A vacuum cleaner configured to be mounted in a vehicle. The vacuum cleaner including a vacuum module configured to draw a vacuum, and a collector module configured to collect debris and coupled to the vacuum module. The collector module has a canister sub-assembly. A locking assembly for the canister sub-assembly includes at least one latch stay, a latch adapted to contact the latch stay, and a latch lock having a latch lock blade. The latch lock is moveable between a fully closed position, in which the latch lock blade contacts a panel member to maintain engagement between the latch and the at least one latch stay, and a fully open position. In the fully open position, the latch is disengaged from the at least one latch stay, enabling the canister sub-assembly to be removed from the collector module.
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.
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 5/22 - Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum with rotary fans
B60S 3/00 - Vehicle cleaning apparatus not integral with vehicles
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.
A47L 5/22 - Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum with rotary fans
B60S 1/64 - Other vehicle fittings for cleaning for cleaning vehicle interiors, e.g. built-in vacuum cleaners
A vacuum cleaner assembly configured to be mounted in a vehicle. The vacuum cleaner assembly including a vacuum unit configured to draw a vacuum, a canister assembly configured to collect debris and coupled to the vacuum unit, a hose junction configured to serve as a pathway for debris, and a chassis connecting the hose junction to the canister assembly. A pathway through the vacuum cleaner assembly may turn 180 degrees in the hose junction. A dirty air port of the canister assembly may be disposed at an angle relative to a surface of the chassis to facilitate placement and removal of the canister assembly.
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 5/38 - Built-in suction cleaner installations, i.e. with fixed tube system to which, at different stations, hoses can be connected
B60S 1/64 - Other vehicle fittings for cleaning for cleaning vehicle interiors, e.g. built-in vacuum cleaners
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 vacuum cleaner assembly configured to be mounted in a vehicle. The vacuum cleaner assembly includes a vacuum module and a collector module configured to collect debris and operatively coupled to the vacuum module. The collector module includes a canister assembly with an intake port, an output port, and a flapper valve coupled to the intake port. An elbow assembly couples the vacuum module to the collector module and includes an intake end attached to the output port of the canister assembly. The intake end has a foam section disposed on a grill insert. Upon removal of the canister assembly from the collector module, the flapper valve moves to a closed position over the intake port of the canister assembly to keep debris contained in the canister assembly, and the grill insert and the foam section remain in place in the intake end of the elbow assembly.
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 5/38 - Built-in suction cleaner installations, i.e. with fixed tube system to which, at different stations, hoses can be connected
B60S 1/64 - Other vehicle fittings for cleaning for cleaning vehicle interiors, e.g. built-in vacuum cleaners
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 vacuum cleaner assembly configured to be mounted in sleeper cab truck. The vacuum cleaner assembly includes a mounting bucket having a vacuum cleaner area having an angled surface and a hose storage area. A vacuum cleaner is disposed in the vacuum cleaner area and includes a collector module having a canister assembly and a vacuum module coupled to the collector module. The vacuum module includes a hose having an end, the hose extending from the vacuum module into the hose storage area of the mounting bucket. The mounting bucket is configured to expose the end of the hose through the hose storage area in any one of a plurality of arrangements to accommodate various mounting positions within the sleeper cab truck.
A47L 5/22 - Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum with rotary fans
A47L 5/38 - Built-in suction cleaner installations, i.e. with fixed tube system to which, at different stations, hoses can be connected
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 debris canister and filter assembly, which may be used in a vehicular vacuum cleaner, includes a debris canister having an inlet, an outlet, and a peripheral side wall. The peripheral side wall at least partially defines an interior space of the debris canister. A filter is disposed in the interior space of the debris canister, and includes filter media having a non-pleated portion and a pleated portion. The peripheral side wall forms a corner of the debris canister, and the filter media has a rounded-corner shaped to fit adjacent to the corner of the peripheral side wall.
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 5/28 - Suction cleaners with handles and nozzles fixed on the casings, e.g. wheeled suction cleaners with steering handle
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 9/06 - 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
12.
