Abstract: A holding element for a terminal connector, having at least one socket part and at least one plug part, wherein the plug part can be inserted or is inserted in a socket portion of the socket part. The holding element can be plugged or is plugged onto the plug part for detachably holding the plug part in the socket part. The holding element has a holding element body, holding arms having latching lugs that are directed inwards with respect to the holding element, holding arms having latching lugs that are directed outwards with respect to the holding element, and axially on both sides, has an uninterrupted, continuous edge on the end side. The holding arms each have a free end that is spring-elastically movable in the radial direction, and an end opposite thereof that is fixed to the holding element body.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner nozzle, having a connector socket, pivotally connected to the nozzle by a joint. The connector socket has an inner tubular opening configured to receive a vacuum cleaner tube. A connector socket release mechanism, has a locking member, moveable between a first position, where it is inserted in the tubular opening of the connector socket in order to retain the vacuum cleaner tube therein, and a second position, where it is forced out of the tubular opening by a movement in the joint, in order to release the vacuum cleaner tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid coupling (1) with tolerance compensation for the flexible connection of two media-conducting elements. The invention was based on the object of improving a fluid coupling (1) of the described type in such a manner that the use of complicated latching systems for transport can be omitted. This object is achieved in that the fluid coupling (1) has at least one transport securing device (8, 12), by means of which a separation of the components (2, 3) of the fluid coupling (1) from one another prior to installation can be prevented.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suction cleaning attachment (1) of a cleaning device (2) for use for the interior cleaning of motor vehicles by means of a suction air flow and provided for insertion and for holding in a quiver (3) when not in use, with a housing (5) having an internal suction channel (4) for guiding the suction air flow and a grip region (6) provided on the outside of the housing (5), wherein the suction channel (4) leads into a suction opening (8) at its outer end (7). According to the invention it is proposed that on the outside of the housing (5) between the suction opening (8) and the grip region (6), a stop (9) constructed as a step or a stop (9) projecting beyond the grip region (6) is provided for interaction with the outer edge (10) of the quiver (3).

Abstract: A robot cleaner station includes a cleaner docking portion to which a robot cleaner is docked and including an suction port in communication with a dust collector of the robot cleaner when the robot clear is docked to the cleaner docking portion, a collector including a collection chamber in which dust sucked from the dust collector through the suction port is collected, and a station suction device configured to generate a suction force to suck the dust from the dust collector to the collection chamber, and a connector configured to connect the suction port to the collection chamber. The connector includes a guide portion in communication with the suction port, a suction tube provided in the collection chamber to allow the dust which is guided by the guide portion to be sucked to the collection chamber, and a connection hose configured to connect the guide portion to the suction tube.

Abstract: A telescopic tool includes a positioning device mounted between first and second rods. The first rod includes a longitudinal hole extending along a longitudinal axis, a first positioning hole intercommunicating with the longitudinal hole, and a first gripping portion. The second rod is movably received in the longitudinal hole, includes a plurality of second positioning holes, and is movable relative to the first rod along the longitudinal axis to align the first positioning hole with one of the plurality of second positioning holes. A switch controller is movable relative to the first rod and is movably coupled to a positioning member. The positioning member movably extends through the first hole and is releasably engaged in one of the plurality of second positioning holes in response to movement of the switch controller relative to the first rod. A fixing member includes a second gripping portion mounted around the first rod.

Abstract: A telescopic tube assembly includes a telescopic tube subassembly having a first tube and a second tube, a tubular member, a sleeve member, at least one retaining member, an actuating sleeve, and a biasing member for biasing the actuating sleeve to a locked position. When the actuating sleeve is in the locked position, the retaining member is engaged in a cavity of the tubular member to guard against axial movement of the second tube relative to the first tube. When the actuating sleeve is moved to an unlocked position against a biasing force of the basing member, the retaining member is disengaged from the cavity to permit the axial movement of the second tube.

Abstract: Disclosed are a clamping-type dust suction tube of a vacuum cleaner and a hand-held vacuum cleaner. The clamping-type dust suction tube includes a tube body and a conductive assembly arranged within the tube body, the tube body includes a plurality of sub-tubes connected in a butt joint manner to form a whole tube, joints arranged at joint portions of every two sub-tubes, and locking mechanisms arranged on the joints and used for locking every two sub-tubes with respect to each other, wherein the length of each sub-tube is less than or equal to a length, a width or a height of other components of the vacuum cleaner. The whole clamping-type dust suction tube is convenient for assembly and carry, reduces the volume of the package, and in addition, it is simple in structure, convenient to implement, and low in cost.

