Abstract: A baghouse filter having a filter media and an end cap is provided. The filter media has a longitudinal axis, and the end cap has an outer peripheral side wall. The side wall has first and second edges. A first recessed channel extends between the first and second edges of the side wall, and a second recessed channel extends from the first channel. The first and second channels define a connection area at which the filter connects to the tubesheet at an opening in the tubesheet. Also, a method is provided for installing a filter on a tubesheet having first and second sides separating plenums of a baghouse. The method includes providing a filter having structure for attaching to a tubesheet opening from either side, selecting the side to install the filter and installing the filter on the selected side.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of supporting and shielding flexible outer bags of vacuum cleaners are disclosed. In one embodiment, a support structure includes a backing plate adapted to be disposed within the flexible outer bag, and at least one support member attached to the backing plate and projecting away from the backing plate. The backing and support members are adapted to contact and extend proximate respective portions of the outer bag, providing three-dimensional support to the outer bag. Alternately, a plurality of airflow apertures may be disposed through the support structure. In another embodiment, a shield structure includes a backing member adapted to be positioned proximate to and extend over at least a portion of a rear panel of an outer bag of a vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A sealable debris bag includes a bag body having an opening, and a plate member attached to the bag body proximate the opening. First and second portions of the plate member are pivotable along a fold-line so that the first portion is engageable with the second portion to substantially seal the opening. A tab on one side of the fold-line engages a notch on the other side of the fold-line to secure the device. The fold-line can be formed in the plate member, to define the first and second portions where the portions are contiguous, or can be formed in the bag body where the portions are non-contiguous. The opening may be formed in a flexible lateral wall of the bag body, or alternately, in an end portion of the bag body. A complimentary alignment structure on plate member mates with an alignment structure on a vacuum to ensure proper alignment of the debris bag on the vacuum.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating particulates from a flow of air and particulates in a vacuum cleaner. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a removable vacuum cleaner filter having a flange portion with a flange aperture. A flexible, porous filter element portion is attached to the flange portion and is elongated along a filter axis. The filter element portion has a generally constant cross-sectional area when intersected by a plane generally perpendicular to the filter axis.

Abstract: A filter assembly (60) for holding a filter element (28) within a hot gas cleanup system pressure vessel is provided, containing: a filter housing (62), said filter housing inner walls defining a joint (98), said walls defining an interior volume (67); a one piece, fail-safe/regenerator device (68) within the interior chamber (67) of the filter housing (62) having outer walls defining a joint (98′) which mates with the filter assembly joint (98), containing outward-extending radial flanges (99 and 99′) with mating holes (100 and 100′) through both the housing (62) and fail-safe/regenerator device (68) for seating an essential sealing means (70) between the joints (98 and 98′).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating particulates from a flow of air and particulates in a vacuum cleaner. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a removable vacuum cleaner filter having a flange portion with a flange aperture. A flexible, porous filter element portion is attached to the flange portion and is elongated along a filter axis. The filter element portion has a generally constant cross-sectional area when intersected by a plane generally perpendicular to the filter axis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating particulates from a flow of air and particulates in a vacuum cleaner. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a removable vacuum cleaner filter having a flange portion with a flange aperture. A flexible, porous filter element portion is attached to the flange portion and is elongated along a filter axis. The filter element portion has a generally constant cross-sectional area when intersected by a plane generally perpendicular to the filter axis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for housing a filter element of a vacuum cleaner. In one embodiment, the apparatus can include a housing body elongated along a housing axis. The housing body can include a partially porous material clamped at an upper end to an upper Support and at a lower end to a lower support. The upper and lower supports support the upper housing body relative to the vacuum cleaner. The housing body further includes an aperture for receiving a filter element and can have a generally constant cross-sectional area when intersected by a plane approximately perpendicular to the housing axis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transporting a flow of air and particulates through a vacuum cleaner. The apparatus can include a manifold with two inlet ports that collect two separate streams of the flow, combine the streams, and direct the combined flow toward a filter element through a single outlet port. The flow can expand within the manifold between the inlet ports and the outlet ports to decelerate the flow. The manifold can also include a storage receptacle for storing a belt used to drive a roller brush of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A device for connecting a dust bag, the device having a mounting flange (1) and a ring (21) capable of being fixed, matching, one to a vacuum cleaner frame or to a removable vacuum cleaner support or to a linerboard, and the other to the dust bag via one of their two faces, the flange (1) and ring (21) being provided with additional matching elements for being mutually maintained by their free face, and with at least a visual mark (4,24) to facilitate their connection. The invention is characterized in that the diameter of the device is twice as much as the length of the assembled device, when the ring (21) and the flange (1) are arranged one on the other. Advantageously, the flange (1) and the ring (32) have a non-planar surface at their free face, resulting from the difference in height of the two parts, for guiding one of the parts onto the other when they are being connected.

