Abstract: A vacuum cleaner for picking up asbestos fibers, and the like, embodying a plurality of filters for affording a "fail-safe" type of protection against the discharge of accumulated materials from the cleaner, and in which the primary filter comprises a bag in which the picked-up material may be collected for subsequent safe and efficient disposal.

Abstract: An apparatus which uses suction to draw radioactive particles through a high efficiency filter and contains such filtered particles in a disposable bladder-filter unit for subsequent disposal. The bladder-filter unit prevents the escape of filtered radioactive particles to the ambient atmosphere during the operation of the apparatus and also during disposal, as well as preventing the radioactive contamination of the remainder of the apparatus.

Abstract: The improved dust bag is designed for use with an upright vacuum cleaner and is made of air impervious material. The lower end of the dust bag is connected with the base of the upright vacuum cleaner adjacent to the air discharge outlet of the vacuum cleaner. A first, relatively large opening is formed in the dust bag and defines the flow path through which air may flow out of the dust bag. An inner wall divides the interior of the dust bag into first and second compartments and includes a second opening which is aligned with and coincides, in size and shape, with the first opening and which permits air to flow from the second compartment to the first compartment. A filter is disposed in the first compartment adjacent to the first opening and is utilized to filter the air as it flows out of the dust bag through the first opening.