Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprising: a motor coupled to a fan for generating air flow; a body with a handle; a dirty air duct with a dirty air inlet; a battery pack housing at least one rechargeable cell for powering the motor; and a dirt separating means located in a path of the air flow generated by the fan, wherein the dirt separating means comprises: a hollow substantially cylindrical dirt container with a longitudinal central axis; and an air inlet port to the dirt container, wherein the air inlet port is in communication with the dirty air duct and wherein the battery pack has a curvilinear or annular cross-sectional profile transverse to the central axis and a curvilinear inner wall embracing the dirt container.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a dust collection chamber, a cover configured to close the dust collection chamber and a mount for a dust bag disposed in the dust collection chamber. The mount is pivotable about a pivot axis from a first position blocking a closure path of the cover to a second position in which the mount does not block closure path of the cover. The mount is pivotable into the second position upon receiving of the dust bag. The location of the mount in the first and second positions and a position of the center of gravity of the mount relative to the pivot axis are configured so as to automatically pivot the mount from the second position to the first position when the dust bag is removed from the mount and when the vacuum cleaner is disposed in a normal operating position on a substantially level surface.

Abstract: A tool assembly for a vacuum appliance, such as a wet/dry vacuum cleaner, is described, wherein the tool assembly may include a frame, a mount configured to couple the frame to the appliance, a pivot, an actuator configured to support the frame in one or more positions, and a tool coupled to the frame. The assembly may also include a biasing device between the pivot and an end of the frame, and may be disposed in one or more positions relative to a vacuum surface. Also described is a vacuum appliance system that can include a debris collector, a power head assembly, a base, and a tool assembly. Such a vacuum appliance system can also include a main wheel assembly and a plurality of optional main wheel assembly mounting locations. The system may further include a quick-release filter cage coupled to the power head assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a separating apparatus for separating particles from a fluid flow. Particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a domestic vacuum cleaner having such a separating apparatus for removing dust particles from a dust laden airstream. The separating apparatus includes a first cyclonic cleaning stage including at least one cyclone, and an electrostatic filter, wherein the electrostatic filter is in fluid communication with the at least one cyclone via an air passage, at least a portion of the air passage being formed longitudinally through the separating apparatus, wherein at least a portion of the first cyclonic cleaning stage, the electrostatic filter and the air passage are arranged concentrically.

Abstract: Disclosed is an upright type vacuum cleaner having a dust compression device which automatically compresses dust in a dust collection device during cleaning. The upright type vacuum cleaner includes a main body, a dust collection device provided in the main body and collecting dust, the dust compression device provided within the dust collection device, the size of the dust compression device being selectively changeable according to pressure change therein to compress dust within the dust collection device, a vacuum suction motor provided on the main body and forming vacuum suction pressure, and a flow passage switch device communicating the dust compression device selectively with the vacuum suction motor or the external atmosphere. The dust compression device selectively communicates with the vacuum suction motor or the external atmosphere, and may thus repeatedly compress dust in the dust collection device.

Abstract: There is described an apparatus for cleaning a filter cloth, comprising: a cleaning station comprising a gas flow device and a support surface defining an aperture; and a collection device positioned below the aperture for receiving material removed from the filter cloth; wherein the gas flow device is configured to provide a flow of gas through an area of filter cloth located above the aperture so as to remove material from the filter cloth and direct it into the collection device.

Abstract: An autonomous surface treating appliance comprising a main body defining an outer plan profile, and having a drive arrangement mounted inboard of the outer plan profile of the main body and configured to propel the appliance in a direction of movement across a surface to be cleaned, a surface treating assembly associated with the main body and carried transversely to the direction of movement, the surface treating assembly being generally elongate in form and having side edges extending substantially at a tangent to respective circular portions of the outer plan profile of the main body.

