With Dust Or Dirt Handling Or Storing Or Separating, E.g., Filter Bags Patents (Class 15/347)
  • Patent number: 8539639
    Abstract: It is presented a dust cup housing (11) comprising a filter assembly which comprises an outer filter (25) and an inner filter (24). The outer filter and inner filter are formed as receptacles and the inner filter is slidably insertable into the outer filter. In a mounted position the inner filter is arranged to be substantially fully inserted into the outer filter. The filter assembly further comprises a fixing member (40, 41; 50, 51; 60, 61) which is arranged to retain the inner filter in a predetermined displacement (d) position relative to the mounted position, in response to the inner filter being subjected to an extraction force for detaching the filter assembly from the dust cup housing. Thereby a user of the filter is in a convenient and intuitive way alerted that the filter assembly comprises more than one filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: AB Electrolux
    Inventors: Christer Engström, Torkel Ingre
  • Publication number: 20130239360
    Abstract: A vacuum appliance is provided including a dirt collection container for sucked-in vacuumed material, a suction unit for subjecting the dirt collection container to the action of negative pressure via a suction chamber, at least one filter element between the dirt collection container and the suction chamber in the flow direction of the air sucked in by the suction unit, at least one rechargeable battery for providing electrical energy for the suction unit, and at least one battery receptacle for holding the battery on the vacuum appliance. The vacuum appliance includes a filter cover transferrable from a closed position in which the filter element is covered, to a removal position in which the filter element is removable from and insertable into the vacuum appliance on the clean space side, and vice versa, and which filter cover includes the battery receptacle for the battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Alfred Kärcher GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Maic Hensel, Steffen Layer
  • Publication number: 20130232723
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic vacuum in which an ejector (10) exhibits a tubular conduit (11) for injection of compressed air, a discharge channel (12) for discharging the aspirated fluid and the compressed air injected via the tubular conduit (11), an aspirating channel (13) in fluid communication with the tubular conduit (11) and the discharge channel (12) for aspirating; the ejector (10) has a first and a second tubular body (17, 24) exhibiting a first converging portion (20, 25) arranged downstream of an inlet zone (18) along an aspirating direction (21) and a second portion (22, 26) having a constant section emerging from the first converging portion (20, 25) at the smaller-section zone (23, 27) and downstream of the first portion (20, 25) along the aspirating direction (21), the tubular conduit (11) for injecting the compressed air exhibiting an inlet mouth (28) located at the converging portion (25) of the second tubular body (24) such as to inject pressurised air into the second tubular body (2
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventor: Pasquale Catalfamo
  • Publication number: 20130232722
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow passage extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, a cyclone positioned in the air flow passage and having a cyclone air inlet, a cyclone air outlet and having a cyclone axis, a suction motor positioned in the air flow passage and having a motor axis, and a filter assembly downstream of the cyclone air outlet and upstream of the suction motor, the filter assembly comprising a longitudinally extending filter axis that may be generally parallel to the cyclone axis, spaced apart longitudinally extending upstream and downstream air flow passages and a longitudinally extending filter media therebetween some. In some embodiments, at least a portion of one of the upstream and downstream air flow passages is positioned interior the filter media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: G.B.D. CORP.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Publication number: 20130232724
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner and vacuum cleaner system comprises a dirt separating and collecting system. The dirt separating and collecting system can include a filter module having a filter bag, wherein the inlet to the filter bag is helical and dirt entering the filter bag is visible to the user. Optionally, the filter bag filter module can be interchanged with a bagless filter module, which may include a conventional cyclone separator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: BISSELL HOMECARE, INC.
