on its underside, a handle detachably mounted in a socket on the body and having a second dirty air inlet at its lower end, a flexible hose extending between the center of the handle and the body, a valve, and a valve actuator disposed in the socket for configuring the valve to connect the dust separator to the first or second inlets respectively when the handle is engaged and disengaged from the body. When engaged to the body, the upper end of handle is used to propel and guide the cleaner while suction is applied to the first dirty air inlet in the floor engaging head. Once detached, the handle is immediately ready for use as a tool for above-floor cleaning without the user having to manually divert the suction or fit cleaning tools.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2004Date of Patent: April 15, 2008Assignee: Hoover LimitedInventors: Euan Skinner Macleod, Ross Richardson, Christopher Richard Henderson
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Patent number: 7350263Abstract: An electric vacuum cleaner including a vacuum cleaner main body, a suction tool main body connected to the vacuum cleaner main body and having an suction inlet which is open at a lower surface thereof, a dust box connected to the vacuum cleaner main body, and a grip portion for operating the vacuum cleaner main body. The suction tool main body, an interior of the vacuum cleaner main body, the grip portion and the dust box are directly connected in this order such that circulation of air is permitted. The interior of the vacuum cleaner main body and the grip portion are connected in a freely attachable and detachable manner.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2004Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., LtdInventors: Kazuyoshi Yoshimi, Kazumasa Kamatani, Shuzo Ueyama, Hiroyuki Takami, Kouichi Nakai
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Publication number: 20070289085Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is disclosed that includes a main body having a dust collector and a vacuum motor; a cleaner frame for detachably mounting the main body; a main brush assembly connected to a lower end of the cleaner frame; and a flexible hose and auxiliary brush assembly connected to the main body, wherein the main body is further provided with a traveling wheel and a support member, whereby the main body can be moved conveniently by using the traveling wheel and the support member and cleaning operation also can be performed by sucking external air through the auxiliary brush assembly at a state of the main body standing in the case that the main body of the vacuum cleaner is detached from the cleaner frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2006Publication date: December 20, 2007Inventor: Dong-hun Yoo
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Patent number: 7296322Abstract: A hose connection assembly for a vacuum cleaner comprises a flexible hose having one end connected to the dust-collecting chamber, a hose holder connected to the other end of the flexible hose and removably connected to a connection part of the suction brush, and a handle mounted on the hose holder to assist in connecting and disconnecting the hose holder with respect to the connection part. A mounting portion having a circumferential bead is preferably formed on an outer circumference of the hose holder to mount the handle therein, and the handle is rotatably mounted on the mounting portion. The handle comprises a fixing portion shaped as a cylinder and is mounted on the mounting portion, and a holding portion protruding from one side of the fixing portion in a perpendicular direction, and the fixing portion has a larger diameter than the mounting portion, thereby providing rotatability about the mounting portion through 360°.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2004Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Samsung Gwangju Electronisc Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jung-seon Park
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Publication number: 20070209142Abstract: A floor care apparatus includes a housing having a nozzle assembly and a canister assembly. A suction inlet is provided on the nozzle assembly. A dirt collection vessel, a suction generator and a wand receiver are carried on the housing. A first air flow pathway connects the suction inlet to the dirt collection vessel and the suction generator. An air flow control valve includes a valve body received in the first air flow pathway and an actuator having at least a portion thereof extending into the wand receiver. A cleaning wand assembly is displaceable between a first storage position wherein a first end of the cleaning wand assembly is held in the wand receiver engaging the actuator and opening the valve and a second position wherein the cleaning wand assembly is withdrawn from the wand receiver for cleaning with the cleaning wand assembly thereby disengaging the actuator and closing the valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2007Publication date: September 13, 2007Inventors: Alan T. Pullins, Shannon D. Phegley, Donald E. Proffitt, Eric J. Streciwilk
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Patent number: 7240395Abstract: A motor-driven outdoor vacuum has a ground level intake and a hose intake. When a hand-operable actuator moves a first or main door into a ground pick-up position, the ground level intake, which is carried by the first door is in direct air-flow communication with the impeller and the hose intake, which is carried by the first door is closed by a spring-actuated second door carried by the main door. When the actuator is moved to a hose intake position, the main door is moved to a second position in which the hose is in air-flow communication with the impeller and the ground level intake is closed.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2003Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Assignee: Minuteman International, Inc.Inventors: Patrick J. Clarke, Jesse V. Mondigo
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Patent number: 7234733Abstract: A device for regulating the suction flow in a flexible connection pipe between a tool for machining surfaces and a machining dust suction unit. The device includes a tubular terminal connector fitted with internal threading for attaching the flexible pipe and at least one side opening on the external surface. The device also includes a hollow cylindrical body that rotatably embraces at least one portion of the terminal connector and is fitted on its external surface with at least one opening that can be adjusted angularly in relation to the opening of the terminal connector.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2005Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Inventor: Guido Valentini
