Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a body having a nozzle assembly with a suction inlet and a control assembly including a control stalk. A dirt collection vessel is carried on the body. The dirt collection vessel includes a toroidal cyclone. The toroidal cyclone has an inlet port, a clean air outlet port and a particle outlet provided in a wall of the toroidal cyclone between the inlet and outlet port. A cork screw baffle is received in the toroidal cyclone. The cork screw baffle defines a spiraling air path through the toroidal cyclone. A suction generator, carried on the body, draws the air stream through the dirt collection vessel.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner with a cyclone module assembly comprises a cyclone separation chamber for separating dust and debris from air, a dirt cup for collecting dust and debris that is separated from the air in the cyclone separation chamber, and a vortex stabilizer. The vortex stabilizer can be pivotally mounted to the cyclone separation chamber to allow access to the cyclone separation chamber when the dirt cup is removed from the cyclone module assembly.

Abstract: A dust collector has a vacuum coupling for connection to a vacuum source such as a portable vacuum cleaner or other suitable source. A vacuum reservoir is formed from a chamber between nested interlocking receptacles. A variable density pattern of inlet holes through one interlocking container into the vacuum reservoir provides better flow and capture of debris, while multiple inlets within the vacuum reservoir provide even and consistent suction. A variety of inlet geometries are presented that are suitable to a variety of purposes.

Abstract: A bare floor cleaner for wet and dry bare floor surfaces comprises a base with wet and dry suction nozzles and a handle pivotally connected to the base. A diverter mounted in the working air conduit between each of the dry suction nozzle and the wet suction nozzle to a recovery tank is movable by movement of the handle between a dry suction position and a wet suction position for selectively at least partially blocking working air flow from the wet suction nozzle and the dry suction nozzle, respectively, to the recovery tank. A shut-off valve is mounted in the recovery tank to prevent fluid communication between a suction source and the recovery tank when the amount of liquid in the recovery tank reaches a first predetermined amount with the handle forward and a second predetermined amount with the handle rearward.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner with cyclonic dirt separation and a bottom discharge dirt cup beneath the cyclone separator and a filter beneath the dirt cup and between the dirt cup and a suction motor inlet. A separator plate separates the cyclone separator from the dirt cup. Fins project from a sidewall of the dirt cup, and fingers projecting from a bottom wall of the dirt cup. A hollow standpipe in the dirt cup transports working air from the cyclone separator outlet to the filter.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a motor-fan unit and a housing part including a filter receptacle. A filter frame is slidably insertable in an insertion direction into the filter receptacle so as to be disposed in an exhaust air stream of the motor-fan unit. The filter frame has a substantially parallelepiped configuration and is configured to receive a fine filter. The vacuum cleaner includes an air-permeable cover element pivotably disposed on the housing and configured to cover the filter receptacle. The cover element is operable to redirect force resulting from a pivoting movement thereof from the insertion direction to a pressing direction substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction so as to press an edge contour of the filter frame toward a mating contour of the filter receptacle in an inserted position of the filter frame.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a housing, a suction generator carried by the housing, a bag compartment and a bag cage. The bag compartment is defined by a bag compartment wall including an airflow inlet and an airflow outlet. The bag cage is received in the bag compartment. The bag cage defines a bag cavity that hold a filter bag in a position spaced from the bag compartment wall so as to maintain a clear airflow passage.

Abstract: A portable electric vacuum cleaner according to the present invention includes a body (23), and a suction nozzle (27) provided unitarily with the body (23) at a front lower portion of the body (23) and projecting forward from the body (23) as having a predetermined length. The suction nozzle (27) is, for example, a tubular member of a fixed shape composed of a resin and tapered toward a distal end thereof. The suction nozzle (27) has a nozzle suction port (271) provided at the distal end thereof. The portable electric vacuum cleaner is generally used with a floor brush (3) attached to the suction nozzle (27). When the floor brush (3) is detached from the body (2), the suction nozzle (27) appears. Thus, the portable electric vacuum cleaner is conveniently used. Further, the suction nozzle (27) is hardly missing.

