Abstract:
A surface cleaning apparatus is disclosed. In some embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus comprises a member having a dirty fluid inlet. A fluid flow path extends from the dirty fluid inlet to a clean air outlet of the surface cleaning apparatus and includes a suction motor. At least one cyclone is positioned in the fluid flow path and has at least one material outlet and a divider plate associated with the material outlet. A material collection chamber is in flow communication with the at least one cyclone. The apparatus further comprises a liner bag retaining member.
Abstract:
A surface cleaning apparatus is disclosed. In some embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus comprises a member having a dirty fluid inlet. A fluid flow path extends from the dirty fluid inlet to a clean air outlet of the surface cleaning apparatus, and includes a suction motor. At least a first air cleaning unit comprising a cyclonic cleaning stage is positioned in the fluid flow path. A material collection chamber is in flow communication with the at least one cyclone and is adapted to receive a liner bag. A vacuum line extends between the fluid flow path and an interior of the material collection chamber and is connectable in flow communication with the fluid flow path. A valve is associated with the vacuum line and moveable between a first position in which the vacuum line is open and a second position wherein the line is closed.
Abstract:
Several alternate improvements of a vacuum cleaner are provided. In one aspect, the vacuum cleaner utilizes interchangeable components. In another aspect, the vacuum cleaner comprises a chamber having a top, and a first cleaning stage and suction motor are provided on the top. In another aspect, the vacuum cleaner utilizes a reconfigurable divider plate.
Abstract:
A container assembly comprises a plastic substrate, at least a portion of which has a textured image, the textured image comprising a substantially two-dimensional image and, a topographical texture aligned with the two dimensional image wherein the topographical texture corresponds to at least one feature of the two dimensional image. The container assembly is configured for assembly to provide a container. A method of manufacturing the container is also provided.
Abstract:
A vacuum cleaner has a first cyclonic cleaning stage and a second cyclonic stage positioned in series with the first cyclonic cleaning stage. The second cyclonic stage comprises a plurality of second stage cyclones. A passage connects the first cyclonic cleaning stage outlet and the second stage cyclones inlets. The passage does not increase in cross-sectional area in a downstream direction.
Abstract:
An improved two-stage separator uses reusable containers for collecting particles separated by each separation stage. The reusable containers are constructed such that a user empties both reusable containers by the actions required to empty just one of the reusable containers.
Abstract:
A vacuum cleaner has a plurality of operating modes is provided. The vacuum cleaner includes a power control system having at least one sensor for automatically sensing a change in the operating mode of the vacuum cleaner and for generating a mode signal. A microprocessor responsive to the mode signal is adapted to vary the power supply signal being supplied to the vacuum cleaner motor and fan assembly.
Abstract:
A power control system for driving a vessel (which may be manned or unmanned) is used to provide a series of pulse trains to the system wherein at least one pulse within each series of pulse trains provides a differing amount of power. Preferably, a portion of the series of pulse trains which has a duration of 10% of the duration of the pulse train delivers more than 20% of the total power to the drive member for the vessel which the drive member receives each cycle. In this way, the noise signature of a vessel is reduced or is varied to match the noise signature of another vessel or wildlife of a natural phenomenon.
Abstract:
A heat engine is constructed from sheet metal and the like. The heat engine has an outer container and inner container which contains a displacer and a power piston. A plurality of positioning members are provided to dimensionally stabilize the inner and outer containers. By providing positioning members that extend between the inner and the outer containers, a sandwiched construction is obtained which allows the inner and outer containers to reinforce each other thus permitting the use of thin walled containers and improving the thermal efficiency of the heat engine and decreasing the weight of the heat engine.