Abstract: A method for cleaning first and second filters of a suction device for cleaning purposes is provided. The suction device has a dirt collection container with a suction inlet. The dirt collection container is subjected to negative pressure via first and second suction lines, respectively, following the first and second filters. First and second closing valves close first and second external air inlets, respectively, into the first and second suction lines. For cleaning the filters, the closing valves are opened, subjecting the filters to external air on the clean space side. The dirt collection container is subjected to negative pressure via the first suction line and first filter by a first suction unit and via the second suction line and second filter by a second suction unit. The suction lines are sealed off relative to each other on the clean space side at least during the cleaning of the filters.

Abstract: A bag filter having a support structure clothed in a filter bag. The cloth of the filter bag is a composite of at least one substrate layer and at least one nanoweb bonded thereto in a face-to-face relationship. The nanoweb is positioned at the surface of the filter bag first exposed to the hot particle laden gas stream and can have a basis weight of greater than about 0.1 gsm.

Abstract: A floor cleaning apparatus includes a body having a nozzle assembly and a canister assembly. The handle assembly is pivotally attached to the nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly includes an agitator cavity that receives a rotary agitator. Both a suction generator and a dirt collection vessel are carried on the body. In addition, the vacuum cleaner includes an agitator lift assembly. The agitator lift assembly includes a sliding actuator and a fulcrum plate.

Abstract: In a power tool dust collecting device, a blocking ring that is subject to elastic deformation upon contact with a workpiece surface for blockage between a suction head and the workpiece surface is provided to the front surface of the suction head to be brought into contact with the workpiece surface. The blocking ring has a ventilating portion (a V-shaped slit) that ensures the flow of air to the suction head regardless of whether the elastic deformation has occurred.

Abstract: A blower assembly is releasably attached to a lawnmower frame by quick-release mounting system comprising a down-facing blade and up-facing receiving pocket that frictionally stably vertically engage. The blower assembly includes a blower unit, a flexible hose with an outlet for emitting a directed air flow, adjustment structure for adjustably supporting the flexible hose in different vertical and horizontal positions and orientations, and powered actuators operably connected to the adjustment structure to selectively bend the flexible hose. A powered control automatically controls the actuators for automatically operating the actuators to move the outlet to a selected position and orientation. Related methods include removing and reconnecting the blower assembly to different lawnmowers and lawn care wheeled devices.

Abstract: A cover tube concentric about a pressure tube at the opposite end.

Abstract: An objective of the invention is to eliminate the need of a frequent dust waste by the user and to provide efficient device for wasting the dust that has been collected in the robot cleaner. The invention provides a robot cleaner capable of discharging dust out to a dust discharge station, wherein the robot cleaner is capable of moving autonomously to collect dust, the robot cleaner comprising: a dust container for storing dust; a dust inlet for collecting dust into the dust container; and an opening and closing mechanism of the dust container, provided at a bottom surface of the robot cleaner, for discharging dust collected in the dust container.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is disclosed having a motor inlet conduit and sound deadening material disposed within the motor inlet conduit for reducing the overall noise level of the vacuum cleaner. The motor inlet conduit fluidly connects a dirt receptacle chamber and a motor inlet, and may have a generally continuous cross-sectional profile and one or more expanded regions for housing the sound deadening material. With the sound deadening material installed in the one or more expanded regions, the motor inlet conduit may form a smoothly changing profile along its entire length and reduce the overall noise level of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A cyclonic separator and a vacuum cleaner which efficiently separates dust, collect the dust without re-scattering it and make low noise are provided. In a primary cyclone portion 10, a primary swirl chamber 12 swirls air containing dust sucked from a primary inlet 11, and thereby, separates a first dust and a second dust from the air containing dust to collect them respectively in a zero-order dust case 114 which is provided at a side of the primary swirl chamber 12 and communicates with a zero-order opening portion 113 provided at a side wall, and a primary dust case 14 provided at a lower side of the primary swirl chamber 12.