Abstract: A central vacuum system includes a primary valve box or inlet and a secondary inlet. The central vacuum system includes a hose with a hose plug at the end thereof. The hose is stored in the primary valve box and may be extracted and attached to the secondary inlet. The secondary inlet includes features that enable the hose plug to connect with the secondary inlet. The secondary inlet includes at least one flex member that is configured to connect, in a releasable manner, with a channel formed in the hose plug. The flex member on the secondary inlet includes a section or portion thereof that moves radially relative to a longitudinal axis of the secondary inlet. The portion that moves radially may include a curved profile. This enables the flex member to wrap around a circumferential portion of the hose plug.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a bowl with a freely adjustable height, comprising: a pedestal; a lifting support rod, whose one end is fixed on the pedestal; a bowl seat, which is fixed on the other end of the lifting support rod; a lifting locking piece, which has a fixing piece and an extrusion piece matched with each other, wherein the fixing piece has a fixing hole, the lifting support rod penetrates through the fixing hole and is partially located in the fixing hole, the extrusion piece exerts an action force to the fixing piece so as to fix the lifting support rod on the bowl seat, and the fixing piece is matched with and fixed on the bowl seat or arranged on the bowl seat; and a bowl body, which is arranged on the bowl seat. According to the disclosure, the height of the bowl may be adjusted freely.

Abstract: A handle assembly for a vacuum cleaner that includes a handle attached to a duct assembly. The duct assembly includes a first duct and a second duct, and the first duct pivots relative to the second duct about a pivot axis. The first duct and the second duct each have an arcuate section that arcs about the pivot axis. Pivoting the first duct relative to the second duct then causes the arcuate section of one of the ducts to move in and out of the arcuate section of the other of the ducts.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner suction tube, having an inner tube received in an outer tube, is provided with an actuating mechanism having a grip structure provides a minimized risk of blocking. A clamping element has a form-fit connection with a pair of clamping wedges, so that both of the clamping wedges can be simultaneously moved with a single movement of a clamping element that is connected to the grip structure so that the clamping element is moved away from the longitudinal axis of the vacuum cleaner suction tube by sliding the grip structure out of the locking position, and both clamping wedges are simultaneously lifted out of engagement with retaining recesses of the inner tube by moving the clamping element away from the longitudinal axis of the vacuum cleaner suction tube, whereby sliding of the inner tube is enabled relative to the outer tube.

Abstract: A handle assembly for a vacuum cleaner that includes a handle attached to a duct assembly. The duct assembly includes a first duct and a second duct. The first duct pivots relative to the second duct about a pivot axis, and the first duct and the second duct rotate collectively relative to the handle about a rotation axis. The rotation axis is then orthogonal to the pivot axis.

Abstract: A vacuum linear feed-through (20), e.g., for an EUV lithography system, includes: a vacuum diaphragm bellows (21), which has a first end (21a) attaching a component and a second end (21b), opposite the first end, attaching to a vacuum housing, and an actuator device (27) generating a linear reciprocating motion of the bellows. The feed-through has at least one first shield (30, 30?), connected to the bellows at the first end, and at least one second shield (31, 31?), connected to the bellows at the second end. The first and second shield annularly surround the bellows, and the first and second shield overlap in the longitudinal direction of the bellows (21). At least one first shield and at least one second shield are formed of a permanently magnetic material, and/or the feed-through has a voltage-generating device (33) generating an electric field (E) between the first shield and the second shield.

Abstract: A sealing system (1) for sealing between an inner pipe and an outer pipe of a telescoping vacuum cleaner suction pipe, which ensures maximum possible sealing with simultaneously simple operator controllability of the vacuum cleaner suction pipe, has at least one annular base body (2) of a first material and an annular sealing body (3) of a second material on the base body (2).

Abstract: A catch device (1) for connecting a handle to a vacuum cleaner suction pipe (2), the catch device (1) being mountable on one end region of a vacuum cleaner suction pipe (2), and having at least one sleeve (3), at least one lever button (4) and at least one reset spring (7), the lever button (4) having a catch projection (8) and a pivot axle (9) for the lever button. The catch device (1) reduces the effort for mounting on a vacuum cleaner suction pipe (2) the provision of a clamp element (11) that is positively connected to the sleeve (3), the pivot axle (9) being pivotally held between the clamp element (11) and the sleeve (3).