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 vacuum cleaner configured to be mounted in a vehicle. The vacuum cleaner includes a vacuum module configured to draw a vacuum, and a collector module configured to collect debris, the collector module having an accessible portion and a liner. A duct operatively couples the vacuum module to the collector module. In addition, a release member is disposed on the top portion of the collector module and is moveable between a resting position and a release position. A locking bar is in contact with the release member and has a portion adapted to engage the liner of the collector module when the release member is in a resting position. Upon actuating the release member towards the release position, the release member moves the portion of the locking bar out of engagement with the liner and the collector module is disengaged from the vacuum module.
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 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 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 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
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
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
B60S 1/64 - Other vehicle fittings for cleaning for cleaning vehicle interiors, e.g. built-in vacuum cleaners
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 latch mechanism has two pieces that mount in an opening on the lid of a conventional vacuum cleaner. A stationary part is held in place by a hooked end that fits over a pivot edge on the lid, and by a retaining surface that engages a retaining edge on the lid. The other part is a pivoting latch that hooks onto the same pivot edge. In a latched position, an engagement surface on a deflectable arm fits over a latching surface on the stationary part, holding a moving part in position with a latching part beneath a bead on the tank. A tab surface can be used to force the deflectable arm to deflect over the latching part and simultaneously move the latching part clear of the bead.
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 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
F16B 2/22 - Clips, i.e. with gripping action effected solely by the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening of resilient material, e.g. rubbery material
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 9/28 - Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
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 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 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 new vacuum cleaner has fence elements with upright arms are easily attachable to caster modules and create an upwardly opening hose space through which a vacuum hose can be wound for storage. The caster modules have sockets that extend throughout the height of the modules. The fence elements have tabs that hook onto lower edges of the modules, and can be clipped onto the caster module by pressing a detent on the fence element downwardly into an upper end of the socket until the tabs snap over the lower portion of the module, locking it in place.
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
24.
AIRFLOW INDICATOR ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR VACUUM CLEANER
A vacuum cleaner having an airflow outlet and an airflow indicator assembly removably disposed at the outlet. The airflow indicator assembly includes a pair of fins attached to a spine and a needle disposed between the pair of fins. During operation of the vacuum cleaner, exhaust air is directed through the outlet and towards the needle, pushing the needle thereby indicating whether service is needed.
A47L 9/19 - Means for monitoring filtering operation
A47L 7/04 - 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 for using the exhaust air for other purposes, e.g. for distribution of chemicals in a room, for sterilisation of the air
A vacuum cleaner comprising a tank for collecting material having a base, an outside surface and an opening disposed at the base. A drain system is disposed adjacent the opening and includes a drain tube having an outlet and a cap mounted to the drain tube and removably secured to prevent material from exiting the drain system. When the cap is removed, the drain tube slides out of the opening in a first direction and the outlet permits material to leave the drain tube in a direction other than the first direction.
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
A filter shaker for a filter assembly disposed in a vacuum includes a housing that removably mounts to the filter and/or a support for the filter and a vibrator assembly carried by the housing. When actuated, the vibrator assembly vibrates the filter to clean particulate matter from the filter. The vibrator assembly includes a motor that drives an eccentric and an actuator that periodically impacts against a portion of the housing to cause the vibrations. The housing includes a mounting assembly for mounting the filter shaker to the cage and/or filter in an operative position and a locking assembly for locking and unlocking the filter shaker in the operative position to prevent the filter shaker from vibrating off. In the operative position, the filter shaker covers an open end of a tubular filter and thereby forces air to be directed through filter material of the tubular 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 vacuum cleaner has a screen cage that is permanently attached to a lid that fits on a receptacle. The screen cage has multiple layers of screens with different screen sizes, including an inner support that has greater rigidity and larger apertures that the primary screen, and an outer screen that also has greater rigidity and larger apertures than the primary screen, and is made of a different material than the support. A replaceable filter mounts to a power head that can be removed from the lid while the lid remains attached to the receptacle, and nests in the screen cage. A thermal cutoff shuts the vacuum cleaner off when the temperature of air in a part of the flowpath exceeds a limit.
