Abstract:
A vacuum device has a housing. The housing forms an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The housing also forms a viewable compartment for retaining refuse vacuumed by the device. A vacuum motor is located in the housing. The vacuum motor has a suction inlet and a vent outlet. The suction inlet is connected to the viewable compartment. The suction inlet is also connected to the inlet opening of the housing. The vent outlet of the vacuum motor is to the outlet opening of the housing. An electric circuit of the device is connected to the vacuum motor. The electric circuit is connected to a sensor and includes a microcontroller. The sensor, for example, an infrared beam and detector, triggers the electric circuit, and programmed control by the microcontroller, when the beam is broken and not detected by the detector. When the beam is broken, the sensor signals the microcontroller and the microcontroller logically powers-on the vacuum motor to suction the refuse into the housing.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention generally relates to electronic vacuum devices and, more particularly, relates to vacuum cleaners having sensor-triggered, automated operations. 
   For many years, cleaning implements—e.g., brooms, rags, dusters—have not significantly changed. In fact, the basic tools for cleaning houses, offices, and other indoor and outdoor areas were long ago designed and commercialized. Over the last several decades, electronically operated cleaning devices have been invented. For example, electrically driven vacuum cleaners, and the like, have been known for a good number of years. Certain improvements and added features have been designed for these devices, but the basic concepts of the conventional cleaning devices remain as long ago conceived. 
   Over the last several decades, the various new improvements and added features for cleaning tools have typically regarded improved chemical and solvent-type formulas, better absorption and gathering cloths and other materials, and further automation of existing cleaning implements. With even these improvements and additions, however, manpower is nevertheless typically required to operate the tools and perform cleaning activities. Only recently, an objective of further automation in vacuum-equipped cleaning devices has been to limit the manpower required in cleaning processes. 
   For example, the recently newly available ROOMBA™ vacuum cleaner attempts to reduce the manpower required for performing vacuum cleaning. This vacuum cleaner unit includes drive motors and features to enable the vacuum device to automatedly traverse a surface and concurrently vacuum the surface. Notwithstanding nuances of the ROOMBA™ product, reducing manpower and human involvement has not usually been the primary focus of development of new cleaning tools. Rather, new development efforts for cleaning tools have largely focused on improved chemicals and materials, and automated cleaning—but not substantial elimination of manpower in cleaning operations. 
   Conventionally, sweeping as a cleaning process has required a human to handle a broom and dustpan. The human manually sweeps with the broom to collect refuse strewn over an entire surface. The collected refuse is manually gathered, including by sweeping with the broom, into the dustpan. The refuse swept into the dustpan is then manually carried and disposed in a separate location, such as in a trash repository or can. The manual collection and gathering typically requires the human to twist, lean, bend-over, and otherwise make somewhat tortuous body movements and bends. 
   It would be a significant improvement in the art and technology to further automate cleaning processes, such as certain of the manual efforts required for sweeping, collecting, gathering, and disposing of refuse via broom and dustpan. Additionally, it would be such an improvement to particularly automate those efforts that normally require the greatest manpower and most significant bodily capabilities and efforts. Moreover, it would be a significant improvement in the art and technology to provide simplified steps and procedures for such automated cleaning processes, particularly, including desirable switching among and between various levels or modes of manual involvement in the processes and of automated capabilities, performance, and options. The present invention provides numerous advantages and improvements, including, for example, automation of certain cleaning processes, reduced manpower requirements in such processes, and additional capabilities and modes for performing the processes. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   An embodiment of the invention is a system for vacuum cleaning. The system includes a housing, having an inlet and an outlet. The system also includes a vacuum motor connected to the inlet and the outlet of the housing. A controller, connected to the vacuum motor, selectively controls the vacuum motor in response to an event. 