Abstract: A steam vacuum cleaner includes a main assembly functioning as a mopstick, and the main assembly has an exhaust duct with a built-in filter formed at a rear face thereof.

Abstract: An electric vacuum cleaner is equipped with a dust collection unit (20) that can be detachably installed in the air passage en route from a suction unit to an electric fan of the cleaner. The dust collection unit (20) comprises a dust collecting case (21) for accumulating dust sucked in, a lid member (32) that can be opened to discharge the accumulated dust; and a lock mechanism (clamp lever) (33) for locking the lid member 32 tightly closed. The dust collection unit (20) is further provided with a hand grip (24), arranged to face said user, thereby facilitating a user to hold the dust collection unit when discharging dust from the bottom of the dust collecting case. Further, a hinge (31) is arranged at a position which is adjacent to said bottom (32) of said dust collecting case (21) facing the user holding the hand grip. Furthermore, a lock mechanism (33) is arranged near the periphery of the lid member (32) and at a position opposite to the hinge.

Abstract: An improved pool vacuum includes a filter cone and poppet valve combination which enables quick drainage of water which has passed through and been cleaned by the cleaner's filter. A charging circuit is provided with isolation so that the pool vacuum can be used in an electrolytic environment without battery drainage. A combination charger and hang bracket enables the pool vacuum to be stored in a vertical position to both drain and charge simultaneously. An interstitial open exhaust gap between a rear body and nose-cone shaped front section provides a low pressure drop free exhaust area for an impeller. An optionally obstructed bottom gap portion helps to produce a net downward thrust to assist in using the vacuum in deep pools from a long pole structure.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner, in which a dust bag or a cyclone dust collecting apparatus can be selectively mounted, includes a body case having a dust collecting chamber and a connecting hole formed at a side surface of the dust collecting chamber so that outside air enters through the connecting hole, a pair of securing brackets formed on an inner surface of the dust collecting chamber of the body case at both sides of the connecting hole in parallel with each other so that the cyclone dust collecting apparatus or the dust bag is selectively secured to the pair of securing brackets, and a body cover disposed at the body case and being opened and closed in order to open and close the dust collecting chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an upright vacuum cleaner including a housing and a nozzle base having a main suction opening. The housing is pivotally mounted on the nozzle base. The housing comprises a cyclonic separator including a dirty air inlet and a sidewall. A lower end of the separator being secured to a lower skirt. A dust collector section is located beneath the separator and includes a sidewall. A perforated tube is disposed within the separator. The perforated tube includes a shroud extending away from a closed lower end of the perforated tube. A diameter of the shroud is larger than a diameter of the separator lower end. The lower skirt and the shroud define a first air channel for directing air from the separator into the dust collector section. The first air channel has a substantially constant volume for maintaining airflow velocity.

Abstract: A bagless vacuum cleaner system dustcup assembly and method for using said system with a vacuum cleaner apparatus to separate dirt from a mixture of dirt and air inducted into said vacuum cleaner apparatus. Said bagless vacuum cleaner system generally comprises a dustcup assembly, a handle assembly and a motor intake adaptor.

Abstract: A dust receptacle comprising an ultraviolet transmission window and a vacuum cleaner having the same. The dust receptacle includes a receptacle body detachably mounted to a cleaner body, an ultraviolet (UV) transmission window penetratingly formed on the receptacle body, and a Teflon® cover sealing the UV transmission window. The vacuum cleaner having the dust receptacle includes a cleaner body, a dust receptacle detachably mounted to the cleaner body, a UV sterilizer lamp mounted within the cleaner body to scan the dust receptacle with a UV ray, a grill protecting the UV sterilizer lamp. In the vacuum cleaner, the dust receptacle has the same structure as described above.

