Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner comprises a housing having a suction airstream inlet and a suction airstream outlet. A dirt container is selectively mounted to the housing for receiving and retaining dirt and dust separated from the suction airstream. The suction airstream inlet and the suction airstream outlet are in fluid communication with, respectively, an inlet and an outlet of the dirt container. The dirt container includes a first cyclonic airflow chamber and a second cyclonic airflow chamber, each cyclonic airflow chamber including a longitudinal axis. The second cyclonic airflow chamber is spaced from the first chamber, wherein the first and second chambers are each approximately vertically oriented and are arranged in a parallel relationship. An air manifold is disposed at a top portion of the dirt container. The air manifold includes an inlet section through which dirty air passes and an outlet section.

Abstract: A cyclone separating apparatus and a vacuum cleaner having the same are provided. The cyclone separating apparatus includes a cyclone body including a cyclone chamber and a dust collecting chamber, a cover unit connected to an upper portion of the cyclone body, a door unit openably mounted to a bottom portion of the cyclone body, and at least one noise reducing rib formed in an air discharging pipe in the cyclone chamber.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner (A) includes a housing (B) having a suction airstream inlet and a suction airstream outlet. A dirt container (50, 500) is selectively mounted to the housing for receiving and retaining dirt and dust separated from the suction airstream. ?The suction airstream inlet and the suction airstream outlet are in fluid communication with, respectively, an inlet and an outlet of the dirt container. The dirt container includes a first cyclonic air-flow chamber (66, 508) and a second cyclonic airflow chamber (68, 510), each cyclonic airflow chamber including a longitudinal axis. The second cyclonic airflow chamber is spaced from the first chamber, wherein the first and second chambers are each approximately vertically oriented and are arranged in a parallel relationship. An air manifold (52, 540, 540?) is disposed at a top portion of the dirt container. The air manifold includes an inlet section (54, 536, 565) through which dirty air passes and an outlet section (138, 560, 560?).

Abstract: A cleaning machine for cleaning a surface is provided. The cleaning machine includes a base assembly that moves along the surface and a liquid distribution system associated with the base assembly for distributing the cleaning solution to the cleaning surface. A suction nozzle assembly is mounted to the base assembly and includes a front nozzle portion and a rear nozzle portion. The front nozzle portion defines a fluid flow path having an inlet opening and an outlet opening and the rear nozzle portion defines a fluid flow path having an inlet opening and an outlet opening. A suction source is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle for applying suction to draw the cleaning solution and dirt from the surface and through the suction nozzle assembly. The fluid flow path of the front nozzle portion is closed in response to the base assembly moving in one of the forward direction and rear direction.

Abstract: A cleaning device with an elongated housing having a grip at one end and a cleaning head at another end, a dirt collection device and a vacuum source. The cleaning head has a rotary agitator, a first inlet opening having a first cross-sectional area, and a second inlet opening having a second cross-sectional area. The second cross-sectional area may be substantially less than the first cross-sectional area. The second inlet opening may be above the first inlet opening. There also may be a fluid supply tank and an associated pump, and the pump and agitator may be driven by the same motor.

Abstract: An upright type vacuum cleaner is provided that includes a main body containing a filtering device that filters out foreign materials entrained in sucked air, a suction nozzle device connected to a lower portion of the main body to be pivoted on a first joint portion, so as to suck the air with the entrained foreign materials and guide the sucked air into the main body, and a handle that is connected to an upper portion of the main body to be pivoted on a second joint portion. The handle is provided with a third joint portion in the middle of the handle so that the handle may be folded at certain angles, and grasped by a user in use. The main body, the suction nozzle device, and the handle are connected to one another through the three joint portions in various configurations and at different angles so that users having various physical conditions may conveniently use the vacuum cleaner in various manners.

