A REFUSE HOLDER

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

This invention relates generally to equipment for holding refuse, and more particularly to a refuse holder for a vacuum cleaner.

2. Description of Related Art

In numerous applications, it may be desirable to hold refuse in a refuse holder. For example, known vacuum cleaners may employ air-permeable bags for holding refuse, or may use one of many known bagless arrangements to hold refuse collected by the vacuum cleaner.

However, known refuse holders, whether they use bags or are of the bagless type, have certain disadvantages. For example, both bagged and bagless arrangements can collect bacteria, germs, and mold, which may grow in stored refuse and be circulated into ambient air during operation of the vacuum cleaner. Also, in these bagged or bagless arrangements, the bag or other collection chamber is often the only place where refuse can be collected, and therefore the refuse holding capacity of the vacuum cleaner is limited by the size of the bag or other collection chamber. In such arrangements, frequent disposal of collected refuse may thus be undesireably required. Furthermore, vacuum cleaners that employ air-permeable bags will generally require periodic replacement of the bags, and replacing these bags can be costly, inconvenient, and disorderly, as loose dust and other refuse particles collected in the bag can become airborne or fall out of the bag during replacement. Also, these air-permeable bag arrangements often require airflow through the air-permeable bag for operation of the vacuum cleaner, and this airflow and the overall effectiveness of the vacuum cleaner may diminish as refuse accumulates in the bag. Even in bagless arrangements, overall effectiveness may be reduced as more refuse is collected.

Known bagless arrangements for vacuum cleaners can overcome some of these disadvantages, although many conventional bagless arrangements include refuse holders that simply collect loose refuse, disadvantageously allowing loose dust or other refuse particles to become airborne or to fall from the refuse holder when the refuse holder is removed from the vacuum cleaner to be emptied, for example.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a refuse holder for holding refuse in a vacuum cleaner, the refuse holder comprising: a first inner wall; an outer wall surrounding the inner wall; an end wall extending between the inner and outer walls; and a first scraper having a first inner margin in slidable contact with the inner wall, and a first outer margin in slidable contact with the outer wall; wherein at least one of the first inner wall, the outer wall, the end wall, and the first scraper defines a first air inlet for receiving air entrained with refuse; wherein at least one of the first inner wall, the outer wall, the end wall, and the first scraper defines a first air outlet; and wherein the first scraper is movable between a first position wherein a refuse collection region, defined by the first scraper and by the first inner, outer, and end walls, is in communication with the first air inlet and the first air outlet, and a second position spaced apart from the first position towards the end wall, for facilitating removal of refuse collected in the refuse collection region from the refuse collection region.

The refuse holder can be incorporated in a vacuum cleaner that provides a

In a further aspect, there is provided a method of operating a vacuum cleaner incorporating an embodiment of the refuse holder.

Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In drawings which illustrate embodiments of the invention,

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to a first embodiment of the invention, showing a scraper in a first position and an end wall in a closed position,

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner of Figure 1 , showing the scraper of the vacuum cleaner in a second position and the end wall of the vacuum cleaner in an open position,

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner of Figure 1 , showing the scraper of the vacuum cleaner in a third position and the end wall of the vacuum cleaner in the open position, Figure 4 is a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner of Figure 1 , showing the scraper of the vacuum cleaner in the first position and the end wall of the vacuum cleaner in the closed position, and showing a refuse storage container of the vacuum cleaner in a removed position,

Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of a processor circuit of the vacuum cleaner of Figure 1 ,

Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of a method of operating the vacuum cleaner of Figure 1 , in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 7 is a side view of a vacuum cleaner according to a second embodiment of the invention, showing a first scraper and a second scraper in a first position and a third position, respectively.

Figure 8 is a frontal view of the vacuum cleaner of Figure 7, showing the first scraper and the second scraper in the first position and the third position, respectively.

Figure 9 is a frontal view of a vacuum cleaner of Figure 7, showing a first scraper and a second scraper in a second position and a fourth position, respectively. Figure 10 is a side view of the vacuum cleaner of Figure 7, showing the first scraper and the second scraper in the second position and the fourth position, respectively.

Figure 11 is a schematic illustration of a processor circuit of the vacuum cleaner of Figure 7,

Figure 12 is a schematic illustration of a method of operating the vacuum cleaner of Figure 7, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. Figure 13 is a side view of a vacuum cleaner according to a further embodiment of the invention, showing a first scraper and a second scraper in a first position and a third position, respectively.

Figure 14 is a frontal view of the vacuum cleaner of Figure 13, showing the first scraper and the second scraper in the first position and the third position, respectively.

Figure 15 is a side view of a vacuum cleaner of Figure 13, showing a first scraper and a second scraper in a second position and a fourth position, respectively. Figure 16 is a rear view of the vacuum cleaner of Figure 13, showing the first scraper and the second scraper in the second position and the fourth position, respectively.

Figure 17 is a frontal view of the vacuum cleaner of Figure 13, showing the first scraper and the second scraper in the second position and the fourth position, respectively.

Figure 18 is a schematic illustration of a processor circuit of the vacuum cleaner of Figure 13.

Figure 19 is a schematic illustration of a method of operating the vacuum cleaner of Figure 13, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to Figure 1 , a vacuum cleaner in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention is shown generally at 10. Although vacuum cleaner 10 is illustrated as an upright vacuum cleaner, vacuum cleaner 10 may alternatively be canister-type or hand-held, for example. Vacuum cleaner

10 includes a refuse holder 12, and refuse holder 12 includes an inner wall 14 and an outer wall 16 surrounding inner wall 14. In the embodiment shown, inner wall 14 and outer wall 16 are annular, although alternatively, inner wall 14 and outer wall 16 may have different configurations. Vacuum cleaner 10 may include components of a conventional vacuum cleaner, which may be retrofitted with refuse holder 12, for example.