Abstract: Described herein are improved wet/dry vacuum appliance assemblies and associated systems which facilitate the ease of removal of the filter assembly from within the appliance itself. The vacuum appliance assemblies described include a drum, a lid assembly adapted to removably mount on or to hinge on the drum, and a filter assembly housed within the lid assembly, wherein the lid assembly comprises a removable component such that if the removable component is removed, the filter assembly is accessible.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a head for contacting the ground and a body which is pivotable relative to the head about a first axis of rotation and about a second axis of rotation. The body has a locking mechanism and the head has a reciprocal locking mechanism which are arranged such that the locking mechanism is engageable with the reciprocal locking mechanism so as to resist pivotal movement of the body relative to the head about the first axis of rotation. The locking mechanism is disengageable from the reciprocal locking mechanism to allow pivotal movement of the body relative to the head about the first axis of rotation. The vacuum cleaner also includes a stabilizer coupled to the head such that in use the stabilizer maintains contact with the ground when the body is rotated relative to the head about the first or second axis of rotation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a home cleaning appliance including a housing including a nozzle having a main suction opening and a brush. An air stream suction source, mounted to the housing, includes a suction airstream inlet and a suction airstream outlet. The suction source selectively establishes and maintains a suction airstream from the nozzle main suction opening to the airstream outlet. A cyclone main body is mounted to the housing and is in communication with the nozzle main suction opening. The cyclone main body includes an upstream, first, cyclonic separator for separating dust from dust-laden air, and at least one downstream, second, cyclonic separator for separating remaining dust particles from the air. A dirt cup is connected to the cyclone main body.

Abstract: Provided is an upright vacuum cleaner including a carrying handle formed at an upper surface of the vacuum cleaner and conveniently gripped by a user while being transferred, the carrying handle having a hose seat surface on which a hose is seated such that a user conveniently uses the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprises a cleaner head adapted for movement over a surface and having a dirty air inlet; a handle for moving the cleaner head over the surface; a cyclone chamber having a cyclonic flow region, a fluid inlet downstream from the dirty air inlet and a fluid outlet; a particle receiving chamber having a door and an outer wall; a plate positioned between the cyclone chamber and the particle receiving chamber; and, a motor for causing the air to flow through the vacuum cleaner from the dirty air inlet to a vacuum cleaner air outlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cyclonic vacuum cleaner and, more specifically, to a cyclonic vacuum cleaner having a cyclonic station that maintains a vertical position when the vacuum is maneuvered across a floor space. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A surface treating appliance, such as a vacuum cleaner, includes a main body, a surface treating head and a support assembly. The support assembly is rollably mounted to the main body for allowing the main body to be rolled along a surface. The support assembly also houses a component of the appliance, such as a motor for driving a surface-agitating device. Alternatively, or additionally, the support assembly may accommodate a fluid inlet for receiving fluid flow, a fluid outlet for exhausting fluid and a device for acting on the fluid flow received by the inlet such as a filter or suction apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner with a housing having a dirt chamber closable by a cover, into which a suction socket extends and in which a filter bag is insertable, with a inlet opening of the filter bag being connectable to the suction socket. In order to design the vacuum cleaner so that it allows simple and hygienic handling when removing the filter bag from the dirt chamber it is proposed in accordance with the invention that the suction socket be held on the housing so as to be displaceable back and forth between a position in which it extends into the inlet opening of the filter bag and a position in which it releases the inlet opening.