Abstract: A system for removing paint and other coatings from hard surfaces is mounted on a truck for over-the-road travel. The truck bed carries a high power vacuum pump, a self propelled tractor with an attached blast head, a liquid reservoir, a sump or vacuum tank, and a ramp for loading the tractor. The reservoir is connected to a low pressure pump that transfers water to the high pressure pump. The high pressure pump is connected to the blast head by a high pressure hose. A vacuum hose is connected to the sump which has an internal enclosure for separating the waste materials from the liquid for easy dumping of semi dried materials.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprising a receptacle having a working air inlet and an associated filter, the filter in communication with and downstream from the working air inlet, is disclosed. The vacuum cleaner further includes a housing containing a motor and having a cooling air outlet from the motor and a working air outlet, the working air outlet in communication with the working air inlet of the receptacle through a working air impeller, wherein the cooling air is directed to the receptacle, and the cooling air passes through the filter before exiting the working air outlet of the housing.

Abstract: An upright cleaner removes dust from a drum brush. The upright cleaner includes a case having a suction port, a drum brush rotatably provided in the case to sweep and guide foreign matter to the suction port, a dust removal unit provided in the case so that the dust removal unit is moved between a first position where one side of the dust removal unit contacts the drum brush and a second position where the side of the dust removal unit is separated from the drum brush, and a lever connected to the dust removal unit to actuate the dust removal unit.

Abstract: A robot cleaner that is capable of preventing dust collected in a dust tank from flowing backward outside when a situation in which the dust may be discharged outside occurs includes a cleaner body, a dust tank mounted in the cleaner body to collect dust, and a backward-flow preventing device to prevent dust from flowing backward outside through a suction port of the dust tank. The backward-flow preventing device includes a shutter unit to open and close the suction port and a stopper unit to drive the shutter unit.

Abstract: A suction module which can be connected to a hand-held power tool, and a hand-held power tool including the suction module, is disclosed. The suction module includes a suction head which can receive a tool of the hand-held power tool that is rotatable around a tool axis and a fan with a fan wheel that is rotatable around a fan axis for suctioning air from the suction head. The suction head is connected to the fan by an intake channel, which in a first section runs along a longitudinal axis of the suction module and in a second section along a vertical axis of the suction module that is fixed transverse to the longitudinal axis. The fan axis runs parallel to a narrow axis, which is aligned transverse to the longitudinal axis and transverse to the vertical axis.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner (1) comprises an inlet (13), an outlet, a fan (14) for creating a flow of air through the vacuum cleaner (1) by drawing air to be cleaned through the inlet (13) into the vacuum cleaner (1) and by exhausting air through the outlet outwardly of the vacuum cleaner (1) and a separator (15, 41). The separator (15, 41) is rotatably arranged around an rotation axis (21), for creating, during use, a column of rotating air to separate at least a portion of the airborne particles (10) from the flow of air. The separator (15, 41) includes a number of vanes (25, 44) for the creation of the column of rotating air, wherein each vane (25, 44) is provided with a leading face (26) and a trailing face (27). The leading faces (26) of the vanes (25, 44) are inclined with respect to the rotation axis (21) for conveying the airborne particles (10) at least in an axial direction.

Abstract: A wet/dry vacuum assembly is described which includes a powerhead assembly capable of removable attachment to the open upper end of a container, the powerhead assembly including a housing, a motor, a fan, and air inlet, and an air exhaust port; and, a container having an open upper end, a closed lower end, and at least one sidewall there between, the container including a continuous handle member for carrying the container in a suspended position. Also described are water filter attachments having particle diffusing means formed therein, for use with the wet/dry to vacuum assembly for use in dust control when the vacuum assembly is used for vacuuming up fine particulate dust, such as dust generated from sanding drywall joint compound.

Abstract: A cyclone vacuum cleaner includes two suction fan stages, three stages of separation, plus a HEPA filter and allows capturing of wet or dry material in bag-less or bagged configuration in non-porous paper or plastic bags as well as ordinary garbage bags with pull tie tops for removal, with no suction loss. A steam generator may be added to provide substitute working vacuum fluid to the normal air for dirt pickup. Acoustic sound dumping may also be provided in the architecture of the assembly.

