Abstract: A secondary air filter assembly that can be attached to the exhaust port of an upright vacuum cleaner is provided. The assembly includes an adapter plate that is adhered, clipped or otherwise affixed to the exhaust port, and a filter carrier that is removably attached to the base. The filter is preferably affixed as a unit to the filter carrier so that the entire filter/carrier unit can be replaced at once. The adapter base can also be used as an attachment for other accessories.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner with a removable collection module. The module has a combined collection assembly and filter element. The collection assembly has a one-piece frame and a cover attached to an open rear end of the frame. The filter element is permanently attached to the cover on an interior side. The cover has ribs that space the filter element from a rear side of the cover and form an air flow space between the filter element and the cover. The cover is mounted on a flange of the frame with a frictional airtight connection.

Abstract: A device with an extraction fan for use for drawing off ambient air loaded with harmful substances during, e.g., laser surgery or HF surgery, is passed through a filter device. For routine use, easy replacement of the filter should be possible, its loading time is prolonged, and the arrangement of the filter does not compromise the easy handling of the suction line. To achieve this, a transparent sleeve 6, into which a cylindrical folded filter 10 is pulled via a perforation support tube 26, is installed in the suction line, or the filter has a hole 29 provided with a support lining, so that the filter can be directly attached to the suction-side connecting branch 5. The filter 10 is flown through radially, and thus it offers a large filter surface at minimum extension.

Abstract: A molded plastic lid adapted to generally close off the upper open end of a container and adapted to enable separation of entrained particles from a stream of air for collection of the particles in the container. The lid is formed with circumferentially extending inlet and outlet chambers opening downwardly into the container and having inlet and outlet openings, respectively, for receiving and discharging the air stream. The inlet chamber is formed with an upper surface which slopes downwardly upon progressing from the inlet opening to cause the air entering the container to flow in a curved and downwardly inclined direction so as to establish a cyclonic action in the container for separation of the particles. The outlet chamber is formed with an upper surface which slopes upwardly upon progressing toward the outlet opening to cause the air exiting the container to flow in the same generally curved direction but at an upwardly inclined angle.

Abstract: A process, and apparatus for practicing the process, for removing hazardous material collected on a cleanable HEPA filter in a manner which protects operating personnel from exposure to that hazardous material comprising use of a bag composed of high efficiency filter material, the bag being positioned within a vacuum container having a removable lid. The bag has an open top which extends out of the container during the cleaning operation, the container being closed by a removable lid. The system allows the lid to be removed and the bag sealed and extracted from the container without shutting off the vacuum generated flow of air.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner assembly for usage inn wet and dry environments. The interior main canister of the vacuum includes a chamber assembly having a capstan, interface plate and hourglass member for extending the vacuum effect downward from a vacuum motor placed atop a chamber that lies above the main chamber and above the canister assembly. The interior of the chamber is connected to a sweeper portion through the use of an inlet tube. The capstan and hourglass member each have small apertures in them. A Y-shaped inlet tube may be optionally used to connect the interior of the main chamber to the sweeper so that incoming fluid may be directed around the capstan for full "washing" effect.

Abstract: The cleaning system has a head to which water is applied for cleaning carpets, etc. The head has a water nozzle for injecting hot water on the carpet, etc. and a vacuum inlet with vacuum hose coupled to a vacuum container. A lid having an outlet is provided for covering the top of the container. A hose is connected to the lid outlet and to a vacuum blower. A lid conduit forming the lid outlet extends through the lid with inlet openings formed through the lower portion of the outlet conduit. A chamber extends from the lower side of the lid surrounding the lower portion of the lid conduit with a bottom wall located below the lower portion of the lid conduit. A plate is connected to the bottom of the lid conduit and extends outward forming a dead space between the plate and the bottom wall of the chamber. An opening is formed through the side wall of the chamber for passage of air from the container into the chamber and to the vacuum device.