Refuse holder 12 further includes an openabie end wall 22 extending between inner wall 14 and outer wall 16. In the embodiment shown, end wall 22 includes first and second plates 24 and 26, and first and second plates 24 and 26 are in slidable contact with outer wall 16 and selectively contactable with each other and with inner wall 14. Preferably, first and second plates 24 and 26 include elastomer-type materials, as are well-known in the art, for sealably and slidably contacting outer wall 16, and for selectively sealably and slidably contacting each other and inner wall 14. Alternatively, natural and/or synthetic brushes, made from silicone, natural rubber, or polypropylene, for example, may be used to achieve the aforementioned sealable and slidable contacting. In further alternatives, brush strips, with flexible nylon or elastomer materials midway between the bristles, may be used to obtain the aforementioned slidable and sealable contact.

End wall 22 is thus closable by sliding first and second plates 24 and 26 towards and in contact with each other and with inner wall 14, and openabie by sliding first and second plates 24 and 26 away from each other and from inner wall 14 to define an opening therebetween (shown at 36 in Figure 2). Figure 1 illustrates end wall 22 in a closed position. Numerous arrangements may be employed for opening and closing end wall 22. For example, end wall 22 may be manually opened by use at handles (not shown) on one or both of first and second plates 24 and 26, and a spring may urge end wall 22 into the closed position. Alternatively, one or both of first and second plates 24 and 26 may define threaded openings (not shown) that receive horizontal threaded rods (not shown) that rotate axially to move one or both of first and second plates 24 and 26 to open or close end wall 22. In yet another alternative, one or both of first and second plates 24 and 26 may include gear racks (not shown) engaged with respective spur gears (not shown) to move one or both of first and second plates 24 and 26 to open or close end wall 22.

Refuse holder 12 further includes a scraper 28 having an inner margin 30 in slidable contact with inner wall 14, and an outer margin 32 in slidable contact with outer wall 16. In the embodiment shown, scraper 28 is annular to contact the annular inner wall 14 and the annular outer wall 16, although alternatively, scraper 28 may have any configuration whereby inner margin 30 is in slidable contact with inner wall 14, and outer margin 32 is in slidable contact with outer wall 16.

Still referring to Figure 1 , scraper 28 is illustrated in a first position, wherein a refuse collection region 34 is defined by scraper 28, inner wall 14, outer wall 16, and end wall 22, and wherein refuse collection region 34 is in communication with air outlet 18 and air inlet 20.

In the embodiment shown, inner wall 14 defines an air outlet 18 defined by a plurality of openings in inner wall 14. However, in alternative embodiments, air outlet 18 may be defined by one or more of outer wall 16, end wall 22, and first scraper 28 for example, and may include any number of openings. Also in the embodiment shown, outer wall 16 defines an air inlet 20, which is a single opening in outer wall 16. However, alternatively, air inlet 20 may be defined by one or more of inner wall 14, end wall 22, or first scraper 28 for example, and may also include any number of openings. In the vacuum cleaner 10 in operation, air entrained with refuse passes through air inlet 20 and enters refuse collection region 34. At least some of the entrained refuse is preferably deposited in refuse collection chamber 24, and air exits refuse collection region 34 through air outlet 13.

In this embodiment, air inlet 16 is configured to impart cyclonic air flow in refuse collection region 34 when air passes through air inlet 20. For example, air inlet 20 may direct air tangentially into refuse collection region 34, in order to impart cyclonic air flow. Scraper 28 is moveab!e between the first position illustrated in Figure 1 , and a second position spaced apart from the first position towards end wall 22, as illustrated in Figure 2. Referring to Figure 2, scraper 28 is shown displaced from the first position (shown in Figure 1 ) towards end wall 22. In the second position illustrated in Figure 2, refuse collected in the refuse collection region

34 may be compressed against end wall 22 when end wall 22 is in the closed position illustrated in Figure 1. End wall 22 is illustrated in Figure 2 in an open position, wherein first and second plates 24 and 26 are spaced apart from each other and from inner wall 14, thereby defining an opening 36 therebetween. Moving scraper 28 from the first position to the second position thus facilitates removal of refuse from refuse collection region 34, by positioning refuse collected in refuse collection region 34 proximate end wall 22 so that the refuse thus positioned can pass through opening 36 when end wall 22 is in the open position. Still referring to Figure 2, refuse holder 12 further includes a refuse storage container 38 adjacent end wall 22, for receiving refuse from refuse collection region 34 when end wall 22 is opened. Refuse storage container 38 is illustrated in a stowed position in Figures 1 , 2, and 3.

Referring to Figure 3, scraper 28 is illustrated in a third position extending through and beyond end wall 22, whereby refuse collected in refuse collection region 34 (illustrated in Figures 1 and 2) is urged into refuse storage container 38.

Referring to Figure 4, refuse storage container 38 in the embodiment shown has a tray configuration having a recess 40 that is positioned to receive and hold refuse ejected from refuse collection region 34 when the refuse storage container 38 is in the stowed position illustrated in Figures 1 , 2, and 3. Refuse storage container 38 is slideably removable from refuse holder 12, and is shown in a removed position in Figure 4. Refuse collected in refuse collection region 34 and transferred by scraper 28 to refuse storage container 38 may be removed from refuse holder 12 and discarded. In Figure 4, scraper 28 is illustrated in the first position (also illustrated in Figure 1), and end wall 22 is illustrated in a closed position (also illustrated in Figure 1 ) to prevent any residual or airborne refuse in refuse collection region 34 from escaping the refuse holder 12 when refuse storage container 38 is slideably removed from refuse holder 12, as illustrated in Figure 4.

