Abstract: An ostomy appliance and a mounting disc include an ostomy pouch having a stoma receiving portal. The mounting disc is sealed about the portal and includes a flexible plastic disc having a convex central body portion and a surrounding annular rim. A first foam disc having an outer diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the rim is adhesively adhered to the plastic disc. A second foam disc is adhered to an adhesive face of the first foam disc and has an outer diameter greater than the plastic disc. A hydrocolloid skin shield disc having an outer diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the second foam disc is adhesively adhered to an adhesive face of the second disc.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner base assembly includes a housing and a motor having a driveshaft. The motor is mounted in the housing and a brush is rotatably mounted in the housing in a spaced manner from the motor. An endless belt is looped over the driveshaft and the brush, and extends therebetween. A motor holding bracket is mounted to the housing. The motor holding bracket has a finger which resiliently urges the motor away from the brush, increasing a distance between the driveshaft and the brush, thereby tensioning the belt.

Abstract: A motor is incorporated in a cylindrical body which is a rotary brush. Rotation of a rotor of the motor, directly or via a speed reduction mechanism, drives the rotary brush. Cooling air runs through the cylindrical body so that the motor is cooled and protected. The rotary brush and an electric apparatus using the rotary brush can be downsized and easily.

Abstract: In the invention, a brush body 30 that is rotated and driven by a motor 32 is disposed in a suction unit 2, and dust is sucked from the suction unit 2 by a blower 4, while exhaust of the blower 4 is sent to the suction unit 2 side through an exhaust passage 27. While the exhaust of the blower 4 is blown to the motor 32 exhaust is blown to the floor for lifting the dust from the floor to enhance the dust collection efficiency, and moreover, if the output of the motor 32 for driving the brush 30 is increased, temperature rise of the motor 32 can be suppressed, and thus durability may be enhanced.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner capable of drawing different current levels in vacuum and blower modes is disclosed. The vacuum cleaner comprises at least one electric motor and an impeller disposed in an impeller housing, the impeller driven by the at least one electric motor. A receptacle has an inlet and an orifice in fluid communication with the impeller housing, wherein the impeller creates a low pressure area in the receptacle thereby drawing air into the inlet. An outlet is in air flow communication with the impeller housing, wherein air from the impeller is expelled through the outlet. A switch is associated with the outlet, wherein the switch has a first position in which a first current may be drawn by the at least one motor and a second position in which a second current, less than the first current, may be drawn by the at least one motor. A device is removably attached to the outlet for directing air.

Abstract: In the invention, a brush body 30 that is rotated and driven by a motor 32 is disposed in a suction unit 2, and dust is sucked from the suction unit 2 by a blower 4, while exhaust of the blower 4 is sent to the suction unit 2 side through an exhaust passage 27. While the exhaust of the blower 4 is blown to the motor 32 exhaust is blown to the floor for lifting the dust from the floor to enhance the dust collection efficiency, and moreover, if the output of the motor 32 for driving the brush 30 is increased, temperature rise of the motor 32 can be suppressed, and thus durability may be enhanced.

Abstract: In an electric blower, exhaust air discharged radially from a centrifugal fan is redirected to a motor drive section by a diffuser and a fan cover. The air passes from a ventilation opening on a motor frame and through a bracket to cool the motor drive section. A portion of the air from the centrifugal fan is bled off through exhaust openings without passing over the motor, whereby this portion remains cooler and cleaner than the air that passes over the motor. Air flows up a wand and then passes over the motor to cool the motor. This air passes through filters before being discharged. The portion of air that is bled off passes along a parallel path in the wand to agitate dirt, and to maintain the wand relatively cool. In one embodiment, some of the bled-off portion is discharged directly without passing along the wand.

Abstract: Exhaust from a hand-held vacuum cleaner is directed rearwardly away from its dust bowl nozzle end through rearwardly disposed exhaust ports providing foreign matter pickup at its nozzle end in a manner not disturbed by exhaust turbulence.

Abstract: A motor is incorporated in a cylindrical body which is a rotary brush. Rotation of a rotor of the motor, directly or via a speed reduction mechanism, drives the rotary brush. Cooling air runs through the cylindrical body so that the motor is cooled and protected. The rotary brush and an electric apparatus using the rotary brush can be downsized and easily.

Abstract: Disclosed is a unique and novel air filtrating, self-propelled upright vacuum cleaner. The filtration system utilizes a HEPA-rated air filter as a final filtering element. The disclosed vacuum cleaner contains numerous other features including a self-propelled drive mechanism.

