Separator Element Cleaning In Situ And/or Storage Or Removal Of Retained Dirt Patents (Class 15/352)
  • Patent number: 6740144
    Abstract: A device for filtering a dirty air stream in a vacuum cleaner to obtain a clean air stream includes 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Fantom Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Ernest Conrad, Helmut Gerhard Conrad
  • Patent number: 6735818
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes a secure handle on an upper part of a dust collecting portion. The handle may be used for transporting both the dust collection portion and the upright vacuum cleaner. The handle allows simplified construction, reduced costs, and increased user safety. An attachment mechanism provides secure double locking protection against accidental separation without simultaneous two-part operation and has a latching hook and a locking part which positively engage the dust collection portion and the vacuum cleaner body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsuo Hamada, Kazuyoshi Yoshimi, Atsushi Okuda, Naoki Suetsugu
  • Patent number: 6735816
    Abstract: An upright-type vacuum cleaner in which a cyclone body is connected to and separated from a cleaner body without the use of a separate tool. The upright-type vacuum cleaner has a cleaner body having a suction brush formed at a lower part, and a vacuum-generating device built therein. A cyclone unit for separating dust from the air drawn through a suction passage is connected with the suction brush, and discharges the cleaned air through a discharging passage connected with the vacuum-generating device. A dust-container is removably connected with a lower part of the cyclone unit, for collecting the separated dust by the cyclone unit. The cyclone unit has a locking handle, and a handle connection portion for removably connecting with the locking handle, formed on a corresponding place on the cleaner body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jang-Keun Oh, Min-jo Choi
  • Patent number: 6735817
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner (A) includes an upright housing section (B) and a nozzle section (C). A cyclonic airflow dirt and dust separating chamber (54) is defined in said upright housing section. A suction source (E) pulls air and entrained dirt, dust, and other contaminants through a main suction opening (26) formed in the underside (24) of the nozzle and into the cyclonic airflow chamber (54). 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 (52) that defines the chamber (54). A main filter element (K) filters residual contaminants from the suction airstream between the chamber and the suction source. The main filter element is preferably made from high-density polyethylene porous filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Bair, Richard C. Gibbs, Mark E. Reindle, Michael F. Wright
  • Publication number: 20040088819
    Abstract: A dirt cup for a vacuum cleaner includes a housing defining a dirt collection chamber, an inlet and an outlet in the housing in fluid communication with the dirt collection chamber and a selectively attachable and detachable filter holder on the housing external to the dirt collection chamber and downstream from the outlet. A vacuum cleaner incorporating the dirt cup is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Danielle M. Hafling, Joel E. Hitzelberger, Alan T. Pullins
  • Patent number: 6732406
    Abstract: An upright type vacuum cleaner has a separately removable dust barrel. The vacuum cleaner includes a suction brush and a cleaner body having a dust chamber, a motor driving chamber housing a motor, an air inflow path, and an air outflow path for interconnecting the upper dust chamber and the lower motor driving chamber. A cyclone body is mounted in the dust chamber, and a dust barrel removably mounted to a lower side of the cyclone body. The vacuum cleaner further includes a fine dust filtering portion removably disposed in the air outflow path. The vacuum cleaner also includes a locking/unlocking portion that detaches the dust barrel from the cyclone body. Accordingly, a user can dispose of collected contaminants and dust without having to remove the entire cyclone dust collecting apparatus, but rather by removing only the dust barrel from the dust chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Samsung Kwangju Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jang-keun Oh
  • Patent number: 6732403
    Abstract: The subject invention provides a portable cleaning assembly. The assembly includes a vacuum body and a vacuum unit. The vacuum body has a receiving channel extending from the top of the vacuum body. The assembly further includes a waste container supported on top of the vacuum body, wherein the bottom of the waste container is supported. The bottom of the waste container also separates the vacuum body from the waste container, such that waste container is separate and distinct from the vacuum body and removable from the vacuum body. A transport mechanism supports the vacuum body and the waste container thereof for moving the vacuum body and the waste container across the area while applying the vacuum and for independently filling the waste container with waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventors: Glen E. Moore, Susan J. Williamson
  • Patent number: 6726736
