Abstract: Object: A drill dust collector is provided that is capable of drilling holes in an area ranging from a position near a corner to a position distant from the corner and that can be positioned with a side face in contact with an upright face such as a wall during drilling. Means for Solving: The drill dust collector has (i) an opening 2C provided in the upper face of a box having an open lower face 1C, for receiving a drill inserted therein; (ii) a suction port 1U connected to the leading end of a suction hose 3 connected to an suction apparatus; and (iii) a contact member 1A of high flexibility formed so as to extend around the lower face of the box. The box has a lid member 3 composed of the opening 2C and its peripheral part, and a box body 1. The lid member 3 is placed so as to be rotatable relative to the box body 1 and the opening 2C is located at a position the center of which is shifted from the center of rotation of the lid member 3 relative to the box body 1.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing grounds maintenance functions and dispensing a fluid includes a grounds maintenance device and a fluid spraying device. The spraying device includes a container mounted on the grounds maintenance device for holding the fluid, and a spraying member in communication with the container for spraying the fluid. The spraying member is moveable from a carrying position in which the spraying member is carried on the grounds maintenance device to a spraying position in which the spraying member is moveable independent of the grounds maintenance device.

Abstract: A floor cleaning apparatus includes a nozzle assembly having a suction inlet and a canister assembly having a housing including a dirt vessel receiver, a wall and a compartment. The wall includes an airpath opening. A dirt collection vessel is held in the receiver and a suction generator is held in the compartment. A plenum connects the airpath opening in the wall with the suction generator. The plenum includes a first section that removably connects to the housing.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner for simultaneously cleaning and sterilizing a surface includes a vacuum cleaner housing, a plurality of wheels for supporting the vacuum cleaner housing on the surface, a main power switch for electrically connecting the vacuum cleaner to an external source of power, a motor coupled to the main power switch and a rotary brush coupled to the motor. The motor includes a suction fan. A UV lamp housing assembly is mounted inside the vacuum cleaner housing and urged downward toward the surface. The UV lamp assembly includes a UV lamp for sterilizing the surface at the same time as it is being cleaned. A UV light gasket assembly is fixedly mounted underneath the UV lamp assembly and includes a track of conductive material having a plurality of gaps and a plurality of interlock switches for closing the gaps, one interlock switch being associated with each gap. Each interlock switch includes a cap and an interlock contact of conductive material which is fixed to the cap.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided which includes a cleaner body in which a ultraviolet (UV) irradiation unit is mounted in a dust receptacle mounting unit, a dust receptacle detachably mounted in the dust receptacle mounting unit, the dust receptacle comprising a UV transmission window formed in a position facing the UV irradiation unit, and a switching device mounted in the dust receptacle mounting unit to switch power applied to the UV irradiation unit according to whether the dust receptacle is mounted. Accordingly, power is applied to a UV lamp only when the dust receptacle is mounted in the vacuum cleaner, so there is no risk that a user is exposed to UV rays emitted from the UV lamp when the user separates the dust receptacle from the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a vacuum cleaner including a nozzle base having a main suction opening and a housing pivotally mounted on the nozzle base. An airstream suction source is mounted to one of the housing and the nozzle base for selectively establishing and maintaining a suction airstream flowing from the nozzle main suction opening to an exhaust outlet of the suction source. A filter housing is mounted to one of the nozzle base and the housing. The filter housing comprises a filter mounted in the filter housing. An ultraviolet light source is disposed in the filter housing and shines on the filter for disinfecting same.

Abstract: A tool set with a battery pack, a power tool and a utility vacuum. The power tool includes a receptacle assembly for detachably coupling the battery pack to the power tool. The utility vacuum has a canister, a powerhead assembly, which is coupled to the canister and has a fan, a motor for providing rotary power to the fan, and a power supply for distributing electrical power to the motor, and a shut-off device that prevents the fan from drawing a liquid into the fan inlet when a volume of the liquid in the canister exceeds a predetermined volume. The power supply includes a receptacle assembly for detachably receiving the battery pack. The battery pack may be selectively coupled to either of the power tool and the utility vacuum to provide a source of electrical power thereto. A method for operating a battery-powered tool set is also provided.