Abstract: A cyclone dust separating apparatus and a vacuum cleaner with the same is disclosed. The cyclone dust separating apparatus includes a first cyclone for separating large dust particles from air, a plurality of second cyclones for separating minute dust particles from air via a centrifugal force after dust separation at the first cyclone, and a cover disposed on an upper portion of the first cyclone and the second cyclones. The cover includes a conical guide formed at a lower center to guide air discharged from the first cyclone into the second cyclones. Because drawn-in air is repeatedly cleaned by a plurality of cyclones, the cyclone dust separating apparatus can be provided with a compact structure, can provide an effective cleaning operation, and can prevent deterioration of a suction force.

Abstract: An upright suction cleaner having a base, a body pivotally mounted on the base, a suction device, and a dirt separation system. The dirt separation system has a first and second dirt separators. the first of which may include an air-pervious shroud having a plate extending from it. An airflow path extends from the base, through the separation system, and into the suction device. A dirt collecting system is mountable to the body, and includes a first chamber to receive dirt separated by the first dirt separator, and a second chamber to receive dirt separated by the second dirt separator. The chambers are adjacent one another when mounted to the body. A tube forming part of the airflow path between the dirt separation system and the suction device is selectively mountable adjacent the dirt collecting system. An elevator assembly is provided to attach the dirt collecting system to the body.

Abstract: A dirt container for a surface cleaning apparatus is constructed from an air impermeable material and exterior walls of sufficient rigidity to maintain the shape of the dirt container. The dirt container may be supplied in a disassembled condition and assembled by a consumer prior to use.

Abstract: A suction device (2) for a hand-held power tool and which is releasably connected with the power tool, includes a suction blower wheel (20) for producing a suction air stream in a suction path (S) and located in the device housing (10), a rolling bearing (28) for supporting the suction blower wheel (20) in the device housing (10), a blower shaft (26) for driving the suction blower wheel (20), and a drive coupling (38) for rotatably frictionally connecting the blower shaft (26) with the drive shaft (42) of the hand-held power tool (4) in a connected condition of the drive shaft (42) with the blower shaft (26).

Abstract: A broom (20) which permits picking up dust and disposing of said dust while standing up. The broom (20) comprises an aspiration canal (24) in the broom brush (22), reaching an aspiration tubing situated inside the broom handle (26). The aspiration tubing is ended by a removable cap (28). A motor (34) is situated alongside the tubing and permits the aspiration of air through the aspiration canal and aspiration tubing by an opening (32) along the tubing side. The opening is made of a semi permeable membrane (38) which allows air to exit the tube while keeping dust inside. The broom inside tubing comprises means to keep the dust inside the tubing, so the dust does not fall out through the bottom of the tubing. After the broom operator has finished aspiring the dust inside the broom handle, he may remove the cap, turn the broom upside down, and empty the dust into. All this without bending down.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cyclone separating apparatus and a vacuum cleaner having the same. The cyclone separating apparatus includes a first cyclone for separating dust-ladened air, a plurality of second cyclones for separating fine dust particles via a second separation of dust using centrifugal force from air which was previously separated at the first cyclone, and an inlet-outlet cover installed on the upper part of the first cyclone and the second cyclones. The inlet-outlet cover allows fluid-communication between the first cyclone and the second cyclones, and discharge of dust-removed air from the second cyclone. Because the plurality of cyclones separates dust utilizing a compact structure, suction force deterioration is prevented and dust-collecting efficiency is increased.

Abstract: An upright-type vacuum cleaner having an improved, foldable handle structure to reduce the amount of storage space required when the cleaner is not in use. The upright vacuum cleaner is provided with a handle that is hinged at a pivot point to enable the handle to rotate relative to the cleaner body. A locking unit locks and releases the handle in at least one user-desired position.