Abstract: A disposable vacuum cleaner dust bag includes a porous sheet defining a dust collection chamber having an inlet, and a substantially rigid collar secured to the sheet around said inlet. The collar provides a generally circular opening and has at least a pair of peripherally spaced radially pivotable further portions disposed about the opening and extending radially inwardly further than the remainder of the collar when the pivotable portions and the collar remainder are in the same plane. An elastic diaphragm on the collar provides a generally circular opening smaller than the opening in the collar. The collar is adapted to mount on a connector having a generally cylindrical outlet having an end through which the air is delivered by a vacuum cleaner and which provides peripherally spaced outwardly extending projections. The collar is adapted to be installed, maintained in an installed position, and removed with the pivotable portions aligned with the projections.

Abstract: An apparatus for recovering liquid from liquid contaminated small articles of manufacture has a housing which defines upper and lower chambers separated by an inclined perforated plate. A vacuum producer withdraws air from the housing causing liquid contaminated articles discharged from a production machine to be drawn into the housing through a flexible suction hose. Liquid contaminated articles entrained within the incoming airstream enter the housing, strike a target plate, and drop onto the perforated plate. Liquid drains from the articles, passes through the perforated plate, accumulates in a sump in the lower portion of the housing and is pumped to a recovery station. An access opening in the housing facilitates removal of the articles from the housing.

Abstract: A dirt collecting apparatus for a vacuum cleaner which is adapted to decrease a volume of a canister body thereby facilitating a handling of the vacuum cleaner and which has a dirt container that is easily detached from the apparatus. The apparatus comprises a dirt collecting chamber connected between a wand and a handle pipe, a cyclone part inserted in the dirt collecting chamber which converts a linear flow in the dirt collecting chamber into a cyctonical flow, and a dirt container mounted on the outer surface of the dirt collecting chamber which receives the dirt separated in the dirt collecting chamber.

Abstract: The improved carpet cleaning machine, intended for use with "dry" carpet cleaning systems using dampened granules or particles, can be used in either of two modes. One involves carpet "brushing" for dirt removal by urging particles into the carpet and along the fibers. The other involves later vacuuming for particle removal. To facilitate the latter, one embodiment of the machine has first and second particle-removing media such as a concentrically-mounted cyclone separator and conical screen filter, respectively. The separator has air flowing through it downwardly along a vortical path and then upward, such air flow often carrying along a few particles. Such high-velocity particles impinge on the outer surface of the screen filter and many particles adhering to such filter are dislodged. The filter is said to thereby be "purged" or cleaned. There may also be a third medium and even a fourth medium to remove very fine particles before the air is expelled back into the room.

Abstract: An improved machine convertible for brush-aided cleaning or vacuuming includes a pair of powered brushes counter-revolving for stroking solvent-dampened carpet cleaning particles through the carpet and along carpet fibers during initial cleaning. A separately-powered pod is detachable from the machine during brush-aided carpet cleaning and attached to a machine-mounted vacuum nozzle for carpet vacuuming to pick up the dirt-laden particles. The pod has first and second media selected to remove particles of differing sizes from air flowing through the pod. During initial carpet cleaning when vacuum is not needed, the pod may be detached and used in another area for hand-vacuuming carpeted stairs and other "small-area" places.

Abstract: A physical compact vacuum pickup device of critically safe volume and geometric shape is provided for use in radioactive enclosures, such as a small glove box, to facilitate manual cleanup of either wet or dry radioactive material. The device is constructed and arranged so as to remain safe when filled to capacity with plutonium-239 oxide. Two fine mesh filter bags are supported on the exterior of a rigid fine mesh stainless steel cup. This assembly is sealed within, and spaced from, the interior walls of a stainless steel canister. An air inlet communicates with the interior of the canister. A modified conventional vacuum head is physically connected to, and associated with, the interior of the mesh cup. The volume of the canister, as defined by the space between the mesh cup and the interior walls of the canister, forms a critically safe volume and geometric shape for dry radioactive particles that are gathered within the canister.