   Another embodiment of the invention is a vacuum device. The vacuum device includes a housing having an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The housing also includes a viewable compartment formed by the housing. The vacuum device includes a vacuum motor. The vacuum motor has a suction inlet and a vent outlet, each connected to the viewable compartment. The suction inlet is connected to the inlet opening of the housing, and the vent outlet is connected to the outlet opening of the housing. An electric circuit is connected to the vacuum motor. The circuit is connected to a sensor. The sensor detects an external event and signals a microcontroller connected to the circuit and the sensor. 
   Yet another embodiment of the invention is a vacuum controller. The controller includes a three-position switch, a two-position switch, a light sensor, and a circuit connected to the three-position switch, the two-position switch, and the light sensor. The circuit logic, together with states of the three-position switch, the two-position switch, and the light sensor, control vacuum operations. 
   Another embodiment of the invention is a method of automated operation of a vacuum device. The method includes sensing an external event to the vacuum device and controlling power-on of the vacuum device based on the step of sensing. 
   Yet another embodiment of the invention is a method of collecting swept refuse. The method includes positioning the refuse near a vacuum device, powering on the vacuum device, and sucking the refuse into the vacuum device. 
   Another embodiment of the invention is a circuit for aiding alignment of a sensor to a beam. The circuit includes a viewable LED electrically connected to the sensor. The viewable LED increases in brightness as the sensor becomes more accurately aligned with the beam. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the accompanying figures, in which like references indicate similar elements, and in which: 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a system for vacuum operations controllable by sensor-triggered features, according to certain embodiments of the invention; 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a system for automated control of a motor, such as an electrical vacuum blower motor in a vacuum device, according to certain embodiments of the invention; 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a circuit for automated control of a motor, useable in the system of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , according to certain embodiments of the invention; 
       FIG. 4  illustrates states of operability for a motor, such as a vacuum blower motor in the system of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , according to certain embodiments of the invention; 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a method for automated control of a motor on start-up operations, according to certain embodiments of the invention; 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a method for automated control of a motor in shut-down operations, according to certain embodiments of the invention; 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , a system  100  for vacuum cleaning includes a housing  102 . The housing  102  encloses a vacuum blower (not shown in detail in  FIG. 1 ) and related electrical components (also not shown in detail in  FIG. 1 ). The vacuum blower is electrically powered and controlled, is of a type sufficiently sized to fit within the housing  102 , and provides adequate vacuum suction capability to pull into the housing  102  various refuse (exemplified by “A” in  FIG. 1 ) located near the housing. An inlet  102   a  of the housing is located at a base of the housing  102 . The inlet  102   a  serves as intake to the vacuum blower. When the vacuum blower of the system  100  is powered on, via operations of the electrical components, refuse (A) (e.g., such as, for example, swept dirt, dust, hairs and other contaminant matter) is vacuum sucked into the housing  102  at and through the inlet  102   a.    
   The housing  102  stands vertically upright, and fits in a corner or other inconspicuous location on a floor or other flat surface in a room or other location. The housing  102  is, for example, on the order of 1-2 feet tall, 6-12 inches wide and 6-10 inches deep, although any of a wide variety of other dimensions and configuration of the housing  102  is possible according to desired application, location, and use. The housing  102  is formed of molded plastic or hard rubber, or other suitably stable and firm materials. 
   The housing  102  encloses various electrical and optical elements as herein after described. Additionally, the housing  102  provides certain control features for the system  100 . For example, a rotatable Man/Off/Auto selector dial  104  extends from within the housing  102  and permits manual selection of the dial  104  by a human user of the system  100 . The dial  104  permits manual designation of the system  100  mode (e.g., on, off or automatic), by a human user. At a lower portion of the housing  102 , a pushable manual activation button  105  powers on or off the vacuum blower of the system  100 . 
   Additionally, the housing  102  includes a tiltable hinged canister compartment  106 . The compartment  106  is hingedly connected at a lower portion of the housing  102  and snaps upright to close the housing  102 . Within the compartment is included a canister, sack, bag or other container (not shown in detail in  FIG. 1 ) for retaining collected refuse within the housing  102 . The housing  102  also includes a somewhat transparent window  108  formed in a side of the compartment  106 , for viewing a level of refuse retained in the container within the compartment  106 . The compartment  106 , when hingedly swung down from the upright closed position of the housing  102 , reveals the container with refuse (e.g., for emptying, changing, removal and so forth). 