    Abstract: A system and method for reducing the emissions from a dust generation station, such as a metal cutting station, can be easily transported from location to location. The system uses a mobile carrier which supports a separator, such as a baghouse, as well as a telescopically adjustable duct. A hood, which is attached to the duct and serves to contain exhaust gases generated at the dust generating station, is capable of rotation about the hood pivot point. An exhaust fan serves to induce flow of the exhaust gas from the hood, through the duct and across the separator. A mobile, emission-free metal cutting system incorporates the system for reducing emissions as well as a mobile transport cutting machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: International Mill Service, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Koclejda, Michael Simek
  • Publication number: 20040064912
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dust and dirt collecting unit for a vacuum cleaner capable of simultaneously performing a primary cyclonic dust collection and a secondary filter dust collection. The dust and dirt collecting unit of the present invention is arranged on one side of the vacuum cleaner for filtering air containing foreign materials. The dust and dirt collecting unit includes a dust casing which has an inlet formed tangentially on the dust casing with an open top portion. A cover may be arranged for opening and closing the top portion of the dust casing. An outlet is provided at the center of the cover for discharging air from which the foreign materials have been filtered out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Heon Pyeong Ji, Bong Ju Kim
  • Patent number: 6712868
    Abstract: A bagless canister vacuum cleaner includes a selectively removable dirt cup, and an airstream flows rotationally through the dirt cup between an interior wall of the dirt cup and a filter assembly selectively mounted in the dirt cup so that entrained contaminants are separated from the airstream flowing through the dirt cup and collected by the dirt cup. The filter lies substantially parallel to the support surface on which the vacuum cleaner is supported. A cover member is connected to the main housing, and the cover member is selectively movable to and held in an operative position in covering relation with an open first end of a dirt cup. The main housing defines a base conformed to self-support the main housing on a support surface with the dirt cup arranged with its open first end at a higher elevation than its closed second end. The removable dirt cup includes a handle adapted for being held by a user, and the dirt cup defines or includes a spout to facilitate emptying dirt therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: John S. Murphy, Robert A. Matousek, Jeffrey M. Kalman, Craig M. Saunders, Richard C. Farone, David DiNunzio, Mark E. Cipolla, Paul D. Stephens, Michael F. Wright, Robert A. Salo
  • Patent number: 6706086
    Abstract: A dust filter bag having a highly porous backing material ply and a method for producing the dust filter bag. The dust filter bag includes at least one filter material ply and at least one backing material ply, the backing material ply possessing an air permeability of at least 900 l/m2 x s, a burst strength of at least 70 kPa, a rupture strength longitudinally better than 10 and transversely better than 3 N, a flexural rigidity longitudinally better than 0.5 cN cm2 and transversely better than 0.25 cN cm2, a basis weight of 30-80 g/m2 and a droplet sink-in time of less than 10 minimum. The dust filter bag can be produced by the following steps: mixing fibers including cellulose fibers and fusible fibers into a homogenous fiber mix, processing the fiber mix into a fiber web by wet laying, drying the fiber web, curing the dried fiber web by thermofusion into a backing material ply, processing the backing material ply with a filter material ply into a raw bag, and finishing the raw bag into a dust filter bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: FiberMark Gressner GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dietmar Emig, Ernst Raabe, Albrecht Klimmek
  • Publication number: 20040045119
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Samuel Ponjican, Charles W. Reynolds, Christopher M. Peterson, Dennis T. Lamb, Paul A. Moshenrose
  • Patent number: 6702939
    Abstract: A sewer-cleaning tool includes a sleeve is sized to have an inside diameter incrementally greater than the outside diameter of the pipe. A sleeve is sized to have an inside diameter incrementally greater than the outside diameter of the pipe. A scoop, having a spoon shaped main body, is carried by a lower portion of the sleeve. A fence assembly includes left and right fence segments attached along their lower edges to the scoop and at an upper rear location to the sleeve. A reinforcement assembly includes left and right rods connected to an upper and forward location on the left and right fence segments, respectively, and to the sleeve. In operation, a water hose delivers water upstream of the cleaning tool, causing debris to be washed to the tool and evacuated, while the water moves through the fence assembly, increasing the ratio of debris to water collected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventors: Ronald L. Thompson, William R. Peacock
  • Publication number: 20040025285
    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).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Michael J. McCormick, Henry Marcussen, J. Erik Hitzelberger, Tamaki Nishikori, Richard Eric Downey