Abstract: A storage console for a vehicle includes a vacuum cleaner. In an exemplary embodiment, the console includes an interface at which the vacuum cleaner is releasably affixed to the console. The console may include a hose operatively connected to the vacuum cleaner whereby suction from the vacuum cleaner is transferred through the hose. The interface may include electrical contacts for recharging a battery in the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a housing that carries a suction inlet, a dirt collection vessel, a main filter compartment and a suction generator. The main filter is received in the main filter compartment. An airflow pathway connects the suction inlet, the dirt collection vessel, the main filter compartment and the suction generator. A dirt detection sensor is provided in the airflow pathway between the dirt collection vessel and the main filter compartment.

Abstract: A disinfecting device is presented having a UV light source for radiation of a cleaning medium to eradicate the medium of infestation agents such as molds, viuses, bacteria and dust mites. The device enhances the disinfection of the medium by providing mechanisms for enhanced penetration of the UV light into the cleaning medium. The device also offers enhanced heat dissipation to promote effective use of the device. Also provided are safety mechanisms to promote the safe and advantageous use of the UV device.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a housing, a carriage disposed on the housing with a plurality of wheels, and a suction opening. A suction connector is rotatably disposed at the suction opening. The suction connector is connected to an end portion of a suction hose associated with the vacuum cleaner housing. At least one of the suction opening and the suction connector is configured to enable an additional movement of the suction connector relative to the rotatable movement of the suction connector. At least one transducer is activatable by the additional movement and configured to generate electrical control signals. A control unit is configured to receive the control signals and control at least one of the plurality of wheels with a converted signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved mechanical coupling for rapidly adjusting the elevation of a working edge portion of a tool which working edge portion is subject to wear that decreases the effective length of the working edge portion. In one embodiment, the bristles of a drum-type brush comprise the working edge portion. Once the working edge is properly adjusted with respect to a work surface, the amount of downforce imparted by the working edge and the pattern of the working edge on a work surface are maximized. In use an operator compares the length of the working edge to a first indicia set displayed adjacent the working edge and adjusts the elevation of the working edge with reference to a second indicia set which corresponds to the first indicia set. Surface maintenance vehicles which support an adjustable height tool with a working edge that wears down may utilize the present invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner with a golf massage club, including a handle (4), a cleaner body (3) connected to the first end of the handle (4), and a suction head (1) connected to the head of the cleaner body (3), wherein a golf massage head (5) is connected to the second end of the handle (4). With the vacuum cleaner of the invention, the user can use the handle for human body massage when the vacuum cleaner is not in use. The vacuum cleaner of the invention is of compact structure and multiple functions.

Abstract: A bumper device of a robot cleaner, and a robot cleaner equipped with the bumper device are disclosed. The bumper device of a robot cleaner includes: a bumper housing coupled to cover an outer circumferential surface of a main body of a robot cleaner, made of a material for restraining an expansion, and having an internal passage; an air tube insertedly installed inside the bumper housing so as to be expandable along the internal passage; and a sensing unit for sensing expansion of the air tube. Even if an impact is applied to any position of front, side and rear surfaces of the main body, it can be lessened in its transfer to the robot cleaner.

Abstract: A disinfecting device is presented having a UV light source for radiation of a cleaning medium to eradicate the medium of infestation agents such as molds, viruses, bacteria and dust mites. The device enhances the disinfection of the medium by providing mechanisms for enhanced penetration of the UV light into the cleaning medium. The device also offers enhanced heat dissipation to promote effective use of the device. Also provided are safety mechanisms to promote the safe and advantageous use of the UV device.

Abstract: A portable extraction surface cleaner has a base housing, an upright handle pivotally mounted to the base housing, a liquid dispensing system including a cleaning fluid supply tank for holding a supply of cleaning liquid and removably mounted in a well in the base housing, a liquid recovery system that includes a recovery tank, a suction nozzle, a working air conduit extending between the recovery chamber and the suction nozzle and a vacuum source to draw soiled liquid from the suction nozzle into the recovery tank. The vacuum source is mounted in an enclosed chamber juxtaposed to the well. A detergent supply tank is removably mounted in a second well in the base.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an upright vacuum cleaner, which includes a main body comprising a dust collecting apparatus and a vacuum motor for collecting dust; a main brush assembly disposed at a bottom of the main body and drawing in outside air and dust from a surface to be cleaned; a handle unit configured to control the main body and the main brush assembly; a main frame integrally connected to the handle unit and configured to support the main body; an air drawing pipe connected to the main body through which the outside air enters; and a wet cloth brush assembly connected to an end of the air drawing pipe and configured to perform a wet cloth cleaning work. When performing a vacuum cleaning work, the main brush assembly can be used, and when performing the wet cloth cleaning work, the wet cloth brush assembly can be used.

