A vacuum cleaner assembly configured to be mounted in a vehicle. The vacuum cleaner assembly includes a mounting plate having a vacuum cleaner area, one or more of the tool storage area or a hose storage area, and an accessory storage area. The vacuum cleaner area has an open-ended compartment and a pair of walls disposed adjacent to the open-ended compartment. A vacuum cleaner is disposed in the vacuum cleaner area and includes a collector module and a vacuum module coupled to the collector module. The vacuum module is secured to the vacuum storage area by one or more of the open-ended compartment and the pair of walls disposed adjacent to the open-ended compartment. So constructed, the mounting plate is configured to provide a single piece mounting body for the vacuum cleaner, one or more of the hose and a vacuum cleaner tool, and an accessory package.
B60S 1/64 - Other vehicle fittings for cleaning for cleaning vehicle interiors, e.g. built-in vacuum cleaners
A47L 7/00 - Suction cleaners adapted for additional purposes; Tables with suction openings for cleaning purposes; Containers for cleaning articles by suction; Suction cleaners adapted to cleaning of brushes; Suction cleaners adapted to taking-up liquids
F16M 13/02 - Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles for supporting on, or attaching to, an object, e.g. tree, gate, window-frame, cycle
A pre-filter for a filter system includes a frame having air flow openings having a height and an top portion having a width and a depth. The pre-filter includes a filter panel having a width less than or equal to the width of the top portion and a depth less than or equal to the depth of the top portion at least during insertion of the filter panel into the frame, and height equal to or greater than the height of the air flow openings. A filter system using the pre-filter includes a tank, an air intake aperture, an air exhaust aperture, and a cartridge filter. Another filter system has a relatively large air intake aperture that permits easy debris dumping. A vacuum cleaning system using the filter system includes a support structure connected to the filter system by a release lever.
A filter for a vacuum cleaner includes a top having an open center, a bottom plate having an aperture, a center, an inside surface facing towards the top, an outside surface facing away from the top, and a catch configured to pass-through the aperture, filter material being secured between the top and bottom plate. An adaptor for a filter cage or the filter cage itself includes an elevated ring that engages the catch of the filter.
A filter for a vacuum cleaner includes a top having an open center, a bottom plate having an aperture, a center, an inside surface facing towards the top, an outside surface facing away from the top, and a catch configured to pass-through the aperture, filter material being secured between the top and bottom plate. An adaptor for a filter cage or the filter cage itself includes an elevated ring that engages the catch of the filter.
A filter for a vacuum cleaner includes a top having an open center, a bottom plate having an outermost edge, a center, an inside surface facing towards the top, an outside surface facing away from the top, and a catch extending from the inside surface annularly around the center, filter material being secured between the top and bottom plate. An adaptor for a filter cage or the filter cage itself includes a radial retention ring that engages the catch of the filter.
A47L 7/00 - Suction cleaners adapted for additional purposes; Tables with suction openings for cleaning purposes; Containers for cleaning articles by suction; Suction cleaners adapted to cleaning of brushes; Suction cleaners adapted to taking-up liquids
A corner support assembly for supporting a stack of containers includes a bar defining a corner and having a first end, a second end, an interior surface. A bracket is operatively coupled to the bar. The bracket includes a front end spaced away from the bar and a back end facing the interior surface of the bar. The bracket is disposed between the first end and the second end of the bar and oriented substantially perpendicular to the bar.
A wide-area vacuum nozzle (10) includes a body (12) having a first surface (20), a second surface (22), a leading edge (26), and a trailing edge (30), where the leading edge (26) and trailing edge (30) form an outer periphery (32) of the body (12). The outer periphery (32) includes a first juncture (36) and a second juncture (38) disposed between the leading edge (26) and the trailing edge (30). An aperture (14) formed through the first surface (20) and second surface (22) of the body (12) is disposed between the leading edge (26) and the trailing edge 30. A fitting (19) is connected to the aperture (14) and adapted for connection to vacuum source. The leading edge (26) forms an arc extending between the first juncture (36) and the second juncture (38).
A47L 9/06 - Nozzles with fixed, e.g. adjustably fixed brushes or the like
A47L 11/40 - Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups , or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers or levers
A47L 5/36 - Suction cleaners with hose between nozzle and casing; Suction cleaners for fixing on staircases; Suction cleaners for carrying on the back
A47L 5/28 - Suction cleaners with handles and nozzles fixed on the casings, e.g. wheeled suction cleaners with steering handle
8.
AXIAL FAN HAVING HOUSING FORMED BY CONNECTABLE PIECES AND INCLUDING AIR GUIDE RIBS AND AN INTERNAL RAMP
A fan having a housing including a front piece that is separable but connectable to a back piece is disclosed. The front piece has a first connecting edge and a downstream edge, and the back piece has a second connecting edge and an upstream edge. The second connecting edge is configured to be connected to the first connecting edge. The fan may include a handle, the handle having a first portion integral with the front piece and a second portion integral with the back piece, the first portion configured to be connected to the second portion. The fan may further include air guide ribs provided on an interior surface of the housing and/or a ramp that starts at a location downstream of the upstream edge of the housing and ends at the downstream edge of the housing.