Abstract: A disposable canister containing a HEPA filtration mechanism is used in conjunction with a removably mounted vacuum motor assembly. The vacuum motor assembly draws particulate-laden air, including harmful airborne contaminants, into an inlet opening of the canister by a disposable vacuum hose. The inlet opening is made of a magnetically attracting material. The particulate-laden air is then filtered through the HEPA filtration mechanism prior to exiting from the canister as non-contaminated air. Upon termination of the vacuum force on the inlet, a hinged magnetic flap seals the inlet to the canister. The immediate and complete sealing of the inlet by the magnetically biased flap assures against escape of harmful contaminants from the canister.

Abstract: A cyclonic vacuum cleaner for compacting dirt within a receptacle is disclosed. The vacuum cleaner includes a receptacle having a top side and bottom wall with an air inlet opening in the side wall. A frustoconical air flow structure is disposed within the receptacle to separate air entering the inlet from the top wall. A filter spanning from the side wall to the air flow producing structure is disposed within the receptacle between the air inlet and an outlet disposed within the receptacle between the air inlet and an outlet disposed in the side wall near the bottom wall of the receptacle. The outlet may be connected to a suction source to produce negative pressure within the receptacle so air entering the air inlet downwardly spirals about the air flow producing structure and a particulate within the air flow is removed by the filter. The downwardly spiralling air flow compacts the removed particulate atop the filter to create a further filter effect on the air flow.

Abstract: In a vacuum cleaner comprising a reduced velocity chamber with a high velocity air inlet, an electric motor, a rotary means driven by the motor for creating a vacuum in the chamber, an outlet for exhausting air from the chamber, which air flows in a selected path from the air inlet, through the chamber and out the air exhaust outlet and a disposable porous sheet filter layer in the chamber for removing solids particles from the air there is provided an improvement comprising a gas removing filter between the filter layer and the motor where the gas removing filter comprises an activated charcoal filter layer in the chamber, intersecting the air path and generally coterminous with the disposable filter layer.

Abstract: Filter unit assembly located at an operator-designated position is provided for enabling fluid flow through a removable mesh filter and ready disconnectibility from a vacuum line with the avoidance of liquid spillage from the filter unit assembly. The filter unit has a chamber which is open at one end and closed at its other end except for an outlet conduit displaced from the longitudinal axis of the chamber, first and second outwardly extending grip means which are displaced from each other about the longitudinal axis of the chamber, first and second supports for permitting the unit to rest in different stable positions, and a cap member for which engages and closes the front end of the chamber and has an axial inlet.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner treats cleaning air by forcing the air through a liquid bath so as to remove suspended particulates within the air. The cleaner comprises a pan member adapted to contain the fluid bath, a cleaning air inlet, an upper casing supported from and secured to the pan member, and a motor mounted on the upper casing having a cooling air inlet and cooling air exhaust separate from that of the cleaning air. A main baffle shrouds the cleaning air inlet for the containment of the over splash created by induced fluid turbulence created in the liquid bath by the incoming cleaning air. At least two fluid collector rings are mounted between the cleaning air inlet and cleaning air outlet to provide a circuitous path for the cleaning air after it has traveled through the fluid bath to collect liquid particles and moisture in the cleaning air and redirect it back into the liquid bath.

Abstract: A vacuum filter vessel having a base and a source of vacuum. There is an inlet for dust laden air and a mainly imperforate container to receive dust. The inlet and the source of vacuum communicate with each other by a passageway extending around the container to communicate the top of the container and the vacuum source. There is a perforate filter member at the top of the mainly imperforate container to filter dust from the dust laden air.

Abstract: An industrial dust collector comprises mainly a base, a guide box, a motor, a suction fan, a suction hose, a filtration bag, a dust bag, and a pre-filtering means disposed between the guide box and the suction hose so as to filter out the objects considerably greater in size and weight than the dust in order to prevent such objects from damaging the suction fan and the dust bag.