Abstract: An integral button latch is formed for use in a female fluid connector housing. The button latch has a latch plate, a button actuator, and two or more cantilevered leg springs extending from beneath the actuation surface to interface with the connector housing. The latch plate, the button actuator, and the leg springs are all integrally formed. The leg springs bias the latch plate in a locked position and resist depression forces applied to either of the button actuator or the latch plate. By integrally forming the button latch structure, the separate costs associated with purchasing the springs, molding the lock latch, and the ensuing assembly of the three are significantly diminished.

Abstract: A vacuum attachment for reaching smaller spaces includes a gasket and narrow tubing. The gasket has a cap with outer and middle walls sized to fit an open end of two sizes of vacuum hose, the cap also having a central hole for the narrow tube. The gasket middle wall also stiffens the gasket. On the internal sides of the walls, the ribs stiffen the gasket and ridges let air pass and reduce pressure build up in a vacuum motor. The narrow, bendable tube has sufficiently thick walls to avoid collapse when a vacuum is applied thereto.

Abstract: An assembly including a first component and a second component movably coupled to the first component. The second component is formed about and coupled to at least a portion of the first component via an over-molding process.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a vacuum including a dust extraction system. The system includes a filter assembly, an airflow generation assembly, and valve assembly. The airflow generation assembly is configured to draw contaminated air toward the filter assembly and exhaust filtered air as a discharge stream. The filter assembly is configured to remove contaminants from the contaminated airflow by capturing particulate material suspended within the airflow. The valve assembly is configured to selectively direct filtered airflow into the filter assembly such that the filtered air stream cleans the filter.

Abstract: The embodiment relates to a dryer and a foreign material removing apparatus thereof. With the dryer and the foreign material removing apparatus thereof, the convenience of user can be maximized by separating and cleaning only a case when the foreign materials are stored in the case above a predetermined amount without the user needing to clean the filter each time the dryer is used.

Abstract: A helical spline lock for securing an inlet duct to a portion of a combustor body includes a helical spline key having a helical shape defined at least in part by a shape of a combustor body. A first lug is disposed about the combustor body and has a first channel for at least partially receiving and interfacing with the helical spline key. A second lug is disposed about an inlet duct and has a second channel for at least partially receiving and interfacing with the helical spline key. The first lug and the second lug are configured to mate with one another to form a helical keyway from the first and second channels, and the helical spline key is insertable into the keyway to secure the inlet duct to the combustor body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an extension pipe assembly for a vacuum cleaner. The disclosed extension pipe assembly comprises: a suction pipe including an external pipe and an external power supply pipe which is coupled to the bottom surface of the external pipe, and to the interior of which a movable member is coupled; a flexible pipe including an internal pipe and a power supply pipe attached to the bottom surface of the internal pipe, wherein the flexible pipe is coupled to the suction pipe such that the length of the flexible pipe is adjustable; and length adjustment means joined to the coupling portion between the suction pipe and the flexible pipe so as to lock or unlock the length adjustment function of the flexible pipe and of the suction pipe. The power supply pipe is formed into a single pipe, on both internal walls of which respective conductor plates are formed to as to contact the movable member.

Abstract: Connector for connecting a vacuum hose to a vacuum cleaner body includes a central tube removably connected to the body and an enclosure that at least partially encloses the central tube and the vacuum hose when positioned partly over the central tube. The connector retains the vacuum hose to allow for swiveling of the vacuum hose about the central tube and prevents rotation between the central tube and the enclosure.

Abstract: A quick fit adjustment mechanism may include a housing having one end that attaches to a pole and another end with threads that engage threads formed in one paint accessory. A lever may be used to cause actuator pins to extend from the housing to secure another paint accessory to the pole.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to oil and gas exploration and production and, more particularly, to a system and associated method for producing hydrocarbons from multiple layers of subterranean formations, and the mixing or comingling of such hydrocarbons as necessary or desired during the production process. A subterranean tool is disclosed, having a plurality of tubular sections connected by a novel non-threaded linear connection system. An electrical passage can then be provided within the cylinder wall of contiguous sections permitting connection of electronics in different sections of the tool. Bushings and seals located in the electrical passage maintain an atmospheric pressure environment for electrical components inside the tool.