A fan having a housing including a front piece that is separable but connectable to a back piece is disclosed. The front piece has a first connecting edge and a downstream edge, and the back piece has a second connecting edge and an upstream edge. The second connecting edge is configured to be connected to the first connecting edge. The fan may include a handle, the handle having a first portion integral with the front piece and a second portion integral with the back piece, the first portion configured to be connected to the second portion. The fan may further include air guide ribs provided on an interior surface of the housing and/or a ramp that starts at a location downstream of the upstream edge of the housing and ends at the downstream edge of the housing.
A vacuum accessory may include a head including a head body defining an inlet and a fitting interface, the head body extending from a fitting interface to a base and enclosing a cavity. A fitting includes a fitting body symmetrically disposed about a longitudinal axis of the fitting. The fitting body defines a fitting inlet, an outlet, and a flow path connecting the fitting inlet and the outlet. The fitting is connected to the head at the fitting interface and a fluid flow path fluidly connects the inlet and the outlet. A blade is removably coupled to the head and at least partially disposed within the cavity of the head. The blade includes a flat blade body that is coplanar with a reference plane dividing the fitting body and containing the longitudinal axis of the fitting.
A squeegee accessory for a wet/dry vacuum may include a housing and a squeegee assembly removably attached to a front end of the housing. The housing may include a front end including a fluid inlet, a back end including a fluid outlet, and a fluid flow path connecting the inlet and the outlet. The squeegee assembly may include a bracket, a squeegee removably disposed between first and second plates of the bracket, and an insert removably disposed between first and second blades of the squeegee. The insert may have an elongated body and a rib disposed on the elongated body, the rib touching the inner surface of the squeegee to define a barrier of an airflow path formed between the insert and the squeegee.
A47L 11/40 - Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups , or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers or levers
A47L 7/00 - Suction cleaners adapted for additional purposes; Tables with suction openings for cleaning purposes; Containers for cleaning articles by suction; Suction cleaners adapted to cleaning of brushes; Suction cleaners adapted to taking-up liquids
A vacuum cleaner handle mount assembly securable to a vacuum cleaner having a handle that can be pivoted from a storage position to an in-use position is disclosed. The vacuum cleaner handle mount assembly has a housing with a first and second channel, a handle with a first and second leg for respectively connecting to the first and second channel of the housing, a first and second locking mechanism for preventing the handle from pivoting during use, and a first and second nest respectively disposed in a side of the first and second channel for holding the first and second locking mechanisms respectively. The first and second locking mechanisms are rotatable from an in-use position extending across the respective first and second channels above the respective first and second legs and a storage position wherein the first and second locking mechanisms are located within the first and second nest respectively.
A47L 9/00 - DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL - Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
A vacuum cleaner having a filter cleaning mechanism that is manually actuable while the vacuum cleaner is fully assembled is disclosed. A housing of the vacuum cleaner has an exterior side and an interior side, and a channel extends through the housing from the exterior side to the interior side. A filter brush is in contact with a side of the vacuum filter, and a rod extends slidably through the channel in the housing and is coupled to the filter brush. A handle is coupled to the rod, and movement of the handle slides the rod through the channel and moves the filter brush along the side of the vacuum filter to remove debris from the filter. The handle may be rotatable, and the filter cleaning mechanism may include a bellows or a sealing member.
Vacuum cleaners to be mounted in a vehicle are disclosed. Some of the vacuum cleaners have a modular design that allows the vacuum cleaners to be arranged, assembled, and/or installed in different configurations and to fit in different spaces within the vehicle. Vacuum cleaners may include a vacuum module, a collector module, and/or a hose storage module. An interconnecting duct is configured to operatively couple the vacuum module and the collector module in any one of a plurality of different predefined assembly configurations. The collector module may have a debris canister that may be lifted straight out of a collector housing. The vacuum cleaner may be installed in a vehicle in a manner to allow easy removal of the debris canister without disconnecting and/or removing other portions of the vacuum cleaner.
A47L 9/00 - DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL - Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
Vacuum cleaners to be mounted in a vehicle are disclosed. Some vacuum cleaners include a collector module configured to collect debris and a motor/impeller unit connected to the collector module. The collector module includes an air inlet and an air exhaust opening, and the motor/impeller unit is configured to draw air through the collector module from the air inlet to the exhaust opening. A hose storage module is connected to the air inlet, and a vacuum hose is stored inside the hose storage module.