Abstract: A cyclone dirt separating apparatus and a vacuum cleaner having the same are disclosed. The cyclone dirt separating apparatus comprises a cyclone body including a first cyclone chamber in which dirt is separated preliminarily from air drawn in from an exterior by a centrifugal force; and a second cyclone chamber in which dirt is separated secondarily from the air discharged from the first cyclone chamber; and a dirt collecting case coupled to a lower end of the cyclone body for collecting the dirt. Also, the cyclone dirt separating apparatus further comprises a discharge guide duct passed through the cyclone body and the dirt collecting case and guiding the air discharged from the second cyclone chamber. Therefore, the air discharged through the discharge guide duct is directly entered to a motor mounting space of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is disclosed that includes a dust-separating apparatus, a shutter unit, and a dust receptacle. The dust-separating apparatus can be fixed to a cleaner body and includes a dust outlet. The shutter unit is formed on the dust-separating apparatus to selectively open and close the dust outlet. The dust receptacle is detachably attached to a lower portion of the dust-separating apparatus. The dust receptacle opens the shutter unit when attached to the dust-separating apparatus and closes the shutter unit when detached from the dust-separating apparatus.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a cleaner body housing a cyclone dust separating unit therein, a dust receptacle removably mounted in the cyclone dust separating unit, a carrying handle movable at a front of the dust receptacle to protrude out or withdraw in, for carrying of the dust receptacle, and a lifting unit to move in accordance with the protruding or withdrawal of the carrying handle, so as to lock the dust receptacle with the cyclone dust separating unit when the carrying handle is withdrawn in the dust receptacle, and to unlock the dust receptacle from the cyclone dust separating unit when the carrying handle protrudes out of the dust receptacle.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a suction port assembly, a motor generating a suction force at the suction port assembly, and a cyclone dust collecting device for centrifugally separating air drawn in through the suction port assembly and the motor in sequence. The cyclone dust-collecting device includes an air discharge port penetratingly formed on an outer circumference of the cyclone dust-collecting device and exposed to an outside of the cleaner body, for guiding the air discharged to the outside. Accordingly, since the air discharge port is disposed in the cyclone dust collecting device, not in the cleaner body, a discharge channel for connecting the cyclone dust collecting device and cleaner body is omitted and thus a structure of the vacuum cleaner becomes simplified.

Abstract: A separator/collector assembly (50) able to be installed in relation to a body (51) of a suction cleaner, the separator/collector assembly providing storage for a suction hose which can be deployed for use when required.

Abstract: A multi-cyclone dust collector including at least one first cyclone forcing contaminants-laden air that is entered into a lower portion of the at least one first cyclone to whirl so as to centrifugally separate contaminants from the contaminants-laden air; and at least one second cyclone being disposed around the at least one first cyclone, the at least one second cyclone forcing semi-clean air that is discharged from the at least one first cyclone and is entered into a lower portion of the at least one second cyclone to whirl so as to centrifugally separate fine contaminants from the air.

Abstract: A grille member that can be used, for example, in a cyclone dust-collecting apparatus and a vacuum cleaner comprises a body around which a rotating current is formed, and a plurality of air passages formed at the body to guide the rotating current into the body. In an embodiment, the air passages have a leading surface facing toward a flow direction of the rotating air current and a tail surface upstream from the leading surface relative to the rotating air current, such that at least one plane extending along the tail surface and a line along the flow direction of the rotating air current meet at an obtuse angle. In this way, stagnant vortices are not generated in the vicinity of the tail surfaces of the air passages, and dust and the like do not accumulate in the vicinity of the tail surfaces of the air passages when dirt is centrifugally separated from drawn-in air by the rotating current.

Abstract: A cyclonic vacuum cleaner includes a body portion, a nozzle portion and a dirt cup which is removable from the body portion. The dirt cup collects dirt and other debris separated by a cyclone and a cyclone slinger portion in the body portion. A main filter may be housed in a transparent filter door downstream of the cyclone. The dirt cup may be inserted into and sealingly held within the body portion by using a rotational camming structure.

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 dust-collecting unit for a vacuum cleaner is provided which detachably connected with a cleaner body of the vacuum cleaner. The dust-collecting unit includes a dust receptacle which is disposed under a dust separator disposed in the cleaner body, for collecting dust separated from air by the dust separator and dropping down from the dust separator, a dust receptacle ascending/descending part which is disposed under the dust receptacle and is pivoted in a direction or a reverse direction to ascend or descend the dust receptacle and to press-lock or unlock the dust receptacle to or from the dust separator, and a handle which extends from one side of the dust receptacle ascending/descending part along a lengthwise direction of the dust receptacle and has a gap with respect to a circumferential surface of the dust receptacle.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured for use with a vacuum cleaner filter bag having a collar panel with an inlet opening. A support structure receives the panel in an installed position in which a tubular part of the vacuum cleaner extends into the bag through the inlet opening. The support structure includes a tab that retains the panel in the installed position. The support structure further includes a pivot that abuts an edge of the panel to guide movement of the panel into the installed position pivotally about the abutting edge.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner for cleaning a surface includes a base unit, a carriage configured to move the base unit on the surface, and an upper body having a dust collection container disposed therein. The upper body is supported so as to be tiltable relative to the base unit and is lockable in a parked position in which the vacuum cleaner has a substantially upright position when standing on the surface. A motor-fan unit is configured to provide a partial vacuum at the surface. An air conduit connecting the base unit and the dust collection container includes an interface and a section formed by a hose or an assembly of the hose and a wand. The section is connected downstream of the interface and is disposed at least partially externally on the upper body. The section is configured to enable a vacuuming mode of operation that is independent of the base unit. A tubular member forming at least part of a transition between the hose and the upper body. The tubular member is swivelably disposed on the upper body.