Abstract: A blower cover is provided so as to surround an electric driven blower. The blower cover comprises an upper blower cover and a lower blower cover. An exhaust air duct as a silencer mechanism is provided on the upper blower cover and is disposed between a blower receiving chamber and a cord receiving chamber. The exhaust air duct comprising an outer peripheral wall portion and a side wall portion. The outer peripheral wall portion has a partitioning rib and a curved guiding rib. The exhaust air duct forms a U-shaped exhaust air flow passage. An expansion chamber is disposed air flow passage. An expansion chamber is disposed at a down stream of the exhaust air duct. The exhaust air from an intake port of the exhaust air duct flows the U-shaped flow passage and is led to the expansion chamber. The suctioned air is expanded in the blower receiving chamber. The exhaust air is compressed in the exhaust air duct and is expanded again in the expansion chamber.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus including cyclones (11, 52, 81, 107) connected to a uniquely configured receiving chamber (12, 53, 99, 112) is described. The chamber has a diameter furthest from the cone opening (32, 75, 98, 118) at least 3 times the diameter of the cone opening such that dirt is not re-entrained from the chamber. Also described is an apparatus with a sealing member (33, 76, 100, 117) between the receiving chamber and cyclone which provides a seal during air flow and which allows separation of the chamber and cyclone for dirt removal. Also described is a ring second sealing member (34, 104) around an open portion of the receiving chamber which allows removal of the chamber from an outer container (10, 80) to facilitate emptying dirt.

Abstract: A unitary liner (36) for use in a dual inner and outer cyclonic vacuum cleaning apparatus (10) is described. The liner has a rigid receiver member (38) that collects dirt separated from the airflow by the inner cyclone (12). The receiver is integrally bonded to a flexible container portion (37) that lays over the inner surface (11D) of the outer cyclone (11) to collect dirt separated from the airflow by the outer cyclone. The container portion (41) can also be a rigid member bonded to a rigid receiver (42). Also, the rigid container portion (45) can provide the outer cyclone and be bonded to a rigid receiver (46). The liner collects separated dirt from the inner and outer cyclones and is easy to remove and replace from the cleaning apparatus by removing the cover (13) which supports the inner cyclone, from the outer cyclone to expose the liner when the vacuum cleaner becomes full of dirt. A liner (130) for a tank type, dual inner and outer cyclonic vacuum cleaning apparatus (110 ) is also described.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided comprising a housing (1) with two filter systems (2,3) arranged in series, means (4) for generating an air flow through the filter systems, the second filter system (3) as seen in the direction of flow being a cyclone filter system, which vacuum cleaner is provided with one reservoir (5) for collecting dust from both filter systems (2,3), which reservoir can be closed off with a lid (14), is suitable for accommodating a disposable dust bag (6), and is furthermore divided into two compartments (5a, 5b) by a wall (13), each reservoir compartment serving to collect separated dust from the accompanying filter system, while the wall (13) is fastened in the reservoir (5) in such a way that it can be taken out. Preferably, the removable wall (13) is fastened to the lid (14).As a result, the user can remove all the dust from the vacuum cleaner in one operation.

Abstract: A glove bag assembly comprising a glove bag adapted to be optionally sealed horizontally to create an upper and a lower portion; a valve assembly connected at its inlet to said lower portion via a conduit and at its outlet to a waste container; and vacuum-generating means communicating with splitter valve means, whereby the amount of vacuum applied to the entire assembly can be controlled.

Abstract: A cleaning machine includes a frame having wheels, a suction blower having an air inlet and an air outlet and mounted on the frame, an intake opening communicating with the air inlet of the suction blower for sucking dirt containing relatively large dirt such as fallen leaves and relatively small dirt such as dust together with air by the sucking force generated by the suction blower, a dirt separator communicating with the air outlet of the suction blower by means of a duct for separating the dirt from the air blown out from the suction blower, and a dirt receptable for collecting the relatively large dirt separated by the dirt separator, and the dirt receptacle detachably attached under the main separator.

Abstract: An apparatus including a transportable housing, including a blower motor therewithin, the housing including fluid mounted within the housing positioned below the blower motor to effect drowning of insects directed into the housing. The housing includes a flexible intake conduit and a rigid outlet conduit. The blower motor is mounted within the housing, with an intake opening positioned and aligned adjacent an interior surface of the top wall of the housing. The flexible conduit optionally utilizes a directional handle rod for positioning of the intake conduit, wherein insect attractant is mounted and laminated within an interior surface of an intake funnel and positioned within the output conduit for directing insect attractant environmentally about the housing for attracting insects for their removal from overhanging trees, shrubs, and the like.