Abstract: A motor assembly for a vacuum cleaner for providing a user with a quieter environment during a cleaning work, and a vacuum cleaner having the same, is disclosed. The motor assembly includes a motor generating a suction force, an auxiliary filter member disposed on an airflow path connecting the motor to a dust-collecting apparatus for filtering a second time the air discharged from the dust-collecting apparatus, and a motor casing. The motor casing includes a first chamber connected to the dust-collecting apparatus with the auxiliary filter member mounted therein. A second chamber is connected to a discharge opening of the cleaner body and includes the motor mounted therein. A connection path is in fluid communication with the first chamber and the second chamber.

Abstract: A cyclone dust-collecting apparatus comprises a cyclone body having a first cyclone part and a second cyclone part comprising a plurality of cones, a cover unit connected with the upper portion of the cyclone body for guiding air movement between the first cyclone part and the second cyclone part, and a contaminant receptacle connected with the lower portion of the cyclone body for collecting contaminants separated from the first and second cyclone parts.

Abstract: A bare floor cleaner has a foot with a dry suction nozzle and a handle assembly pivotally connected to the foot assembly. A diverter mounted in the working air conduit between the foot assembly and the handle assembly is movable by movement of the handle assembly between a dry suction position and a wet mop position for selectively at least partially blocking working air flow from the dry suction nozzle to a collection assembly. A fluid delivery system includes a user operated trigger for actuating the fluid delivery system to distribute fluid in the wet mop position and deactivating a motor/fan assembly. A trigger lock prevents cleaning solution from being distributed when the handle is in dry mode position. The fluid delivery system includes a heating element to raise the temperature of the cleaning solution before it is distributed to the surface to be cleaned. Support glides on the foot reduce the surface area contact between the foot pad and the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: An improved bag docking assembly for aligning a vacuum bag for engagement with a dirty air outlet nozzle on a vacuum cleaner, and for retaining the vacuum bag in the position of engagement. The assembly incorporates an anchor member and a mounting member. The anchor member serves to attach the bag docking assembly to the vacuum cleaner. The anchor member can be a substantially flat piece of plastic having a central opening for closely receiving the dirty air outlet nozzle on the vacuum cleaner. The central opening can have a shoulder for engaging a rim or similar protrusion formed about the perimeter of the dirty air outlet nozzle. Additionally, protrusions are located on the anchor member that align with voids in the vacuum bag collar to ensure that correct alignment of the vacuum bag has been achieved.

Abstract: A method for filtering a dirty air stream in a vacuum cleaner to obtain a clean air stream comprises subjecting the dirty air stream to a first cyclonic separation stage to obtain a partially cleaned air stream and subjecting the partially cleaned air stream to an electronic filtration stage and optionally a second cyclonic separation stage to obtain the clean air stream. The electronic filtration stage is optionally removable with a cyclonic cleaning stage from the vacuum cleaner. The electronic filtration stage is optionally an electrostatic precipitator which utilizes air flow through the vacuum cleaner to generate the voltage used by the electrostatic precipitator.

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 electric vacuum cleaner is further provided with a lid opening mechanism (lid opening stick (35) for forcibly opening the lid member (32) in cooperation with the lock mechanism locking the lid member. Even when the sealing pressure of the packing is high or when the accumulated dust does not weigh on the lid member because the dust is compacted on the inner wall of the dust collecting case, the lid member can be opened without difficulty to discharge the dust, without opening it by hand. Thus, the user can avoid handling unsanitary dust.

Abstract: A cyclone separating apparatus and a vacuum cleaner having the same are disclosed. More specifically, the cyclone separating apparatus for a vacuum cleaner comprises a first cyclone for separating drawn-in air, and a plurality of second cyclones installed on an outer periphery of the first cyclone to enclose the first cyclone. Accordingly, because a plurality of the cyclones separates dust, and a bulky structure is improved to a compact structure, suction force deterioration does not occur, and, dust-collecting efficiency is increased.