Still referring to Figure 1 , refuse holder 12 further includes a flange 42 coupled to inner wall 14, and defining a plurality of threaded openings 44, 46, and 48 spaced apart around flange 42. Refuse holder 12 also includes a plurality of threaded shafts 50, 52, and 54 extending through threaded openings 44, 46, and 48 respectively, and threaded shafts 50, 52, and 54 engage scraper 28. Thus, coordinated rotation of threaded shafts 50, 52, and 54 (by an electric motor not shown, for example) results in movement of scraper 28 relative to flange 42, between the first, second, and third positions illustrated in Figures 1 , 2, and 3 respectively. Alternatively, other configurations may be employed to move scraper 28 between the first, second, and third positions. For example, magnetic or electromagnetic fields, positive and negative air pressure, motorized extendable and retractable telescoping rods, compression and extension spring combinations, a stationary round or cog gear driving a square rod with mating gears, hydraulics, and pneumatics may be included in alternative embodiments to move scraper 28 between the first, second, and third positions.

Still referring to Figure 1 , refuse holder 12 as described herein may provide numerous advantages over known refuse holders. For example, in the embodiment shown, air outlet 18 is positioned to be scraped by scraper 28 when scraper 28 is moved from the first position illustrated in Figure 1 to the second position illustrated in Figure 2. Advantageously, refuse that may be attracted to outlet 18 by air currents passing through outlet 18, for example, may thus be urged away from air outlet 18 and towards end wall 22, and into refuse storage container 38, where refuse is further compressed by scraper 28. This arrangement may advantageously prevent refuse collected near outlet 18 from obstructing air flow through outlet 18, collecting in filters (not shown) down stream from air outlet 18, or from passing through such filters and entering ambient air surrounding vacuum cleaner 10, without requiring any additional components. It has also been found that the arrangement of scraper 28 between inner wall

14 and outer wall 16 may advantageously provide greater stability for scraper 28 than in other arrangements. More particularly, it has been found that because inner margin 30 is in slideable contact with inner wall 14, and outer margin 32 is in slideable contact with outer wall 16, scraper 28 is advantageously prevented from moving in any direction other than a direction parallel to inner wall 14 and outer wall 16, and is thus moveable relative to inner wall 14 and outer wall 16 with relatively few components.

Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, when scraper 28 is moved between the first, second, and third positions (illustrated in Figures 1 , 2, and 3 respectively), inner wall 14 and outer wall 16 remain stationary relative to vacuum cleaner 10. Thus, when compared to other configurations, vacuum cleaner 10 described herein advantageously enables compaction of refuse against end wall 12 without requiring removal of refuse holder 12 from vacuum cleaner 10, for example, thus avoiding inconvenience and time involved in removing refuse holder 12 from vacuum cleaner 10 each time compaction of refuse against end wall 22 is desired, for example.

Referring to Figure 5, a processor circuit for controlling the vacuum cleaner 10 is illustrated generally at 80. Processor circuit 80 includes a microprocessor 82, and a program memory 84 and input/output ("I/O") 86, both in communication with microprocessor 82. Program memory 84 is a computer- readable medium, as well-known in the art, encoded with codes for directing microprocessor 82 to carry out various functions of vacuum cleaner 10.

I/O 86 includes a compression signal generator port 88 for receiving signals from a compression signal generator 90. I/O 86 also includes a scraper motor relay port 92 for sending signals to a scraper motor relay 94 for controlling a scraper motor (not shown) in communication with threaded shafts 50, 52, and 54 to cause scraper 28 to move between the first, second, and third positions (illustrated in Figures 1 , 2, and 3 respectively). I/O 86 also includes a vacuum fan motor relay port 96 for sending signals to a vacuum fan motor relay 98 for controlling a vacuum fan motor (not shown) for causing air to pass through refuse collection region 34 (illustrated in Figures 1 , 2, and 3). I/O 86 also includes and end wall motor relay port 100 for sending signals to an end wall motor relay 102 for controlling an end wall motor (not shown) for moving end wall 22 between the open and closed positions illustrated in Figures 1 , 2, and

3.

Referring to Figure 6, a method of operating vacuum cleaner 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention is shown generally at 60. Figure 6 illustrates blocks of code generally for directing processor circuit 80 to carry out method 60, and these blocks of code are stored in program memory 84 illustrated in Figure 5. Processor circuit 80 is thus configured to carry out method 60. Alternatively, method 60 may be carried out manually, implemented by any known technique for automating method 60, or any combination thereof. Method 60 begins at 62, in response to user actuation of an "on" switch (not shown) or "start" button (not shown) of vacuum cleaner 10, for example, or alternatively any manual or automated indication to begin collecting refuse. Method 60 continues at block 64, which directs microprocessor 82 to cause the scraper 28 to move to the first position (illustrated in Figure 1 ). The codes at block 64 cause I/O 86 to send a signal from scraper motor relay port 92 to scraper motor relay 94 (illustrated in Figure 5) to cause scraper 28 to move to the first position (illustrated in Figure 1 ).

Method 60 continues at block 66, which directs microprocessor 82 to cause air, typically entrained with refuse, to pass through air inlet 20 and into refuse collection region 34. In the illustrated embodiment, the codes of block 66 cause microprocessor 82 to generate a signal at vacuum fan motor relay port 96 to cause vacuum fan motor relay 98 (illustrated in Figure 5) to cause a vacuum fan motor (not shown) to rotate a fan (not shown), thereby creating a vacuum to draw air from an inlet region 68, (illustrated in Figures 1 to 4) of vacuum cleaner 10, through inlet 20, into refuse collection region 34, and out of outlet 18. Refuse holder 12 is configured to cause at least some of any refuse that is entrained in the air to be collected in refuse collection region 34 in a manner known in the art.

Method 60 continues at block 70, which directs microprocessor 82 to wait for a compression signal to be generated by compression signal generator 90 and received at compression signal generator port 88 (shown in Figure 5). In the embodiment shown, the compression signal is generated when a user actuates a compressor button or switch (not shown) although alternatively, the compression signal may be generated by a timing function of the microprocessor 82, or by one or more "fullness" indicators, for example.

