Vacuum canister with auxiliary intake valve

Abstract

A vacuum canister for use with a central vacuum system is disclosed. The vacuum canister includes a hollow, tubular housing that has openings at either end. A cover covers the upper opening and a dust collection bin is disposed beneath the lower opening. The housing is divided into clean and dirt collection chambers by a wall. The clean chamber is a dust-free area and the vacuum pump assembly is mounted therein. The dirt collection chamber is the area in the canister where the dirt-laden vacuumed air is drawn into the device. The vacuum canister is provided with an auxiliary vacuum intake assembly that enters the housing in the clean, dust-free chamber. The intake assembly includes a receptacle for receiving the end fitting of a portable vacuum hose and the receptacle is operatively connected to the dirt collection chamber of the housing by way of a conduit that extends from the receptacle through an aperture in the wall and into the dirt collection chamber. The receptacle is wired to the motor for the vacuum pump assembly so that when the portable hose is attached to the receptacle, the vacuum pump is automatically started. The wiring for the receptacle passes through the clean chamber of the housing. The receptacle includes a pivoted cover which covers the receptacle when it is not in use so as to maintain the vacuum within the system.