Abstract: A filter element, as in a filter bag, comprises a pocket having partitions between the side walls to form pocket portions. The margins of the partitions are welded ultrasonically to the inner surface of the layers. The inlet end of the partitions may be split into flaps to ease connection of the bag to a header frame. A simple yet effective method and apparatus may be utilizable to make the filter element, and a bag including it.

Abstract: A fitting for a vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The fitting includes a retainer having first and second grooves within which a fitting is adapted to slide. The fitting includes a plate from which a cylinder extends and terminates in a radially inwardly directed deflector. Depending upon the orientation of the fitting within the retainer, the incoming fluid stream is directed in an upward or downward direction to thereby facilitate usage of the fitting with or without a vacuum bag, while at the same time minimizing the potential for splashing and expulsion of liquid drawn into the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A bag filter system for filtering fluid has been invented which has, in certain aspects, a mount apparatus having at least one mount opening therethrough for emplacement therethrough of part of a bag filter, at least one bag filter having a support member and filter material connected to the support member, the filter material suitable for insertion through the at least one mount opening of the mount apparatus, the support member having a fluid opening through which the fluid is flowable to the filter material, an interface between the support of the at least one bag filter housing member and the mount apparatus, and a seal member encompassing the support member/mount apparatus interface and interposed therebetween to inhibit fluid leakage through said interface. The bag filter system's seal member in certain aspects is a seal member around the fluid opening, and a mount apparatus seal member is disposed around the at least one mount opening.

Abstract: A portable, mountable air cleaner that is fashioned of a durable, molded plastic so as to be light weight; dimensioned to fit between typical 12 inch joists in a ceiling structure; containing a dual air filtration system; fashioned and configured so that each filter may be easily removed for cleaning; and that is capable of operation either resting on the ground or while suspended from a wall or ceiling structure.

Abstract: A filter element adapted for use in reciprocating drilling shafts. The element includes a flexible filter material wrapped about a biasing member and opposed rigid ends. The biasing member returns the filter to an elongate form after compression and spaces the filter material from the shaft. The result is substantially less debris contacting the shaft to thus prevent damage thereto and operational impedance.

Abstract: A filter bag assembly of hybrid construction is disclosed that reduces the height of the filter bag assembly as well as its overall cost. The assembly indicates an elongated filter body portion, an end cap closing at one end of the filter body, a collar disposed at the other end of the filter body. The collar is molded onto the filter body and an inner venturi portion molded therewith. The assembly also includes a fabric extension portion that is attached to the interior of the collar. This extension may have a diameter greater than that of the collar so as to permit the filter body to be used in a tubesheet opening that is usually larger than that of the collar diameter. A snap band is contained within the collar for retaining the assembly in a tubesheet opening.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner filter bag retainer includes slots on each side which receive a cardboard plate attached to a filter bag. The plate is slid into the slots of the filter bag retainer such that openings in the plate and bag match with an opening in the filter bag retainer. The retainer is attached to a tank through an opening in the tank, and an inlet fitting extends from outside the tank, through the retainer, and into the bag. The inlet fitting, therefore, prevents the bag from sliding out of the slots in the retainer. A swivel fitting loosely traps the inlet fitting adjacent the filter bag retainer through threads on the swivel fitting and the retainer. The inlet fitting also holds a hose to the inlet fitting.