  • Publication number: 20040010885
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a housing including a nozzle assembly and a canister assembly. A dirt container is connected to the housing. The dirt container includes a collection chamber and a combined handle and inlet flow passageway. An airstream conduit conveys a vacuum airstream from the nozzle to the inlet flow passageway. A fan and motor assembly generates the vacuum airstream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: J. Erik Hitzelberger, Danielle M. Hafling, Amy N. Mudd
  • Patent number: 6669761
    Abstract: A multi-layer air filter is described, including a filter layer which is covered by a prefilter layer on the dust-laden gas side, which has a laid dry electrostatically effective nonwoven fabric, preferably a staple fiber nonwoven fabric, whose area weight is 10 through 100 g/m2. In particular, the filter may be used as a vacuum cleaner bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Carl Freudenberg KG
    Inventors: Wolfram Schultheiss, Armin Greiner, Silke Frank
  • Publication number: 20030221278
    Abstract: The cyclone-type dust-collecting apparatus for a vacuum cleaner according to the disclosed invention has a grill cleaning means for automatically removing fine dusts covering the grill when the cleaner is in use. The grill cleaning means preferably comprises a grill rotating means for rotating the grill while the cleaner is in use and a dusting member disposed to extend along one side of the inner cyclone body to contact the outer circumference of the rotating grill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: Jang-keun Oh
  • Publication number: 20030217432
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner including a cleaner body having a motor chamber in which a vacuum motor is mounted and a dust-collecting chamber which is divided from the motor chamber by a partition and is in fluid communication with the motor chamber via a passage path formed on the partition, the dust-collecting chamber being provided with an air inflow hole formed at a side thereof and having access to the outside. Either a disposable paper filter or a reusable filter act as a dust-collecting means and are selectively mounted in the dust-collecting chamber of the cleaner body, for separating and collecting the dust and dirt from the air that is drawn in through the air inflow hole. The dust collecting chamber is provided with a filter supporting means for stably supporting either of the paper filter or the reusable filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventors: Jang-Keun Oh, Dong-Hun Yoo
  • Patent number: 6647587
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoyuki Ohara, Saburo Kajikawa, Tomonori Kato, Hiroshi Mori, Kouichi Ito, Shin Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20030208879
    Abstract: A cyclone-type dust collecting apparatus having a dust removing portion for removing from the grill portion the dust and foreign substances that become attached to the grill portion of the grill member while the grill portion is rotated by the vortex air of the cyclone body. The dust removing portion includes rotating means disposed at a lower portion of the grill member for rotation by an air current passing therethrough; a rotary member rotatably connected to the rotating means, and disposed separate from an end of the grill member by a predetermined distance; and a brush member having one side connected to the rotary member and the other side being disposed in contact with the grill portion of the grill member for removing the dust and foreign substances from the grill portion. As the cleaning operation starts, the brush member inside of the cyclone-type dust collecting apparatus is rotated by the vortex current generated therein, to remove dust or contaminants from the grill portion of the grill member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Jang-keun Oh, Hyoung-jong Jin
  • Publication number: 20030208878
    Abstract: A removable dirt separation system for a vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The dirt separation system includes a dirt cup having a number of outer walls having a first portion defined by a filter assembly and a second portion with a first translucent panel to allow viewing material which accumulates within the dirt cup. The dirt cup further includes a top opening allow emptying of the dirt cup and an inlet in fluid communication with a suction nozzle of the vacuum cleaner. The dirt separation system further includes a lid for sealing the upper opening of the dirt cup. The dirt separation system yet further include a dirt duct for routing air which exits the filter assembly to an exit opening of the dirt separation system. A method of operating a removable dirt separation system for a vacuum cleaner is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: William G. Alford, Jerry L. Balzer, Greg A. Bilek, Joseph A. Garisto, Erik D. Lesco, David C. Kumpf, Edgar G. Maurer, David P. Parks, Jackson W. Wegelin
  • Patent number: 6640385
    Abstract: A cyclone dust collecting apparatus for a vacuum cleaner includes a cyclone body and a separately removable contaminant receptacle. The cyclone body, which is fixed to a fan motor portion of a cleaner body, separates contaminants from the air that is drawn into the cleaner body. The cyclone body having a contaminant outlet, through which the contaminants are discharged. The contaminant receptacle is removably coupled to a lower side of the cyclone body and receiving the contaminants through a contaminant inlet that is aligned with the contaminant outlet of the cyclone body. Since the contaminant receptacle is removable independent of the cyclone body, it is smaller, lighter and easier for a user to handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Samsung Kwangju Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jang-keun Oh, Jang-youn Ko