Method 60 continues at block 72, which directs microprocessor 82 to generate signals at scraper motor relay port 92 to cause scraper 28 to move to the second position (illustrated in Figure 2), whereby refuse collected in refuse collection region 34 is compressed against end wall 22. In some embodiments, microprocessor 82 may cause the vacuum fan motor (not shown) that creates a vacuum at inlet region 68 to cease temporarily before executing the codes of block 72, in order to prevent air from entering refuse holder 12 from inlet 20 while scraper 28 is moving to and remaining in the second position (illustrated in Figure 2). However, it will be appreciated that ceasing operation of the vacuum fan motor during this stage is not essential for operation of vacuum cleaner 10.

Method 60 continues at block 74, which directs microprocessor 82 to generate signals at end wall motor relay port 100 to cause end wall motor relay 102 (shown in Figure 5) to cause the end wall motor (not shown) to cause end wall 22 to open, whereby compressed refuse in refuse collection region 34 is ejected from refuse collection region 34. In the embodiment shown, the codes at block 74 generate signals at scraper motor relay port 92 to cause scraper 28 to move to the third position (illustrated in Figure 3), although it will be appreciated that the third position is not essential for operation of a vacuum cleaner 10. Also, in the embodiment shown, the codes at block 74 cause refuse collected in refuse collection region 34 to be urged into refuse storage container 38 for easy removal and disposal of the refuse, although we appreciated that refuse storage container 38 is not essential to operation of vacuum cleaner 10. Referring back to Figure 6, method 60 then ends, although it will be appreciated that method 60 may be repeated as desired in order to effect a continuing cleaning function of vacuum cleaner 10.

Referring to Figures 7 and 8, a vacuum cleaner according to a second embodiment of the invention is shown generally at 100. Vacuum cleaner 100 includes an alternative refuse holder 102 which includes an inner wall 104 and an outer wall 106 surrounding inner wall 104. In the embodiment shown, inner wall 104 and outer wall 106 are annular, although alternatively, inner wall 104 and outer wall 106 may have different configurations. Vacuum cleaner 100 may include components of a conventional vacuum cleaner, which may be retrofitted with refuse holder 102, for example. Again, although vacuum cleaner 100 is illustrated as an upright vacuum cleaner, vacuum cleaner 100 may alternatively be canister-type or hand-held, for example.

Refuse holder 102 includes a first scraper 108. First scraper 108 has a first inner margin 110 in slidable contact with inner wall 104, and a first outer margin 112 in slidable contact with outer wall 106. Refuse holder 102 also includes an end wall (which in this embodiment may be referred to as a "second scraper") 114. Second scraper 114 extends between inner wall 104 and outer wall 106 and has a second inner margin 116 in slidable contact with inner wall 104, and a second outer margin 118 in slidable contact with outer wall 106. Again, elastomer-type materials or silicon materials (not shown), for example, may achieve the aforementioned slidable contact in this type of environment. Slidable contact between inner and outer walls and elastomer- type or silicon materials may be maintained, for example, by springs, such as Spaenauer™ extension springs, and the like.

In the illustrated embodiment, at least one opening in outer wall 106 defines a first air inlet 124, although in alternative embodiments, first air inlet 124 may be defined by one or more of inner wall 104, outer wall 106, first scraper 108, and second scraper 114, for example. Also, in the illustrated embodiment, at least one opening in inner wall 104 defines a first air outlet 126, although in alternative embodiments, first air outlet 126 may be defined by one or more of inner wall 104, outer wall 106, first scraper 108, and second scraper 114.

Figures 7 and 8 illustrate first scraper 108 in a first position, and second scraper 114 in a third position. In these configurations, inner wall 104, outer wall 106, first scraper 108, and second scraper 114 define a refuse collection region 128 in fluid communication with first air inlet 124 and first air outlet 126. First air inlet 124 may be configured to impart cyclonic air flow in refuse collection region 128 by directing air tangentially into refuse collection region 128, for example.

Referring again to Figure 7, refuse holder 102 further includes a flange 141 coupled to inner wall 104, and defining a plurality of openings 143, 145, 1 7 and 149 spaced apart on the flange 141. Threaded shafts 120 and 122, having proximal and distal ends proximal and distal to flange 141 , extend through diametrically positioned threaded openings 143 and 145 respectively. The distal ends of threaded shafts 120 and 22 are rotatably attached to first scraper 108 at diametric positions on first scraper 108.

In the embodiment shown, first and second scrapers 108 and 114 are further connected to flange 141 by first and second shafts 138 and 140. More specifically, shafts 138 and 140, having proximal and distal ends proximal and distal to flange 141 , extend through diametrically positioned openings 147 and 149 respectively and are thereby slidably connected to flange 141. First scraper 108 further defines first and second openings 130 and 132 diametrically positioned on first scraper 108. Shafts 138 and 140 extend through first and second openings 130 and 132 respectively. First scraper 108 is attached to shafts 138 and 140 at a fixed distance, which may be approximately four inches, for example, from the distal ends of shafts 138 and 140. The distal ends of shafts 138 and 140 are attached to second scraper 114 at first and second diametric positions 134 and 136 respectively on second scraper 114. Accordingly, first and second scrapers 108 and 114 are maintained on first and second shafts 138 and 140 at a constant separation distance, which may be approximately four inches, for example.

Coordinated rotation (by an electric motor not shown, for example) of first and second threaded shafts 120 and 122 results in movement of first and second threaded shafts 120 and 122 relative to the flange 141. Thus first and second threaded shafts 120 and 122 in the illustrated embodiment move first scraper

108, first and second shafts 138 and 140, and second scraper 114 proximal or distal to flange 141 according to the direction of coordinated rotation of first and second threaded shafts 120 and 122. Accordingly, the refuse collection region 128 is moved relative to flange 141 , between the first and second and third and fourth positions illustrated in Figures 7, 8, 9 and 10, respectively.