Abstract: A dust separator of a cyclone type cleaner includes a first dust separator connected to a suction pipe, for separating dust from air by a centrifugal force for the first time; a collecting container connected to a lower portion of the first dust separator and in which the dust separated in the first dust separator is collected; and a second dust separator connected to an upper portion of the first dust separator, for sucking air which has passed through the dust separation in the first dust separator and separating dust from the air by a centrifugal force for the second time, so that an efficiency of collecting dust is improved without deteriorating a suction force of air.

Abstract: A dust separating apparatus for a suction cleaner comprises a cyclonic separating device (10) having a body (12) with an inlet and an outlet for a stream of air and an outlet for separated dust to enter a receptacle (34) for the dust, the body having a part (14) movable in relation to the rest (13) of the body while the rest of the body remains in position in the cleaner, to give access to the interior of the body for cleaning. There may be two separating devices (10, 11) arranged in succession, both having removable body parts (14, 24).

Abstract: A multi-cyclone apparatus is capable of separating and collecting contaminants by three stages. The multi-cyclone apparatus has a first collecting unit which separates large-sized contaminants from an air which is drawn through an air suction port, a cyclone body comprising a second cyclone which is communicated with the first collecting unit and separates middle-sized contaminants from the drawn air, and a plurality of third cyclones arranged around the second cyclone and separate small-sized contaminants from the drawn air, an air discharge port communicated with the cyclone body, through which the air is discharged after passing through the third cyclones, and a contaminant receptacle provided to a lower end of the cyclone body, and collects contaminants separated from the second and the third cyclones.

Abstract: A multi-cyclone dust separator according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises at least three dust separation units for separating dust stepwise from relatively larger size. The dust separation units comprise a first dust separation unit primarily separating dust from external air drawn in; a second dust separation unit secondarily separating dust from the air primarily dust-separated by the first dust separation unit; and a third dust separation unit thirdly separating dust from the air secondarily dust-separated by the second dust separation unit. Here, the first to third dust separation units are multi-layered in a serial manner.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a housing having a filter bag cavity. A suction generator and a bag mount are both carried on the housing. Additionally, the vacuum cleaner includes a bag caddy that is displaceable between an operating position connected to the bag mount and a bag disposal position disconnected from the bag mount.

Abstract: A home cleaning appliance comprises a housing, an airstream suction source, a cyclone main body, and a dirt cup. The housing includes a main suction opening. The airstream suction source is mounted to the housing and includes a suction airstream inlet and a suction airstream outlet. The suction source selectively establishes and maintains a flow of air from the main suction opening, via the airstream inlet, to the airstream outlet. The cyclone main body is supported by the housing and is in communication with the main suction opening. The cyclone main body has a uniform outer circumference and includes a first stage separator, and a plurality of downstream second stage separators. The first stage separator has a longitudinal axis offset from a longitudinal axis of the cyclone main body in order to accommodate the second stage separators. The dirt cup is connected to the cyclone main body. The dirt cup includes a first particle collector and a second particle collector.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided having improved pressure loss characteristics. A fluid supply conduit in flow communication with an inlet to a cyclone is integrally formed as part of a cyclone bin. The present invention may be adapted for use with cyclonic separation devices of all types, including single- and multi-stage cyclonic separators.