Abstract: An emissions control system and method are provided for controlling the particulate matter within the fiber-containing airflow discharging from a fiber processing plant, such as a cotton gin. The system includes an upstream housing defining a settling chamber therewithin which communicates with at least one conduit used to discharge a fiber-containing airflow from the fiber processing plant. The system further includes a downstream housing defining a filtering chamber therewithin which communicates with the settling chamber. A porous, bag-type filter is disposed within the filtering chamber and includes an opening in communication with the settling chamber. A forward end of the filter, which includes the inlet opening, is disposed in sealing engagement with a wall separating the settling and filtering chambers so that substantially all of the fiber-containing airflow which enters the settling chamber is forced to flow through the filter.

Abstract: A connection member for a filter bag for vacuum cleaning equipment. The member has a base with two superposed base layers of stiff material which together define a first passage opening. A slide element, located between the two layers of the base, has a second passage opening therein which in an initial position is aligned with the first passage opening. By pulling on a handle portion of the slide element, the first passage opening is closed by a closure element that is connected to the slide element. The closure element, in the initial position, is in the form of a strand of incompletely cured plastic material. Upon application of a tensile force, the strand is adapted to plastically deform. The plastic material furthermore adheres on the one side to the slide element and on an opposed side to the base. Upon movement of the slide element into the closed position, the material is adapted to stretch in the longitudinal direction and to be drawn out as a diaphragm closing the first passage opening.

Abstract: A portable, mountable air cleaner that is fashioned of a durable, molded plastic so as to be light weight; dimensioned to fit between typical 12 inch joists in a ceiling structure; containing a dual air filtration system; fashioned and configured so that each filter may be easily removed for cleaning; and that is capable of operation either resting on the ground or while suspended from a wall or ceiling structure.

Abstract: A candle filter holder and gasket assembly for holding a candle filter element within a hot gas cleanup system pressure vessel contians a filter housing (62), a candle filter attached to the filter housing and at least one associated gasket (74) and/or (76) where at least the one associated gasket has a construction that is selected from a single end rolled single spiral (75) or a two end rolled double spiral (71), both constructions having no separate center element and where the at least one gasket (74) and/or (76) functions to provide a seal between filtered gas and dirty or contaminated unfiltered gas within the gas cleanup system.

Abstract: A holder (10) for a vacuum cleaner dust bag which is removably arranged in the vacuum cleaner and includes a sleeve (14) on which an open end (13) of the bag (11) is received. Two or more clamping blocks (17) at least partly surround the sleeve and can be moved in a radial direction toward and away from the sleeve in order to secure the dust bag to the holder and release the dust bag from the holder.

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

Abstract: The present invention is a spirometer mouthpiece assembly having a bag or sock filter medium. A support mechanism is incorporated into the assembly to prevent the filter medium from becoming dislodged during use. This not only protects the user of the spirometer, it also helps prevent contamination.The present invention consists of a spirometer mouthpiece having an interior conduit, a filter medium having an exterior and interior. The filter medium also has a rim portion and bag portion. Lastly, the device has a rigid support mechanism. The filter medium is attached to the interior conduit of the mouthpiece. The support mechanism may be attached to the filter medium or the interior conduit of the mouthpiece. If the support mechanism is attached to the mouthpiece, the filter medium is disposed adjacent the support mechanism.

Abstract: A spaced pocket filter assembly has a pocket secured to a holding frame and a spacing member within the pocket made of a single sheet of material. The spacing member has an alternately folded Z or zig zag configuration and is secured to the interior of the pocket along each of the fold lines. The pocket assembly can be manufactured by interposing a roll of a sheet media for the spacing member between rolls of filter media for the pocket. The spacing member media is folded into the Z or zig zag configuration, layered between the pocket media, and secured to the pocket media continuously along the fold lines.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a filter cartridge that provides for a secure dust tight seal and is easily inserted and removed from a filtration unit. The filter cartridge includes a cartridge unit having a filter element, a bottom cap and a top boot and a sealing sleeve for insertion into the interior of the top boot. The top boot has an outside diameter which is slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the opening in a tube sheet into which the filter cartridge is to be inserted so that the cartridge may be easily inserted into and removed from the opening in a tube sheet. The top boot is also provided with a sealing ridge, which is located in the inside of the boot at the sealing point. The inside diameter of the sealing ridge is smaller than the cartridge boot and the sealing sleeve. When the sealing sleeve is inserted into the cartridge boot, the sealing sleeve contacts the sealing ridge and causes an increase in diameter of the sealing ridge.