Alternatively, other configurations may be employed to move first and second scrapers 108 and 114 between the first and second and third and fourth positions. For example, magnetic or electromagnetic fields, positive and negative air pressure, motorized extendable and retractable telescoping rods, compression and extension spring combinations, a stationary round or cog gear driving a square rod with mating gears, hydraulics, and pneumatics may be included in alternative embodiments to move first and second scrapers 108 and 114 between the first and second, and third and fourth positions, respectively. More particularly, first and second threaded shafts 120 and 122 can move first scraper 108 from the first position illustrated in Figures 7 and 8 to a second position spaced apart from flange 141 , as illustrated in Figure 9, while moving second scraper 114 from the third position illustrated in Figures 7 and 8 to a fourth position also illustrated in Figure 9. In the configuration illustrated in

Figures 9 and 10, refuse collection region 128 is no longer in communication with first air inlet 124 or with first air outlet 126. Instead, in the configuration of Figures 9 and 10, refuse collection region 128 is in communication with a second air inlet 142 and a second air outlet 144, both defined by respective openings in inner wall 104 and outer wall 106. Alternatively, second air inlet

142 and second air outlet 144 may be defined by one or more openings in one or both of inner wall 104 and outer wall 106.

When first scraper 108 is in the second position and second scraper 114 is in the fourth position, as illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, inner wall 104, outer wall 106, first scraper 108, and second scraper 114 define a refuse removal region

146 in communication with second inlet 142 and second outlet 144. Refuse holder 102 also includes a refuse storage container 148 in communication with second air outlet 144. Thus, when air enters refuse removal region 146, refuse in refuse removal region 146 may pass through second air outlet 144 and into refuse storage container 148. Refuse storage container may be a bagless storage container, or may employ an air-permeable bag, for example. Thus, in this embodiment, moving first scraper 108 from the first position (illustrated in Figures 7 and 8) to the second position (illustrated in Figures 9 and 10) facilitates removal of refuse collected in refuse collection region 128, by positioning refuse in a region of refuse holder 102 where the refuse may be urged by air through second outlet 144 and into refuse storage container 148.

Alternatively, the second embodiment can be modified such that all four rods are threaded such that the scrapers move through coordinated rotation of all four rods. Still further, rods 140 and 142 can be the threaded rods. In such embodiments, rods 140 and 142 would have to rotate freely in openings 130, 132, 134, and 136. In a further alternative arrangement, the first and second scrapers can be moved relative to other if the coordinated rotation of rods 140 and 142 is independent from that of rods 120 and 122.

Referring to Figure 11 , a processor circuit for controlling the vacuum cleaner (100) is illustrated generally at 150. Processor circuit 150 includes a microprocessor 152, and a program memory 154 and an I/O 156, both in communication with microprocessor 152. Program memory 154 is a computer readable medium, as well-known in the art, encoded with codes for directing microprocessor 152 to carry out various functions of the vacuum cleaner (100).

I/O 156 includes a compression signal generator port 158 for receiving signals from a compression signal generator 160. I/O 156 also includes a scraper motor relay port 162 for sending signals to a scraper motor relay 164 for controlling a scraper motor (not shown) in communication with first and second threaded shafts 120 and 122 to cause first scraper 108 to move between the first and second positions, and to cause second scraper 114 to move between the third and fourth positions (illustrated in Figures 7, 8, 9 and 10). I/O 156 also includes a vacuum fan motor relay port 166 for sending signals to a vacuum fan motor relay 168 for controlling a vacuum fan motor (not shown) for causing air to pass through refuse collection region 128

(illustrated in Figures 7 and 8), as well as refuse removal region 146 (illustrated in Figures 9 and 10). I/O 156 also includes a refuse removal fan motor relay port 170 for sending signals to a refuse removal fan motor relay 172 for controlling a refuse removal fan motor (not shown) for causing air to pass through second inlet 142 and into refuse removal region 146, thereby causing air entrained with refuse to pass through second outlet 144 and into refuse storage container 148.

Referring to Figure 12, a method of operating vacuum cleaner 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown generally at 180. Figure 12 illustrates blocks of code generally for directing processor circuit 150 to carry out method 180, and these blocks of code are stored in program memory 154 illustrated in Figure 11. Processor circuit 150 is thus configured to carry out method 180. Alternatively, method 180 may be carried out manually, implemented by any known technique for automating method 80, or any combination thereof.

Method 180 begins at 182, in response to user actuation of an "on" switch (not shown) or "start" button (not shown) of vacuum cleaner 100, for example, or alternatively any manual or automated indication to begin collecting refuse.

Method 180 continues at block 184, which directs microprocessor 152 to cause first scraper 108 to move to the first position, and to cause second scraper 114 to move to the third position (illustrated in Figures 7 and 8). The codes at block 184 cause I/O 156 to send a signal from scraper motor relay port 162 to scraper motor relay 164 (illustrated in Figure 11 ) to cause first scraper 108 to move to the first position and to cause second scraper 114 to move to the third position (illustrated in Figure 7 and 8).

Method 180 continues at Block 186, which directs microprocessor 152 to cause air, typically entrained with refuse, to pass through first air inlet 124 and into refuse collection region 128. In the illustrated embodiment, the codes of block 186 cause microprocessor 152 to generate a signal at vacuum fan motor relay port 166 to cause vacuum fan motor relay 168 (illustrated in Figure 11 ) to cause a vacuum fan motor (not shown) to rotate a fan (not shown), thereby creating a vacuum to draw air from an inlet region 188, (illustrated in Figures 7, 8, 9 and 10) of vacuum cleaner 100, through first inlet 124, into refuse collection region 128, out of first air outlet 126, through second inlet 142, and out of second air outlet 144. Refuse holder 102 is configured to cause at least some of any refuse that is entrained in the air to be collected in refuse collection region 128, in a manner known in the art.