Abstract: An autonomous mobile robot comprise: a chassis having a drive system in communication with a control system; a cleaning head assembly having a lower cage and mounted to the chassis; a debris collection bin mounted to the chassis; a vacuum airway having a vacuum inlet and an airway outlet positioned adjacent the debris collection bin, and configured to deliver debris from the cleaning head assembly to a debris collection bin, the vacuum airway extending between the cleaning assembly and debris collection bin and being in fluid communication with an impeller disposed within the debris collection bin; and a cleaning head module connected to the chassis and having a front roller including a front shape-changing resilient tube and an adjacent rear roller including a rear shape-changing resilient tube rotatably opposing therewith beneath the vacuum inlet.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus (10) comprises a base assembly (12), an upright handle assembly (14) pivotally mounted to the base assembly (12), a fluid distribution system including a supply of cleaning fluid, and a fluid recovery system for drawing dirty cleaning fluid from the surface to be cleaned. The base assembly (12) comprises a fluid supply tank (22) mounted on a base platform (20), and a recovery tank (24) and lid (70) mounted on the supply tank (22). The nozzle (146) assembly is split into three separable sections, and the upper handle (300) is foldable to a storage position. The base assembly (12) further comprises a pivotal brush carriage (210) assembly. A method for renting extraction cleaning machines (10) utilizes a vending machine (600) that dispenses cleaning formulations packaged in single use packages (602).

Abstract: A vacuum bag attachment assembly for a vacuum cleaner includes a locking handle movably connected to the vacuum cleaner and movable between first and second positions. An opening in the handle receives a fitting of a vacuum bag. When the locking handle is in the first position, an outer shell of the vacuum cleaner is prevented from closing. When the locking handle is in the second position, the outer shell of the vacuum cleaner is closable.

Abstract: A dust separating apparatus for a vacuum cleaner is provided. The dust separating apparatus includes a cyclone configured to provide a plurality of cyclone airflows therein and a dust container provided separate from the cyclone. The cyclone includes a first air inlet configured to receive an airflow containing dust and a dust outlet configured to discharge dust separated by the plurality of cyclone airflows. The dust outlet is located in a central portion of the cyclone. The dust container is removably placeable into communication with the dust outlet to collect dust separated in the cyclone. A vacuum cleaner including the dust separating apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A cleaning system includes a robotic cleaner and an evacuation station. The robotic cleaner can dock with the evacuation station to have debris evacuated by the evacuation station. The robotic cleaner includes a bin to store debris, and the bin includes a port door through which the debris can be evacuated into the evacuation station. The evacuation station includes a vacuum motor to evacuate the bin of the robotic cleaner.

Abstract: A debris collecting system comprises a debris collecting assembly including an air-flow generating device and a debris body. The system further comprises an intermediate debris collecting container connected to the debris collecting assembly such that the collected debris is by-passing the debris body of the assembly.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a dust collector that compresses dust stored inside a dust container to minimize the volume of the dust. The dust collector would include one or more pressing plates that are used to compress the dust stored in dust collector. Various methods are used to control movements of the movable pressing plates to facilitate the compression operations. Also, various methods are used to determine when the dust collector is full and needs to be emptied.

Abstract: A surface treating appliance includes a first cyclonic separating unit including at least one first cyclone, a second cyclonic separating unit located downstream from the first cyclonic separating unit and including at least one second cyclone, and a third cyclonic separating unit located downstream from the second cyclonic separating unit and including a plurality of third cyclones arranged in parallel about an axis. Each third cyclone has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The plurality of third cyclones are divided into at least a first set of third cyclones and a second set of third cyclones, with the fluid inlets of the first set of third cyclones being arranged in a first group and the fluid inlets of the second set of third cyclones being arranged in a second group spaced along said axis from the first group.

Abstract: A surface treating appliance includes a first cyclonic separating unit including a plurality of first cyclones arranged in parallel about an axis, and a second cyclonic separating unit located downstream from the first cyclonic separating unit and including a plurality of second cyclones arranged in parallel about said axis. Each second cyclone has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The plurality of second cyclones is divided into at least a first set of second cyclones and a second set of second cyclones. The fluid inlets of the first set of second cyclones are arranged in a first group and the fluid inlets of the second set of second cyclones are arranged in a second group spaced along said axis from the first group. This enables the separating apparatus to have a compact appearance.