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 cyclone outlet assembly with a frusto-conical dirt blocking plate minimizes clogging at the outlet of the cyclone separator. An upright vacuum cleaner with a cyclone separator is mounted on and in fluid communication with an elongated rigid tube that forms part of a working air conduit and also forms part of an upright handle that is pivotally mounted to a base module with a suction nozzle upstream from a conventional bag filter in a dirty air or clean air dust collection vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a first housing defining a cyclonic airflow chamber and a second housing defining a main suction opening that is in communication with an inlet of the cyclonic chamber. A suction source has a suction airstream inlet in communication with an outlet of the cyclonic chamber, and establishes a suction airstream that enters said main suction opening, passes through said cyclonic chamber, and passes to an outlet of said suction source. A substantial portion of particulates entrained in the suction airstream are separated therefrom when said suction airstream moves in a cyclonic fashion through the cyclonic chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cyclone-type dust collecting apparatus for a vacuum cleaner, that includes a cyclone body having an air inlet port and an air outlet port, for forming a vortex current of air which is introduced through the air inlet port and contains dust, a dust collecting container removably coupled to the cyclone body so as to collect the dust separated by centrifugal force of the vortex current in the cyclone body, a double grill assembly disposed at an upstream portion of the air outlet port in the cyclone body to prevent the air from flowing back through the air outlet port, and having a dual structure having an outer grill and an inner grill, and a fine dust collecting means disposed at a downstream portion of the double grill assembly in the cyclone body to collect fine dust which is not removed by the double grill assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cyclone separating apparatus, and a vacuum cleaner having the same. The cyclone separating apparatus includes a first cyclone separating dust from dust-ladened air. A plurality of second cyclones centrifugally separate fine dust particles from air which is first separated at the first cyclone. A dust collecting unit detachably connects to the first and the second cyclones. The dust collecting unit separately collects large dust particles separated at the first cyclone, and fine dust particles separated at the second cyclone. Accordingly, a more compact cyclone separating apparatus can be realized with improved suction efficiency and dust collecting efficiency.

Abstract: A cyclonic vacuum cleaner with simple structure, low airflow leakage, excellent maintainability, and less possibility of littering a floor in the case of dumping dusts or care of the cleaner. A cyclonic portion 14 of an approximately cylindrical shape, having a bottom, an introducing portion 15 for introducing dust-laden airflow to the cyclonic portion 14, and a reinforcing rib 35 provided on a lowermost end of the dust-collecting portion 11 for allowing it to stand on end, are formed into a one-piece structure. Thus, the structure from the introducing portion 15 to the cyclonic portion 14 can be simplified and the possibility of airflow leakage can be reduced. Also, maintenance of the cyclonic portion 14 and the introducing portion 15 can be easily performed through the detachment of the dust-collecting portion 11 together with the introducing portion 15.

Abstract: A bagless vacuum cleaner (10) includes a nozzle assembly (16) having a suction nozzle for picking up dirt and debris from a surface to be cleaned and a canister assembly (18) including a cavity (32). A dust collection assembly (12) is received and held in that cavity (32). The dust collection assembly (12) includes a filtering subassembly (100) and a dust container (102). The dust container (102) has an open top (104), a bottom wall (106), a first cylindrical sidewall (108), an inlet (110), and a downwardly directed outlet (112) extending through the bottom wall. An airstream conduit is provided for conveying a vacuum airstream between the suction nozzle and the inlet. A filter (124, 138) is carried on the filtering subassembly (100). A sweeper (200) rotates relative to the filtering subassembly (100) to clean dirt and debris from at least a portion of the filter (138).

Abstract: A cyclonic vacuum cleaner having a simple structure with low airflow leakage and excellent maintainability despite its long suction passage. A dust-collecting portion 11 includes a cyclonic portion 14 which is approximately cylinder-shaped, having a bottom and an introducing portion 15 for introducing dust-laden airflow to the cyclonic portion 14. The cyclonic portion 14 and the introducing portion 15 are integrally formed and then a vortex flow generating member 21 is provided in the dust-collecting portion 11. Thus, the structure of the dust-collecting portion can be simplified and thus the dusts can be dumped by detaching the dust-collecting portion 11 together with the introducing portion 15. Consequently, maintenance can be easily performed. Further, as the number of joints can be reduced, possibility of airflow leakage within the suction passage is reduced, so that dust-collecting performance can be enhanced.