   The housing  102  also provides guided locators for fitting one or more filters  110  in the system  100 . The filters  110  are locatable at an outlet vent  102   b  portion of the housing  102 , for outlet venting of the vacuum blower (not shown in detail) of the system  100  contained within the housing  102 . The filters  108  are, for example, standard HEPA-type filters, and prevent escape of refuse sucked into the housing  102 , via the vacuum blower at the inlet  102   a , from escaping from the housing  102 , via the outlet venting of the vacuum blower at the outlet  102   b.    
   Another feature of the housing  102 , a motion sensor  112 , is included as part of the housing  102  adjacent the inlet  102   a  of the housing  102 . The sensor  112  is electrically connected to and is part of the electronic components (not shown in detail in  FIG. 1 ) of the system  100 . The sensor  112  electrically controls operations of the vacuum blower of the system  100 , whenever the sensor  112  detects a triggering event, such as motion at or near the sensor  112  or lack of motion thereat. The sensor  112  is itself electrically operated and is, for example, optically equipped for activation upon sensing movement. 
   In operation of the system  100 , the system  100  is “Off” and is not supplied with electrical power whenever the dial  104  is rotated to the “Off” position. When the system  100  is “Off”, in this manner, the vacuum blower and other electrical components of the system are inoperable. If the dial  104  is rotated to the “Man” position, however, electrical power supplies the system  100 . Then, the vacuum blower and other electrical components of the system are operable “on” and “off” by the manual activation button  105 . The button  105  is pressed on/off by a human user of the system  100 . 
   The usual operating mode of the system  100  is “Auto”. The system  100  is in this “Auto” mode whenever the dial  104  is rotated to the “Auto” position. In this “Auto” mode (i.e., dictated by the dial  104  position), the system  100  powers on and off the vacuum blower based on detections of the sensor  112 . The sensor  112  and related electrical components of the system  100  remain operational whenever the system  100  is in this “Auto” mode. Any motion optically detected by the sensor  112  triggers the electrical components of the system  100  to power on the vacuum blower of the system  100 . When so powered on, the vacuum blower suctions air and refuse (A) into the inlet  102   a . Refuse (A) passing into the inlet  102   a  is captured in the container of the compartment  106 . Outlet air from the vacuum blower passes through the filters  110  at the outlet  102   b  of the housing  102 , as the air (i.e., free of the refuse) vents from the housing  102 . 
   When in “Auto” mode, the vacuum blower is powered on for a desired interval of time, for example, 5 seconds. The desired interval for power on is programmed in the system  100  via the electronic components. The desired interval can be selectively adjusted, as desired for the application, such as by maintaining the power on for the vacuum blower while any movement continues detected by the sensor  112 , then followed by continued power on for a time interval after movement cease. Of course, many alternative possibilities for power on and other operations of the system  100  are possible, as those skilled in the art will know and understand. In every event, the system  100  is operable, either automatically or manually, to power on the vacuum blower whenever desired for suction cleaning of refuse. 
   Referring to  FIG. 2 , a controller  200  of the system  100  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) controls operations of a motor  202 , such as the vacuum blower of the system  100 . The controller  200  is contained within the housing  102  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) of the system  100 . Of course, the vacuum blower of the system  100  is one type of the motor  202  controllable by the controller  200 . 
   The controller  200  is electrically or otherwise operationally connected to the motor  202  (e.g., the vacuum blower of the system  100 ). A motor control  204  of the controller  200  is connected to the motor  202 . The motor control  204  serves for switching the power (and also possibly mode) on and off to the motor  202 . Additionally or alternatively, the motor control  204  can serve to switch extent of power to the motor  202 , for example, if the motor  202  is operable at variable speeds or in other varied manners. Certain specifics of the motor control  204  will depend upon the desired and inherent functionalities of the motor  202  and the control thereof by the motor control  204 , as those skilled in the art will know and understand. In every event, however, the motor control  204  provides direct physical control of the motor  202  operations and interfaces to a logical controller  206  (hereafter described) for logical operations of the motor  202  through the interface. 