A47L 7/00 - Suction cleaners adapted for additional purposes; Tables with suction openings for cleaning purposes; Containers for cleaning articles by suction; Suction cleaners adapted to cleaning of brushes; Suction cleaners adapted to taking-up liquids
B60S 1/64 - Other vehicle fittings for cleaning for cleaning vehicle interiors, e.g. built-in vacuum cleaners
A47L 5/38 - Built-in suction cleaner installations, i.e. with fixed tube system to which, at different stations, hoses can be connected
A47L 9/00 - DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL - Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
A47L 9/14 - Bags or the like; Attachment of, or closures for, bags
Vacuum cleaners to be mounted in a vehicle are disclosed. Some of the vacuum cleaners have a modular design that allow the vacuum cleaners to be arranged, assembled, and/or installed in different configurations and to fit in different spaces within the vehicle. Vacuum cleaners may include a vacuum module, a collector module, and/or a hose storage module. An interconnecting duct is configured to operatively couple the vacuum module and the collector module in any one of a plurality of different predefined assembly configurations. The collector module may have a debris canister that may be lifted straight out of a collector housing. The vacuum cleaner may be installed in a vehicle in a manner to allow easy removal of the debris canister without disconnecting and/or removing other portions of the vacuum cleaner.
A47L 7/00 - Suction cleaners adapted for additional purposes; Tables with suction openings for cleaning purposes; Containers for cleaning articles by suction; Suction cleaners adapted to cleaning of brushes; Suction cleaners adapted to taking-up liquids
B60S 1/64 - Other vehicle fittings for cleaning for cleaning vehicle interiors, e.g. built-in vacuum cleaners
A switch assembly for a wet/dry vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The switch assembly includes a switch movable by a user between an ON position and an OFF position. An automatic shutoff assembly is operable in conjunction with the switch assembly to turn the switch to the OFF position in the event that a level of liquid within a tank of the wet/dry vacuum cleaner rises above a predetermined level. When triggered, the automatic shutoff assembly exerts a biasing force urging the switch toward the OFF position. A user can manually override the automatic shutoff assembly by providing a force sufficient to overcome the biasing force.
A47L 7/00 - Suction cleaners adapted for additional purposes; Tables with suction openings for cleaning purposes; Containers for cleaning articles by suction; Suction cleaners adapted to cleaning of brushes; Suction cleaners adapted to taking-up liquids
A vacuum cleaner bag assembly is adapted to be removably disposed within a tank of a vacuum cleaner, and the bag assembly includes a panel assembly made from a first material and forming an enclosure having an interior volume, and an aperture extends through the panel assembly. A shield member may be disposed within the interior volume and secured to one or more portions of the panel assembly, and the shield member may comprise a second material that is different than the first material. The shield member is adapted to protect a portion of the panel assembly when the vacuum cleaner bag assembly is disposed within the tank.
A vacuum cleaner bag assembly is adapted to be removably disposed within a tank of a vacuum cleaner, and the bag assembly includes a panel assembly made from a first material and forming an enclosure having an interior volume, and an aperture extends through the panel assembly. A shield member may be disposed within the interior volume and secured to one or more portions of the panel assembly, and the shield member may comprise a second material that is different than the first material. The first material may have a wicking barrier that inhibits wicking when the bag assembly becomes wet. The shield member is adapted to protect a portion of the panel assembly when the vacuum cleaner bag assembly is disposed within the tank and, together with the wicking barrier and a properly chosen first material, enhances performance of the vacuum bag assembly when wet.
A new wall-mountable vacuum cleaner and bracket combination provides easy locking. Both the vacuum cleaner and the bracket have mounting rims. When the vacuum cleaner is on the bracket, a support surface on a proximal end of one of the two mounting rims engages a terminal edge of the other of the two mounting rims. The vacuum cleaner can be secured in place by moving a movable arm from an extended position to a retracted position in which the vacuum cleaner is locked in place. To accommodate the required movement of the movable arm, the bracket has a deflectable locking edge that moves between a rest position and a deflected position. In the rest position, the distance between the locking edge and the terminal edge of the bracket mounting rim exceeds the distance between the terminal edge of the vacuum mounting rim and the base surface, but is less than the distance from the terminal edge of the vacuum mounting rim to the part of the vacuum cleaner that lies directly beneath the locking edge when the vacuum cleaner is stored on the bracket.
A47L 5/00 - Structural features of suction cleaners
A47L 9/00 - DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL - Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
A vacuum cleaner comprising a receptacle having a working air inlet and an associated filter, the filter in communication with and downstream from the working air inlet, is disclosed. The vacuum cleaner further includes a housing containing a motor and having a cooling air outlet from the motor and a working air outlet, the working air outlet in communication with the working air inlet of the receptacle through a working air impeller, wherein the cooling air is directed to the receptacle, and the cooling air passes through the filter before exiting the working air outlet of the housing.
A47L 9/00 - DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL - Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
A47L 5/36 - Suction cleaners with hose between nozzle and casing; Suction cleaners for fixing on staircases; Suction cleaners for carrying on the back
A vacuum assembly having a housing and a motor and motor shaft secured within the housing; a fan coupled to the motor shaft and an air intake port and an air exhaust port located within the housing; a circuit board mounted in a cooling air path in the housing, wherein the cooling air path is located between the air intake port and the air exhaust port such that the fan causes cool air to flow across the circuit board; a pulley assembly coupled to the motor shaft and including a disposable belt, the pulley assembly located in the housing in such position that the circuit board blocks access to the disposable belt; a first connector portion secured to the circuit board; a second connector portion coupled to a plurality of wires coupled to at least the motor; the first and second connector portions configured to mate in a single direction.