Abstract: An improved bag docking assembly for aligning a vacuum bag for engagement with a dirty air outlet nozzle on a vacuum cleaner, and for retaining the vacuum bag in the position of engagement. The assembly incorporates an anchor member and a mounting member. The anchor member serves to attach the bag docking assembly to the vacuum cleaner. The anchor member can be a substantially flat piece of plastic having a central opening for closely receiving the dirty air outlet nozzle on the vacuum cleaner. The central opening can have a shoulder for engaging a rim or similar protrusion formed about the perimeter of the dirty air outlet nozzle. Additionally, protrusions are located on the anchor member that align with voids in the vacuum bag collar to ensure that correct alignment of the vacuum bag has been achieved.

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 electric vacuum cleaner is further provided with a lid opening mechanism (lid opening stick (35) for forcibly opening the lid member (32) in cooperation with the lock mechanism locking the lid member. Even when the sealing pressure of the packing is high or when the accumulated dust does not weigh on the lid member because the dust is compacted on the inner wall of the dust collecting case, the lid member can be opened without difficulty to discharge the dust, without opening it by hand. Thus, the user can avoid handling unsanitary dust.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner is provided. The upright vacuum cleaner includes a nozzle base section including a main suction opening formed in an underside thereof. An upright housing section is hingedly connected with the nozzle base section. The housing section includes a cyclonic airflow chamber and a dirt cup for receiving dirt and dust separated by the cyclonic airflow chamber. A hose connects the nozzle base section to the upright section and is selectively detachable from the nozzle base section. The hose communicates an airstream that flows from the main suction opening to airflow chamber. A suction source is located in one of the upright housing section and the nozzle base section and is in fluid communication with the cyclonic airflow chamber. A filter assembly is located in an airflow chamber upstream from the suction source.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner with a single suction brush having a suction port contacting with a surface to be cleaned, and a vacuum generating device for generating a suction force at the suction port includes an air suction path connected by one end to the vacuum generating device of the suction brush, a dust collecting apparatus connected to the other end of the air suction path for separating and collecting dust and contaminants from an air drawn in through the air suction path, the dust collecting apparatus including: a cyclone-type dust collecting apparatus having a dust chamber of small capacity, causing the drawn air to whirl and thus separate the dust and contaminants from the air by centrifugal force generated by the whirling air, and a pocket-type dust collecting apparatus having a dust pocket of large capacity, and causing the drawn air to pass through the dust pocket, thereby filtering out dust and contaminants from the air, the cyclone-type dust collecting apparatus and the pocket-type dust collecting appar

Abstract: A cyclone dust collecting apparatus for a canister type vacuum cleaner has a connection pipe connected to a suction brush, a cyclone body, and a dust collecting receptacle provided in the cyclone body. The dust collecting receptacle is positioned alongside the connection pipe, and the contacting side of the connection pipe is contoured to correspond to the shape of the outer contour of the dust collecting apparatus. The mating contact of the connection pipe and the dust collecting receptacle reduces the overall thickness of their coextensive lengths and provides a secure connection therebetween. The resulting compact configuration enables a user to use or carry the cyclone dust collecting apparatus more conveniently.