Abstract: A motor comprising two or more rotors (20, 30) rotated by means of a common power supply (6), each rotor (20, 30) having a plurality of poles (22, 32) and being associated with a stator (16, 26) having a plurality of poles (18, 28), wherein the arrangement of rotor poles (22, 32) and stator poles (18, 28) is different for each rotor 920, 30) so that the rotors (20, 30) rotate at different speeds when the common power supply (6) is applied.

Abstract: A battery-powered vacuum cleaner that may be converted from a conventional on-the-floor cleaner to a portable canister cleaner for off-the-floor or on-the-floor cleaning operations. The vacuum cleaner has a filter chamber comprising a removable dirt cup having a substantially flat filter oriented in the direction of air flow. A fan and motor assembly is angularly related to the longitudinal axis of the vacuum cleaner to provide a lower profile of the cleaner housing while cleaning under low clearance objects. A handle is adjustable relative to the housing, or it may be removed to convert the cleaner to a portable canister.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner including a suction fan and a suction fan drive motor also includes a power control circuit with a controller, and a reset toggle. First and second capacitors are positioned with one on each side of the reset toggle. A zener diode is also provided. Together, the capacitors and zener diode function to reduce the susceptibility of the power control circuit to undesired reset in response to relatively small and otherwise insignificant power supply and static discharge spikes.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner capable of exterminating bacteria or bugs that exist in the air sucked into a dust collecting chamber thereof. An exterminating section includes: an operating switch for selecting hot air circulation for exterminating operation; an hot air circulating duct disposed on a rear surface of a front body, connecting an accommodating chamber with a dust collecting chamber of the body, for guiding the air in the accommodating chamber into the dust collecting chamber; and a shutter section for circulating the air of the dust collecting chamber within the body of the vacuum cleaner by closing a suction port so as to prevent the outside air from being sucked into the dust collecting chamber through the suction port when the exterminating function is selected.

Abstract: The invention provides a vacuum cleaner comprising an airflow path having a dirty air inlet (14) and a clean air outlet (44e), a fan (48) for drawing an airflow along the airflow path from the dirty air inlet (14) to the clean air outlet (44e), a motor (50) for driving the fan (48), separating apparatus (18) for separating dirt and dust from the airflow, a pre-motor filter (32) arranged upstream of the motor (50) and a post-motor filter (42) arranged downstream of the motor (50), wherein both the pre-motor filter (32) and the post-motor filter (42) are cylindrical filters.

Abstract: A portable surface cleaning apparatus has a base for movement along a surface to be cleaned and an upright handle pivotally attached to a rearward portion of the base. A fluid dispensing nozzle for applying fluid to the surface and a suction nozzle for picking up fluid and debris from the surface are associated with the base. A clean water holding tank and a detergent holding tank are removably mounted to the handle while a recovery tank is removably mounted to the base. A mixing valve is fluidly connected between the holding tanks and the spray nozzle for changing the mixing ratio of the detergent with respect to the water. The fluid recovery tank includes an integrally molded conduit that extends from the suction nozzle and a mounting for an accessory hose that interrupts the fluid path from the suction nozzle in the conduit and redirects fluid flow through the hose.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a central passage formed by the inside of a casing. The vacuum cleaner is conventional except that two electrically driven fans are provided. The fans are driven respectively by a DC motor 16 and an AC motor. The motors are normally switched ON and OFF individually at the option of a user.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transporting a flow of air and particulates through a vacuum cleaner. The apparatus can include an airflow propulsion device that draws the flow through an intake aperture and propels the flow through two upwardly-extending conduits toward a filter element housed in a filter housing. The conduits can have generally smooth internal walls and a combined flow area less than the flow area of the intake aperture to accelerate the flow upwardly toward the filter element.

Abstract: A high efficiency motor for low velocity and high volume fans and other applications includes an armature, a stator and a motor shaft. The armature is made from plates that collectively have a stack height that give the armature a thickness. The plates are keyed with a keyway and the motor shaft has a key to increase alignment accuracy and armature assembly efficiency. An armature aspect ratio is determined by the armature diameter divided by the armature thickness. Similarly a stator aspect ratio is determined by a stator diameter divided by a stator thickness. The armature and the stator aspect ratios are selected to increase torque output and lower rotational speed of the motor for various power output levels. Magnetic permeability properties of the armature and stator is selected to increase operating efficiency of the motor and decrease motor size.