Abstract: A disinfecting device is presented having a UV light source for radiation of a cleaning medium to eradicate the medium of infestation agents such as molds, viuses, bacteria and dust mites. The device enhances the disinfection of the medium by providing mechanisms for enhanced penetration of the UV light into the cleaning medium. The device also offers enhanced heat dissipation to promote effective use of the device. Also provided are safety mechanisms to promote the safe and advantageous use of the UV device.

Abstract: A nozzle height indicator for a vacuum cleaner. The nozzle height indicator has a height display adapted to be viewed by a user, a light source adapted to emit light, and a blocking member. The blocking member is adapted to be positioned in a first position in which it allows the light to illuminate the height display and a second position in which it substantially prevents the light from illuminating at least a portion of the height display. The blocking member may indicate the height of an associated vacuum cleaner inlet nozzle relative to a surface being cleaned. A vacuum cleaner inlet nozzle is also provided.

Abstract: Handle has status indicators viewable by operator while viewing location being cleaned and using handle in ordinary cleaning position, and light illuminating location being cleaned. Indicators are LED lamps. Light is an LED lamp. Microphone senses particles and illuminates an indicator. Indicators and light are provided in a housing section that forms part of a housing for handle. Housing section may be integrated with the remainder of the housing, or may be unit that fits into remainder of housing. Light has central axis generally parallel, within approximately five degrees from parallel, with cleaning axis of handle. Indicators each have a central axis generally parallel, within approximately 5 degrees from parallel, with cleaning axis of handle. The indicators have limited beam angle. Indicator viewable over grasping section of handle from towards distal end of handle. The cleaner may be a vacuum cleaner, which may be a central vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for determining a frequency of a power brush in a vacuum cleaner. According to the method of the present invention, a mechanical oscillation frequency of a driving unit, which includes a brush body reciprocated within a range of prescribed angles, and a torsion bar for providing a prescribed elastic force to angular rotation of the brush body, is set equally to a driving frequency of a power supply unit, which drives the driving unit, or is set a prescribed percentage higher or lower than the driving frequency of the power supply unit, so that the driving unit can resonate. A large amount of movement is obtained using a small amount of power by means of the resonance.

Abstract: A coverage robot including a chassis, multiple drive wheel assemblies disposed on the chassis, and a cleaning assembly carried by the chassis. Each drive wheel assembly including a drive wheel assembly housing, a wheel rotatably coupled to the housing, and a wheel drive motor carried by the drive wheel assembly housing and operable to drive the wheel. The cleaning assembly including a cleaning assembly housing, a cleaning head rotatably coupled to the cleaning assembly housing, and a cleaning drive motor carried by cleaning assembly housing and operable to drive the cleaning head. The wheel assemblies and the cleaning assembly are each separately and independently removable from respective receptacles of the chassis as complete units.

Abstract: A disinfecting device is presented having a UV light source for radiation of a cleaning medium to eradicate the medium of infestation agents such as molds, viuses, bacteria and dust mites. The device enhances the disinfection of the medium by providing mechanisms for enhanced penetration of the UV light into the cleaning medium. The device also offers enhanced heat dissipation to promote effective use of the device. Also provided are safety mechanisms to promote the safe and advantageous use of the UV device.

Abstract: An autonomous coverage robot includes a chassis, a drive system to maneuver the robot, an edge cleaning head carried, and a controller. The controller is configured to monitor motor current associated with the edge cleaning head and to reverse bias the edge cleaning head motor in response to an elevated motor current, while continuing to maneuver the robot across the floor. In another aspect, an autonomous coverage robot includes a drive system, a bump sensor, and a proximity sensor. The drive system is configured to reduce a speed setting in response to a signal from the proximity sensor indicating detection of a potential obstacle in a forward direction, while continuing to advance the robot according to a heading setting. Furthermore, the drive system is configured to alter the heading setting in response to a signal received from the bump sensor indicating contact with an obstacle.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a housing, a motor-driven suction fan disposed in the housing, a fan motor and a power supply device configured to provide power supply to the fan motor. The vacuum cleaner also includes both a rechargeable battery and cord reel permanently integrated in the housing such that the vacuum cleaner is configured to be alternately operable in a battery mode and a mains mode.