    Inventors: Alan J. Krebs, Joseph A. Fester, Thomas K. Ankney
  • Patent number: 8528164
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus may comprise an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet and a suction motor. The surface cleaning apparatus may comprise a cyclone chamber provided in the air flow path. The cyclone chamber may comprise a cyclone chamber first end and a cyclone chamber second opposed end, a cyclone air inlet, a cyclone air outlet provided at the cyclone chamber second opposed end and a cyclone chamber wall. An air exit conduit may be exterior to the cyclone chamber and may extend from the cyclone air outlet. At least one reinforcing rib may be positioned in abutting relationship with the air exit conduit and the cyclone chamber second opposed end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: G.B.D. Corp.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Patent number: 8528162
    Abstract: A dust collection container, capable of being installed in a vacuum cleaner, includes a case body and a blocking member. The blocking member is disposed in the case body to separate the case body into a dust chamber and a diversion chamber, a suction inlet corresponding to the dust chamber and an exhaust opening corresponding to the diversion chamber are disposed in the case body, and a barrier piece is disposed at the blocking member opposite to the suction inlet, so as to form a slow flow area between the barrier piece and the suction inlet to effectively disperse dirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: MSI Computer (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ya-Lun Tang, Li-Lu Chen, Hsin-Yi Pai
  • Patent number: 8522395
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a cleaner body having a suction source for generating a suction force; a suction nozzle assembly to draw in a dust or dirt from a surface to be cleaned by using the suction force of the suction source; a cyclone unit to separate the dust or dirt drawn in through the suction nozzle assembly from an air; a dust bin detachably disposed to the cleaner body to collect the dust or dirt separated at the cyclone unit; and a shredder to shred a paper, the shredder being detachably communicated with an opening of the dust bin to collect the shredded paper into the dust bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jang-keun Oh, Jun-hwa Lee, Sung-cheol Lee, Jae-jin Aum, Chang-hyun Park, Jun-hoo Choe, Yong-jae Yong, Kang Kim
  • Publication number: 20130219652
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a vacuum system including a housing and at least one filter disposed within the housing. A valve assembly can be at least partially disposed within the housing and can be in fluid communication with the filter. The valve assembly can include a manifold and a support member coupled to a plurality of dampers. The plurality of dampers can include a first damper and a second damper that include unequal sizes. The support member and the dampers can be configured and arranged to move between a first position and a second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: Steve Martel, Martin Gagnon, Robert Lagueux, Mathieu Lalancette-Jutras
  • Publication number: 20130220378
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for vacuuming floors and other surfaces can include a vacuum cleaner head having a first chamber in communication with a first inlet positioned on a bottom surface of the vacuum cleaner head and a first outlet connected to a vacuum line, a second chamber in communication with a second inlet positioned on at least one side of the vacuum cleaner head and a second outlet connected to the vacuum line, and a divider separating the first chamber from the second chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: Pravinchandra Patel, Nutan Patel
  • Publication number: 20130219654
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a body including a nozzle assembly and a handle assembly. A suction generator and a dirt collection vessel are both carried on the body. The dirt collection vessel includes a dirt cup having a side wall and a bottom wall, a tangentially directed inlet in the side wall and an axially directed outlet. An inside surface of the side wall includes ribbing to help remove dirt and debris from the airstream and improve vacuum cleaner performance and efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventor: Brian K. Ruben
  • Patent number: 8510904
    Abstract: A suction cleaning apparatus comprising a dirt collection container which has a suction inlet and is fluidly connected to at least one suction unit via at least one filter and at least one suction channel is provided. The suction cleaning apparatus further has at least one external air inlet which opens out into the suction channel downstream of the at least one filter and which is selectively closable and openable by means of a closing body. In order to reduce the installation space of the closing body required for proper filter cleaning, the suction channel has an external air inlet wall with at least one external air inlet. The closing body, sliding along the outer side of the external air inlet wall, is reciprocatingly movable between a closed position closing the at least one external air inlet and an open position opening the at least one external air inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Alfred Kaercher GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Daniel Eckstein
  • Patent number: 8510905