Abstract: A vacuum plate converts a conventional wheelbarrow into a wet and dry dual purpose vacuum cleaner receptacle. Collection of fluids and solids directly into a wheelbarrow simplifies larger cleaning tasks, small flood remediation, transport of bulk particulate materials such as sand, pea stone, and mulch, and allows hydro-excavation to be carried out in home improvement and small scale professional landscaping projects. A fluid level sensor prevents the wheelbarrow from overflowing when collecting large quantities of fluid, and a sump pump allows fluids to be drained from collected slurries, leaving only solids in the wheelbarrow for reuse or independent disposal.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner suction tube, having an inner tube received in an outer tube, is provided with an actuating mechanism having a grip structure provides a minimized risk of blocking. A clamping element has a form-fit connection with a pair of clamping wedges, so that both of the clamping wedges can be simultaneously moved with one a single movement of a clamping element that is connected to the grip structure so that the clamping element is moved away from the longitudinal axis of the vacuum cleaner suction tube by sliding the grip structure out of the locking position, and both clamping wedges are simultaneously lifted out of engagement with retaining recesses of the inner tube by moving the clamping element away from the longitudinal axis of the vacuum cleaner suction tube, whereby sliding of the inner tube is enabled relative to the outer tube.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a vacuum attachment for reaching smaller spaces includes a gasket and narrow tubing. The gasket includes i. a cap member sized to fit over an open end of a vacuum hose, the cap member having an inner surface and a central hole to accommodate a narrow tube; ii. an inner wall extending from the central hole of the cap and gripping the narrow tube; and iii. an outer wall extending from the cap member to a distal edge and accommodating the vacuum hose; iv. a middle wall between the inner and outer walls, the middle wall stiffening the gasket for more convenient and accommodating an additional size of vacuum hose, the outer and middle walls being equipped with ribs on the internal sides of the walls, the ribs extending from the cap to the distal ends of the walls; and v.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner suction pipe (1) having first, second, and third pipe segments (2, 3, 4), respectively, the pipe segments (2, 3, 4) being telescopically connected to one another, the first pipe segment (2) being located between the second pipe segment (3) and the third pipe segment (4). There is a control device (5), and the pipe segments (2, 3, 4) are mechanically in interaction with one another via the control device (5) so that when the second pipe segment (3) or the third pipe segment (4) is moved manually in an axial direction relative to the first pipe segment (2) the respective other of the second or third pipe segment (3, 4) is moved at the same time by the control device (5).

Abstract: A catch device (1) for connecting a handle to a vacuum cleaner suction pipe (2), the catch device (1) being mountable on one end region of a vacuum cleaner suction pipe (2), and having at least one sleeve (3), at least one lever button (4) and at least one reset spring (7), the lever button (4) having a catch projection (8) and a pivot axle (9) for the lever button. The catch device (1) reduces the effort for mounting on a vacuum cleaner suction pipe (2) the provision of a clamp element (11) that is positively connected to the sleeve (3), the pivot axle (9) being pivotally held between the clamp element (11) and the sleeve (3).

Abstract: A unique, integrated non-obvious pathway to convert biomass to biofuels using integration of chemical processes is described herein. The present invention is simple, direct, and provides for the shortest or minimum path between biomass and transportation fuels with alcohols as intermediates, while avoiding hydrogen use during processing. Furthermore, the present invention allows the manufacture of “drop-in” substitutable fuels to be used as-is without modifications instead of conventional petroleum based fuels. The processing described herein is done under mild conditions, under relatively low pressures and temperatures, and under non-corrosive conditions obviating use of special equipment or materials.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a vacuum attachment for reaching smaller spaces has a gasket and narrow tubing. The gasket includes i. a cap member sized to fit over an open end of a vacuum hose, the cap member having an inner surface and a central hole to accommodate a narrow tube; ii. inner wall members extending from the central hole of the cap and gripping the narrow tube; and iii. outer wall members extending from the cap member perimeter to a distal edge and accommodating the vacuum hose, the wall members having an internal surface with ribs that extend from the distal edge of the wall members to and on the inner surface of the cap. The at least one narrow, bendable tube is fashioned to fit into the central hole of the cap member and has sufficiently thick walls to avoid collapse when a vacuum is applied thereto.

Abstract: A telescopic vacuum cleaner suction tube (1) having an outer tube (2) and an inner tube (3) with snap-in depressions (7). The inner tube is telescopically arranged in the outer tube. The suction tube also includes an antitwisting mechanism (4d; 16) and an interlocking device with a snap-in element (15) that is disengaged from a snap-in depression (7) by an actuating element (5) situated about diametrically opposite thereof. The interlocking device includes a spring (6) that positively encompasses at least the inner tube (3) and engages the snap-in element (15) into the nearest snap-in depression (7) of the inner tube (3). The interlocking device and telescoping tubes ensure that the tubes are always securely interlocked and able to withstand shock-like compressive forces, namely while simultaneously providing for an ergonomic handling.