Abstract: A hand-held portable vacuum having a filter indicator that is coupled to an outlet housing and in fluid communication with a portion of the outlet housing between a fan inlet and an intake. The filter indicator includes a pressure differential indicator that is configured to indicate a pressure differential between air in the portion of the outlet housing and atmospheric air pressure. The filter indicator is employed to indicate to the user of the hand-held vacuum that replacement and/or cleaning of the filter is required. The vacuum may also be used in a blower mode with a set of inflator nozzles to permit a user to inflate an article.

Abstract: A central vacuum cleaning system control subsystem for use in a central vacuum cleaning system having a motor includes a central vacuum unit control module with a receiver for wirelessly receiving command signals, and a power stage for controlling the motor in accordance with command signals received through the receiver. The control module is stable in high ambient temperature. Current flowing to the motor is sensed, and motor overcurrent and undercurrent conditions are determined. The control module determines when the motor is in an overcurrent condition. Power stage has a triac for controlling power to the motor. The control module also has a microprocessor that compares the current sensed against a normal operating current to determine overcurrent condition. Power to motor ceases when overcurrent condition exists. A generator is powered by air flow in a cleaning system for production of electrical energy.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an upright vacuum cleaner with a swing brush. The upright vacuum cleaner comprises an upright cleaner body having a suction nozzle, a drive unit mounted in the cleaner body for moving the cleaner body forward or rearward, a grip unit slidably mounted to the upper end of the cleaner body, the grip unit having a sensor for sensing a sliding direction of the grip unit, a control unit for controlling the drive unit to be operated, such that the cleaner body is moved forward or rearward, based on information sensed by the sensor, a movement converting unit for converting a rotating movement of the drive unit to an angular reciprocating movement, and a swing brush connected to the movement converting unit for performing the angular reciprocating movement. The swing brush is mounted in a suction nozzle of the cleaner body while being in contact with the floor.

Abstract: A cleaning head for a surface cleaning apparatus has a plurality of struts extending from a front chamber having a dirty air inlet to a rear chamber having a transition duct that is in communication with a filtration apparatus of a surface cleaning apparatus by a dirty fluid outlet. One or more of the struts comprises an airflow passage. In one embodiment, no outer casing is provided surrounding the struts.

Abstract: A self-propelled cleaning device having a cylindrical side cover has a suction body capable of moving transversely to the forward direction. The side cover is held by a base via a suspension. When cleaning corners of a room, the suction body moves by a wall and as the suction body moves to a corner, the movement amount of the suction body is changed. When an obstacle touches the cleaning device, the side cover moves, and the article touches a side cover switch, and the direction of the article is detected.

Abstract: An electric vacuum cleaner (1) of the invention is adapted for wipe off cleaning using a sheet wound about a rotary brush (25) incorporated in a suction device (10). In order to wind a sheet (50) around a periphery of the rotary brush (25), a brush motor (44) rotates the rotary brush (25) in a predetermined direction at a predetermined rotational speed. At the same time, suction force of an electric blower fan (42) is set to the lowest level. This achieves the following advantage in a case where a wet sheet is used as the sheet (50). During sheet winding, water and alcohol released from the wet sheet (50) can be prevented from being scattered on a surface (100) to be cleaned. Further, the released water and alcohol do not adversely affect the electric blower fan (42).

Abstract: A blower is provided, and comprises a blower fan, a motor for driving the fan, a blower tube that extends from the fan, and a potential compensation conductor that extends within the blower tube and is connected with the motor in an electrically conductive manner.

Abstract: A trash container having a base disposed on a support surface. The base has an aperture adjacent the support surface. A receptacle is disposed above the base. The receptacle contains debris received from an opening in an upper end of the receptacle. A vacuum draws debris through the aperture into a channel adjacent to the base and toward the receptacle. A collection chamber is associated with the receptacle and is configured to receive and collect debris from the vacuum and direct debris into the receptacle. The trash container can also include a lid disposed on an upper end of the receptacle. A method of collecting debris for depositing in a trash container includes providing suction to an aperture in a base of the trash container to draw debris from a surface adjacent the container. The method also includes capturing the debris drawn through the aperture in a collection chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a blower fan, a motor for driving the blower fan, a blower tube for conveying an air stream from the blower fan, and a potential compensation device that is electrically connected with the motor. The potential compensation device includes a charge compensation element having a free end that projects in an exposed manner into the air stream.