    Abstract: A vacuum box in fluid communication with a tractor that removes coatings from surfaces. The vacuum box includes a vacuum inlet in fluid communication with a source of negative pressure and a debris inlet in fluid communication with the tractor so that debris is drawn into and collected within a hollow interior of the vacuum box. A water outlet provides a drain for water that collects within the vacuum box. A sloped false bottom wall is disposed within the hollow interior so that debris collects atop it. The vacuum box is emptied by draining water from it, followed by opening a door formed in the vacuum box at the lower end of the sloped false bottom wall so that the collected debris slides down the false bottom wall and out the door into a debris receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Blasters Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Scott F. Boos, Ian Ellman Brown
  • Patent number: 8510906
    Abstract: An upright type vacuum cleaner is provided that includes a cleaner body formed with a mounting space; a vacuum motor mounted in the cleaner body to produce suction force; a brush assembly connected to the cleaner body; a dust collection device mounted in the mounting space and having a dust collection bin; and a lifting/lowering unit for lifting or lowering the dust collection bin in relation to the cleaner body, so that the dust collection bin is anchored in the mounting space or removed from the mounting space, wherein the cyclone cylinder has a locking handle and a handle connection part is formed on a corresponding part of the cleaner body so that the locking handle can be removably connected to the handle connection part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dong-yun Lee
  • Patent number: 8505158
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus and a dust collecting method using the same are provided. The cleaning apparatus includes a body, a brush unit rotatably provided at the body, a dust collecting unit to store contaminants, such as dust, swept by the brush unit, and a blowing unit to suction contaminants, such as dust, scattered by the brush unit and to move the suctioned contaminants to the dust collecting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung Gyun Han, Myeong Ho Kim, Kyoung Woun Kim, Joo Sung Moon, Hak Bong Lee
  • Patent number: 8505157
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided that includes a cleaner body; a dust separating apparatus fixed to the cleaner body; a first dust receptacle detachably attached to the cleaner body on a bottom portion of the dust separating apparatus to collect large particle dust; a second dust receptacle detachably attached to the cleaner body on a bottom portion of the first dust receptacle to collect fine particle dust; and a locking device having a first position in which the dust separating apparatus is closely contacted to the first and second dust receptacles, and a second position in which the dust separating apparatus is spaced apart from the first and second dust receptacles at a predetermined interval. The second dust receptacle is detached from the first dust receptacle at the second position, and is detached from the cleaner body after the first dust receptacle is disengaged from the cleaner body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeong-hee Cho, Dong-hun Yoo
  • Publication number: 20130198994
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum-cleaning apparatus with a vacuum-cleaner unit and a filter bag, in which the filter bag is designed as a flat bag, as a nonwoven filter bag and as a disposable filter bag, and the vacuum-cleaner unit has a filter-bag-accommodating chamber with rigid walls, wherein the filter-bag-accommodating chamber has an opening which can be closed by a flap and has a predetermined opening surface area, through which the filter bag can be inserted into the filter-bag-accommodating chamber. The invention is distinguished in that the ratio between the surface area of a rectangle corresponding to the opening surface area and the surface area of the filter bag is greater than 0.70, preferably greater than 0.85, and highly preferably greater than 1.0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: Eurofilters Holding N.V.
    Inventors: Jan Schultink, Ralf Sauer
  • Publication number: 20130199260
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a detector comprising a housing and a bowl connected to the housing having a detector chamber adapted for enclosing a detector to be cleaned, a contacting surface positioned on the bowl, and one of more air nozzles positioned within the detector chamber for directing one or more bursts of compressed air at a detector to clean the detector, and a fan positioned within the housing operable to draw air within the detector chamber into a filter, and a dust collector for containing dirt and debris dislodged from a detector during the cleaning operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: HSI Fire & Safety Group, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Rote, Dan Johnson, Aaron B. Eiger
  • Patent number: 8495789
    Abstract: A surface treating appliance includes a plurality of frusto-conical cyclones arranged in parallel. Each cyclone has a relatively wide, rigid frusto-conical portion and a relatively narrow, flexible frusto-conical portion connected to the relatively wide portion. The relatively wide portion includes at least one dirty air inlet, and the relatively narrow portion includes a dirt outlet. The relatively narrow portion vibrates during use of the appliance is dislodged dirt from the inner surface of the relatively narrow portion, the dislodged dirt being expelled from the dirt outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Richard David Nicolaou, Thomas James Dunning Follows, Ashley Walter Symes
  • Publication number: 20130180078