Abstract: A surface treating appliance includes a first cyclonic separating unit including a plurality of first cyclones arranged in parallel about an axis, and a second cyclonic separating unit located downstream from the first cyclonic separating unit and including a plurality of second cyclones arranged in parallel, the plurality of second cyclones being divided into at least a first set of second cyclones arranged about the axis and a second set of second cyclones. The plurality of first cyclones extends about the first set of second cyclones, and the first set of second cyclones extends about the second set of second cyclones.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner with a cooled drive belt is described. The vacuum has a handle, body, base housing, cooling fan, motor, drive belt and a drive belt housing. A fan draws ambient air over a drive belt within the belt housing. The belt housing can have a main belt housing and a belt housing cover. The belt housing can contain an air intake and air exhaust connected by an air duct. Belt housing can have a filter in order to clean intake air. The result is a vacuum with significantly greater longevity—reducing costs and increasing reliability of the vacuum for the user.

Abstract: A dust separator for a vacuum cleaner including a body having a pair of spaced apart ends, a first air inlet formed in the body and being configured to receive an air flow containing dust, and a dust outlet formed inwardly of the spaced apart ends and apart from the first air inlet to discharge dust separated in the body, is provided. In addition, a cross-sectional area of the body at the dust outlet is greater than a cross-sectional area of the body at the first air inlet.

Abstract: An upright surface cleaning apparatus comprises a support structure moveably connected to a surface cleaning head and having an air treatment member mounted to the upright section. The support structure is bendable and is operated by a remote actuator.

Abstract: A surface treating appliance includes cyclonic separating apparatus having a plurality of cyclones arranged in parallel and a dust collector arranged to receive dust from each of the plurality of cyclones. Each cyclone has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The plurality of cyclones is divided into at least a first set of cyclones and a second set of cyclones. The fluid inlets of the first set of cyclones are located in a first plane and the fluid inlets of the second set of cyclones are located in a second plane spaced from the first plane. This enables the separating apparatus to have a compact appearance.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning at least one object may include a cleaning chamber, an air-blowing unit, a rotating unit and a collecting unit. The at least one object may be received within the cleaning chamber. The air-blowing unit may be configured to blow air to the at least one object in the cleaning chamber to float particles from the at least one object. The rotating unit may be configured to rotate the at least one object to provide the at least one object with the air in at least two directions from the air-blowing unit. The collecting unit may be configured to collect the floated particles.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner with wet scrubber includes a housing containing a scrubbing liquid, which defines a level of liquid having a free surface; an inflow opening conveying the air streams to be scrubbed under the free surface of the liquid; an outflow opening of the scrubbed air streams; a dynamic separator disposed in the proximity of the outflow opening; and cleaning means disposed in the housing and acting on the dynamic separator.

Abstract: A filter element has of a filter medium (10) folded in a zig-zag manner and designed in a tubular shape. End plates (11, 12) are arranged on the filter medium end faces. End plate (12) has a concentric opening as well as a first annular ring (14) and a second annular ring (15), and a sealing groove (16) arranged between the rings. A reinforcement plate (17) is arranged at the end plate and has an annular surface (23) extending in axial direction across folds of the filter element.

Abstract: An electric vacuum cleaner includes electric blower for generating a suction force; dust separating unit, installed on an upstream side of the electric blower, for separating dust from air containing the dust suctioned by electric blower; dust collecting chamber for accumulating the dust separated by dust separating unit opened to dust collecting chamber; and humidifying unit, communicating to humidifying port, for generating air of high humidity; wherein humidifying unit supplies the air of high humidity from humidifying port to the dust accumulated in dust collecting chamber.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided. The vacuum cleaner may include a main body, a dust collector, at least one pressing member, and a driver. The dust collector may be detachably attached to the main body and may include a dust storage chamber. The at least one pressing member may compress dust stored in the dust storage chamber. The driver may be disposed in the dust collector and actuate the at least one pressing member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lock-out system and a lock-out apparatus for a vacuum cleaner having a closeable shell for a filter bag. The system includes a filter bag collar mount and a locking mechanism for a filter bag movably connected to the filter bag collar mount. The locking mechanism is able to be in one of an engaged position or in a disengaged position relative to the filter bag mount. Also, the locking mechanism in the disengaged position prevents the closeable shell from closing.

