The small pulley was fixed to a shaft which would spin a fan or pump a set of bellows. These machines were used effectively until the early electric vacuums became popular. The Agan Vacuum. Made in Ludlow, Vermont. The twin set of belts gives this machine tremendous mechanical advantage.
Suction is generated by a fan chamber in the center of the machine.
There is no dust collecting bag on this cleaner, but the design does include two hoses. One hose is connected to the inlet and used in the conventional way. The second hose is connected to the outlet. The operator placed the vacuum near an open window, stuck the hose end out the window, and let the device deposit the dirt outside. Duntley Pneumatic Hand Cleaner.