Abstract: An apparatus for fixing a trash bag to a vacuum cleaner that prevents the trash bag from being freely moved right and left and improves an assembling productivity of the fixing apparatus is disclosed. The fixing apparatus has first and second guiding bars formed on an inner wall of the dust collecting chamber for guiding a cardboard when the cardboard of the trash bag is inserted therein. First and second supporting brackets prevent the cardboard of the trash bag from being freely moved right and left by fixing the cardboard guided by the first and the second guiding bar. A fixing member which is elastically fixed inside of the first and second brackets prevents the cardboard of the trash bag, which is fixed by the first and the second supporting brackets, from being freely moved right and left. A fixing boss integrally formed with a floor of the dust collecting chamber and protruded upward fixes the fixing member to the first and second supporting brackets.

Abstract: A filter assembly includes a filter cabinet defining an interior. A filter component is suspended within the filter cabinet interior. The filter component includes an outer frame having first and second rigid frame sections. The first and second rigid frame sections are pivotable, relative to each other about a pivot arrangement, such as a hinge. The first and second frame sections hold filter bags, such that the filter bags are suspended from the frame in the cabinet interior. Methods of changing a filter bag in a cabinet air filter assembly are provided.

Abstract: A connector assembly is provided. The connector assembly is particularly well adapted for connection of a tube top flange to a tube sheet, in a bag house or filter assembly. The connector assembly includes a bolt having a retainer construction or skirt thereon, to retain the bolt in place. The bolt has shank sections of different cross-sectional size, to advantage.

Abstract: The invention concerns a gas filter unit or cartridge type, including a filter material put together to form one or several filter bags, and a support frame of essentially U-shaped cross-sectional configuration, including a web portion and two lateral leg members in adjoining relationship, the filter material closest to the mouths of the filter bags being clamped in position between said lateral leg members. In accordance with the invention, the frame includes profile sections of a flexible material, preferably a plastics material, at least one of said lateral leg members being hingedly interconnected with the web portion, in addition to which locking means are provided to retain the corresponding lateral leg member in its clamping position in which it is pivoted into engagement with the other lateral leg member.

Abstract: A detector device for filter bags in vacuum cleaners which comprises a sensor device adapted to sense a tabular or plate-like connection member of such vacuum cleaner filter bag and switching means controlled by the sensor device for preventing switching-on of the motor of the vacuum cleaner if the connection member is not properly detected. The electronic sensor device is adapted to sense at least one detectable element in or on the connection member by electromagnetic waves and is connected with the switching means by a processing device for checking the correct position and correct type of the at least one detectable element. This means that it is not only possible to check for the presence of a filter bag in the vacuum cleaner but furthermore to discriminate whether same is correctly fitted and is of the right type for the said vacuum cleaner so that impairment of and damage to the vacuum cleaner by mounting the wrong type of filter bag is prevented.

Abstract: An improved baghouse which is adapted to remove particulate matter from an air flow. The baghouse has three main chambers being the plenum, the receiving chamber, and a hopper. The three chambers are separated from each other using tubesheets having multiple holes therein. Filtering bags are connected to the upper and lower tubesheets. Attachment of the bag to the upper tubesheet is accomplished using a thimble that is preferably assembled with the bag and then delivered to the site ready for easy insertion into the hole of the tubesheet. A strap to sandwich the bag to the upper thimble. At the lower end, there are attached thimbles on the tubesheet and the bags are secured to those thimbles using clamps. Through the use of beads on the thimbles and bags, shaped clamps and straps, the bag is secured to both thimbles such that slippage and leakage are eliminated; further the shaped bottom clamps prevent relative motion between the bag and the top of the bottom thimble so that excess bag wear is avoided.

Abstract: A filter holder and gasket assembly for holding a candle filter element within a hot gas cleanup system pressure vessel. The filter holder and gasket assembly includes a filter housing, an annular spacer ring securely attached within the filter housing, a gasket sock, a top gasket, a middle gasket and a cast nut.

Abstract: The apparatus is a filter element with an inner star-shaped support cage and a star-shaped filter fabric being held in a star shape only by circumferential outer bands. The inner star-shaped cage has support elements with radially outwardly extending star rays which are affixed to pairs of laterally offset longitudinally extending wires.

