Abstract:
A vacuum cleaner base having a volute air outlet and a beater bar housing that are substantially collinear is described. In some embodiments, the beater bar housing includes an air outlet, the volute includes a volute air inlet disposed parallel to the beater bar housing, and a volute air outlet disposed orthogonal to the beater bar housing, and an air duct connecting the volute air inlet and the air outlet of the beater bar housing; wherein the air outlet of the beater bar housing and the volute air outlet are substantially collinear. Additionally a vacuum cleaner comprising a unibody mount bracket is described. In some embodiments, the unibody mount bracket includes one or more handle receptacles, a dirty air outlet configured to receive a dirty air conduit, and a pivot joint disposed adjacent the dirty air outlet, wherein the pivot joint is configured to receive a bag mounting member.
Abstract:
A vacuum cleaner with a blockage sensor and methods of identifying an obstructed airway in a vacuum are described. The vacuum cleaner has a motor and a circuit board to provide electrical current to the motor including an amperage flow sensor to determine the electrical current draw of the motor, and a blockage determiner to sample the electrical current draw and count the number of times the sampled electrical current draw exceeds a threshold amperage within a window of time. The blockage determiner can sense a blockage within the airflow path or the beater bar, and can optionally shut down the motor prior to motor failure.
Abstract:
A pre-ionizer for use with an electrostatic precipitator is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The pre-ionizer includes two or more corona ground elements arranged in a substantially parallel orientation. A corona ground element of the two or more corona ground elements includes a substantially elongate body including a proximate end and a distal end and first and second projections formed on the proximate end and the distal end. The first and second projections retain the corona ground element in the electrostatic precipitator. The pre-ionizer further includes one or more corona charge elements positioned between two adjacent corona ground elements of the two or more corona ground elements. When a high voltage electrical field is placed across the two or more corona ground elements and the one or more corona charge elements, the pre-ionizer at least partially ionizes airflow through the pre-ionizer.
Abstract:
A vacuum cleaner air/liquid separator is provided according to the invention. The separator includes an offset air/liquid airflow inlet for receiving an air/liquid airflow, with the offset air/liquid airflow inlet possessing a width and a height. The separator further includes a substantially cylindrical separator chamber communicating with the offset air/liquid airflow inlet, wherein the offset air/liquid airflow inlet is radially offset from the separator chamber. The separator further includes a lead-in track extending from the offset air/liquid airflow inlet and at least partially around the circumference of the separator chamber. The lead-in track tapers from substantially the width of the offset air/liquid airflow inlet into the separator chamber. The air/liquid airflow is entrained into a downward spiraling path in the separator chamber by the lead-in track.
Abstract:
A vacuum cleaner base housing including a motor including a shaft and a wheel mount, wherein the motor is housed within the wheel mount described. In some embodiments, the cleaner base housing includes a first wheel mount including a substantially circular outer surface. In some embodiments, the cleaner base housing includes a second wheel mount including a substantially circular outer surface. In some embodiments, the cleaner base housing the first wheel mount and the second wheel mount are co-axial.
Abstract:
A frame for an electrostatic precipitator cell is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The frame in one embodiment includes a first frame portion adapted to at least partially receive the electrostatic precipitator cell and a second frame portion adapted to at least partially receive the electrostatic precipitator cell. The second frame portion assembles to the first frame portion to form the frame. The frame includes one or more side portions, an open top end, and an open bottom end. The frame receives and holds the electrostatic precipitator cell.
Abstract:
A corona ground element for use in a pre-ionizer of an electrostatic precipitator is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The corona ground element includes a substantially elongate body including a proximate end and a distal end and first and second projections formed on the proximate end and the distal end. The first and second projections are adapted to retain the corona plate in the electrostatic precipitator.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods for particulate containment and collection are disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus includes a shroud attachable to the floor machine and having a skirt portion positionable proximate a work surface to define an at least partially enclosed chamber therebetween, an intake member attached to the shroud and positioned proximate the chamber, the intake member having an intake aperture positionable proximate the work surface and in fluid communication with the chamber; and a vacuum duct having a first end fluidly coupled to the intake member and a second end coupleable to a vacuum source. The containment chamber confines at least some of the particulates produced by the floor machine, thereby improving the effectiveness of the vacuum source. The shroud may be removably attachable to the floor machine. In a further aspect, the shroud may have an exhaust aperture disposed therethrough, the intake member having an engagement portion slideably engaged into the exhaust aperture to permit the intake aperture to be adjustably positionable proximate the work surface. In a further aspect, an apparatus includes a diffusion member disposed proximate the intake aperture and positionable proximate the work surface. The diffusion member creates a high-velocity airflow at or near the work surface, thereby improving the effectiveness of the vacuum source at removing the particulates from the work surface. In still another aspect, an apparatus further includes a floor machine having a treatment member engageable with a work surface. Alternately, an apparatus further includes a vacuum source.
Abstract:
A vacuum cleaner base housing including a motor including a shaft and a wheel mount, wherein the motor is housed within the wheel mount described. In some embodiments, the cleaner base housing includes a first wheel mount including a substantially circular outer surface. In some embodiments, the cleaner base housing includes a second wheel mount including a substantially circular outer surface. In some embodiments, the cleaner base housing the first wheel mount and the second wheel mount are co-axial.