Method 180 continues at block 190, which directs microprocessor 152 to wait for a compression signal to be generated by compression signal generator 160 and received at compression signal generator port 158 (shown in Figure 1 1 ). In the embodiment shown, the compression signal is generated when a user actuates a compressor button or switch (not shown) although alternatively, the compression signal may be generated by a timing function of the microprocessor 152, or by one or more "fullness" indicators, for example.

Method 180 continues at block 192, which directs microprocessor 152 to generate signals at scraper motor relay port 162 to cause first scraper 108 to move to the second position and to cause second scraper 114 to move to the fourth position, as illustrated in Figures 9 and 10. In some embodiments, microprocessor 152 may cause the vacuum fan motor (not shown) that creates a vacuum at inlet region 168 to cease temporarily before executing the codes of block 192, in order to prevent air from entering refuse holder 102 from first air inlet 124 while first scraper 108 is moving to and remaining in the second position (illustrated in Figure 9). However, it will be appreciated that ceasing operation of the vacuum fan motor during this stage is not essential for operation of vacuum cleaner 100.

In embodiments where microprocessor 152 causes the vacuum fan motor (not shown) that creates a vacuum at inlet region 168 to cease temporarily before executing the codes of block 192, method 180 continues at block 194, to generate a signal at vacuum fan motor relay port 166 to cause vacuum fan motor relay 168 (illustrated in Figure 11 ) to cause a vacuum fan motor (not shown) to rotate a fan (not shown), thereby creating a vacuum to draw air thereby causing air to pass through second air inlet 142 and into refuse removal region 146, whereby refuse in the refuse removal region 146 is ejected from refuse removal region 146 through second air outlet 144. Method

180 then ends.

Referring to Figures 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17, a refuse holder according to a further embodiment of the invention is shown generally at 202. Refuse holder 202 includes a first inner wall 203 and an outer wall 204 surrounding first inner wall 203. In the embodiment shown, first inner wall 203 and outer wall 204 are annuiar, although alternatively, inner wall 203 and outer wall 204 may have different configurations. As with previous embodiments, refuse holder 202 can be incorporated into a conventional vacuum cleaner having components to provide a suction and deliver refuse laden air to the refuse holder. Refuse holder 202 can be incorporated into an upright vacuum cleaner, a canister- type or a hand-held unit, for example.

Referring to Figures 13, 14, and 15, refuse holder 202 includes a first scraper 206. First scraper 206 has a first inner margin 207 in slidable contact with first inner wall 203, and a first outer margin 208 in slidable contact with outer wall 204. Refuse holder 202 also includes an end wall (which in this embodiment may be referred to as a "second scraper") 212. Second scraper 212 extends between first inner wall 203 and outer wall 204 and has a second inner margin 213 in slidable contact with inner wall 203, and a second outer margin 214 in slidable contact with outer wall 204. Again, elastomer-type materials or silicon materials (not shown), for example, may achieve the aforementioned slidable contact in this type of environment. Slidable contact between inner and outer walls and elastomer-type or silicon materials may be maintained, for example, by springs, such as Spaenauer™ extension springs, and the like. Second outer margin 214 further comprises an air flow selector 215. Referring to Figure 16, at least one opening in outer wall 204 defines a first air inlet 216, although in alternative embodiments, first air inlet may be defined by one or more of inner wall 203, outer wall 204, first scraper 206, and second scraper 212, for example. Referring again to Figures 13, 14, 15, and 16, at least one opening in inner wall 203 defines a first air outlet 217, although in alternative embodiments, first air outlet 217 may be defined by one or more of first inner wail 203, outer wall 204, first scraper 206, and second scraper 212. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, at least one opening in outer wall 204 defines a second air inlet, located above the plane of the illustration and not shown, although in alternative embodiments, first air inlet may be defined by one or more of inner wall 203, outer wall 204, first scraper 206, and second scraper 212, for example. Referring to Figures 14 and 16, at least one opening in inner wall 203 defines at least one second air outlet 219, although in alternative embodiments, second air outlet 219 may be defined by one or more of first inner wall 203, outer wall 204, first scraper 206, and second scraper 212.

Referring again to Figures 13, 14, and 15, at least one opening in first inner wall 203 defines at least one first air portal 220. In the illustrated embodiment, first inner wall 203 defines four first air portals 220 spaced substantially equidistant from each other on the circumference of the first inner wall 203, although in alternative embodiments, first air portals 220 may be defined by one or more of first inner wall 203, outer wall 204, first scraper 206, and second scraper 212. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, at least one opening in outer wall 204 defines a second air portal 221 in fluid communication with first air portal 220, although in alternative embodiments, second air portal 221 may be defined by one or more of inner wall 203, outer wall 204, first scraper 206, and second scraper 212. Second air portal 221 is further in fluid communication with an air filtration compartment 222 via a first air duct 223, although in alternative embodiments, second air portal 221 may be defined by one or more of inner wall 203, outer wall 204, first scraper 206, and second scraper 212. Air filtration compartment 222 may include, for example, a HE PA filter.

With reference to Figure 16, refuse holder 202 further includes a proximal wall 224 and a distal wall 225 proximal and distal to first air inlet 216 and mounted to and generally perpendicular to, first inner wall 203 and outer wall 204. As best shown in Figure 14, proximal wall 224 defines openings 226 and 227 through wall 224. At least one rod 228, having extends through opening 226 and is thereby slidably connected to proximal wall 224. First scraper 206 further includes opening 229, and rod 228 extends through opening 229. First scraper 206 is attached to rod 228 at a fixed distance, which may be approximately four inches, for example, from the distal end of rod 228. The distal end of rod 228 is attached to second scraper 212 at position 230 on second scraper 212. Accordingly, first and second scrapers 206 and 212 are maintained on rod 228 at a constant separation distance, which may be approximately four inches, for example.