Abstract: A wet/dry vacuum appliance having enhanced air-handling performance and reduced operating noise is described. In one embodiment, the collector scroll in a wet/dry vacuum is configured so as to isolate the vacuum's impeller from geometries prone to increase operating noise at particular frequencies. Further, the overall geometry and configuration of the air flow path through the power head of the vacuum is such that air-handling performance is enhanced even as noise levels are reduced. In the disclosed embodiment, the wet/dry vacuum is of the detachable power head type, although non-detachable power head implementations are contemplated.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a housing, a nozzle for picking up dirt and debris, and a vacuum generator. The vacuum generator includes a motor and drive shaft, a first fan connected to the drive shaft, a shield including a recess that functions as an air induction chamber for receiving the fan, and an air inlet port formed in the shield. A pathway provides fluid communication between the nozzle and the vacuum generator. A dirt and debris collector in the form of a dust bag is provided in the pathway between the nozzle and the vacuum generator. The vacuum cleaner also includes an infuser that is carried on the shield about the air inlet port. The infuser directs air into the induction chamber in a more efficient manner to improve vacuum cleaner performance.

Abstract: A floor cleaner comprising a base and a filter bag housing, the filter bag housing having a bag cavity which has an undulated inner wall for receiving a filter bag, the undulated wall having a plurality of elongated protrusions and adjacent intermediate elongated air flow recesses. A smooth outer wall is spaced from the inner wall.

Abstract: A motor assembly for use in a vacuum cleaner utilizes a clam-shell type housing having a plurality of shell components that cooperate with each other to define a fan cavity and a motor cavity adjacent to the fan cavity. The housing has a fan cavity inlet and a fan cavity outlet. A field is received in the motor cavity. An armature assembly includes an armature shaft extending through the field and extending into the fan cavity. A pair of brushes are mounted to the housing in the motor cavity, and contact a commutator. A fan blade is disposed in the fan cavity and secured to the armature shaft for rotation together therewith. The fan blade rotates with the armature shaft during motor operation to cause airflow from the fan cavity inlet to the fan cavity outlet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a unique and novel air filtrating, self-propelled upright vacuum cleaner. The filtration system utilizes a HEPA-rated air filter as a final filtering element. The disclosed vacuum cleaner contains numerous other features including a self-propelled drive mechanism.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a backpack enclosure that removably encloses an impeller/motor unit. The backpack enclosure has a substantially block-shaped outer configuration and is made from a pliable cloth material, preferably composed of woven NYLON fibers. Two shoulder straps are attached to the backpack enclosure for carrying the vacuum cleaner. In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention, a vacuum cleaner includes a fanny pack enclosure that removably encloses an impeller/motor unit. The fanny pack enclosure is made from a pliable cloth material, preferably composed of woven NYLON fibers. A harness in the form of a waist strap is attached to the fanny pack enclosure for carrying the vacuum cleaner on the waist of a user.

Abstract: A low noise vacuum cleaner is comprised of a dust collecting chamber having a paper filter, and air blowing chamber partitioned by a wall. The air blowing chamber comprises an air suction motor, a front casing, a rear casing having space established by assembling with the front casing, and the motor being housed in the space, and a first and a second air guiders which are housed in the rear casing. A periphery of the second air guider is sealedly disposed between the joint portion of the front casing and the rear casing.

Abstract: A vacuum appliance is disclosed, comprising a collection canister having a lid and a powerhead housing a motor and impeller assembly for establishing vacuum pressure within said canister. The powerhead is removably secured to the lid of the collection canister, such that the powerhead can be removed from the lid and separately used as a blower. Self-actuationg latching devices are provided for removably securing the powerhead to the lid. In one embodiment, the latching device is a unitary, multi-segmented structure having a spring biasing member and a retaining member formed integrally therewith. A journal formed integrally with the latching device is adapted to be received in a bearing defined in a latch socket on the lid, such that the latching device is allowed to pivot with respect to the lid. The spring biasing member functions to bias the latching device to a home pivot position, such that the latching device automatically engages the powerhead when it is lowered onto the lid.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprises a housing, a motor mounted in the housing, and a switch coupled the motor for actuating the motor to an operative and an inoperative condition. The switch includes an actuator button for moving the switch between an opened and a closed position. A foot pedal is pivotally mounted to the housing and has a bottom surface in an abutting relationship with respect to the actuator button. The foot pedal can include an axle having a pair of flat surfaces which pivotally mount to a slotted circular retainer in the housing. The bottom surface of the foot pedal can include a depending flange which is in abutting relationship with the actuator button. Further, a spring can be disposed between the bottom surface of the foot pedal and the housing to bias the foot pedal away from the switch wherein the spring at least partially surrounds a portion of the foot pedal and at least partially surrounds the actuator button.