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 new vacuum cleaner that is adapted for use in a vehicle has a user-removable debris collection tank that has spaced recesses on the bottom that inhibit both fore- and-back movement of debris within the collection tank and side-to-side movement of debris within the collection tank. The recesses are located in opposed outer corners of the tank, and have lower surfaces that support the tank in a standing position. Raised sections divide each of the recesses into two corner recess sections and an offset recess section, and inhibit both fore-and- aft movement of debris within the recesses and side-to-side movement of debris within the recess sections. The offset recess section has tracks that curve in different directions from an intermediate position adjacent or near a side of the tank. The bottom of the tank is generally curved downwardly towards the sides of the tank.
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 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
B60R 11/00 - Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
A portable vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The portable vacuum cleaner includes a rechargeable battery having a nominal battery voltage output at a first voltage level and a DC motor operable at a voltage level substantially equal to the first voltage level. The portable vacuum cleaner further includes a DC power input port for receiving DC power. The DC power input port is adapted to electrically couple the vacuum cleaner alternatively to a first a source of DC power at a first voltage output level substantially equal to the first voltage level and a second source of DC power at a second voltage output level, the second voltage level substantially greater than the first voltage level. The vacuum cleaner still further includes a switching device, such as a two position power switch and a two position car/battery charge switch. The switch may have four output states switchable to selectively cause four operational states. The operational states comprise a first operational state wherein the motor will operate as powered by the battery, a second operational state wherein the motor will not operate, and the battery will not charge if coupled to the first source of DC power and the battery will charge if coupled to the second source of DC power, a third operational state wherein the motor will operate if coupled to the first source of DC power but will not operate if coupled to the second source of DC power and a fourth operational state wherein the motor will not operate and the battery will not recharge.
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 new dolly can be used both for vacuum cleaners supported solely by casters and for vacuum cleaners partially supported by wheels. Caster sockets are arranged generally vertically, in bosses near the perimeter of the dolly. Wheels are mounted on axle mounts that have sleeves that receive the bosses. Upright walls extend outwardly from near the sleeve in a direction away from the axle hub and engage corresponding walls on the underside of the dolly, forming one spaced support. Another spaced support has walls that extend outwardly from near the sleeve in a direction away from the axle hub and the first spaced support. These walls also engage corresponding walls on the underside of the dolly. An accessory component with molded upright walls is mounted onto the dolly, with those walls engaging corresponding walls on the underside of the dolly.
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
B62B 3/00 - Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheels; Steering devices therefor; Equipment therefor
33.
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.
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 new vacuum cleaner/bracket combination has a bracket that mates with an indented side on a vacuum cleaner. The indented side has a downwardly-facing upper lip portion and a laterally-facing side lip portion. There is an upper groove portion behind the downwardly-facing upper lip portion, and a side groove portion behind the side lip portion. The bracket has an upper rim portion that is configured to fit within the upper groove portion on the indented side. A side rim portion on the bracket is positioned below the upper rim portion. It is configured to fit within the side groove portion on the indented side when the upper rim portion on the bracket fits within the upper groove portion.
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
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).
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
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 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 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 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 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 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
41.
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 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 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 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.
45.
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PREVENTING OVERHEATING IN AN ELECTRONICALLY COMMUTATED MOTOR ASSEMBLY
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
46.
APPARATUS FOR SECURING A BOBBIN OF A RELUCTANCE MACHINE
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 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
The disclosed vacuum cleaner can continuously collect liquid while periodically discharging liquid from an outlet. It has a tank with two chambers divided by an intermediate wall with an aperture. One chamber is vented to the atmosphere, and has an outlet with a pressure--responsive drain valve that closes when a partial vacuum is present and opens when the partial vacuum is reduced and liquid in the chamber presses on the drain valve. The aperture has a pressure-responsive control valve that closes when the liquid level in the second chamber is high, so that liquid collects in the first chamber while the vent reduces the partial vacuum level, thereby discharging liquid through the outlet. A reset assembly can re-establish a partial vacuum level to close the drain valve and open the control valve.
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
A wet-dry vacuum cleaner with both a tool caddy and a waste receptacle basket is disclosed which has a mechanism by which the basket can be securely and positively connected to the tool caddy. One of the tool caddy and basket may include a deflectable tab while the other of the tool caddy and basket may include a slot adapted to receive the tab. Upon connecting the basket onto the tool caddy the tab may be inserted into the slot to thus positively connect the basket to the tool caddy and thereby provide a secure attachment.
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
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 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.
patents