   The logical controller  206  of the controller  200  is connected to the motor control  204 . The logical controller  206  is connected to three inputs: a switch  208 , a button  210 , and a sensor  212 . The switch  208  is, for example, an electrical or other control signal directed by and corresponding to rotatable positioning of the dial  104  of the housing  102  of the system  100  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). Thus, the switch  208  is input to the controller  206  corresponding to the dial  104  position for the mode of the system  100 , e.g., either “Off”, “On”, or “Auto”. The button  210  is, for example, a manual or external input (such as a human user&#39;s input) to the power on operations of the vacuum blower of the system  100 , e.g., either “on” or “off” operation of the vacuum blower via a human user pressing of the manual button  105  of the system  100 . The button  210  is, therefore, a signal input to the controller  206  because of manual control by a user. Finally, the sensor  212  is a signal input to the power on operations of the vacuum blower of the system, triggered by a particular event, such as detection of movement adjacent a sensing element like the sensor  112  of the system  100 . The sensor  212  signals to the controller  206  that the particular event either is or is not occurring, for purposes of logical control of the motor control  204  by the controller  206 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 3 , various states  300  for the logical operations by the logical controller  206  are shown in the table. In effect, the logical controller  206 , based on the inputs of the switch  208 , the button  210 , and the sensor  212 , dictates the operations of the motor control  204  to physically control the motor  202  either on or off. As listed in the table of  FIG. 3 , the motor  202  (e.g., the vacuum blower of the system  100  of  FIG. 1 ) is “On”, if and when either: (i) the Mode is set to On via manual input by a human user; or (ii) the Sensor is set to On by detection of an event (such as movement) when the Mode is set to Auto via manual input by a human user. In other states, the motor  202  is controlled off (e.g., is not supplied with power) via the logic of the controller  206  and its handling of the motor  202  through the motor control  204 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 4 , a circuit  400  performs the functions of the controller  200  of  FIG. 2 . The circuit  400  is implemented in the system  100  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) for operating and controlling the system  100 . The circuit  400  implemented in the system  100  is, for example, a circuit board and electrical connections and components contained within the housing  102  of the system  100 . The circuit  400  includes and is electrically connected to and between a power source  402  and a vacuum blower motor  404 . 
   The power source  402  is AC electrical power, such as provided via an AC plug in a wall electrical jack. The power source  402  electrically connects to a power supply  406 . The power supply  406 , for example, converts the AC electrical power of the power source  402  to a current and voltage suitable for the circuit  400 , such as 5 Volts DC. The power supply  406  connects to connectors  408 ,  410 . 
   Each of the connectors is electrically connected to first and second capacitors  412 ,  414 , in parallel. Particularly, connector  408  is connected to a lead of a first capacitor  412 . The first capacitor is, for example, a 0.1 μF capacitor. The connector  408  is also commonly connected to a lead of a second capacitor  414 , which is also connected to a voltage source V DD . The second capacitor is, for example, a 47 μF capacitor. The other lead of each of the first and second capacitors  412 ,  414  is connected to the connector  410 , and commonly connected to ground. 
   A photosensor  420 , for example, a photovoltaic npn transistor, is electrically connected across connectors  416 ,  418 . The photosensor  420  is physically coupled (in line-of-sight relationship in the housing  102  at the inlet  102   a  of the system  100 ) with an infrared (IR) LED  422  of the circuit  400 , to act as a motion (i.e., proximity) sensor in the system  100 . Connector  416  connects to the voltage source V DD . The voltage source V DD  is also connected to a resistor  423 , for example, a 51Ω ½W resistor. The resistor  423  connects to a connector  424 , which connects to a lead of the IR LED  422 . Another lead of the IR LED  422  is connected to a connector  426 , also connected to ground. In operations, whenever an infrared beam passing from the IR LED  422  to the photosensor  420  is interrupted (e.g., whenever refuse or a broom straw break the beam), the resistor  423  pulls down to ground. This signals a microcontroller (i.e., logic chip)  430  connected to the connector  418  from the photosensor  420  (The signaling corresponds to an On state of the Sensor input to the controller  206  of  FIG. 2  and of the states listed in  FIG. 3 ). 