Abstract: A connector assembly is provided. The connector assembly is particularly well adapted for connection of a tube top flange to a tube sheet, in a bag house or filter assembly. The connector assembly includes a bolt having a retainer construction or skirt thereon, to retain the bolt in place. The bolt has shank sections of different cross-sectional size, to advantage.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for aligning a powder spray canopy of a powder coating booth with a fan plenum assembly so that a powder collector can be quickly aligned and simultaneously sealed to both the powder spray canopy and the fan plenum. The invention also relates to an improved filter cartridge and filter cartridge mounting assembly which allows for quick and easy mounting and dismounting of filter cartridges to the powder collector.

Abstract: A regenerable gas filter cartridge for filtering particles from an exhaust gas includes a hollow tube having a perforated portion and an open end portion. The perforated portion has a diameter larger than the diameter of the open end portion. A filtering element is disposed on the hollow tube, and the filtering element extends over the larger diameter of the perforated portion and the smaller diameter of the open end portion.

Abstract: A filter assembly for gas filtration including a support cage and a filter bag made of, or which includes, a fabric containing fiberglass yarns. The support cage has widely spaced vertical supports which provide filter bag support surfaces having a large radius of curvature. The wide support areas reduce damage to the filter bag material from cyclic bending and flexing.

Abstract: A connector system is disclosed for providing a connection between a tubular connector having external projections and a mounting collar having a hole with internal notches, for receiving the projections and securing them upon rotation. The connector opening has a non-planar edge and the collar includes an elastic sealing diaphragm with an elongated hole. This configuration of elements cooperate to reduce full contact between the diaphragm and connector during installation, permitting less force to be used in bringing the components into full connection and also providing a spring force which facilitates removal. Also disclosed is a bag for receiving a connector portion. The bag has a continuous perforation, approximately dimensioned to correspond to the connector portion's opening. The perforation is separated by contact with the connector, so as to admit the connector into the filter bag.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dust and lint collection device. The device is utilized in the collection and disposal of lint, dust or other such material. In its broadest context, the present invention includes a collection sleeve which is adapted for engagement with the opened end of a flexible bag. The material to be collected is inserted through the sleeve and into the bag. The bag can then be disposed.

Abstract: A filtering apparatus has a bag or sleeve connected to a profiled resilient band (10, 20). The band is operative to sealing engage an aperture (13, 16) in a further body (16, 27). The profiled band (10, 20) has a one piece construction.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner machine includes a housing having an open upper end and a partition member therein which defines first and second vacuum chambers, a bag holder in said housing and a dome covering the open end of the housing. The bag holder is positioned in the first chamber and retains a bag therein. The bag has a nozzle inlet. The dome has a hose aperture extending therethrough and a nozzle fitting extending therefrom and is positioned on top of the bag holder and over the open end of the housing so that the nozzle fitting extends through the aperture in the bag. A vacuum hose has a hose cuff at one end which is releasably insertable into the hose fitting. A suction unit is mounted in the second chamber and has an inlet which communicates with the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: Fluid permeable filter material comprising a self supporting fluid permeable wall and a fluid permeable filter layer. The self supporting wall comprises ceramic oxide fibers, ceramic oxide particles, and silicate ceramic oxide bonding phase. The filter layer comprises non-woven ceramic oxide fibers and silicate ceramic oxide bonding phase.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a filter bag (8) for a vacuum cleaner (1), with a retainer plate (16) made of a cardboard-paper material that can be attached to a dust bag (37), for example by gluing, and that has a sealable opening (19) for a suction tube (vacuum connector (18)) of a vacuum cleaner (1), where the opening (19) can be closed off with a separate closure piece (V) which can be moved from an open position to a closure position, being slid between two tiers (38, 40). For greater ease of handling the invention proposes that the closure piece (V) be practically fully enclosed in an outer contour of the retainer plate (16) in the open position and in the closure position and that the closure piece (V) lie exposed in a recess (57) of the uppermost tier (38) separate from the opening (19), the longitudinal extension of the recess (57) conforming to the closure piece (V).