Abstract: A cleaning device comprises a battery-powered suction unit (3) and a steerable vehicle (1) on wheels which is driven by muscle power, wherein the suction unit (3) is drivable on wheels (10) and is connected to the vehicle (1). The cleaning device also comprises a suction nozzle (4) disposed in the region of the steering axis (15) of the vehicle (1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a suction system of an electric machine tool, comprising a housing (12), a pot part (20) of the housing (12), and a transmission chamber (13), with a suction device (10) for receiving air that is contaminated with drilled material, and a suction duct (11) for sucking off the air. The suction device (10) can be connected to the electric machine tool via a joining element (15) while the suction duct (11) is disposed at least in part inside the housing (12) of the electric machine tool. The invention further relates to an electric machine tool comprising a suction system.

Abstract: A vacuum device and method of use for capturing unwanted pests includes a housing including a carrying handle, an inlet opening capable of communicating unwanted pests therethrough, an inlet duct in open communication with a bag cavity, an exhaust duct in open communication with at least one exhaust vent, a bag cavity adapted to receive a bag including at least one layer of air-permeable material, optionally including a pesticide, a plurality of pliable members sealingly engaging one another when the vacuum is not operating and cooperating to form a passageway when the vacuum is operating, and a bag mounting flange, at least one exhaust vent in open communication with the exhaust duct for passing exhaust air away from the housing to air surrounding the housing; and a suction-creating device that creates suction thereby forming a vacuum within the housing. Optionally, the bag may include a pleasantly scented compound.

Abstract: An apparatus for dislodging and removing contaminants from a surface of a machine tool. The apparatus includes an arbor, a vacuum source, a tube, and a cleaning member disposed proximate a distal end of the tube. The cleaning member contacts a surface of the machine tool to dislodge contaminants. The contaminants are drawn through the tube by the vacuum source.

Abstract: In order to measure the degree of filling of a dust collector (5), where the dust (15, 16) collected in the dust collector may be of a very varied composition ranging from very fine dust (15) to rather large particles (16), a high pressure difference and a low pressure difference are measured by two differential pressure meters (11, 12), where the one differential pressure meter (12) measures the pressure difference between the compartment (4) of the dust collector, in which the dust collector (5) is arranged, and a measurement position at the connecting stub (6) of the vacuum cleaner, as is known, while the other differential pressure meter (11) measures between two measurement positions inside the connecting stub (6).

Abstract: A tilt detectable automatically-operating cleaner includes a tilt detecting unit detecting a tilting state of a main body of the cleaner, a control unit calculating a tilting angle using a detected signal from the tilt detecting unit and determining if the main body tilts by comparing the tilting angle with a reference angle, a driving unit stopping driving of the cleaner when it is determined by the control unit that the main body tilts, and a suction unit controlling suction operation when it is determined by the control unit that the main body tilts

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes an electric blower for generating a suction air stream and a dust collecting unit for collecting dirt particles contained in the suction air stream. The suction air stream passing through the dust collecting unit into the electric blower flows in an approximately linear path. A dust removing unit is provided for removing dirt particles adhered to the dust collecting unit. The dust removing unit is preferably disposed adjacent to a communication hole between the dust collecting chamber and an electric blower chamber.

Abstract: An upright type cleaner comprises: a body provided with a handgrip at an upper side thereof; a suction head positioned at a lower side of the body and hinge-connected to the body, for sucking dust and foreign materials of a floor; and a power ON/OFF unit disposed between the body and the suction head for turning off a power when the body is uprighted and turning on the power when the body is inclined. According to this, the power is automatically turned on without a user's additional handle at the time of performing a cleaning and the power is automatically turned off at the time of completing the cleaning, thereby increasing the user's convenience.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided having a cleaning head and a main body pivotally mounted to the cleaning head which includes a counter-balance mechanism having at least one torsion spring with a first end thereof mounted for pivotal movement about a fixed axis in either the cleaning head or the main body and a second end thereof mounted for pivotal movement about a fixed axis in the other of the cleaning head or the main body, with the at least one torsion spring having a main body portion which is free to move as the main body of the vacuum cleaner is pivoted relative to the cleaning head, the counter-balancing force of the at least one torsion spring increasing as the main body of the vacuum cleaner is pivoted from a generally vertical position to a generally horizontal position while the cleaning head remains generally horizontal.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a motor-driven blower for drawing air and a dust-catching unit for separating dust from the air drawn by the blower and catching the dust separated from the air. A receptacle is located between the blower and the dust-catching unit and holds a filter for filtering the air that has passed through the dust-catching unit. An airflow control device is arranged between the filter and the blower. The airflow control device generates a first airflow, which passes through the dust-catching unit and the filter and goes toward the motor-driven blower. The airflow control device generates a second airflow, too, which bypasses the filter, passes through at least a part of the dust-catching unit, and goes toward the motor-driven blower. The part of the dust-catching unit is located downstream of the receptacle, with respect to a direction in which the second airflow goes.