Abstract: A wet/dry vacuum device includes a canister unit that is pivotally mounted to an upstanding portion of a support carriage for movement between a lowered, in-use position and a raised, emptying position. Also pivotally attached to the upstanding portion of the support carriage is a lifting assist lever upon which the canister unit rests for movement between the lowered and raised positions. Interposed between the carriage and the lifting assist lever is a device, such as linear acting, fluid spring, for assisting in manually tilting the canister unit. The fluid spring is preferably interconnected to each of the carriage and the lifting assist lever through respective loss motion connections which enable a rather large tilting range for the canister unit while minimizing the required length of the fluid spring.

Abstract: A motor housing for a vacuum cleaner includes a motor chamber supported within a main housing wall. A first airway defined between the motor chamber and the main housing wall provides a pathway for the working air flow within the vacuum cleaner. A second airway is defined through the motor chamber by an inlet opening and a venting outlet. The airway through the motor chamber allows air to flow along and directly encounter the motor during vacuum operation. The air flow through the first airway not only serves as the working air flow, but also as a secondary cooling air flow because the air passes along the exterior surface of the motor chamber and provides a cooling effect.

Abstract: The vacuum cleaner has a hollow first fixing member formed together with a body, and a second fixing member assembled with the first fixing member. The first and the second fixing members are formed with a first and a second ribs respectively. The first and the second ribs form a circular-shaped supporting rib part when the first and the second fixing members are assembled with each other. A rotational shaft of a wheel is inserted into the supporting rib part to be assembled therewith. Thus a port for fixing the wheel need not be formed on the body, and the air drawn into the body is not discharged through such a port. Further, since the rotational shaft does not protrude into the body, it is easier to install components in the body and to disassemble the wheel from the body.

Abstract: A cleaning and extracting unit which includes a housing comprising upper and lower housing sections removably attached to each other. When attached to each other, the lower and upper housing sections collectively define a pair of vacuum pump chambers and a fluid pump chamber. The unit may be provided with one vacuum pump which is received into one of the vacuum pump chambers, or a pair of vacuum pumps which are connected to each other in series and received into respective ones of the vacuum pump chambers. The unit is also provided with a fluid pump which is received into the fluid pump chamber, as well as a heater which is received into a heater chamber defined by the lower housing section.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a housing (1) in which a dust chamber (17) and a motor chamber (13) are accommodated. The motor chamber (13) is connected to the dust chamber (17) via a motor inlet (15). The housing (1) includes a lower housing part (37) and an upper housing part (39). The dust chamber (17) is present at a side (43) of the upper housing part (39) which faces away from the lower housing part (37), and is bounded by a depression (41) in the upper housing part (39) which faces the lower housing part (37). The motor chamber (13) includes a chamber (45) of the upper housing part (39) which is present at a side (49) of the upper housing part (39) which faces the lower housing part (37). The depression (41) defines an unmolding direction (X) of the upper housing part (39).

Abstract: A floor scrubber (10) is disclosed including a drive lug (62) for removably connecting a scrubbing member (64) to a drive (60) and having a trough for receipt and catching of solution for passage to the surface. The mount (58) for the drive (60) is biased by a spring (67) to pivot relative to a linkage plate (46) in turn pivotably mounted to the chassis (12) at an acute angle to the forward movement direction. The vacuum assembly (92) is sandwiched in a socket (100) formed in the bottom wall of a recovery tank (90) by a mount (106) to deaden the sound generated thereby and to allow air communication inside of the socket (100) but generally preventing entry of solution therein. The squeegee assembly (152) is biased by a gas spring (150) to engage the surface at a constant force independent of the pivotal position of the squeegee mount (148).