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a housing having a nozzle and a selectively removable cover having an inner surface and an outer surface. A filter chamber is defined in the housing when the cover is in place. A bag mounting structure is located on the inner surface of the cover. The bag mounting structure includes a mounting plate secured to the cover inner surface and a first mounting rail located on the mounting plate for guiding an edge of the mounting collar of an associated filter bag. A locking finger is mounted on the mounting plate. The locking finger cooperates with another edge of the mounting collar of the associated filter bag in order to secure the filter bag to the bag mounting structure. When the bag is correctly mounted on the cover, the cover can be attached to the housing of the vacuum cleaner thereby enabling the vacuum cleaner to be used.

Abstract: A self-supporting filter unit having at least one passage (10) defined by wall portions (12) made from air-permeable fiber fabric, through which wall portions air can pass and be drawn off along the passage but which prevent the passage therethrough of dust and/or other debris carried by such air, in which the passage is closed off at one end portion and at the other end portion there is formed integral with said wall portions a rigid mounting portion (16) into which the passage (10) opens whereby the filter unit can be supported as part of a filter assembly, wherein the mounting portion (16) includes a first reinforcing portion (18) of material around and secured with said fabric of the wall portion parts of the first reinforcing portion and fabric integral therewith remote from said one end being outwardly flanged, and wherein the mounting portion (16) further includes a second reinforcing portion (20,21) of material positioned over the outwardly flanged portions and secured thereto, said second reinforcing

Abstract: A filter and support structure, for a baghouse having a tube sheet with a plurality of apertures, has a filter media wrapped around a core. An end cap is joined proximate the top of the core and has a rim extending over the filter media. The rim of the end cap is joined with a collar having a downwardly depending annular barrel. The barrel has a pair of outwardly protruding ribs. A snap band assembly has a metallic snap band, spring-biased outwardly, and covered with fabric. The snap band assembly has upper and lower outwardly protruding portions. The snap band assembly receives a periphery of a tube sheet aperture between the upper and lower outwardly protruding portions. The upper rib of the pair engages with the inner face of the snap band assembly proximate the plane in which the tube sheet lies, or slightly below that plane. The collar has a flat upper portion which is spatially removed from the snap band assembly and a downwardly depending annular flange which engages with the top of the tube sheet.

Abstract: An electric vacuum cleaner includes: a catching mechanism disposed in the appliance housing for detachably catching a dust collecting bag for collecting dust, dirt and the like; a releasing lever allowing a releasing operation from the outside to free the engaged state of the dust collecting bag in the catching mechanism; and/or two type of accessory suction nozzles including a brush-equipped suction nozzle with bristles and a gap-cleaning suction nozzle having an elongate nozzle portion for cleaning gaps; and a depressed storage portion for fitting accessory suction nozzles in the appliance body. In this configuration, the suction nozzles can be attached to the depressed storage portion by inserting the nozzle portion of the gap-cleaning suction nozzle into the brush-equipped suction nozzle and fitting the integrally fitted part consisting of the brush-equipped suction nozzle and the gap-cleaning suction nozzle, into the depressed storage portion.

Abstract: A vacuum bag for use with a vacuum device having a dirty air vacuum inlet has a conventional self-sealing collar including a pair of apertured planar panels, an apertured resilient membrane therebetween, and a finger extending at least partially across the outer panel aperture. However the collar is made self-aligning with a vacuum inlet by adding a third planar panel disposed parallel to and outwardly of the pair of panels. The third panel defines a respective third aperture therethrough configured and dimensioned for receipt of a vacuum inlet therethrough and aligned with the apertures of the pair of panels. The third aperture is of a thickness to facilitate blind placement of the collar on a vacuum inlet. In a combination of the bag and a vacuum device, the dirty air inlet extends through the three panel apertures as well as the membrane aperture of the collar.

Abstract: A vacuum bag for use with a vacuum device having a dirty air vacuum inlet has a conventional self-sealing collar including a pair of apertured planar panels, an apertured resilient membrane therebetween, and a finger extending at least partially across the outer panel aperture. However the collar is made self-aligning with a vacuum inlet by adding a third planar panel disposed parallel to and outwardly of the pair of panels. The third panel defines a respective third aperture therethrough configured and dimensioned for receipt of a vacuum inlet therethrough and aligned with the apertures of the pair of panels. The third aperture is of a thickness to facilitate blind placement of the collar on a vacuum inlet. In a combination of the bag and a vacuum device, the dirty air inlet extends through the three panel apertures as well as the membrane aperture of the collar.