A47L 9/28 - Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
A47L 9/04 - Nozzles with driven brushes or agitators
A47L 11/40 - Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups , or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers or levers
24.
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING PULSE-WIDTH MODULATION IN AN ELECTRIC MOTOR
In a method of controlling current in a control circuit of an electric motor, pulse-width modulation (PWM) pulses are applied to a stator of the electric motor, via a plurality of transistors of the control circuit, using a first control mode when a rotational speed of a rotor of the electric motor is within a first range. At least one PWM pulse is applied to the stator, via a subset of the plurality of transistors, using a second control mode when the rotational speed of the rotor is within a second range. When it is determined that the rotational speed of the rotor has changed from being within the second range to being within the first range, additional PWM pulses are applied to the stator such that, for each of the plurality of transistors, a current through the transistor does not exceed a maximum current capacity of the transistor.
Methods and systems of accelerating a brushless, DC electric motor based on torque may include determining a slope based on a maximum torque of the BLDC motor at a lower operating load and a maximum torque of the motor at a higher operating load, determining a period of the rotor based on sensor signals, and determining and applying a phase advance to a PWM pulse for a subsequent revolution of the rotor based on the period and the slope. In some embodiments, the amount of the phase advance is further based on maximum load optimum advance and/or maximum load speed. In some embodiments, a phase dwell is determined based on a positive torque zone and applied to the PWM pulse. In some embodiments, when the motor is operating below a given threshold, fixed-width PWM pulses are applied to subsequent revolutions of the rotor instead of phase-advanced PWM pulses.
In a method of controlling speed of a brushless, direct current (BLDC) motor based on dwell, an indication of a desired speed of the BLDC motor is received. A dwell is determined based on a magnitude of a voltage corresponding to the indication of the desired speed. A pulse- width modulation (PWM) pulse having a pulse length corresponding to the determined dwell is applied to a stator of the BLDC motor to adjust a rotational speed of a rotor of the BLDC motor to the desired speed.
H02P 6/00 - Arrangements for controlling synchronous motors or other dynamo-electric motors using electronic commutation dependent on the rotor position; Electronic commutators therefor
H02P 6/08 - Arrangements for controlling the speed or torque of a single motor
27.
COMBINATION VACUUM CLEANER, DOLLY, AND MOUNTING BRACKET
The disclosed bracket can be used to hang vacuum cleaners that have a detachable dolly. A plate on the bracket mounts to a wall. A stem portion fits within a slot on the dolly. Lower wall segments on the stem portion extend from the wall plate and have vertical outer edges. Intermediate wall segments extend between the lower wall segments and upper wall segments that have lower horizontal limits that are closer together than the lower wall segments are, are positioned laterally outwards from the stem portion, and taper toward each other above their lower limits. Side rim portions extend from the upper wall segments and fit within grooves on the vacuum cleaner. The outer edges of the lower wall segments are farther apart than the inner edges of the side rim portions are, and closer together than the outer edges of the side rim portions are.
A47L 9/00 - DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL - Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
In a device that uses the tank from a conventional vacuum cleaner, the tank is under positive pressure. A cap fits over a tubular element inside the tank and closes the conventional air inlet. The cap has a peripheral wall that extends between a solid back and a front radial rim, and interior axial ribs. The lid is held by a latch that has an element that pivots with respect to the tank and the lid, and a clasp that has a bent arm. A tensioner pulls the bent arm. The tensioner has a threaded rod that extends from a handgrip though a hole in the pivoting element. A nut on the clasp receives a threaded end of the threaded rod, enabling the handgrip to be used to tighten the clasp. An outer wall of the latch is disposed outwardly of the threaded rod and the bent arm.
A47L 5/14 - Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum cleaning by blowing-off, also combined with suction cleaning
29.
Combination vacuum cleaner, dolly, and mounting bracket
The disclosed bracket can be used to hang vacuum cleaners that have a detachable dolly. A plate on the bracket mounts to a wall. A stem portion fits within a slot on the dolly. Lower wall segments on the stem portion extend from the wall plate and have vertical outer edges. Intermediate wall segments extend between the lower wall segments and upper wall segments that have lower horizontal limits that are closer together than the lower wall segments are, are positioned laterally outwards from the stem portion, and taper toward each other above their lower limits. Side rim portions extend from the upper wall segments and fit within grooves on the vacuum cleaner. The outer edges of the lower wall segments are farther apart than the inner edges of the side rim portions are, and closer together than the outer edges of the side rim portions are.