   The connector  418  is also connected to a red LED  432  (or other visible light LED). The LED  432  is also connected to a resistor  434 , such as a 1 kΩ ½W resistor, that is connected to ground. The LED  432  is included for purposes of manufacturing of the system  100  for vacuum operations. The LED  432  is positioned and connected so that, when the IR LED  306  is aligned with the photosensor  420  across the inlet  102   a  of the housing  102  of the system  100 , the LED  432  lights up indicating proper alignment. This allows quick and simple determination of physical alignment of the infrared beam between the IR LED  306  and the photosensor  402  in the housing  102   a.    
   The microcontroller  430  additionally is connected to receive signals of three-position switch  440  and a pushbutton switch  450 . (The three-position switch  440  signals the microcontroller  430  corresponding to the Mode input to the controller  206  of  FIG. 2  and of the states listed in  FIG. 3 ). In the system  100 , the three-position switch  440  corresponds to the dial  104  of the housing  102  of the system  100 . The three-position switch  440  connects to a connector  442  of the circuit  400 . The connector  442  connects to a resistor  444 , for example, 10 kΩ, and which is also connected to the microcontroller  430 . The voltage source V DD  connects to the other lead of the resistor  444 . Whenever the three-position switch  440  completes the circuit through the connector  442 , the connection to the microcontroller  430  signals for logic of “Auto” control by the microcontroller  430 . In this “Auto” control mode, the photosensor  420  and IR LED  422  combination controls the on and off of the motor  404 . 
   A second position for the three-position switch  440  completes the circuit through a connector  446 . The connector  446  is connected to a resistor  448 , such as 10 kΩ, and commonly connected to the microcontroller  430  as an input thereto. Another lead of the resistor  448  is connected to the voltage source V DD . Whenever the three-position switch  440  completes the circuit through the connector  446 , the connection to the microcontroller  430  signals for logic of “Man” control by the microcontroller  430 . In this “Man” control mode, the microcontroller controls the motor  404  in power on state. 
   A third position of the three-position switch  440  completes the circuit through a connector  452 . The connector  452  is a break in the circuit. In this position for the three-position switch  440 , there is not any signal from the switch  440  to the microcontroller  430 . This position corresponds to the “Off” control mode, and the motor  404  and entire circuit  400  are powered off in the system  100 . 
   In each instance, the switch  440  is also connected to a connector  454  that is connected to ground. 
   Another connection to the microcontroller  430  is made by a pushbutton switch  450  of the circuit  400 . When the switch  450  is pushed-in (or out, as the case may be for the switch operability), the circuit is completed through a connector  456 . The connector  456  is connected to a resistor  458  and to the microcontroller  430 . The resistor  458  is, for example, a 10 kΩ resistor with another lead connected to the voltage source V DD . The pushbutton switch is also connected, via connector  460 , to ground. Whenever the pushbutton switch  450  is switched to complete the circuit through the connector  456 , the connection to the microcontroller  430  signals for manual “Man” control by the microcontroller  430 . In this “Man” control mode, the microcontroller controls the motor  404  in power on state. 
   The microcontroller  430  is further connected to the voltage source V DD  and a capacitor  462 . The capacitor  462  and the voltage source V DD  power the microcontroller and connect across a resistor  464  thereto. The capacitor  462  is, for example, 0.1 μF capacitor, and the resistor  464  is, for example, a 10 kΩ resistor. 