  • Patent number: 6638329
    Abstract: A filter for filtering dust-containing air including a filter insert (2) and a cleaning device (3) having a contact element (6) mechanically contacting the filter insert along an end edge (4a/4b) of a folded dust filter element (5) forming part of the filter insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Peter Gerold
  • Publication number: 20030182757
    Abstract: A filtration arrangement of a vacuum cleaner includes a floor-engaging base unit, a body portion pivotally mounted on the base unit and a suction motor/fan assembly located in either the base unit or body portion. A dustcup is mounted on the body portion and is in fluid communication with a first air path so as to receive dirt laden air therefrom. A cyclonic member is disposed over the dustcup and is effective for imparting rotational motion to the dirt laden air entering the dustcup. An air tube is mounted centrally within the dustcup and extends from the bottom of the dustcup to an area near the top of the dustcup. A removable filter member is disposed over the top portion of the air tube. The removable filter has a central opening that cooperatively engages the top portion of the air tube to establish a second air path that extends from inside the dustcup to outside atmosphere through the suction motor/fan assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Applicant: White Consolidated Ltd.
    Inventor: Arnold L. Sepke
  • Patent number: 6625845
    Abstract: In an electric vacuum cleaner, in a suction air passage provided between a nozzle unit having a nozzle and an electric blower for producing a suction air flow, a separator for separating dust from the suction air flow is arranged. In the separator, a dust collection chamber for collecting the separated dust is provided. The separator is fitted with an exhaust tube having an outlet, fitted with a filter, formed in the peripheral surface thereof so that the suction air flow is exhausted out of the separator through the exhaust tube to the downstream side of the suction air passage. The separator is fitted with a cleaning member having a brush for cleaning the filter. When the cleaning member is moved with the brush keeping contact with the filter, the dust that has settled on the filter is raked off. The cleaning member is moved through manual operation, with a motor, or by the suction air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yukimichi Matsumoto, Hiroshi Ota, Yuji Onishi, Kenji Kimura, Takayuki Tujii, Masahiro Sato, Kouji Ninomiya, Kazumasa Hayashi
  • Patent number: 6626969
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a vacuum cleaner filter bag on a vacuum cleaner fill tube includes a filter bag panel. The panel is configured to be grasped by a hand to mount the bag on the fill tube. The panel has an inner edge defining an opening for receiving the fill tube when the bag is mounted on the fill tube. The panel further has an outer edge. A first recessed section of the outer edge is sized and shaped to receive a single finger of the hand when the hand grasps the panel. The first recessed section has a first innermost location. A second recessed section of the outer edge is sized and shaped to receive the thumb of the hand when the hand grasps the panel. The second recessed section has a second innermost location. The innermost locations are spaced apart from each other along an imaginary straight line extending across the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: The Scott Fetzer Company
    Inventor: Daniel L. Steele
  • Patent number: 6618898
    Abstract: An animal waste vacuum having a main body mounted upon wheels and a handle to maneuver vacuum's nozzle opening and intake tube over animal excrement. A vacuum motor creates suction and draws animal excrement through a nozzle opening and up an intake tube into a waste bag. A waste bag, in which the animal excrement is collected, prevents animal waste from contacting any component of the vacuum. A plastic tubing dispenser ring fits over the intake tube and contains thin plastic tubing that acts as a liner in the intake tube during use. The liner prevents animal excrement from contacting the interior of the intake tube during use. Alternative liners, such as common plastic grocery bags, may also be used. The waste bag and intake tube are accessible through a removable lid. The intake tube is removable and easy to clean. The animal waste vacuum is used from a standing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: Charles Wayne Tingle
  • Patent number: 6615444
    Abstract: A dirt collecting system for a vacuum cleaner includes a dirt cup having a dirt collecting chamber. The dirt cup is removably inserted into the housing of a vacuum cleaner. When the dirt cup is inserted into the housing, the dirt cup is fluidly connected to the suction nozzle and a suction source. The dirt cup is provided with a pivotally connected lid and a thumb tab located on the lid. The thumb tab is used to move the lid into the open position when the dirt cup is emptied. A handle is provided on the front of the dirt cup for grasping the dirt cup during removal from the vacuum cleaner housing and during emptying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: The Hoover Company
