Patent ID: 6912757
Filing Date: 2005-07-05
Classification: A47L

Abstract:
1. A vacuum cleaner for collecting at least liquid material, the vacuum cleaner comprising: a tank having a first chamber and a second chamber divided by an intermediate wall, the intermediate wall defining an aperture; a vacuum source in fluid communication with the first chamber for generating a partial vacuum in the tank; an inlet formed in the tank first chamber for receiving liquid material; an outlet formed in the tank second chamber for discharging liquid material; a vent communicating between an interior of the second chamber and atmosphere; a pressure responsive drain valve member associated with the tank outlet; the drain valve member moving to a closed position to close off the tank outlet when the partial vacuum is present in the second chamber, and to an at least partially open position when the partial vacuum level is reduced and liquid in the second chamber creates a pressure force on the drain valve member; a pressure responsive control valve member associated with the aperture, the control valve member having a normally open position in which the liquid material is allowed to flow through the aperture from the first chamber to collect in the second chamber, the control valve member being movable to a closed position to close off the aperture when a high liquid level is present in the second chamber, so that liquid material collects in the first chamber while the vent reduces the partial vacuum level in the second chamber, thereby to discharge liquid material from the second chamber through the outlet; and a reset assembly for reestablishing the partial vacuum level in the tank second chamber, thereby to actuate the drain valve member to the closed position and the control valve member to the open position.