    Abstract: A vacuum assembly comprising: (a) an inlet having an open and closed position; (b) a waste collection member (c) a vacuum means for generating a flow of air from said inlet to said collection member; and (d) a switch adapted to interact with the inlet, wherein the inlet when open activates the switch to receive debris through the inlet. The assembly is flush mounted to an existing fitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventor: Scott Andrew Cleary
  • Publication number: 20130180077
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a body having a nozzle assembly, a handle assembly, a bag compartment and a suction generator compartment. A suction generator is held in the suction generator compartment. The bag compartment includes a wall and a plurality of v-shaped ribs projecting from the wall into the bag compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventors: Gerald M. Harrison, Eric J. Streciwilk
  • Patent number: 8484798
    Abstract: A system includes a vacuum cleaner with a dust chamber having ribs and a dust bag including a fleece disposed on a supporting structure. The fleece includes a plurality of fleece corrugations, with a distance between the fleece corrugations being matched to a distance between the dust chamber ribs. The resultant matching of the fleece corrugation spacing and the spacing of the dust chamber rib prevents partial or large-area contact of portions of the dust bag with an inner surface of the dust chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Miele & Cie. KG
    Inventors: Eduard Sailer, Martin Kornberger, Guenther Ennen, Stefan Tiekoetter
  • Patent number: 8484799
    Abstract: A cyclone bin assembly comprises a dirt collection chamber in communication with a dirt outlet of a cyclone chamber. The dirt collection chamber comprises a first and second opposed ends and comprises a first and portions. The dirt outlet is positioned adjacent the second opposed end of the dirt collection chamber. The first and second portions may comprise discrete chambers that are separated from each other by a passage extending between the dirt outlet and a wall of the dirt collection chamber. The first and second portions may have first and second sides. The first side is positioned adjacent the passage and the second side is angularly spaced from the passage. The second portion has a divider wall that extends towards the second opposed end of the dirt collection chamber from the first opposed end of the dirt collection chamber. The divider wall may be spaced from the second side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: G.B.D. Corp.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Patent number: 8479356
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner filter bag comprising an inlet opening, a retaining plate, which is situated on the exterior of the bag in the vicinity of the inlet opening and can be attached to a retaining device of a vacuum cleaner in order to fix the vacuum cleaner filter bag, and a closing device situated in the vicinity of the inlet opening, which is configured in such a way that it adopts a first position when the retaining plate is not attached to the retaining device and a second position by the attachment of the retaining plate to the retaining device, wherein the inlet opening is closed in the first position of the closing device and is open in the second position of the closing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Eurofilters Holding N.V.
    Inventors: Ralf Sauer, Jan Schultink
  • Patent number: 8479355
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a filter, an optically sensitive filter replacement indicator associated with the filter, and a light source configured to provide light on the optically sensitive filter replacement indicator. The light source is variably energizable according to a selectable power level of the vacuum cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Miele & Cie. KG
    Inventors: Seyfettin Kara, Stefan Kreimeyer, Monika Seifert, Stefan Tiekoetter, Cornelius Wolf
  • Patent number: 8474092
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner that is able to form dust and foreign substances collected in a dust collection device provided therein in a single mass shape to discharge it efficiently, not scattered in a dust collecting device. The vacuum cleaner includes a body, a dust separation device mounted in the body, a dust collection device independently provided from the dust separation device, connected to the dust collection device, a compression device provided in the dust collection device, to collect dust and foreign substances collected in a predetermined portion of the dust collection device and to compress the collected dust and foreign substances, and a liquid supply device provided in the dust separation device to supply liquid material to the dust separation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Chung Ook Chong, Kie Tak Hyun
  • Patent number: 8474091
    Abstract: A cleaning appliance of the canister type includes a substantially spherical floor engaging rolling assembly including a fluid inlet for receiving a fluid flow and a device for acting on the fluid flow received through the inlet, and a plurality of floor engaging support members for supporting the rolling assembly as it is maneuvered over a floor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: James Dyson, Peter David Gammack, Emma Jane Heatley-Adams, Robert Mark Brett Coulton
  • Publication number: 20130160231