Referring again to Figures 13, 14, and 15, refuse holder 202 further includes a second inner wall 232 surrounded by first inner wall 203. First and second inner walls 203 and 232 together with proximal and distal walls 224 and 225 define a first annular air conduit 233 in fluid communication with first air portal 220. Second inner wall 232 further defines at least one third air portal 234 in fluid communication with second air outlet 219 via at least one second air duct 235. Second inner wall 232 together with proximal and distal walls 224 and 225 further define a second air conduit 236 in fluid communication with second air duct 235 via third air portal 234. In the embodiment shown, second inner wall 232 is annular, although alternatively, second inner wall 232 may have different configurations. In the illustrated embodiment, second air conduit 236 is in fluid communication with a refuse storage region 237 via a third air duct 238 comprising a first opening 239 in distal wall 225 extending to a second opening 240. An air permeable refuse storage container 241 , such as a disposable vacuum bag, for example, surrounds second opening 240. Refuse storage region 237 is further in fluid communication with air filtering compartment 222 via a fourth air portal 242.

In the illustrated embodiment, second air conduit 236 contains a scraper motor 243 connected to a threaded shaft 244 extending parallel to rod 228 and having proximal and distal ends proximal and distal to scraper motor 243. Threaded shaft 244 extends from electric motor 243 through opening 227. The distal end of threaded shaft 243 further extends through a threaded opening 245 in a connector 246 having proximal and distal ends in relation to threaded shaft 244. Connector 246 joins threaded shaft 244 to rod 228, rod 228 being attached to an end of connector 246 at position 247. Figures 13 and 14 illustrate first scraper 206 in a first position, and second scraper 212 in a third position. In this configuration, first inner wall 203, outer wall 204, first scraper 206, and second scraper 212 define a refuse collection region 248 in fluid communication with first air inlet 216 (Figure 16) and first air outlet 217. When incorporated into a vacuum cleaner, first air inlet 216 is connected to the cleaning head of the cleaner. As best shown in Figure 16, first air inlet 216 may be configured to impart cyclonic air flow in refuse collection region 248 by directing air tangentially into refuse collection region 247, for example. In this configuration, air flow selector 215 obstructs second air outlet 219. When a vacuum cleaner in which refuse holder 202 is incorporated is in operation, air entrained with refuse is delivered to first air inlet 216 and enters refuse collection region 248. At least some of the entrained refuse is preferably deposited in refuse collection region 247, and air exits region 247 through first air outlet 217. Air exiting refuse collection region 247 through first air outlet 217 moves through annular first air conduit

233 and into air filtration compartment 222 via first and second air portals 220 and 221 and first air duct 223. Movement of air through the vacuum cleaner and refuse holder 202 is preferably established by connecting a port 300 of the refuse holder 202 (Figures 13, 14, 15 and 17) to the suction source of the vacuum cleaner.

Rotation by scraper motor 243 of threaded shaft 244 results in movement of connector 246 and rod 228 relative to wall 224. Thus, rod 228 in the illustrated embodiment moves first scraper 206 and second scraper 212 toward or away from wall 224 according to the direction of rotation of threaded shaft 244. Alternatively, other configurations may be employed to move first and second scrapers 206 and 212 with respect of wall 224. For example, magnetic or electromagnetic fields, positive and negative air pressure, motorized extendable and retractable telescoping rods, compression and extension spring combinations, a stationary round or cog gear driving a square rod with mating gears, hydraulics, and pneumatics may be included in altemative embodiments to move first and second scrapers 206 and 212 relative to wall 224.

More particularly, rod 228 can move first scraper 206 from the first position illustrated in Figures 13 and 14 adjacent wall 224 to a second position spaced apart from wall 224, as illustrated in Figures 15 and 16, while simultaneously moving second scraper 212 from the third position illustrated in Figures 13 and 14 to a fourth position also illustrated in Figure 15 and 16. In the configuration illustrated in Figures 15 and 16, air flow selector 215 associated with second scraper 212 no longer obstructs second air outlet 219, but rather obstructs first air portal 220. In addition, first scraper 206 is positioned past first air inlet 217. Accordingly, refuse collection region 248 is no longer in communication with annular first air conduit 233.

When first scraper 206 is in the second position and second scraper 212 is in the fourth position, as illustrated in Figures 15, 16 and 17, inner wall 203, outer wall 204, first scraper 206, and second scraper 212 define a refuse removal region 249 in communication with a second air inlet (not shown) and second air outlet 219. Second air inlet may be formed in second scraper 212, for example, or inlet air may be provided simply through leakage of air into removal region 249. In this configuration, refuse storage container 241 is in fluid communication with refuse removal region 249 via second air duct 235, second air conduit 236, and third air duct 238. Thus, when air enters refuse removal region 249 through second air inlet (not shown), refuse in refuse removal region 249 tends to pass through second air outlet 219, second air duct 235, second air conduit 236, third air duct 238, and into refuse storage container 249. Refuse storage container 241 may be a bagless storage container, or may employ an air-permeable bag, for example. Thus, in this embodiment, moving first scraper 206 from the first position (illustrated in Figures 13 and 14) to the second position (illustrated in Figures 15, 16 and 17) facilitates removal of refuse collected in refuse collection region 248, by positioning refuse in a region of refuse holder 202 where the refuse may be urged by air through second air outlet 219 and into refuse storage container 241. Residual air and refuse that escapes through refuse storage container 241 moves through fifth air portal 242 and into air filtration compartment 222.