A new motor assembly uses a switch module to facilitate the assembly of an electric motor. The switch module can be prefabricated, and is connected to a terminal block on the motor by plug and socket connectors on the terminal block and on a terminal end of the module. The switch module is pre-wired with a power inlet and a switch, eliminating the need for a worker on the motor assembly line to make difficult electrical connections to a traditional terminal block. The switch is arranged in a switch housing that fits within an extension on the motor housing. An interior support wall on the housing fits within a channel between the switch housing and the rest of the switch module, helping to hold the assembly in position. The power inlet is positioned laterally outward from the terminal end and laterally inward of the switch.
H01H 1/58 - Electric connections to or between contacts; Terminals
A47L 9/28 - Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
H02K 5/22 - Auxiliary parts of casings not covered by groups , e.g. shaped to form connection boxes or terminal boxes
A mop bucket assembly is disclosed which allows for moving a bucket from one position to another while reducing spillage from the bucket by using an integrated lid to keep liquid from splashing out of the bucket. The disclosed mop bucket assembly also discloses a mop bucket assembly having a caution or warning sign formed integral with the mop bucket assembly that can be deployed when mopping is in progress.
Embodiments of a switched reluctance (SR) motor for use in a integrated vacuum system for a vehicle are disclosed. The SR motor may receive input voltage directly from an electrical storage device used to start up an engine of the vehicle. The SR motor may include an encoder that triggers an optical sensor to provide signals to a motor controller. The motor controller may energize stator poles based on the received signals. The encoder may be mechanically phase-advanced with respect to poles of the rotor to ensure proper start-up of the SR motor. Commutations of the motor may occur before a point of maximum inductance where the rotor and stator are aligned. In a preferred embodiment, the input voltage received by the SR motor is in a range of 9-16 Volts DC, a maximum drawn current is 36 amps, and the phase advance is between 9-11 degrees.
H02K 11/00 - Structural association of dynamo-electric machines with electric components or with devices for shielding, monitoring or protection
A47L 5/38 - Built-in suction cleaner installations, i.e. with fixed tube system to which, at different stations, hoses can be connected
H02P 1/16 - Arrangements for starting electric motors or dynamo-electric converters for starting dynamo-electric motors or dynamo-electric converters
A47L 9/28 - Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
34.
SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING CURRENT DRAW OF A SWITCHED RELUCTANCE MOTOR FOR A VACUUM CLEANER
Disclosed is a system and method for controlling current in a switched reluctance motor by changing a dwell state including starting the motor in a normal mode, measuring current in the motor, comparing the measured current to a first threshold, triggering an interrupt if the measured current exceeds the first threshold, keeping a count of consecutive readings exceeding the first threshold, changing the dwell state from a first state to a second state if the measured current exceeds the first threshold and the count equals a set value, changing the dwell state from a second state to a third state if the measured current exceeds a second threshold, and triggering a fault condition if the measured current in the third state exceeds a third threshold.
H02K 37/02 - Motors with rotor rotating step by step and without interrupter or commutator driven by the rotor, e.g. stepping motors of variable reluctance type
The disclosed vacuum assembly can be mounted in a vehicle. The motor/fan assembly is positioned above a chassis wall. Lateral flanges on opposed sides of the tank support the tank in generally horizontal sliding motion from a forward position to an elevated rearward position. A rear flange supports the tank as it pivots to a mounted position in which an inlet on a removable lid on the tank communicates with a hose, and an outlet on the lid communicates with the motor/fan assembly. In a removed position, the inlet and outlet are disconnected. Alignment bosses fit in aligned openings when the tank is in the mounted position.
The disclosed vacuum cleaner system for an automobile fits in a cavity in the vehicle and has a tank that can be removed in a lateral direction without tools and without detaching the vacuum hose. A circuit board that carries an electronic controller is positioned alongside the motor and extends generally parallel to both the axis of the motor and the lateral direction in which the tank is removed. Cooling air is drawn though a cooling air inlet on the cabin wall to the circuit board, and then one side of the motor, through the center of the motor, to the cooling fan. From there, it is blown into a cavity where it joins exhausted working air from the vacuum and is exhausted from the vehicle through an air release opening that leads to the exterior of the vehicle.
A47L 5/38 - Built-in suction cleaner installations, i.e. with fixed tube system to which, at different stations, hoses can be connected
A47L 9/28 - Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
H02K 9/06 - Arrangements for cooling or ventilating by ambient air flowing through the machine having means for generating a flow of cooling medium with fans or impellers driven by the machine shaft
F04D 25/08 - Units comprising pumps and their driving means the working fluid being air, e.g. for ventilation
A47L 9/00 - DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL - Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
37.
APERTURE ASSEMBLY FOR USE WITH A PHOTOSENSOR SYSTEM AND A SECURING MECHANISM FOR THE APERTURE ASSEMBLY
A cost-effective photosensor system for rotor position detection includes securing an aperture assembly to an off-the-shelf infrared radiation-emitting component and/or an off-the shelf infrared radiation-detecting component. The application discloses an aperture assembly that may be stamped from a thin, opaque, elongated piece of plastic having an aperture window through which a radiation beam may pass and be focused. The aperture assembly also has a locking system for securing the assembly to the off-the-shelf photosensor system component, and an alignment system to direct the infrared radiation beam. A replaceable stamped aperture assembly for use in a rotor-sensing system and a method of providing a replaceable aperture assembly and securing it to an infrared component of a photosensor system are also disclosed.