    Inventors: James A. McGilll, David M. J. Allgeier
  • Publication number: 20030159237
    Abstract: A cyclone dust collecting apparatus for a vacuum cleaner for easy removal of contaminants from a grill assembly. The cyclone dust collecting apparatus has a cyclone body that has a first connection pipe connected to an extension pipe adjacent to a suction port of the vacuum cleaner, a second connection pipe connected to the extension pipe adjacent to a body of the vacuum cleaner and, an air inflow port interconnected with the first connection pipe. An air outflow port is interconnected with the second connection pipe. The cyclone body is adapted to form an air flow vortex of contaminant-laden air that is drawn in through the air inflow port. A dust receptacle is removably connected to the cyclone body for receiving contaminants separated from the air by the vortex.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventor: Jang-Keung Oh
  • Publication number: 20030159236
    Abstract: A cyclone dust collecting apparatus for a vacuum cleaner for easy removal of contaminants from a grill assembly. The cyclone dust collecting apparatus has a cyclone body for forming a vortex flow of contaminant-laden air that is drawn in through the air inflow port. The cyclone body includes a first connection pipe connected to an extension pipe adjacent to a suction port of the vacuum cleaner, a second connection pipe connected to the extension pipe adjacent to a body of the vacuum cleaner. An air inflow port is interconnected with the first connection pipe, and an air outflow port is interconnected with the second connection pipe. A dust receptacle is removably connected to the cyclone body for receiving contaminants separated from the air by the vortex.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventor: Jang-keun Oh
  • Publication number: 20030159235
    Abstract: A cyclone dust collecting apparatus for a vacuum cleaner for easy removal of contaminants from a grill assembly. The apparatus having a cyclone body connected to a suction port of the vacuum cleaner with an air inflow port and an air outflow port for forming a vortex of a contaminant-laden air drawn in through the air inflow port. A removable dust receptacle attached to the cyclone body. In the receptacle a grill assembly having a plurality of longitudinal slots is disposed at the air outflow port of the cyclone body. The grill assembly prevents a reverse flow of contaminants, and includes a contaminant removing member or sweeper movably mounted along the circumference of the grill body to remove contaminants collected on the grill. The movement of the sweeper is controlled by an external knob by a rack and pinion connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Applicant: Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jang-Keun Oh
  • Publication number: 20030145419
    Abstract: An air exhaust structure for an upright-type vacuum cleaner capable of a convenient use by providing a filter cover which is not easily opened by a discharging pressure of the air, while the filter cover is easily opened and closed by the user. The air exhaust structure of an upright-type vacuum cleaner has a frame having a duct formed at a side of the cleaner body to communicate with the motor driving chamber, a support member protruded from an inside wall of the duct, a filter, a filter cover having a grill portion disposed at the frame; and a removable means for opening and closing the filter cover. The removable means includes a hook formed at a front end of the filter cover and a locking hole having a locking protrusion disposed at the frame placed at a corresponding position of the hook.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Jung-seon Park, Il-won Yang, Hyung-il Jeon
  • Publication number: 20030145421
    Abstract: An upright type vacuum cleaner has a cleaner body having a vacuum generating apparatus disposed therein and a suction brush disposed at a lower portion; a cyclone unit for separating contaminants from contaminant-laden air and discharging a contaminant-free air through an outflow passage interconnected with the vacuum generating apparatus, the contaminant-laden air being drawn in through an inflow passage interconnected with the suction brush; a dust receptacle removably connected to an underside of the cyclone unit for collecting the contaminants separated by the cyclone unit; a longitudinally movable locking unit for connecting to and separating the dust receptacle from a lower portion of the cyclone unit by longitudinally moving the dust receptacle upward and downward; and a means for preventing an incorrect connection of the dust receptacle to the lower side of the cyclone unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: Min-Jo Choi
  • Publication number: 20030140448