Referring to Figure 18, a processor circuit for controlling the vacuum cleaner 200 is illustrated generally at 250. Processor circuit 250 includes a microprocessor 252, and a program memory 254 and an I/O 256, both in communication with microprocessor 252. Program memory 254 is a computer readable medium, as well-known in the art, encoded with codes for directing microprocessor 252 to carry out various functions of the vacuum cleaner 200. I/O 256 includes a compression signal generator port 258 for receiving signals from a compression signal generator 260. I/O 256 also includes a scraper motor relay port 262 for sending signals to a scraper motor relay 264 for controlling scraper motor 243 in communication with rod 228, via threaded shaft 244 and connector 246, to cause first scraper 206 to move between the first and second positions, and to cause second scraper 212 to move between the third and fourth positions (illustrated in Figures 13, 14, 15 and 16). I/O 256 also includes a vacuum fan motor relay port 266 for sending signals to a vacuum fan motor relay 268 for controlling a vacuum fan motor (not shown) for causing air to pass through refuse collection region 248 (illustrated in Figures 13 and 14), as well as refuse removal region 249 (illustrated in

Figures 15, 16 and 17), thereby causing air entrained with refuse to pass through second outlet 219 and into refuse storage container 241.

I/O 256 also includes a refuse removal fan motor relay port 270 for sending signals to a refuse removal fan motor relay 272 for controlling a refuse removal fan motor (not shown) for causing air to pass through second inlet

(not shown) and into refuse removal region 249, thereby causing air entrained with refuse to pass through second outlet 219 and into refuse storage container 241. Referring to Figure 19, a method of operating vacuum cleaner 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown generally at 280. Figure 19 illustrates blocks of code generally for directing processor circuit 250 to carry out method 280, and these blocks of code are stored in program memory 254 illustrated in Figure 18. Processor circuit 250 is thus configured to carry out method 280. Alternatively, method 280 may be carried out manually, implemented by any known technique for automating method 280, or any combination thereof.

Method 280 begins at 282, in response to user actuation of an "on" switch (not shown) or "start" button (not shown) of vacuum cleaner 200, for example, or alternatively any manual or automated indication to begin collecting refuse.

Method 280 continues at block 284, which directs microprocessor 252 to cause first scraper 206 to move to the first position, and to cause second scraper 212 to move to the third position (illustrated in Figures 13 and 14). The codes at block 284 cause I/O 256 to send a signal from scraper motor relay port 262 to scraper motor relay 264 (illustrated in Figure 18) to cause first scraper 206 to move to the first position and to cause second scraper 212 to move to the third position (illustrated in Figure 13 and 14). Accordingly, air flow selector 215 is caused to uncover first air portal 220 and to obstruct second air outlet 219.

Method 280 continues at Block 286, which directs microprocessor 252 to cause air, typically entrained with refuse, to pass through first air inlet (not shown) and into refuse collection region 248. In the illustrated embodiment, the codes of block 286 cause microprocessor 252 to generate a signal at vacuum fan motor relay port 266 to cause vacuum fan motor relay 268

(illustrated in Figure 18) to cause a vacuum fan motor (not shown) to rotate a fan (not shown), thereby creating a vacuum to draw air from an inlet region (not shown) of vacuum cleaner 200, through first inlet 216, into refuse collection region 248, out of first air outlet 217, through first air conduit 233, out first air portal 220, through first air duct 223, and into air filtration compartment 222. Refuse holder 202 is configured to cause at least some of any refuse that is entrained in the air to be collected in refuse collection region 248, in a manner known in the art.

Method 280 continues at block 290, which directs microprocessor 252 to wait for a compression signal to be generated by compression signal generator

260 and received at compression signal generator port 258 (shown in Figure 18). In the embodiment shown, the compression signal is generated when a user actuates a compressor button or switch (not shown) although alternatively, the compression signal may be generated by a timing function of the microprocessor 252, or by one or more "fullness" indicators, for example.

Method 280 continues at block 292, which directs microprocessor 252 to generate signals at scraper motor relay port 262 to cause first scraper 206 to move to the second position and to cause second scraper 212 to move to the fourth position, as illustrated in Figures 15 and 16. Accordingly, air flow selector 215 is caused uncover second air outlet 219 and to obstruct first air portal 220. In some embodiments, microprocessor 252 may cause the vacuum fan motor (not shown) that creates a vacuum at inlet region 268 to cease temporarily before executing the codes of block 292, in order to prevent air from entering refuse holder 202 from first air inlet (not shown) while first scraper 206 is moving to and remaining in the second position (illustrated in

Figure 15). However, it will be appreciated that ceasing operation of the vacuum fan motor during this stage is not essential for operation of vacuum cleaner 200.

In embodiments where microprocessor 252 causes the vacuum fan motor (not shown) that creates a vacuum at inlet region (not shown) to cease temporarily before executing the codes of block 292, method 280 continues at block 294, to generate a signal at vacuum fan motor relay port 266 to cause vacuum fan motor relay 268 (illustrated in Figure 18) to cause a vacuum fan motor (not shown) to rotate a fan (not shown), thereby creating a vacuum to draw air thereby causing air to pass through second air inlet (not shown), into refuse removal region 249, whereby refuse in the refuse removal region 249, is ejected from refuse removal region 146 through second air outlet 219, through second air duct 235, second air conduit 236, fourth air duct 238, and into refuse storage container 241. Method 180 then ends.

Method 280 continues at block 294, which directs microprocessor 252 to generate signals at refuse removal fan motor relay port 270 to cause the refuse removal fan motor (not shown) to rotate a refuse removal fan (not shown), thereby causing air to pass through second air inlet (not shown) and into refuse removal region 249, whereby refuse in refuse removal region 249 is ejected from refuse removal region 249 through second air outlet 219. Method 280 then ends.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated, such embodiments should be considered illustrative of the invention only and not as limiting the invention as construed in accordance with the accompanying claims.