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: An apparatus for use with a vacuum cleaner filter bag comprises a vacuum cleaner fill tube. The fill tube is configured for the bag to be mounted on the fill tube. The fill tube has an outlet through which a working flow of vacuum cleaner air can exit the fill tube to enter the bag when the bag is mounted on the fill tube. Additionally, the apparatus comprises a valve shiftable into and out of a closed condition in which the valve blocks the air from exiting the fill tube through the outlet.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a first housing defining a cyclonic airflow chamber and a second housing defining a main suction opening that is in communication with an inlet of the cyclonic chamber. A suction source has a suction airstream inlet in communication with an outlet of the cyclonic chamber, and establishes a suction airstream that enters said main suction opening, passes through said cyclonic chamber, and passes to an outlet of said suction source. A substantial portion of particulates entrained in the suction airstream are separated therefrom when said suction airstream moves in a cyclonic fashion through the cyclonic chamber.

Abstract: A cyclone dust collecting device for a vacuum cleaner includes a cyclone body and a cyclone housing for separating the contaminants from the air. The cyclone housing includes a cyclone cover and a dust collecting container. The cyclone cover has a cylindrical shape, one end of which is coupled to the cyclone body. The other end is a slanted end with a through-hole formed therein and a centrally located dome-shaped protrusion. The dust collecting container also has a slanted end, which is detachably engaged with the slanted end of the cyclone cover. The other end of the dust collecting container is tapered to correspond with the slanted end of the cyclone cover. The slanted end of the cyclone cover protects a grill in the cyclone dust collecting device during operation and removal of contaminants from the dust collecting container.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a first housing defining a cyclonic airflow chamber and a second housing defining a main suction opening that is in communication with an inlet of the cyclonic chamber. A suction source has a suction airstream inlet in communication with an outlet of the cyclonic chamber, and establishes a suction airstream that enters said main suction opening, passes through said cyclonic chamber, and passes to an outlet of said suction source. A substantial portion of particulates entrained in the suction airstream are separated therefrom when said suction airstream moves in a cyclonic fashion through the cyclonic chamber.

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: An improved bag docking assembly for aligning a vacuum bag for engagement with a dirty air outlet nozzle on a vacuum cleaner, and for retaining the vacuum bag in the position of engagement. The assembly incorporates an anchor member and a mounting member. The anchor member serves to attach the bag docking assembly to the vacuum cleaner. The anchor member can be a substantially flat piece of plastic having a central opening for closely receiving the dirty air outlet nozzle on the vacuum cleaner. The central opening can have a shoulder for engaging a rim or similar protrusion formed about the perimeter of the dirty air outlet nozzle. Additionally, protrusions are located on the anchor member that align with voids in the vacuum bag collar to ensure that correct alignment of the vacuum bag has been achieved.

Abstract: A cyclonic vacuum cleaner whose components are few enough to simplify maintenance, preventing the leakage of airflow. A dust collecting container 23 includes an outer cyclonic cylinder 21 and an inner cyclonic cylinder 22. The inner cylinder 22 is formed integrally with a vortex flow generating member 30 including outer and inner vortex flow generating portions 32 and 33. The outer portion 32 allows dust-laden air to turn into a vortex flow falling helically along a peripheral inner surface of the outer cylinder 21. The vortex flow is then turned upwardly on a bottom of the container 23, turning into a vortex flow along a peripheral outer surface of the inner cylinder 22. This vortex flow is then turned into a vortex flow along the peripheral inner surface of the inner cylinder 22 by the inner portion 33, turned upwardly in the center of the bottom of the container 23, passing through a mesh filter 45 and finally sucked into an air suction hole 19 of the cleaner body 1.

Abstract: A cyclone dust collecting apparatus includes a cyclone body mounted on a telescopic extension pipe of a vacuum cleaner, a cyclone cover and a dust receptacle. The cyclone cover has a cylindrical cover body, one end of which is closed, and a first contaminants path communicating with a first through hole. The dust receptacle is removably coupled to the cyclone cover and has a cylindrical collecting body and a second contaminants path, which communicates with the first contaminants path. The cyclone dust collecting apparatus has a consistently high dust collecting efficiency, regardless of the cleaning position of the vacuum cleaner, and prevents damage to a grill and contamination of the environment.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes an electric blower generating the suction force; a suction port body on which the suction force of the electric blower acts and which sucks in the dust on the surface to be cleaned; and a centrifugal force dust collection section to collect the dust from the suction port body. The electric blower includes a fan section and a low input type motor to drive the fan section.