A cost-effective photosensor system for rotor position detection includes securing an aperture assembly to an off-the-shelf infrared radiation-emitting component and/or an off-the shelf infrared radiation-detecting component. The application discloses an aperture assembly that may be stamped from a thin, opaque, elongated piece of plastic having an aperture window through which a radiation beam may pass and be focused. The aperture assembly also has a locking system for securing the assembly to the off-the-shelf photosensor system component, and an alignment system to direct the infrared radiation beam. A replaceable stamped aperture assembly for use in a rotor-sensing system and a method of providing a replaceable aperture assembly and securing it to an infrared component of a photosensor system are also disclosed.
The disclosed mulcher has a base unit and a shredding blade in a removable assembly. Two different embodiments are disclosed. In both embodiments, shredded material is removed from air exiting the shredding blade before it reaches an exhaust port. In one embodiment, the material is removed by a filter. In the other embodiment, walls are arranged so that debris must double back against high-speed airflow leaving the shredding blade before exiting the unit. The shredding blade can be mounted in front of and on the same shaft as an air impeller, with the back surface of the shredding blade being supported by the impeller. In another embodiment, the air impeller and the shredding blade are carried in assemblies that are separable from each other and are each separately attachable to a base unit. A detachable power module and a detachable blower are also shown. The power module has a safety switch that disables the power module when it is removed. A power receptacle is shown with a switch that alternately switches power to either the shredder motor or to the power receptacle, but not to both simultaneously.
A47L 7/00 - Suction cleaners adapted for additional purposes; Tables with suction openings for cleaning purposes; Containers for cleaning articles by suction; Suction cleaners adapted to cleaning of brushes; Suction cleaners adapted to taking-up liquids
A47L 5/12 - Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum
The disclosed vacuum cleaner (10) has a disposable bag (30) with a collar (36) at the bottom, rather than on the sides. Dirty air enters the bag vertically, rather than horizontally, through a duct (24) that is positioned near the floor, separate from the handle on the vacuum cleaner (10). An elongated, light-weight tube (40) is disposed within the bag (30), and has a lower end (42) that is connected to the collar (36). The tube (30) is made of a thin, lightweight, lay- flat tubing with opposed creases, and is flexible and collapsible. It has a length that is greater than half the height of the sides of the bag (30). The collar (36) has a seal (70) that is trapped between two pieces of mounting material (54,72) and extends around the periphery of the duct, providing an elastic seal. The bag has a top that is reinforced with a cardboard support (82). Extending flanges (90) on the support (82) can be used to suspend the bag (30) from arms in the vacuum cleaner (10).
A motor is disclosed that operates on either AC outlet power or DC battery power with decreased power drop when switching between AC and DC power. The AC power to the motor may be stepped down by using a clipper circuit, while the DC power supplied to the motor may be increased by switching motor field windings from a series wound circuit to a parallel wound circuit. The motor may be used in a vacuum motor embodiment, or in other consumer devices that utilize electric motors.
H02K 23/64 - Motors specially adapted for running on DC or AC by choice
H02P 4/00 - Arrangements specially adapted for regulating or controlling the speed or torque of electric motors that can be connected to two or more different electric power supplies
The disclosed cleaning device has a suction unit that can be used to take in liquid, a tank that can be used to hold the liquid, a mouth that can be used to pour liquid from the tank, and wheels that form a base. It also has a pivot that can be used to rotate the tank between a normal use position and a pouring position. The pivot is arranged so that in the pouring position, the center of gravity of the unit remains within the horizontal range of the base, even as the mouth of the tank falls outside the horizontal range of the base. As shown, the pivot is 12 inches above the floor and within the horizontal range of the base. In this position, it remains laterally between the center of gravity of the tank and the edge of the base when the tank is emptied.
A47L 7/00 - Suction cleaners adapted for additional purposes; Tables with suction openings for cleaning purposes; Containers for cleaning articles by suction; Suction cleaners adapted to cleaning of brushes; Suction cleaners adapted to taking-up liquids
A47L 9/00 - DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL - Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
43.
WALL MOUNTABLE LIQUID-DISPENSING ATTACHMENT FOR A VACUUM CLEANER
A wall-mountable mounting bracket (18) and fluid-dispensing attachment (10) for a vacuum cleaner. The attachment (10) can be used to dispense cleaning fluid to an area to be cleaned. The fluid is sucked up along with dirt by the vacuum. A retnotely-activatable valve (34) allows user's to selectively shut off the flow of fluid. Retractable wheels (26) can be moved between a usage position and a storage position. In the storage position, the axis (66) of the wheels (26) is above the lowermost side (64) of the attachment and any overhang of the lowermost edge (62) of the wheels (26) is less than the thickness of a corresponding part of the mounting bracket (18).