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes a base unit having a suction inlet, a suction generator and a locating element. The vacuum cleaner also includes first and second dirt collection modules. The first dirt collection module has a receiver that cooperates and engages with the locating element so that it may be properly secured to the base unit. An adapter allows the second dirt collection module to be properly secured to the base unit instead of the first dirt collection module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventors: Eric J. Streciwilk, Brian K. Ruben, Gerald Michael Harrison
  • Patent number: 8470083
    Abstract: A portable handheld canister vacuum including an upper, central, and lower housing is disclosed. First and second grills can separate the housing sections. An air intake opening can direct air and dirt in a first axial direction to a dirt capturing device in the lower housing. An air propulsion device directs air in a second axial direction opposite to the first axial direction into the central housing and from there into the upper housing. An exhaust opening disposed through the upper housing and leading to the interior region of the upper housing allows air to exit the interior region of the upper housing. The exhaust can exit the upper housing in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first and second axial directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Oreck Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Victor McClearen, Ernest Matthew Chavana, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130152335
    Abstract: A debris shredding pick-up head system for use with a surface cleaning vehicle comprises a housing having an interior and a suctioning bottom opening in fluid communication and debris transfer relation to the interior, and defining a fore-aft axis. There is a debris receiving inlet in the housing for receiving debris to be shredded into the housing, and a debris outlet in the housing for permitting debris to egress from the housing. A debris path connects together in fluid communication the debris receiving inlet and the debris outlet. A debris shredder is operatively mounted in the housing for shredding debris within the interior of the housing, to thereby produce shredded debris to egress from the housing through the debris outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventor: Roger P. Vanderlinden
  • Patent number: 8453295
    Abstract: An in-line bagless dry vacuum cleaning appliance having a vacuum conduit within a separator tube, the vacuum conduit having spaced apart first and second vacuum suction apertures communicating with an exhaust connector; a cyclone chamber communicating with an intake connector and encompassing the first vacuum suction apertures for forming a cyclonic flow region between the central vacuum conduit and an interior wall of the separator tube; a particle receiving chamber communicating with the cyclone chamber; an axial cyclone inlet communicating between the cyclone chamber and the intake connector of the separator tube; a particle separator dividing the particle receiving chamber from the cyclone chamber and forming a first transfer gap therebetween adjacent to the interior wall of the separator tube for receiving disentrained particles into the particle receiving chamber from the cyclone chamber; and a filter between the particle receiving chamber and the second vacuum suction aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventor: Roy Studebaker
  • Publication number: 20130133155
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a body that carries a suction generator. A final filter is carried on the body downstream from the suction generator. The final filter is oriented along a first plane. Opposed side discharge outlets are carried on the body and oriented along a second plane substantially perpendicular to the first plane. Air is exhausted from the vacuum cleaner through succeeding compartments of increasing volume and rerouted or turned through different planes along a tortuous air path in order to muffle noise produced by the operating vacuum cleaner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventor: Julio C. Perez
  • Patent number: 8448292
    Abstract: A cyclone separator for a vacuum cleaner. The separator has a cyclone chamber, an air entrance device having a flow passage arrangement therethrough for introducing an air stream into the cyclone chamber in a manner that causes the air stream to swirl in the cyclone chamber to remove dust from the air stream, and an air outlet for emitting the air stream from the cyclone chamber. The entrance device has a control member that is operable to alter the flow passage arrangement such that one or more properties of the air stream in the cyclone chamber are affected by the alteration. The flow passage arrangement has a first path and a second path, and the control member is operable to alter the flow passage arrangement by redirecting the air stream from the first path to the second path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: AB Electrolux
    Inventors: Håkan Miefalk, Tommy Lindquist, Anders Haegermarck
  • Patent number: 8449639
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner filter bag, including an inlet opening (3), a filter bag material which has an inner layer of nonwoven material (10) at least in the region of the inlet opening, and a holding plate (2) which is arranged on the outside of the filter bag in the region of the inlet opening, can be attached to a vacuum cleaner holding means for securing the vacuum cleaner filter bag and on which a closure device (4) for closing the inlet opening is provided, wherein the nonwoven material, in the region of the inlet opening, has a surface (20) which is provided in such a manner that the formation of a filter cake on said surface is avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Eurofilters Holding N.V.