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Patent number: 7231687Abstract: 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 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 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, it is possible to perform nType: GrantFiled: December 23, 2003Date of Patent: June 19, 2007Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Ho-Seon Rew, Yong-Woo Lee, Hyeon-Sik Nam, Choon-Myun Chung
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Patent number: 7213297Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a body having a suction motor for generating a suction force, a filter for filtering dust sucked in by the suction motor, and an outlet for exhausting air which has been filtered by the filter. A suction head is provided at one side of the body for sucking dust and a suction/exhaustion switch is installed between the body and the suction head. The suction head includes a channel switching valve assembly installed at a lateral surface of the body, a head side suction hose connected between the channel switching valve assembly and the suction head and a body side suction hose connecting the body and the channel switching valve assembly. A suction/exhaustion hose is connected to the channel switching valve assembly for exhausting a part of the exhaustion air exhausted through the outlet to the outside of the body or for sucking dust through the channel switching valve assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2003Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Hyeun-Sik Nam, Young-Woo Lee
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Patent number: 7203991Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface is provided. The cleaning apparatus has a housing for movement along a surface with a suction nozzle assembly having an inlet and outlet provided on the housing. A recovery container is removably mounted to the housing. A hose having a first end detachably connected to the outlet of the suction nozzle and a second end in fluid communication with the recovery container floor-scrubbing machine is provided. A vacuum source is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle, hose, and recovery container for drawing dirt from the cleaning surface into the inlet of the suction nozzle and into. The cleaning apparatus further includes a handle movably connected to the housing and movable between a first position that locks the first end of the hose to the housing to a second position that unlocks the first end of the hose to the housing.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2003Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: The Hoover CompanyInventors: Ronald J. Stephens, Gary M. Johns, David W. Moine, Richard A. Wareham
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Patent number: 7181803Abstract: An upright type vacuum cleaner having a small sized cyclone dust collecting apparatus and dust bag in a dust collecting chamber comprises a main body including the dust collecting chamber having an air inlet and an air outlet, and a motor driving chamber in fluid communication with the air outlet, a suction brush mounted adjacent the main body of the vacuum cleaner, a cyclone dust collecting apparatus detachably mounted on the main body of the vacuum cleaner and having a path connected to the air inlet of the dust collecting chamber for discharging a cleaned air, and a dust bag detachably disposed in the dust collecting chamber to collect the dust and filth separated from an air drawn in through the suction brush.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2003Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jung-seon Park, Hyung-il Jeon
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Patent number: 7096532Abstract: A vacuum dustpan having a housing with an inlet to the level of the floor surface into which dust and debris can be directed. A vacuum motor induces a vacuum to transfer the debris to a collection chamber within the housing. The vacuum dustpan is usable in locations such as shops, hair salons, kitchens and other environments where debris collects and periodically swept.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2003Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: Salton, Inc.Inventor: Richard K. Rood
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Patent number: 7069619Abstract: A floor care apparatus includes a housing having a nozzle assembly with a suction inlet and a canister assembly. A dirt collector and suction generator are carried on the housing. The apparatus further includes a wand having an inlet opening and a sealing element for sealing that inlet opening when the wand is held in a storage position. Additionally, the apparatus includes a valve and an airflow conduit system. The airflow conduit system provides fluid communication between the suction inlet, the inlet opening, the valve, the dirt collector and the suction generator. The valve is selectively displaceable between a closed position whereby the suction inlet is sealed off from fluid communication with the suction generator and an open position whereby the suction inlet is provided in fluid communication with the suction generator.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2002Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Assignee: Panasonic Corporation of North AmericaInventors: Jason D. Bowden, Jason R. Gieske, Thomas J. Fedorka
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Patent number: 7055211Abstract: A blocker door assembly is disclosed. The blocker door assembly includes a carpet engaging nozzle base and a nozzle opening positioned in the base. The blocker door assembly further includes a rotating agitator positioned in the nozzle opening and an outlet duct in fluid communication with the nozzle opening. The blocker door assembly yet further includes a motor/fan assembly in fluid communication with the duct. The blocker door assembly further includes a blocker door adapted to slide between a open position which places the nozzle opening in fluid communication with the motor fan unit and a closed position which blocks fluid communication between the nozzle opening and the motor fan unit. A method of operating a vacuum cleaner is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2003Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: The Hoover CompanyInventor: Richard R. Tucker