A47L 7/00 - Suction cleaners adapted for additional purposes; Tables with suction openings for cleaning purposes; Containers for cleaning articles by suction; Suction cleaners adapted to cleaning of brushes; Suction cleaners adapted to taking-up liquids
A47L 11/30 - Floor-scrubbing machines characterised by means for taking-up dirty liquid by suction
A47L 11/34 - Machines for treating carpets in position by liquid, foam, or vapour, e.g. by steam
A47L 11/40 - Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups , or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers or levers
A47L 9/00 - DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL - Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
44.
PORTABLE, COMPACT PNEUMATIC SUCTION CLEANER WITH MEANS FOR LOW NOISE OPERATION
A pneumatic cleaner (10) that can be worn as a backpack has a reduced unit overall depth. The impeller shaft (53) is mounted at an acute angle. Tangential airflow chambers (67,80,86) are disposed around the motor assembly (42) and substantially surround the impeller (53) . Two of the airflow chambers (80,86) extend substantially the entire overall unit depth, and have lateral lengths that exceed the overall unit depth.
A47L 5/36 - Suction cleaners with hose between nozzle and casing; Suction cleaners for fixing on staircases; Suction cleaners for carrying on the back
A47L 9/00 - DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL - Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
A47L 5/14 - Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum cleaning by blowing-off, also combined with suction cleaning
45.
CHARGE CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR A VEHICLE VACUUM CLEANER BATTERY
Disclosed herein is a battery charger control circuit having a voltage detector to generate a signal indicative of a source voltage level to select one of a first charging mode and a second charging mode, and a charge controller coupled t the voltage detector to enable charging in accordance with one of the first charging mode and the second charging mode based on the signal from the voltage detector. The first and second charging modes establish charging at differing, non-zero rates. The source voltage level may be sampled at a sampling rate to minimize power consumed by monitoring the source voltage level.
A manual sander vacuum attachment, providing edge sanding and multiple positioning capabilities, having a lower sanding backer plate member, which carries a soft sanding pad and secures the sandpaper sheet, and an upper housing portion, having a generally horizontal platform with two vertically-extending stanchion supporting a handle therebetween, with a vacuum fitting for connection to a hose for a vacuum air source, and a peripheral skirt surrounding the backer plate member, whereby all vacuum air flow of sanded debris travels about periphery of sander backing plate up into interior of the housing portion.
The disclosed vacuum cleaner (10) has a smaller, separable vacuum unit (30) that is releasably attached to a larger, base unit tank assembly (11). It provides a combination vacuum cleaner that has small- and large- capacity configurations suited for vacuum applications having different volumes, locations, or other features. The vacuum cleaner includes a single vacuum source sized for use with the larger tank structure, yet coupled to and removable integrally with the smaller vacuum unit. The smaller vacuum unit can be quickly and easily attached to and removed from the larger tank assembly to facilitate use of the vacuum cleaner in the desired configuration.
A47L 7/00 - Suction cleaners adapted for additional purposes; Tables with suction openings for cleaning purposes; Containers for cleaning articles by suction; Suction cleaners adapted to cleaning of brushes; Suction cleaners adapted to taking-up liquids
A47L 5/36 - Suction cleaners with hose between nozzle and casing; Suction cleaners for fixing on staircases; Suction cleaners for carrying on the back
Disclosed herein is a vacuum cleaner (10) having a housing (12) defining a blower port (62), an exhaust port (66), and a flow path between the blower port (62) and the exhaust port (66). The vacuum cleaner (10) also includes a removable cap (64) assembly for the blower port (62) to direct discharge airflow via the flow path to the exhaust port (66). The removable cap assembly (64), in turn, includes a cap head that engages the blower port (62) to close the blower port (62), a cap body coupled to the cap head and inserted in the flow path, the cap body comprising a frame through which the discharge airflow passes, and a sound-influencing material supported by the frame within the flow path to reduce noise effected by the discharge airflow. The sound-influencing material may include a reticulated foam roll disposed in the frame to diffuse the discharge airflow.
A47L 9/00 - DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL - Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
A47L 5/14 - Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum cleaning by blowing-off, also combined with suction cleaning
A47L 7/00 - Suction cleaners adapted for additional purposes; Tables with suction openings for cleaning purposes; Containers for cleaning articles by suction; Suction cleaners adapted to cleaning of brushes; Suction cleaners adapted to taking-up liquids
A water jet-assisted blowing and vacuum apparatus for cleaning gutters having a curved end attachment member for connection to an elongated air conduit to reach into gutter areas, and a pressurized water nozzle mounted to the air conduit curved end member and oriented to loosen gutter debris adjacent the operating free end of the curved end attachment member. The water nozzle can be mounted internally or externally of the curved end attachment member, as well as positioned so as to be removed from or closely adjacent to the operating end of the curved end attachment member.