    Inventors: Ralf Sauer, Jan Schultink
  • Patent number: 8443486
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes an electric air blower; a dust separator placed at an upstream side of the electric air blower and having a filtration filter for taking in dust-containing air sucked by the electric air blower and separating the dust from the air; and a dust accommodating section for accommodating the dust separated by the dust separator. The filtration filter includes a plurality of through-holes penetrating from an upstream surface at an upstream side to a downstream surface at the downstream side, and a central axis of the through-hole is inclined with respect to a normal line direction of a surface of the filtration filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Izumi Yamaura, Koichi Nakano, Tetsuya Kouda, Katsuyuki Oota
  • Publication number: 20130117962
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a body. A suction generator and a dirt collection vessel are both carried on the body. The dirt collection vessel includes an arcuate side wall, a tangentially directed inlet, an axially directed outlet, a dirt collection chamber and a shroud provided between the dirt collection chamber and the axially directed outlet. The shroud includes a filter surface having a plurality of air flow apertures and a helical step extending around the shroud through the filter surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventor: Brian K. Ruben
  • Publication number: 20130117961
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a specific ratio of wheel diameter to wheel separation distance in addition to a u-shaped yoke operably coupled to an axle, thus giving the vacuum cleaner a zero turn radius allowing the user to more easily and efficiently operate and maneuver the vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner may also include one or more vacuum cleaner components disposed between the wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: TECHTRONIC FLOOR CARE TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventor: Matthew J. Doerfler
  • Patent number: 8438694
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus including a main body, a dust collection unit detachably installed on the main body and provided with a plurality of inlets, through which foreign substances are introduced into the dust collection unit, and a connection hole, to which an external instrument is connected, a shutter to open and close one inlet, and a cap to open and close the connection hole. The shutter opens and closes the inlet in cooperation with one of whether or not the dust collection unit is attached to or detached from the main body and whether or not the connection hole is opened or closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong Won Kim, Hwi Chan Jang, Jae Man Joo, Jun Pyo Hong, Jun Hwa Lee, Woo Ram Chung, Jae Young Jung, Kyung Hwan Yoo, Jang Youn Ko, Jeong Gon Song, Sam Jong Jeung
  • Patent number: 8439997
    Abstract: A filter bag and an apparatus for attaching a filter bag to a vacuum sweeper are provided. The filter bag includes a top plate and a bag portion. The top plate has a key formed thereon. The apparatus includes a sled configured to receive a portion of a filter bag having a key formed thereon. The apparatus also includes a sweeper housing. The sweeper housing is adjacent the sled. The housing has a cavity for receiving a portion of the filter bag and a lock that interconnects with the key. A method for installing the filter bag in a vacuum sweeper is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: NSS Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark N. Rupp, Dale A. Krausnick, Hui Hiu Kwan, Li Jin Long, Paul Goetz, Jeffery Scott Kunkler, Rob Fischner, Aurelio M. Arellano, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8438698
    Abstract: A robot cleaner including a suction hole to suction dust, a blower to generate a suction force to suction the dust, a dust collector to receive the dust suctioned by said suction force through the suction hole, and a rotating brush to sweep up and collect the dust into the dust collector through the suction hole by a drive force of the rotating brush. The dust collector includes a backflow preventing member movable between an open position and a closed position. The backflow preventing member is pivotably rotatable in an air suction direction by the suction force of the blower to the open position and is adapted to return to the closed position to prevent the dust in the dust collector from being discharged through the suction hole upon stoppage of the blower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong Won Kim, Hoon Wee, Jun Pyo Hong, Yong Tae Kim, Woo Ram Chung
  • Patent number: 8438700
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a home cleaning appliance including a housing having a nozzle, which includes a main suction opening. An airstream suction source is mounted to the housing and includes a suction airstream inlet and a suction airstream outlet. A cyclone main body is mounted to the housing and communicates with the nozzle main suction opening. The cyclone main body includes a first stage separator and a plurality of second stage separators. A dirt cup is connected to the cyclone main body for collecting dust particles separated by the first stage separator and the plurality of second stage separators. An air manifold is mounted to the first stage separator for fluidly connecting the first stage separator to the plurality of second stage separators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited
    Inventors: Sergey V. Makarov, Raymond P. Kawolics
  • Publication number: 20130111696
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner with bag mount and disposable bag is described. In some embodiments, the vacuum bag may include a semi-permeable dirt bag having a top edge, a generally flat collar having a top edge, and a first opening in the collar configured to accept a dirty air nozzle, where the top edge of the vacuum bag does not extend beyond the top edge of the collar. In some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner may include a dirty air nozzle, a vacuum bag having a substantially rigid collar including a dirty air opening, and at least one void used for alignment of the collar; a mounting member releasably connected to the vacuum cleaner and movable between a loading position and a fully closed position, and a latch to releasably retain a top edge of the collar to keep the mounting member in the fully closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Charles Jeff Morgan, Victor Brent McClearen, Ernest Matthew Chavana, JR., Bruce M. Kiern, Charles Andrew Liter, George Virgle Hibbs, Dennis Thomas Lamb, Timothy Kolody, Christopher M. Paterson
  • Publication number: 20130111695
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner base having a volute air outlet and a beater bar housing that are substantially collinear is described. In some embodiments, the beater bar housing includes an air outlet, the volute includes a volute air inlet disposed parallel to the beater bar housing, and a volute air outlet disposed orthogonal to the beater bar housing, and an air duct connecting the volute air inlet and the air outlet of the beater bar housing; wherein the air outlet of the beater bar housing and the volute air outlet are substantially collinear. Additionally a vacuum cleaner comprising a unibody mount bracket is described. In some embodiments, the unibody mount bracket includes one or more handle receptacles, a dirty air outlet configured to receive a dirty air conduit, and a pivot joint disposed adjacent the dirty air outlet, wherein the pivot joint is configured to receive a bag mounting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Charles Jeff Morgan, Victor Brent McClearen, Ernest Matthew Chavana, JR., Bruce M. Kiern, Charles Andrew Liter, George Virgle Hibbs, Dennis Thomas Lamb, Timothy Kolody, Christopher M. Paterson
  • Publication number: 20130111697
    Abstract: A vacuum extraction apparatus comprises a base having a first end and a second end, a tank assembly having a first end and a second end, a fluid pump operable to draw fluid from a first tank of the tank assembly and distribute the fluid to a fluid port, a heating unit operable to control a temperature of the fluid, and one or more vacuum units operable to decrease a pressure level within a second tank of the tank assembly. The second end of the tank assembly is rotatably coupled to the second end of the base, thereby providing access to an internal chamber of the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: Nilfisk-Advance, Inc.