Abstract: A wand for an appliance includes first and second tubes and a support mechanism, in which the second tube slides telescopically within the first tube along a common axis. The first and second tubes are arranged to be selectively secured to one another in an extended position or to allow movement therebetween and the support mechanism is located between overlapping portions of the tubes. The support mechanism includes tapered portions arranged to provide support between the tubes at separate points along the common axis of the tubes. By supporting adjacent tubes at a plurality of points along the common axis, the tubes are held more firmly with respect to one another. One tapered portion is able to move with respect to the tubes along the common axis, which reduces play between the tubes.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner (11) with a housing (12) and a suction hose (16) as well as to a suction hose holder (31) arranged on the housing (12) that has two holding elements (32, 37) that are at a distance from each other and that each have a receptacle (34, 39) to hold two sections of the suction hose (16), whereby additional holders (20, 35, 40) are provided at the receptacles (34, 39).

Abstract: An air conditioner condensate drain line evacuation adapter formed from a housing member having an end wall constructed and arranged for securement to various sized suction hoses used on conventional wet vacuums. A second end of the housing member is securable to the discharge end of a condensate drain located on the exterior of a building. Portions of the housing member can include transparent sections to permit a visual of the fluid evacuation.

Abstract: A telescopic tube joint (1) is provided for vacuum cleaner suction tubes or for tripods having at least one outer tube (2) and at least one inner tube (3). The tube joint includes a catch recess (5) in the inner tube (3), a catch element (8) on the outer tube (2) which are lockable or unlockable via a manually actuated, rotably movable slider (11) which moves the catch element (8) through an opening (10) in the outer tube (2). The catch recess in the inner tube (3) consists of a tooth strip (6) provided with a plurality of teeth (5) , formed on the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube (3). The catch element consists of a short toothed rack (8) having opposing teeth (7), which is pressed into force- and form-fit contact with the toothed strip (6) by the rotary slider (11) in a locked position when turned at a small angle (?).

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner suction pipe (1) having first, second, and third pipe segments (1, 2, 3), respectively, the pipe segments (2, 3, 4) being telescopically connected to one another, the first pipe segment (2) being located between the second pipe segment (3) and the third pipe segment (4). So as to be easily manufactured and have an actuation that is optimized with respect to its telescoping ability, there is a control device (5), and the pipe segments (2, 3, 4) are mechanically in interaction with one another via the control device (5) so that when the second pipe segment (3) or the third pipe segment (4) is moved manually in an axial direction relative to the first pipe segment (2) the respective other of the second or third pipe segment (3, 4) is moved at the same time by the control device (5).

Abstract: A telescopic extension for a household appliance comprises: an inner tube and outer tube, with the inner and outer tubes being telescopically slidable with respect to each other A constraining device is configured so as to block sliding of the inner tube with respect to the outer tube An actuating device is operatively connected to a slider. The actuating device comprises a substantially cylindrical body fitted on at least part of the outer surface of the outer tube. The substantially cylindrical body comprises at least one opening positioned to expose a surface of the outer tube whereby grip of user on the substantially cylindrical body may also contact the exposed surface of the outer tube and lock the cylindrical body with respect to the outer tube.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner suction pipe with at least one inner and at least one outer pipe, and at least one locking device, the locking device being movable by manual actuation, the locking device having a toothed rack, and in the locking position the rack being kept engaged to a toothed strip of the inner pipe, as a result of which the position of the inner pipe is fixed relative to the outer pipe. The locking device is movable into a release position by axial displacement relative to the outer pipe, and in the release position, the rack can be disengaged from the toothed strip by a relative force between the outer pipe and inner pipe, without the effect of a spring force, by the flanks of the teeth of the toothed strip pushing the flanks of the teeth of the rack upward.

Abstract: A wand, such as for a surface cleaning apparatus, comprises at least an upstream rigid tube and a downstream rigid tube releasably pivotally connected to the upstream rigid tube. A flexible fluid flow conduit connects the downstream, tube in fluid flow communication with the upstream tube.

Abstract: An insertable tube system for a vacuum cleaner, with at least one first tube, a second tube and a coupling for detachable connection of the first tube to the second tube, the coupling having a guide element and a lever button, the guide element being located on the outside of the wall of the first tube, the lever button in the guide element being supported to be able to move around a pivot axis, the lever button being movable by the force of at least a first spring element into a catch position, and the lever button having a catch projection on the bottom, the wall of the first tube having an opening for the catch projection of the lever button, and a mechanical connection between the first tube and the second tube being producible by engagement of the catch projection with a catch recess of the second tube.

