Abstract:
A cyclonic cleaning stage for a, e.g., surface cleaning apparatus is provided. The cyclonic cleaning stage comprises a plurality of cyclones, which are integrally molded as a single body. Each cyclone has a cyclone body having an upper end, a lower end, a cyclone inlet, and a cyclone outlet. Each cyclone inlet has a top. A separately molded upper cover is mounted to the top of the single body at the upper ends. A separately molded lower cover is mounted on the single body at the lower ends of the cyclones.
Abstract:
A dirt container for a surface cleaning apparatus is constructed from an air impermeable material and exterior walls of sufficient rigidity to maintain the shape of the dirt container. The dirt container may be supplied in a disassembled condition and assembled by a consumer prior to use.
Abstract:
A device for filtering a dirty air stream in a vacuum cleaner to obtain a clean air stream includes subjecting the dirty air stream to a first cyclonic separation stage to obtain a partially cleaned air stream and subjecting the partially cleaned air stream to an electronic filtration stage and optionally a second cyclonic separation stage to obtain the clean air stream. The electronic filtration stage is optionally removable with a cyclonic cleaning stage from the vacuum cleaner. The electronic filtration stage is optionally an electrostatic precipitator which utilizes air flow through the vacuum cleaner to generate the voltage used by the electrostatic precipitator.
Abstract:
A residential method for treating water with an oxidizing gas operates under elevated pressure. The elevated pressure is obtained by means of a pressurized oxidizing gas source (eg. an air pump) or a Prandtl layer turbine. The elevated pressure of the treated water is optionally used to dispense the treated water. The Prandtl layer turbine may be used to obtain particularly fine bubbles of a gas (eg. bubbles from about 1&mgr; to about 20&mgr; in diameter) in a liquid.
Abstract:
A vacuum cleaner is reconfigurable between at least two positions. The vacuum cleaner has at least one motor and fan assembly for receiving power and producing airflow during use of the vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner also has at least one sensor adapted to sense a change in the position of the vacuum cleaner and to alter the power provided to the at least one motor and fan assembly in response thereto.
Abstract:
A method for treating a liquid (e.g. water) with a gas (e.g. air) containing ozone includes passing air through an corona discharge ozone generator to produce air containing ozone and introducing the air containing ozone into the liquid; and, periodically de-energizing the ozone generator and passing air through the ozone generator.
Abstract:
An apparatus for filtering a dirty air stream in a vacuum cleaner to obtain a clean air stream includes subjecting the dirty air stream to a first cyclonic separation stage to obtain a partially cleaned air stream and subjecting the partially cleaned air stream to an electronic filtration stage and optionally a second cyclonic separation stage to obtain the clean air stream. The electronic filtration stage is optionally removable with a cyclonic cleaning stage from the vacuum cleaner. The electronic filtration stage is optionally an electrostatic precipitator which utilizes air flow through the vacuum cleaner to generate the voltage used by the electrostatic precipitator.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus using thermomechanical means for signalling the concentration of a reactive gas is disclosed. The thermomechanical means uses movement of a mechanical member to produce a signal corresponding to the concentration of the reactive gas in a gas stream. The method and apparatus may include means for converting a specific gas in a gas stream to a reactive gas. The apparatus may then provide an analog readout of the concentration of the specific gas.
Abstract:
A fluid contactor is taught for mixing and reacting of fluids. Mixing is enhanced by providing a suitable residence time and suitable surface area contact by forming eddy flow within the fluid and thereby the formation of vortexes. Such a contactor does not require the use of mechanical mixers. The contact chamber of the present invention can enhance chemical modification by use of chemical modifiers such as ultraviolet lamps, by allowing the positioning of such modifiers adjacent the vortexes.