Abstract: A central-vacuum power unit is provided having a molded rubber gasket which seals and vibrationally isolates a vacuum motor. The power unit includes a canister forming a hollow interior and a plate dividing the hollow interior into first and second chambers. The vacuum motor is located within the first chamber and has an inlet in fluid communication with the second chamber through an opening in the plate. The molded rubber gasket encircles the plate opening and seals the vacuum motor to the plate. The gasket also forms a seat for the vacuum motor and supports the vacuum motor against the plate. The gasket includes a ring-shaped main wall, a protrusion extending from the main wall and engaging an end surface of the vacuum motor, and an outer wall extending from the main wall and engaging the outer periphery of the vacuum motor. Distinct primary and secondary seals are formed by the protrusion and outer wall. The outer wall is shaped so that a seal can be obtained over a relatively short longitudinal length.

Abstract: In a portable work machine having a prime mover, a driven unit such as a fan to be driven by the prime mover, a machine case made of synthetic resin and including an inlet port case, a central case and an engine case, a bottom portion of the central case is integrally formed with stands each having a hollow which opens at one side end of the bottom portion. A cutting is formed in the bottom portion to provide the hollow with an upper wall which opens partly. The bottom of the stand is formed with a raised edge.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a floor traveling head with wheels and an elongate handle pivotably connected to the head. The head has two motors; one connected to an impeller and one connected to a rotatable brush. The head has rechargeable batteries therein for supplying electricity to the motors and a three position electrical switch. All working components of the vacuum cleaner, including an air filter and dust/dirt collection cup, are in the floor traveling head. The handle has no working components thereon.

Abstract: The present invention involves an industrial vacuum cleaner system for the collection of large debris in industrial settings, said vacuum capable of being mounted on a wheeled frame and being carried manually. The system has a vacuum unit having an impeller housing, an impeller disposed within the impeller housing, a motor housing attached to the impeller housing, and a motor disposed within the motor housing. The system has a handle affixed to said vacuum unit, means for detachably attaching the vacuum unit to said wheeled carriage, and means for gripping and carrying the vacuum unit by hand. The system has an improved impeller having a plurality of large vanes disposed on the forward side of the impeller and a plurality of smaller vanes disposed on the reverse side of the impeller. The system has an improved impeller housing assembly having en extension spacer which increases airflow through the impeller housing.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has: an air outlet, an air inlet, a dust chamber in communication with the air inlet, a fan driven by a main motor provided in a housing in communication with the air outlet and the dust chamber, a pressure detector which provides a signal showing variations characteristic of the floor type being cleaned; and circuitry, including a neural network for recognizing and classifying the floor type as a function of these variations, a setpoint generator for determining a pressure setpoint as a function of the variations, and a control circuit for controlling the power of the main motor so as to maintain the pressure setpoint.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a floor traveling head with wheels and an elongate handle pivotably connected to the head. The head has two motors; one connected to an impeller and one connected to a rotatable brush. The head has rechargeable batteries therein for supplying electricity to the motors and a three position electrical switch. All working components of the vacuum cleaner, including an air filter and dust/dirt collection cup, are in the floor traveling head. The handle has no working components thereon.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a suction fan driven by an electric motor, a suction nozzle connected to the intake side of the fan via a dust container, and a cord to supply electric power to the motor. The motor is electronically controlled and adapted to be driven at a speed such that the suction fan operates at a speed of at least 50,000 rpm. The suction fan comprises a fan Impeller of the turbo fan type.

Abstract: A router includes a motor housing having first and second clam shell halves forming an air inlet and a stator forming an air outlet, the housing having a central axis therethrough. An electric motor having a rotary armature, an armature shaft and a stationary member is fixed with respect to the housing. An axial fan is fixed to the armature shaft and positioned between the rotary armature and the stator for drawing air across the armature and stationary member. The fan has a plurality of radially extending fan blades tilted with respect to the central axis for forcing air in a substantially helical path. The stator includes a plurality of radially extending stator blades oppositely tilted with respect to the fan blades and the central axis for receiving air moving in a helical path from the fan blades. The stator blades are configured to cause air to swirl in a predictable manner when leaving the housing.

Abstract: An air path for a vacuum cleaner, such as a stick type or broom type vacuum cleaner includes a first fan shell section having a first end at which is located a suction opening and a second end. A second fan shell section has a first end and a second end at which is located an outlet opening. An air outlet tube is located at the outlet opening of, and is of one piece with, the second fan shell section. The two fan shell sections are secured to each other in order to define a chamber between them. A suction fan is located in the chamber for drawing a suction at the suction opening and directing air through the air outlet tube.