Abstract: A cyclonic vacuum cleaner having a simple structure with low airflow leakage and excellent maintainability despite its long suction passage. A dust-collecting portion 11 includes a cyclonic portion 14 which is approximately cylinder-shaped, having a bottom and an introducing portion 15 for introducing dust-laden airflow to the cyclonic portion 14. The cyclonic portion 14 and the introducing portion 15 are integrally formed and then a vortex flow generating member 21 is provided in the dust-collecting portion 11. Thus, the structure of the dust-collecting portion can be simplified and thus the dusts can be dumped by detaching the dust-collecting portion 11 together with the introducing portion 15. Consequently, maintenance can be easily performed. Further, as the number of joints can be reduced, possibility of airflow leakage within the suction passage is reduced, so that dust-collecting performance can be enhanced.

Abstract: This invention is a compressed air vaccum that attaches to an air hose and forces air down the handle. The air is then is forced through a venture, which causes vacuum to occur. It has a baffle deflection piece that stops the liquid and debris from coming up into the venture thus allowing the debris and liquid material to be dropped back into the canister of the vacuum. The handle, venture, and baffle are all one piece. The canister with the pick up tube for sucking is a separate piece and then they snap together. The canister is removable from the handle peice for easy clean up.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes a floor nozzle having a suction inlet and a handle. A housing has a first portion connected to the floor nozzle, a second portion connected to the handle and defines a cavity and at least one chamber. A dirt cup assembly is releasably connected to the housing and is at least partially received by the cavity. The dirt cup assembly defines a cyclonic airflow chamber and includes a wall. An inlet duct is defined on the dirt cup assembly wall and a filter assembly is removably positioned in the dirt cup assembly.

Abstract: An improved two-stage separator uses reusable containers for collecting particles separated by each separation stage. The reusable containers are constructed such that a user empties both reusable containers by the actions required to empty just one of the reusable containers.

Abstract: For use with vacuum cleaner bags of the type having a substantially rigid collar surrounding the bag opening, and with vacuum cleaners of the type having a dirty air outlet nozzle, a vacuum bag docking assembly is shown and described. The assembly incorporates an anchor member having a central opening for closely receiving the dirty air outlet nozzle. The assembly also incorporates a mounting member which engages the collar on the vacuum bag to secure the bag to the bag mounting member. The bag mounting member is pivotally connected to the anchor member, and moves between a loading position in which the bag can be inserted or removed from the mounting member, and a working position in which the bag opening engages the dirty air outlet nozzle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transporting a flow of air and particulates through a vacuum cleaner. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an intake body having an intake opening configured to receive the flow of air into particulates. An airflow propulsion device is coupled to the intake opening to draw the flow through the intake opening and through a flow passage having an approximately constant flow area. The flow continues through one or more conduits from the propulsion device to a filter element housed in a filter housing where the particulates are separated from the flow of air.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes an upright housing section and a nozzle base section. A cyclonic airflow dirt and dust separating chamber is defined in the upright housing section. A suction source pulls air and entrained dirt, dust, and other contaminants through a main suction opening formed in the underside of the nozzle base section and into the cyclonic airflow chamber. The cyclonic airflow chamber causes the suction airstream to travel in a cyclonic path such that the entrained contaminants are separated therefrom and deposited into a dirt container that defines the chamber. A main filter element filters residual contaminants from the suction airstream between the chamber and the suction source. An exhaust filter housing includes an airstream suction duct in fluid communication with an outlet of the airflow chamber and an inlet of the suction source. An outlet of the suction source is in fluid communication with an exhaust plenum of the exhaust filter housing.