   The microcontroller  430  additionally connects to a resistor  470 , such as 330Ω½W resistor. Another lead of the resistor  470  connects to a connector  472 , connected to a solid state relay  474 . The relay  474  is connected to the input power source to the circuit  400  and to the motor  404 . The motor is connected to the power supply  406 . Another connector  476  connects the relay  474  to ground. 
   In generalities, the microcontroller  430 , in operation in the circuit  400 , receives inputs governed by the three-position switch  440  as “Mode” determinants. The resistors  444  and  448  serve as pull ups to power for the “Auto” and “Man” modes of the switch  440 . The pushbutton switch  450  is a manual activation button for “on” and “off” operations, notwithstanding the mode (other than “Off”) of the switch  440 . The resistor  458  pulls up to power for “on” operations of the switch  450 . The microcontroller  430  is operated by software (as hereinafter further detailed) and receives settings and states of the photosensor  420  and IR LED  422  combination, the three-position switch  440 , and the pushbutton switch  450 . Via the software logic programmed for the microcontroller  430 , the microcontroller  430  controls operations of the motor  404  through the solid state relay  474 . The relay  474  interfaces between the microcontroller  430  and the physical requirements of the motor  404  (effectively serving as the motor control  204  of  FIG. 2 ). 
   Referring to  FIG. 5 , a method  500  operates the circuit  400  of  FIG. 4 , in use, for example, in operations of the system  100  of  FIG. 1  and according to the controller  200  of  FIG. 2  and the states listed in  FIG. 3 . The method  500  commences with a power on to the system  100 . The power on to the system  100  begins a step  502  of initialization of the system  100 . The initialization step  502  performs a power up of the circuit  400 , the various electrical and optical components, and any system check or test operations. 
   After the intializing step  502 , the “Mode” of operation of the system  100  is initially set to “Off” in the step  504 . The “Off” Mode, as has been discussed above, corresponds to a system  100  state in which the dial  104  (and corresponding three-position switch  440  of the circuit  400 ) is set to “Off”. This is the preliminary Mode for the system  100  on power up, until a next step  506  occurs. 
   After initial set in the step  504 , the method  500  proceeds with a step  506  of reading the actual Mode as dictated by the physical rotated position of the dial  104  (i.e., three-position switch  440 ). In a step  508 , a determination is made whether or not the “Auto” mode is selected based on the dial  104  position (i.e., corresponding to the position of the three-position switch  440 ). If the determination in step  508  is that the mode is other than “Auto”, then the method  500  proceeds to a step  510 . 
   In the step  510 , it is determined if the mode for the system  100  is “Man” based on the dial  104  positions (i.e., and corresponding to the position of the three-position switch  440 ). If the step  510  determines that “Yes” the system  100  is in manual “Man” mode, then a step  512  sets the mode for the system  100  operations as manual “Man”. This powers on the motor  404  (i.e., the vacuum blower) until a different mode is selected, as indicated by the arrow return to a step  520  in the method  500 . 
   If the step  510  otherwise determines that “No” the system  100  is not in manual “Man” mode, the method  500  proceeds to a step  514 . The step  514  sets the mode for the system  100  operations as manual “Off”. This powers off the motor  404 , in a step  516 , and the system  100  remains off unless or until a different mode is selected (e.g., arrow return to the step  520 ). 
   If initially in the step  508  it is determined that the mode for the system  100  is “Auto”, then a step  518  follows in which the system  100  mode is operated as “Auto”. 
   Thereafter, the method  500  proceeds with determinations in the step  520  of whether the system  100  continues in “Auto” mode. If not, then a next  522  determines whether manual “Man” mode is selected. If not, then the method returns to the step  506 . If manual “Man” mode is then selected, based on the determination in the step  522 , a next step  524  determines if the manual pushbutton  105  of the system  100  (i.e., corresponding to the pushbutton switch  450  of the circuit  400 ) is on (closed circuit) or off (open circuit). If the step  524  determines the system  100  is on via the pushbutton  105 , then the motor  404  is turned on in a step  526 . The motor  404  thereafter remains powered on unless and until a step  528  turns off or resets the motor  404 , for example, based on passage of time of operations or other characteristics. After the step  528 , the method  500  returns to the step  506 . 