A control circuit for a motor includes a voltage regulator having a thermal shutdown apparatus that turns off the voltage regulator when the temperature of the control circuit rises above a pre-determined threshold level, wherein the voltage regulator is used to provide power to a plurality of insulated gate bipolar transistors controlling a plurality of stator windings of the motor. Thus the voltage regulator prevents the control circuit and the various components on the control circuit from being damaged from overheating. An embodiment of the control circuit is adapted to generate an error code in response to the shutdown of the voltage regulator and to monitor the operation of the motor to ensure that the motor has been turned off and then on before turning on the power supply to a plurality of phase windings.
H02H 7/085 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from norm for dynamo-electric motors against excessive load
A47L 9/28 - Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
H02H 7/093 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from norm for dynamo-electric motors against increase beyond, or decrease below, a predetermined level of rotational speed
51.
RELUCTANCE MACHINE HAVING A NON-UNIFORM AIR GAP BETWEEN A ROTOR POLE AND A STATOR POLE
A reluctance machine includes a stator having a stator core. The stator core includes a central bore and a plurality of stator poles (30) extending inwardly from the stator core. Each of the stator poles (30) includes a stator pole face (38). The reluctance machine further includes a rotor having a plurality of rotor poles (62). Each of the rotor poles includes a rotor pole face (78). Each of the rotor pole faces includes a first portion (78a), a second portion (78b) that is radially inwardly stepped with respect to the first portion to create a non-uniform air gap (80) between the rotor pole face (78) and a corresponding stator pole face (38), and a protrusion (82) located at an edge of the second portion (78b) of the rotor pole face (78).
A switched reluctance machine includes a stator body (28) having a stator pole (30). A bobbin (39) is located on the stator pole. A stator winding is disposed on the bobbin. The switched reluctance machine further includes a first housing unit (13) for receiving the stator body (28) and an insulating member (100) coupled to the first housing unit. The insulating member (100) includes a first mounting element for engaging a first end of the bobbin (39) to secure the bobbin (39) against displacement during machine operation.
A system and method of restarting a switched reluctance motor after a cycling of power provided to the motor is provided that includes receiving at the motor a power-off signal followed by a power-on signal, determining a rotational speed of a rotor, and energizing a stator only when the rotational speed of the rotor is determined to be less than a threshold speed.
A system and method of ensuring legitimacy of a sensor signal received from a rotor position sensor in a motor is provided that includes polling the sensor to determine a first state of the sensor signal, determining a first time delay by summing a first plurality of time constants, and initiating a first time delay. Also included is re-polling the sensor to determine a second state of the sensor signal, determining a second time delay by summing a second plurality of time constants, initiating a second time delay if the second state of the sensor signal is the same as the first state of the sensor signal, re-polling sensor to determine a third state of the sensor signal; and considering the sensor signal as a legitimate signal if the third state of the sensor signal is the same as the first and second states of the sensor signal.
G01D 3/08 - Measuring arrangements with provision for the special purposes referred to in the subgroups of this group with provision for safeguarding the apparatus, e.g. against abnormal operation, against breakdown
G01D 5/244 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means generating pulses or pulse trains
55.
System and method of ensuring legitimacy of a sensor signal received from a rotor position sensor in a motor
A system and method of ensuring legitimacy of a sensor signal received from a rotor position sensor in a motor is provided that includes polling the sensor to determine a first state of the sensor signal, determining a first time delay by summing a first plurality of time constants, and initiating a first time delay. Also included is re-polling the sensor to determine a second state of the sensor signal, determining a second time delay by summing a second plurality of time constants, initiating a second time delay if the second state of the sensor signal is the same as the first state of the sensor signal, re-polling sensor to determine a third state of the sensor signal; and considering the sensor signal as a legitimate signal if the third state of the sensor signal is the same as the first and second states of the sensor signal.
G06F 15/00 - Digital computers in general; Data processing equipment in general
H02P 1/46 - Arrangements for starting electric motors or dynamo-electric converters for starting dynamo-electric motors or dynamo-electric converters for starting an individual synchronous motor
56.
System and method of restarting a switched reluctance motor after a rapid cycling of power
A system and method of restarting a switched reluctance motor after a cycling of power provided to the motor is provided that includes receiving at the motor a power-off signal followed by a power-on signal, determining a rotational speed of a rotor, and energizing a stator only when the rotational speed of the rotor is determined to be less than a threshold speed.
H02P 1/46 - Arrangements for starting electric motors or dynamo-electric converters for starting dynamo-electric motors or dynamo-electric converters for starting an individual synchronous motor
H02P 3/18 - Arrangements for stopping or slowing electric motors, generators, or dynamo-electric converters for stopping or slowing an individual dynamo-electric motor or dynamo-electric converter for stopping or slowing an ac motor
H02P 6/00 - Arrangements for controlling synchronous motors or other dynamo-electric motors using electronic commutation dependent on the rotor position; Electronic commutators therefor
H02P 23/00 - Arrangements or methods for the control of AC motors characterised by a control method other than vector control
H02P 25/00 - Arrangements or methods for the control of AC motors characterised by the kind of AC motor or by structural details
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.