    Abstract: A quick change, self-contained vacuum system includes a debris container with an input opening and a pressure head that is configured to receive a fluid under a high pressure and which includes a low pressure inlet and an exhaust port. A guide pin may be provided along with a body that is selectively engageable with the pressure head and the guide pin. The body includes a bore having a first port communicating with the exhaust port of the pressure head and a second port communicating with the input opening of the debris container. The vacuum system further includes a shutoff valve that is operable in response to movement of the guide pin. In operation, movement of the guide pin relative to the body in one direction establishes locking engagement of the pressure head and the body along with a response by the shutoff valve to establish fluid communication between the exhaust port of the pressure head and the input opening of the debris container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Peter Dzung Nguyen, Alan Graham Worrell
  • Patent number: 6598263
    Abstract: A dirt collecting system for a vacuum cleaner includes a dirt cup formed with a coarse particle separation chamber and a fine particle separation chamber separated by an apertured wall. Coarse dirt particles directed into the coarse particle separation chamber are prevented from entering the fine particle separation chamber by the apertured wall. The apertured wall is removable from the dirt cup and is cleaned upon removal by a cleaning element. A fine particle filter is located in the fine particle separation chamber for filtering fine particles. The fine particle filter is cleaned by rotating a knob located in the dirt cup lid so that the pleats of the fine particle filter is brushed past a wiper element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: The Hoover Company
    Inventors: David J. Boles, Nick M. Bosyj, David A. Bradshaw, Charles R. Morrow, Rodney J. Svik, Kevin S. Waltz
  • Patent number: 6596044
    Abstract: A dirt collecting system for a vacuum cleaner includes a dirt cup formed with a first dirt collecting chamber and a second dirt collecting chamber separated by an apertured wall. An inlet opening is formed in the dirt cup and communicates with the first dirt collecting chamber for inputting a stream of dirt laden air into the first dirt collecting chamber. An exhaust opening is formed in the second dirt collecting chamber for allowing the filtered air stream to exit the dirt cup. The aperture wall includes a pre-filter for filtering coarse particles from a stream of dirt laden air and depositing the coarse particles in the first dirt collecting chamber. A filter member is positioned within the second dirt collecting chamber and communicates with the exhaust port. The filter element filters fine particles from the air stream and deposits the fine particles within the second dirt collecting chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: The Hoover Company
    Inventors: Greg A. Bilek, Steven W. Blate, Nick M. Bosyi, Donald A. Coates, Arne J. Diehl, Kurt D. Harsh, Raymond L. Lawter, Jackson W. Wegelin
  • Publication number: 20030131441
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Applicant: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: John S. Murphy, Jeffrey M. Kalman, David J. Boll
  • Patent number: 6591446
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes an upright housing section and a nozzle section. A cyclonic airflow dirt and dust separating chamber is defined in said 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 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. The main filter element is preferably made from high-density polyethylene porous filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Bair, Richard C. Gibbs, Mark E. Reindle, Michael F. Wright
  • Patent number: 6588056
    Abstract: A web trim collection system having an air pressure system to move web trim. A divert bin operable in a first position to allow the web trim to be deposited in a collection bin. The divert bin is also operable in a second position to intercept the web trim, so as to allow the collection bin to be removed from the collection system while the collection system continues to collect trim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Russell W. Holbrook, Edward M. Ifkovits, Douglas G. Long, Daniel J. Williams
  • Patent number: 6588055
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes an upright housing section and a nozzle section. A cyclonic airflow dirt and dust separating chamber is defined in said 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 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. The main filter element is preferably made from high-density polyethylene porous filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: National City Bank
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Bair, Richard C. Gibbs, Mark E. Reindle, Michael F. Wright
  • Patent number: 6588054
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes an upright housing section and a nozzle section. A cyclonic airflow dirt and dust separating chamber is defined in said 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 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. The main filter element is preferably made from high-density polyethylene porous filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: National City Bank
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Bair, Richard C. Gibbs, Mark E. Reindle, Michael F. Wright
  • Publication number: 20030121121
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Applicant: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichi Nakai, Atsuo Hamada, Kazumasa Kamatani, Kazuyoshi Yoshimi, Akihiro Yoneyama
  • Patent number: 6582489
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Polar Light Limited
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Patent number: 6578230