   If, alternatively, the step  520  determines that “Auto” mode continues, then a step  530  continuously determines a state of the sensor  112  of the system  100  (i.e., corresponding to whether an IR light beam is or is not then interrupted between the IR LED  422  and the photosensor  420  of the circuit  400 ). If the state of the sensor  112  indicates that an event (e.g., interruption of the light beam) is not occurring, then the method  500  returns to the step  506 . On the other hand, if the state of the sensor  112  indicates that the event (e.g., break of the light beam) is occurring, then a step  532  turns on the motor  404  (i.e., vacuum blower) of the system  100 . Thereafter, a step  534  powers off or otherwise resets the motor  404  operations based on timing or duration of the power on period, time delay after the event concludes, or other similar event timing or duration passage (e.g., according to choice in implementation of the design). 
   Referring to  FIG. 6 , a method  600  is performed on interruption of the method  500 . In such instance, the method  600  is performed by the circuit  400  of  FIG. 4 , in use, for example, in operations of the system  100  of  FIG. 1  and according to the controller  200  of  FIG. 2  and the states listed in  FIG. 3 . The method  600  is initiated with a step  602  of determining (i.e., “reading”) the mode for operation of the system  100 . 
   After the step  602 , a determination is made in a step  604  whether an event (e.g., interruption of IR light beam) has been detected via the sensor  112  of the system  100 . If not, the method  600  continues to a step  606 . In the step  606 , a determination is made whether the manual pushbutton  105  (i.e., the pushbutton switch  450  of the circuit  400 ) is then changed by user depression. If a change in the pushbutton  105  occurs, then a step  608  determines if the change is to “on” operations for the system  100 . Otherwise, the method  600  proceeds to a step  622  (hereafter detailed). 
   If the change determined in the step  608  indicates “on” operations, a step  610  detects whether or not manual “Man” mode is then selected (e.g., via the dial  104  position, and corresponding three-position switch  440  position). If not, the method  600  proceeds to the step  622 . If so, the motor  404  is powered on in a step  612  by the circuit  400 . Thereafter, a step  614  powers off or resets the motor  404 , according to the timing and duration settings for the system  100 . After the step  614 , the method  600  proceeds to the step  622 . 
   On the other hand, if the step  604  detects the event occurrence via the sensor  112  (e.g., interruption of the IR light beam), then the method  600  proceeds to a step  616 . In the step  616 , the system  100  tests for whether the sensor  112  (i.e., particularly, the photosensor  420  and IR LED  422  combination of the circuit  400 ) are active and operating. If not, then the method  600  proceeds to the step  622 . Otherwise, a next step  618  detects whether the system  100  is then operating in “Auto” mode. If not, the next step is step  622 . If the system  100  is then operating in “Auto” mode, then a step  620  turns on the motor  404  (i.e., the vacuum blower of the system  100 ). Thereafter, a step  620  powers off or resets the motor  404 , according to the timing and duration settings for the system  100  and controlled via the microcontroller  430  of the circuit  400 . 
   In a step  622 , following the step  620  and otherwise following the preceding steps of the method  600 , the method  600  detects whether or not the timing of the power on for the motor  404  is interrupted. If not, then the method  600  concludes. 
   If the timing is interrupted, then the step  622  proceeds to a step  624 . The step  624  determines whether or not the timing has expired for the power on of the motor  404  (e.g., according to the settings programmed for the system  100  for the power on timing or duration). If the timing has then expired, the motor  404  is powered off in a step  626  and, additionally or alternatively, a timing delay for the power off is performed in a step  628 . Otherwise, or in any event at the completion of the step  628 , the method  600  concludes. 
   At conclusion of the method  600 , the system  100  is wholly off. Any next start-up of the system  100  proceeds according to the method  500  of  FIG. 5 . 
   In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. 
   Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element of any or all the claims. As used herein, the terms “comprises, “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.