Abstract: A one piece plastic liner (40) for use in cyclonic vacuum cleaner (10) is described. The liner preferably fits inside of an outer cyclone or container (11) around an inner cyclone (12) and is held in place by the dirt receiver (13), the inner cyclone and the cover (15). The liner collects separated dirt from both cyclones and is easy to remove and replace by removing the cover, the inner cyclone and the receiver when the vacuum cleaner becomes full of dirt.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprising a dust receiving container having an aperture for connecting a suction hose and an opening at the top for releasably supporting a motor-fan unit. A frame surrounding the container is provided with a vertically sliding structure for raising the motor-fan unit above the container at a distance sufficient to allow the container to be withdrawn sideways below the motor-fan unit. The motor-fan unit includes a dust filter, which when raised above the container, can be cleaned while allowing the dust to fall in the container.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning apparatus is provided having a canister, a motor mounted to the exterior of the canister, a cyclonic cone centrally disposed within said canister, an inlet port in the canister wall opposing the cyclonic cone, an outlet port above the cyclonic cone and a primary filter within the canister between the lower end of the cyclonic cone and the canister bottom wall. When the motor pulls air from the canister through the outlet port, dirt laden air entering the inlet port passes the cyclonic cone and downwardly spirals around the cyclonic cone and passes through the primary filter. The filtered air is then pulled upwardly through the interior of the cyclonic cone and exits through the outlet port. A secondary filter can be interposed between the outlet port and the primary filter for additional air filtration.

Abstract: A self-contained, portable spot abatement unit (10) facilitates the spot removal or abatement of asbestos material, or other material containing particulate contaminants. The unit includes a portable work chamber (12) having vacuum (VP1, VP2) and filtration (F1F2) means coupled thereto for establishing a negative air pressure therewithin. The unit has overall dimensions that permit easy passage through conventional door openings, yet the work space provided within the work chamber is sufficiently large to allow a worker to perform whatever tasks need to be performed at a desired work site. A first telescoping top frame (20, 52) allows the work chamber to expand in order to contact finished ceilings up to 13 feet from a finished floor. A second telescoping frame (22, 56) used in one embodiment, allows the work space to be further extended, e.g., to pass through an opening (54) in a finished ceiling up to 18 feet from the finished floor. A hand-held collection bag (144) may also be used within the work chamber.

Abstract: A disc-shaped shroud having a cylindrical section (50c, 132) adjacent to an inner surface (15b, 111b) of a cyclonic container (15, 111) including a preferred combined shroud and disc unit (50) for use in a dual inner and outer cyclonic vacuum cleaner (10) is described. The combined shroud and disc unit fits on the outside surface (20c) of the inner cyclone (20) and aids in removal of dirt and fibrous matter from the airflow in the outer cyclone (15). Improved airflow between the outer cyclone (15) and inner cyclone (20) is achieved because of the shroud and disc unit (50).

Abstract: A shop type vacuum cleaner including an externally mounted filter including a filter housing including a filter element and an elongated inlet tube slidably received within an exhaust outlet opening from the vacuum cleaner debris compartment.

Abstract: An asbestos collection and containment device for use in the removal of asbestos from ceiling or other accessible elevated asbestos covered structures. The collection device contains and directs the removed asbestos into a scaffold supported flexible walled enclosure having a constant exhaust air flow filtration and associated wetting apparatus. The asbestos collection device is a mobile self-contained containment removal structure that automatically bags the removed asbestos for approved disposal.

Abstract: A disposable dust bag for vacuum cleaners and the like is disclosed which includes a mounting collar adapted to be removably mounted on a vacuum cleaner connector through which dirt-laden air is delivered to the dust bag. The connector has a generally cylindrical outlet end and peripherally spaced projections extending from the outer surface thereof. The collar provides an opening sized to closely fit the outlet through the majority of its peripheral extent and which provides peripherally spaced enlarged portions adapted to clear the projections on the connector when the bag is installed and removed. The collar also provides an inwardly extending elastomeric diaphragm having a centrally located opening substantially smaller than the outlet of the connector. During installation and removal of the bag on the connector, the enlarged portions of the collar opening are aligned with the projections on the connector and the collar is pressed over the connector until it is positioned behind the projections.