    Abstract: An upright-type vacuum cleaner includes a cleaner body having a dust collecting chamber and a motor driving chamber, a suction brush, and a cyclone dust collecting device removably mounted on the dust collecting chamber. The cyclone dust collecting device includes a cover, first and second cyclone bodies for centrifuging and collecting contaminants entrained in the air, a lower door, and an outlet pipe. The second cyclone body includes a grill having a plurality of perforations formed therein to filter out small particle contaminants. The lower door is removably mounted on a lower end of the first cyclone body, and the outlet pipe discharges the clean air. The cyclone dust collecting device prevents a backflow of contaminants, thereby, collecting contaminants are more effectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Samsung Kwangju Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyu-Chang Park, Jang-Keun Oh
  • Patent number: 6574829
    Abstract: A leaf receptacle lid attaches to a hand-held portable lawn blower/vacuum having an inlet for drawing air and leaves into the blower/vacuum and having a hose outlet for discharging the air and leaves. The lid contains a vertical chute and an overhanging horizontal lip. The chute is adapted to hold a flexible leaf receptacle and the overhanging lip is adapted to rest upon a support. The lid also contains a hinged door having an opening connected to the frame. The lid further contains a porous conduit having an inlet adapted to removably connect to the hose outlet of the blower/vacuum and having an outlet that communicates with the opening in the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventors: Hubert W. Marcum, Stephen M. DeVore
  • Patent number: 6569218
    Abstract: A method of using vacuum-cleaner filters includes mounting a cylindrical-shaped filter cartridge coaxially on a rotatable spindle. Then air is drawn radially through a filter material wall of the filter cartridge. Periodically, the cartridge filter on the spindle is spun to dislodge any debris entrapped in the filter material by centrifugal force. Air flow is selectively drawn or pushed radially through a filter material wall of the filter cartridge. A clutch disposed between a motor and the spindle is used to periodically spin the cartridge filter on the spindle to dislodge any debris entrapped in the filter material by centrifugal force. Preferably, a motor that can be run in either a forward direction or a reverse direction is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Inventor: David Edmond Dudley
  • Patent number: 6560816
    Abstract: A central vacuum cleaner system is mounted within the wall of a building and includes an in wall mounted enclosure. The enclosure has a front door moveable between open and closed positions, and a vacuum cleaner bag holder in the enclosure moveable between closed and open positions, so that the door engages the holder when the door is moved from the open to the closed position, thereby moving the bag holder from its open to its closed position. A conduit extends from at least one remotely located hose inlet connector to a distal end within the enclosure, with the distal end being inserted into a bag carried by the bag holder when the bag holder is moved to the closed position. A vacuum source, preferably within the enclosure, is adapted to draw air from the inlet connector into the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Vacs America, Inc.
    Inventor: Clyde W. Harrelson, II
  • Publication number: 20030084536
    Abstract: A bagless vacuum cleaner having a removable dust extraction and collection unit. The removable dust extraction and collection unit has an enclosed inlet chamber and an enclosed outlet chamber. The bottom wall of the enclosed inlet chamber is pivotally hinged such that the bottom wall can be alternatively opened and closed. When opened, accumulated dust within the inlet chamber is conveniently gravitated out of the dust extraction and collection unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventor: Billy Yung
  • Patent number: 6540804
    Abstract: An air cleaner includes a fan unit (1; 1′) and a filter unit (3) that is entirely replaceable, where the fan unit (1; 1′) and the filter unit (3) are mutually connected by a quick coupling and the filter unit includes a filter and an exterior casing that defines an exterior of the air cleaner when the air cleaner is in an operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Blue Air AB
    Inventor: Johan Wennerström
  • Patent number: 6536075
    Abstract: A waste recuperating electrical apparatus (13) composed of a suction device that includes in particular an electric motor (20) and a suction turbine (22), a suction aperture (16a), and a tubular filter (1) forming a waste receptacle. The apparatus (13) further has a housing (14) arranged between the suction aperture (16a) and the suction turbine (22) with both of which it communicates on either side through ducts (16b) and the tubular filter (1) is arranged in the housing (14) such that one of its end orifices (6) is sealed and the opposite end orifice (4) is directly connected to the suction nozzle duct (16b). The filter housing has elements maintaining (3) the filter spaced from the filter (1) housing (14) inner wall so as to increase the volume around the duct enclosing the filter periphery in the suction turbine direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventors: Jacques Bonnet, Jose Saude