Abstract: The electrical household appliance of the invention comprises a vacuum cleaner comprising a water receptacle having a water filter, said water receptacle having an emptied front part and an emptied rear part, said emptied rear part receiving a motor projection from below such that the bottom surface of said receptacle is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said motor and said emptied front part is designed to accommodate a suction hose slot, said suction hose coaxially communicating with an inlet shaft of said water filter from below, said inlet shaft extending perpendicular to the bottom surface of said receptacle.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner has a body including a nozzle assembly and a handle assembly. A suction generator and dirt collection vessel are carried on the body. A dual pivot connector connects the handle assembly with the nozzle assembly. The connector provides a first pivotal connection between the connector and the nozzle assembly and a second pivotal connection between the connector and the handle assembly. In addition a tilt handle assembly is connected to the body by a third pivotal connection.

Abstract: A scroll assembly for use with a fluid machine, such as a wet/dry vacuum appliance, is described. Such scroll assembly may include a base portion, a cover portion configured to couple to the base portion, and a cavity between the base portion and the cover portion, wherein the cover portion and the base portion collectively form a labyrinth seal when coupled together, and wherein the labyrinth seal at least partially circumscribes the cavity. A vacuum appliance may include a scroll assembly coupled at least partially therein. A method of exhausting air from a vacuum appliance may include energizing a vacuum motor, thereby drawing air into the scroll assembly, allowing the air to contact a flow splitter, and allowing the air to exit the vacuum appliance.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner (1, 21, 41, 51) for dry dust comprises at least a dust chamber (3, 23, 43, 53) and a fan unit(13, 63), which dust chamber (3, 23, 43, 53) is provided with an air inlet opening (7, 27, 57) and an air outlet opening (8, 28) communicating with the fan unit (13, 63). The dust chamber (3, 23, 43, 53) comprises a movable body (9, 29, 59) for restricting air flow through the dust chamber (3, 23, 43, 53). In use the movable body (9, 29, 59) is located on dry dust collected in the dust chamber (3, 23, 43, 53) due to kinematic sorting between the movable body (9, 29, 59) and the dry dust.

Abstract: A leaf and lawn vacuum bagger has a housing that is attached to the exhaust outlet of a conventional leaf and lawn blower/vacuum or mulching device, and an air permeable bag releasably connected to the exhaust outlet has a fastener closure at a bottom end. A flexible sleeve is secured at one end to the housing and the air permeable bag is releasably connected at the opposed end for capturing the vacuumed yard debris. A closure member attached to the housing is selectively closed to allow exhaust gases from the lawn blower/vacuum or mulcher device to exit through the pores of the air permeable bag to the atmosphere, and leaves and yard debris exhausted through the blower/vacuum or mulcher falls down through the interior of said air permeable bag, through said sleeve, and are collected in the housing interior, and when opened, the collected leaves and yard debris falls through the housing and into the attached disposable bag, and the attached bag is then removed and replaced as needed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an exhaust air feedback robot cleaner equipped with a disinfectant anion generator, including a suction motor to intake not only air but also dust from a to-be-cleaned surface through a suction unit installed at the bottom surface and a dust collector to trap dust so as to allow dust-free air to be discharged via the suction motor. In the robot cleaner, the disinfectant anion generator emits disinfectant anions to disinfect the air having been discharged via the suction motor, a spray nozzle installed at the front end of an intake port of the robot cleaner sprays the disinfected air toward the cleaning surface through an exhaust air feedback unit so that the dust on the to-be-cleaned surface may be scattered and disinfected, and finally the air, together with the dust, is sucked in by the suction motor and circulated again to the exhaust air feedback unit.