Royal Appliance Mfg., Co.

Victor Younger

Paul Dana Stephens

Michael F Wright

Kenneth W Bair

Charles J Thur

Mark E Reindle

David Di Nunzio

Robert Nolan McKee

Bryan Chmura

Bryan Chumra

Robert N Mckee

A robotic vacuum cleaner () with a self-propelled controller () with a vacuum source () and a dirt receptacle (), a self-propelled cleaning head () with a suction inlet (), and an interconnecting hose () is provided. The controller and cleaning head cooperatively traverse a surface area in tandem when the interconnecting hose is connected between the cleaning head and the controller. In one embodiment, the controller includes a power source () making the robotic vacuum autonomous. In another embodiment, the controller includes a power cord dispense/retract assembly () to provide access to utility power. In another aspect, the controller includes a portable vacuum () that is removed for manual operations. In still another aspect, a method of semi-automated environment mapping for a self-propelled robotic vacuum is provided. With respect to the method, the robotic vacuum also includes a remote control ().

Robotic vacuum with removable portable vacuum and semi-automated environment mapping

An airflow indicator for a vacuum cleaner includes a housing, a wheel chamber defined in the housing, and a rotatable wheel mounted in the wheel chamber. The wheel has protrusions which cause the wheel to rotate due to inlet air flow. The wheel further has markings which gradually increase in size along an outside perimeter of the wheel. The markings indicate movement of the wheel. An air inlet is formed adjacent a first end of the housing. An air passageway is formed within the housing adjacent the rotatable wheel and the air inlet. The air passageway is curved to facilitate air flow along the protrusions of the wheel. A valve is mounted within the housing adjacent the air passageway. The valve has a cross slit which opens in response to a change in vacuum pressure. An air outlet is formed in the housing. A window portion partially encloses the wheel within the wheel chamber. The window allows viewing of the wheel from outside of the housing.

Airflow indicator

A vacuum cleaner includes a housing and a nozzle in fluid communication with the housing. A suction source is held by the housing. The nozzle is in fluid communication with the suction source. A dust cup is selectively secured to the housing. The dust cup includes an inlet in fluid communication with the nozzle and a first inertial dust separation stage positioned downstream from the inlet. A first dust containing chamber is located adjacent the first inertial dust separation stage for holding the dust separated by the first inertial dust separation stage. A second inertial dust separation stage is located downstream from the first inertial dust separation stage. A second dust containing chamber is located adjacent the second inertial dust separation stage for holding dust separated by the second inertial dust separation stage. An outlet is located downstream from the second inertial dust separation stage. The dust cup can be selectively removed from the housing for emptying.

Two-stage particle separator for vacuum cleaners

Growing community of inventors

Parma, OH, United States of America

Victor Younger