    Inventor: Nilfisk-Advance, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130111694
    Abstract: A base plate for a vacuum cleaner is described. In some embodiments, the base plate includes a first portion adapted to support a motor, a second portion including a beater bar housing, wherein the base bottom includes magnesium and is of unitary construction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Charles Jeff Morgan, Victor Brent McClearen, Ernest Matthew Chavana, JR., Bruce M. Kiern, Charles Andrew Liter, George Virgle Hibbs, Dennis Thomas Lamb, Timothy Kolody, Christopher M. Paterson
  • Publication number: 20130097803
    Abstract: A surface treating appliance including an electrical influence machine comprising a first non electrically conductive support structure spaced from a second non electrically conductive support structure, at least one of the support structures being arranged to move with respect to the other support structure, and at least two charge collecting points, and further comprising an air turbine for rotating at least one of the support structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventor: Robert Lawrence Tweedie
  • Patent number: 8424153
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner has a compact, cylindrical exhaust filter assembly that is easily accessible by a user. The filter is removably mounted in a housing between an exhaust outlet aperture and a suction source outlet. A filter locking lug is associated with the filter element and the housing for removably securing the filter element to the housing to the filter frame. An upright vacuum cleaner has a pre-motor filter assembly that is highly visible to a user and accessible thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Fester, Timothy A. Field
  • Patent number: 8424156
    Abstract: A double suction type sterilizing vacuum cleaner includes a base seat and an upper cover mounted on an upper side of the base seat. A main suction port is provided in the base seat. A hitting device is mounted on the base seat and adapted to hit a cleaning object under the base seat. A sterilizing lamp is mounted in the base seat for sterilizing purposes. A dust collecting box is detachably mounted to the upper cover and defines an air channel in communication with the main suction port. A secondary suction port is provided in the dust collecting box and in communication with the air channel. When the main suction port is blocked, an ambient air can be supplied to the air channel through the secondary suction port, facilitating the release of the blocking situation in the main suction port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Yejen Appliances (Shenzhen) Limited
    Inventor: Pet-Cheng Hsu
  • Publication number: 20130091652
    Abstract: A surface cleaning device having a steering assembly is provided. The surface cleaning device includes a foot, a handle assembly with a user manipulated handle, and a steering assembly coupling the handle assembly to the foot. The steering assembly defines an open path between the handle assembly and the foot and includes a means for biasing the foot with respect to the handle assembly. Movement of the handle assembly stores energy within the biasing means so that the biasing means exerts a corresponding force on the foot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventors: Gregg A. Henderson, Douglas M. Rukavina
  • Publication number: 20130091658
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprising: a motor coupled to a fan for generating air flow; an elongate body with a handle at longitudinal end and a cleaner head arranged at an opposite longitudinal end; a dirt separation means located in a path of the air flow generated by the fan; and at least one support wheel for supporting the vacuum cleaner upon a floor, wherein the dirt separation means comprises: a hollow substantially cylindrical dirt container with a longitudinal central axis arranged transverse to the elongate body; and an air inlet port to the dirt container, wherein the air inlet port is in communication with the cleaner head located in the path of the air flow upstream of the dirt separation means and wherein the at least one support wheel rotates about the dirt container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: BLACK & DECKER INC.
    Inventor: Black & Decker Inc.