Abstract: A device and method for coupling a floor cleaning implement to a floor cleaning machine. The device and method selectively couple a floor cleaning implement, such as a pad or brush, in manner that can be easily released and connected. In one embodiment the coupling device comprises a plate having a first and second channel coupled to opposite edges of the plate. The channels are dimensioned and configured to receive edges of the cleaning implement. At least one channel has projecting members that selectively prevent the cleaning implement from leaving the channel. In some embodiments, the plate has a plurality of recesses dimensioned and configured to selectively receive projections extending from the cleaning implement. The projections of the cleaning implement only fully engage the recesses of the coupling device when an actuator presses the cleaning implement against a floor.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a vacuum attachment for reaching smaller spaces has a gasket and narrow tubing. The gasket includes i. a cap member sized to fit over an open end of a vacuum hose, the cap member having an inner surface and a central hole to accommodate a narrow tube; ii. inner wall members extending from the central hole of the cap and gripping the narrow tube; and iii. outer wall members extending from the cap member perimeter to a distal edge and accommodating the vacuum hose, the wall members having an internal surface with ribs that extend from the distal edge of the wall members to and on the inner surface of the cap. The at least one narrow, bendable tube is fashioned to fit into the central hole of the cap member and has sufficiently thick walls to avoid collapse when a vacuum is applied thereto.

Abstract: A telescoping tube system for a vacuum cleaner, with an inner jacket tube, an outer jacket tube, an inner suction tube and a cable, the inner jacket tube having a smaller cross section than the outer jacket tube so that the inner jacket tube and the outer jacket tube form a telescoping jacket channel, the inner suction tube being located inside of the jacket channel, and the cable being guided within the jacket channel and outside of the inner suction tube. In the telescoping tube system, losses of suction force by the intake of secondary air are reduced to a minimum and reliable cable routing is ensured by there being an outer suction tube, the outer suction tube and the inner suction tube forming an essentially closed suction channel within the jacket channel.

Abstract: There is provided a novel fitting having male and female ends and a tapered internal luer-type seal. The male fitting end has a periphery upon which is mounted at least one boss. The female fitting end has a slot into which the boss may be inserted. At the bottom of the slot is a stop to limit the insertion depth of the boss. The male and female ends may then be rotated relative to each other to move the boss into a window on the female end. The window has a frame and the upper frame is angled slightly, corresponding to the boss, which serves to draw the male end farther in to the female end. The window has a side frame that stops the rotational movement of the boss. When the movement of the boss is stopped, the male and female tapers are in substantially leak-free contact. There is also provided a closed suction catheter using the novel fitting, such that the catheter may be easily and quickly removed and replaced.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner for cleaning a surface includes an upper body having a dust collection container received therein, a base unit and a carriage configured to provide movement of the base unit at the surface. A motor-fan unit is disposed in the upright vacuum cleaner outside the upper body and is unit configured to create a partial vacuum on the surface. The upper body and base unit are connected with a tilting joint such that the upper body is tiltable relative to the base unit about a tilt axis that extends horizontally when the upright vacuum cleaner is in a position of use. A swivel joint is disposed between the upper body and the base unit. The swivel joint is configured to change a direction of travel of the upright vacuum cleaner in response to twisting of the upper body. The swivel joint includes a tubular section articulated to the base unit and a bearing housing disposed rotatably about the tubular section. The bearing housing is received in a receiving structure of the upper body.

Abstract: A quick-release, fluid impervious elastic coupling with hook and loop strips conforms to the shape of conduit ends to join, seal and secure together conduits that can have different diameters. The elastic sheet can be a single or multiple layers and can be reinforced with strengthening ribs or cords and/or provided with gripping ridges to assist securing and sealing the conduits against leakage.

Abstract: A hose adapter defines a passageway therethrough and has a first connector portion and a second connector portion with the first connector portion being substantially larger in transverse dimension than the second connector portion. A transition portion is disposed between the first and second connector portions. A vacuum device is operatively associated with one of the first and second connector portions, and a hose is secured to the other connecting portion. In one embodiment, the hose adapter has a vent with an associated closure, which is designed to vary the opening in the vent and thereby alter the amount of suction created by the vacuum device. A plurality of interiorly-mounted, inwardly-projecting ribs are provided in the second connector portion to facilitate retention of a hose therein. A vacuum system employing the adapter is disclosed.