Abstract: A particle separation member is provided for use with a cyclone separator. The particle separation member divides the separator into a cyclone chamber and a particle receiving chamber. The cyclone chamber and the particle receiving chamber communicating via a plurality of apertures in the particle separation member.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the present invention provides a motor, fan and filter arrangement for a vacuum cleaner, comprising: a motor (10); a fan (20) connected to an output shaft (12) of the motor and having an axial intake; and a filter (30, 230, 330); wherein the fan (20) is arranged with its axial intake facing the motor (10); and the motor (10) is housed within the filter (30, 230, 330). Such an arrangement makes much more efficient use of space than a conventional arrangement and allows the motor to be positioned within the filter in a reversed direction in comparison to conventional arrangements, so that clear air from the filter can be drawn over the motor before encountering the fan. This also has the beneficial side-effect of cooling the motor with the filtered air. In a second aspect, the present invention also provides vacuum cleaners (100, 200, 300) comprising such a motor, fan and filter arrangement.

Abstract: A pool cleaning vacuum employing multiple power supply sources and associated method includes a body including first, second and third vertically juxtaposed chambers formed therein. The chambers share a wall with the second chamber wherein the third chamber is isolated therefrom. A motor assembly and a filter section are housed within the first chamber. The filter section is located downstream of the motor assembly, and has an open lateral face exposed to the aqueous environment. An anchor shaft is seated within the second chamber and extends through an entire longitudinal length of the body. A vacuum head is pivotally attached to the anchor shaft. The vacuum head includes a conduit in communication with the filter section, and a plurality of wheels rotatably coupled to opposed corners thereof. A mechanism transmits a predetermined quantity of power to the motor assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dust receptacle and a steam vacuum cleaner using the same, wherein the dust receptacle comprises an auxiliary filter in a dust collection bin to cause dust to settle or be distributed evenly inside the dust collection bin, and therefore to extend a cleaning cycle or replacement cycle of a main filter.

Abstract: In accordance with one broad aspect of the present invention, a surface cleaning apparatus is provided. The surface cleaning apparatus comprises a surface cleaning head having a dirty fluid inlet. A fluid flow path extends from the dirty fluid inlet to a clean air outlet of the surface cleaning apparatus. An upright section is mounted to the surface cleaning head and is positioned in the fluid flow path. At least one cleaning stage is provided on the upright section. An air flow motor is provided on the upright section at least partially beside the at least one cleaning stage and in the fluid flow path.

Abstract: A bagless vacuum cleaner system dustcup assembly and method for using said system with a vacuum cleaner apparatus to separate dirt from a mixture of dirt and air inducted into said vacuum cleaner apparatus. Said bagless vacuum cleaner system generally comprises a dustcup assembly, a handle assembly and a motor intake adaptor.

Abstract: A cyclonic separation device in accordance with an embodiment of the present application preferably includes a first cyclone chamber having a cylindrical shape with a predetermined diameter, the first cyclone chamber including, a tangential inlet positioned on a first longitudinal end of the first cyclone chamber, a baffle plate positioned in the first cyclone chamber a predetermined distance from the tangential inlet, a tangential dirt outlet positioned on a second end of the cyclone chamber, opposite the inlet and on an opposite side of the baffle plate from the tangential inlet and a center exit duct mounted in the center of the cyclone chamber having an inlet opening positioned upstream from the baffle plate such the centrifuged fluid without particles flows into the center exit duct and out of the cyclone chamber.

Abstract: A dirt separation and collection assembly suitable for use in a bagless vacuum cleaner including two dirt separation and collection zones is provided. Dirty air enters the upper portion of a container and enters a first stage dirt separation zone including a disruptor ring extending inwardly from the outer wall to allow coarse dirt particles and fibers to pass through and collect at the base of the outer wall of the device. The spinning air is then drawn through a conical shroud and fed into a second stage conical separator for separating fine dirt particles and collecting them in an inner substantially cylindrical collection chamber. Air exits the conical separator at the opposite cone opening before being drawn to the suction source. Elements may be oriented upwardly or downwardly depending upon the configuration of the housing for receiving the dirt separation and collection assembly.