Abstract: A dual cyclonic vacuum cleaner device (10) including outer cylcone (11), inner cyclone (12), collecting receiver (13) and motor (14) and a valve (46) in a housing (38) which preferably closes a passage into an inlet scroll (27) leading to the inner cyclone when the outer cyclone is full is described. The valve rises to meet a ring stop (47) to cause the closure because of the differential pressure (.DELTA.P) between a pressure at an opening (45) and a pressure inside of the housing. The valve (46) prevents dirt laden air from entering directly into the shroud 31 which could plug the inner cyclone, put dirt in the vacuum motor and expel dirt laden air to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A vacuum filter vessel having a base and a source of vacuum. There is an inlet for dust laden air and a mainly imperforate container to receive dust. The inlet and the source of vacuum communicate with each other by a passageway extending around the container to communicate the top of the container and the vacuum source. There is a perforate filter member at the top of the mainly imperforate container to filter dust from the dust laden air.

Abstract: A wet/dry vacuum cleaner including a tank for the collection of liquid, an inlet socket for connection to a suction head, a cover for closing the top of the tank, and a centrifugal vacuum blower mounted on the cover with an axial air inlet opening to the interior of the tank. A solid matter filter is located in the tank and covers the axial air inlet to the blower. The unit includes a float valve assembly that utilizes an annular seal gasket secured to the bottom of the cover and a bowl-shaped float suspended in the tank below the gasket and having an upwardly facing annular rim adapted to sealingly engage the gasket. The float is shaped to define a downwardly extending recess adapted to surround the filter element so that when the liquid level in the tank reaches a predetermined level, the float is buoyed upwardly until its annular rim engages the seal gasket to interrupt the flow of air to the blower inlet.

Abstract: A tank type liquid air cleaner which comprises a L-shaped air inlet pipe, a liquid tank, an overflow cylinder within the liquid tank, a ball valve in a tapered ball valve containing tube disposed in the lower portion of the liquid tank, a nozzle injection member, and a fan, whereby the air cleaner effectively cleans dirty air containing dust and debris and can be easily and completely cleaned the internal surface of the overflow cylinder and the liquid tank.

Abstract: Automatically operable protection is afforded to eliminate pollution to the atmosphere caused by failure of fabric filter bags in a filter network. This is achieved by increases after bag failure in aerodynamic flow volume of fluid in the flow path to the individual filter bags past a closure valve structure. Critical and rapid response is achieved by an aerodynamic substantially flat plate member pivotably mounted off center to initiate movement toward a closure position. A counterweight on the smaller area side moving toward closure assures closure of the flow path. The valve may be latched close, and may telemeter closure to a central location visible to an operator. For reverse jet type systems the valve is mounted in a fluid output flow path from the filter bags in a location where the reverse jet flow does not pass through the valve. Consistent operation of a plurality of networked valves is assured by locating them in flow path positions having little turbulence.

Abstract: A handleable, flexible, crack resistant intumescent sheet material for use in mounting fragile structures comprising a preformed intumescent layer, and a reinforcing layer bonded to the intumescent layer and having a tensile strength greater that the intumescent layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filtering and collecting device of solid and powder refuse for industrial and civil suction apparatus equipped with at least one flexible, removable storage bag (17) and means (4) of drawing in and conveying refuse to the storage bag (17) adapted to form a flow of air and refuse, the device comprising: an air and refuse sorting zone (16a) supplied with the flow of air and refuse, at least one filter (19) communicated with the sorting zone (16a) and adapted to allow for the escape of air from the flow, and the storage bag (17) communicated with the sorting zone (16a) and made of an impervious material of the disposable type, to be thrown away together with refuse collected therein.