Abstract: A blower vacuum comprising a motor (10) operated by a switch (16) and located in a housing (4), a fan (14) drivable by a motor, at least one attachment member (6,106) which covers the fan and which is releasably attachable to the housing, and a safety interlock located at the interface between the housing and the attachment member comprising an actuating means (53) for activating the switch only when the attachment member is attached to the housing and a locking means (54, 42) for locking the attachment member to the housing when the motor is switched on.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a suction nozzle and a dust bag (12) which is connected to the nozzle, for instance, by a tube connection, and a turbo-fan unit (27) driven by an electric motor and placed after the dust bag seen in the flow direction. The impeller (29) of the turbo-fan unit is driven at a speed above 50,000 rpm. A primary air stream created by the turbo-fan unit (27) leaves the unit via an outlet (30) to atmosphere. The vacuum cleaner also creates a secondary air stream which at least partially cools the electric motor (32) and which flows into the electric motor via one or several cooling air inlets (44) which are separated from the primary air stream. The secondary air stream can be created by a cooling fan which is separate or integral with the impeller, by a venturi-type nozzle, or by suction created by the impeller.

Abstract: A cleaner unit for carpet and upholstery and the like includes an adjustable power control so that electrical power usage can be set in accordance with available circuit capacity. The cleaner unit includes multiple electrical loads such as a vacuum motor, a pump for delivering a cleaning fluid to a cleaning head or tool, and one or more resistance heaters for heating the cleaning fluid, wherein these loads are adapted for plug-in connection by one or more power cords to a standard domestic power circuit. An ammeter permits the current load to be monitored. In the preferred form, the adjustable power control is associated with one of the resistance heaters and permits the heater current load to be variably set according to the available current capacity of the power circuit.

Abstract: A handheld vacuum cleaner is provided that has a motor mounted with the rotational axis of its shaft parallel to the rotational axis of the rotating brush. The vacuum cleaner motor has an end bell, which is attached to the motor stator, and which holds a motor shaft bearing. The end bell is secured to the vacuum housing with an elastomeric mounting ring to dampen motor vibrations. The need for most motor mounting hardware is eliminated, because the housing supports the motor stator directly. The intake orifice of the vacuum is shaped to lie in two distinct planes, so that flat cleaning surfaces do not obstruct the orifice. The shape of the intake also allows one to clean immediately adjacent to a vertical wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vibroisolating apparatus for a vacuum cleaner adapted to absorb and inhibit the vibrations generated in a suction motor from being transmitted to a body of the vacuum cleaner to thereby reduce the noise resulting from the vibration to a minimum, and at the same time, to improve the ease of assembling and to decrease manufacturing cost by way of a simplified construction. The vibration generated in the suction motor during operations is absorbed and inhibited at a front side of the motor by a vibroisolating ring which is tightly disposed between a front motor case and the suction motor. The vibration is also absorbed and inhibited at a rear side of the motor by the rear surface packing which is disposed between a rear motor case and the motor. The apparatus thereby reduces generation of noise resulting from the vibration of the suction motor to a minimum and provides for relatively silent operation of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A power tool such as a hand held vacuum cleaner, has a housing and nozzle. The housing mounts a motor and switch carrier. A battery pack powers the motor. The electrical arrangements comprise conductors punched from a single strip and fixed in guides formed on the carrier. Terminals of the motor and battery are pressed through slits in some conductors. The conductors pass into tracks formed on a tray of the switch. A mask is positioned on the tray to expose the conductors in discrete switch positions of slide connectors mounted in a switch slide slidably mounted on the tray. A mask (78) is positioned on the tray to expose the conductors in discrete switch positions (A, B, C) of slide connectors (68) mounted in a switch slide (64) slidably mounted on the tray.

Abstract: A silencing device for a vacuum cleaner includes dampers for absorbing operational vibration of a suction motor. The operational noises of the suction motor are intercepted and suppressed by a middle case, a lower case, a bottom case and a top case. The exhaust noises caused by exhaust air flow are repeatedly absorbed and suppressed by a plurality of exhaust ports. The exhaust air flow is also dispersed so as to suppress the exhaust noises. In the primary embodiment, the noises generated by both the suction motor and the exhaust air flow are effectively suppressed to desired low levels. In a second embodiment, the silencing device comprises a noise absorber for absorbing and suppressing both suction noises caused by suction air flow and operational noises of the suction motor. The silencing device also has a cover for covering and supporting the front surface of the noise absorber. The back of the noise absorber is supported by a rear supporter.