Abstract: A pressure actuated electrical switch and indicator to indicate to a user that a filter vacuum cleaner requires cleaning or replacing. In a first embodiment, the pressure actuated electrical switch measures the pressure present between the filter media and the flow inducing device to determine whether a minimum absolute pressure threshold has been exceeded. The pressure actuated switch has a chamber with two electrical leads that are connected when the pressure in the vacuum cleaner raises above a predetermined level. A tube from the chamber to the vacuum cleaner housing draws a conductive part into contact with both leads. In additional embodiments, the pressure measure is the difference in air pressure above and below the filter media, or the difference in air pressure between the pressure in the air stream between the filter media and the flow inducing source, and the ambient air pressure.

Abstract: A dust collector includes: a motor functioning as a driving source; a drive unit for driving a motor; a dust collection fan rotated by the motor; a head section for accommodating the dust collection fan; a switch provided on the head section to control the starting of the motor; a tank section located below the head section, for accommodating dust conveyed by the dust collection fan, the tank section having a connecting portion; a duct hose having one end and the other end, the one end attached to the connecting portion, the other end being detachable from a portion of a power tool; a remote-control transmitter for transmitting a signal; and a remote-control receiver for receiving the signal from the remote-control transmitter to control the drive unit to start or stop the motor.

Abstract: A vacuum attachment includes an aerodynamic bell housing, a distribution plate defining blast gate openings, blast gates, and means for biasing each gate toward a closed configuration. The plate attaches to the housing's first end. The gates attach to the plate for selectively covering the gate openings. An outer face of each gate includes an indented configuration. Gate openings may include internal threads. A filter may be positioned in the housing. The housing attaches to the vacuum's inlet port. Vacuum lines are inserted in the gate openings, moving the gates from closed to open configurations. The lines are locked into place by the gates' configurations and biasing means, and attached lines operate concurrently. Size and arrangement of the gate openings maintain the vacuum's airflow velocity and optimal flow patterns. To remove a line, it is withdrawn from the respective gate opening. The biasing means then automatically closes the corresponding gate.

Abstract: A canister vacuum cleaner has a canister assembly and a stair hugging swivel wheel assembly. The stair hugging swivel wheel assembly pivotally connects to the canister assembly and has both a pendulum and a wheel rotatably mounted to a housing thereof. During use, the pendulum projects from the housing under the influence of gravity to inhibit or otherwise prevent the stair hugging swivel wheel assembly from pivoting whenever the canister assembly becomes oriented in an inclined position, such as when placed on a stairway. Preferably, the pendulum mates with a recess in the canister assembly co-located with a circular track in which the stair hugging swivel wheel assembly pivots.

Abstract: A device for protecting a motor in a vacuum cleaner is provided. The device includes a lower casing for forming a lower portion of a main body of the cleaner, a motor housing, which is installed in the lower casing and includes the driving motor therein and an upper portion of which is opened upwardly, a filtering device installed onto the lower casing for filtering out foreign materials from introduced air, and an intermediate cover integrally formed with a first cover portion positioned onto an upper portion of the filtering device and a second cover portion for covering the upper portion of the motor housing. Further, a pressure switch for sensing pressure within the motor housing and a damper for introducing external air into the motor housing when the pressure within the motor housing is lowered below a predetermined pressure value are directly installed onto the second cover portion of the intermediate cover.

Abstract: A carrier, such as an autonomous cleaning apparatus, has a self-adjusting wheel assembly that can move vertically, thereby enabling the carrier to readily pass over a surface. The wheel assembly may include microswitch, which activates a control mechanism for the carrier when a wheel assembly is in a predetermined position along its path of vertical movement. Rollers can be located at the bottom of the carrier to function in cooperation with the wheel assemblies so as to facilitate the ability of the carrier to pass over obstacles. This ability may be enhanced by constructing the bottom of the front portion of the carrier so that it is slanted or inclined upwardly in a direction outward from the bottom of the carrier. A driving wheel may be rotatably attached to a wheel support, and which may also support a power source and a transmission.