Abstract: A HEPA-type filter including a cannister body with an inlet and outlet coupled through a filter unit having at least one prefilter and a HEPA-type filter therein. The prefilter protects the HEPA-type filter from moisture and clogging. The module can include a fume hood to prevent hazardous material from escaping when a cannister liner or bag is replaced. The module can form part of the vacuum system for a hazardous waste removal system and is coupled to a conventional separate vacuum source for operation thereof.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning system having a receptacle of non-porous material, such as a plastics bag (65), adapted to safely receive and hold hazardous material such as asbestos fibre. Vacuum is applied by a fan (86) to a suction chamber (69) and then through a filter (71) to an intermediate chamber (63) and via a suction pipe (61) to the bag (65). Waste material is sucked into the bag through an inlet pipe (67). The filter is cleaned periodically by admitting atmospheric air through a pulse valve (74) causing an inrush of air through the filter (71) and into the bag (65), cleaning the filter and intermediate chamber (63).

Abstract: A pre-filter apparatus for use in conjunction with a vacuum cleaner, and which is used to pre-filter the dirt and dust-filled air by a method of negative pressure filtration in order to substantially reduce the volume of air suspending the same amount of dirt before it enters the vacuum cleaner bag, and to continously self-clean the pre-filter. The result is to obtain air without small, filter-clogging particulates by first aggregating them into larger particles before they get to the vacuum cleaner bag so that what enters the vacuum cleaner bag are big clumps which would not have many small particles that can effectively clog up the filter bag. The invention includes the concept of having a smaller suction force siphon off some air through various pre-filter membranes while a larger suction force pulls the dirt particles away from the pre-filter membranes by a negative pressure to keep them continuously clean and maintain their filtration efficiency.

Abstract: A disposable dust bag for vacuum cleaners and the like is disclosed which includes a mounting collar adapted to be removably mounted on a vacuum cleaner connector through which dirt-laden air is delivered to the dust bag. The connector has a generally cylindrical outlet end and peripherally spaced projections extending from the outer surface thereof. The collar provides an opening sized to closely fit the outlet through the majority of its peripheral extent and which provides peripherally spaced enlarged portions adapted to clear the projections on the connector when the bag is installed and removed. The collar also provides an inwardly extending elastomeric diaphragm having a centrally located opening substantially smaller than the outlet of the connector. During installation and removal of the bag on the connector, the enlarged portions of the collar opening are aligned with the projections on the connector and the collar is pressed over the connector until it is positioned behind the projections.

Abstract: The invention is a vacuum cleaner for selectively cleaning dust from an environment. The cleaner has a water reservoir and an air entry port on the reservoir with a float means for directing the air toward the water and for breaking the surface film of the water. Air is made to move through the cleaner by a low power motor and fan located next to the reservoir.

Abstract: A condensate separator having a housing formed as a channel profile member with one open side face and including integrally formed mounting portions for fastener elements, the open ends of the channel profile member being closed by respective covers, and the open side face by a carrier carrying the control device.The condensate separator is particularly suitable for industrial steam-pressing stations.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus including inner cyclone (11) connected to a uniquely configures receiving chamber (12, 53, 99, 112) is described. An outer container (10) is outwardly tapered to facilitate dirt removal. The chamber has a diameter furthest from the cone opening (32, 75, 98, 118) at least 3 times the diameter of the cone opening such that dirt is not re-entrained from the chamber. Also described is an apparatus with a sealing member (33, 76, 100, 117) between the receiving chamber and inner cyclone which provides a seal during air flow and which allows separation of the chamber and inner cyclone for dirt removal. Also described is a ring second sealing member (34, 104) around an open portion of the receiving chamber which allows removal of the chamber from the outer container (10, 80) to facilitate emptying dirt.

Abstract: A filter, separator and seal arrangement is disclosed for a wet and dry hand held vacuum cleaner. A cup-shaped filter is provided which is elongated to provide a large area for enhancing sustained air performance of the cleaner with the filter being disposed within a liquid separator so as to be generally coextensive therewith. A connection arrangement is also provided between the filter and separator so as to provide an air tight and liquid tight connection therebetween but which is also easily separable to facilitate cleaning of the two devices.