Importance

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Abstract

A vacuum cleaner comprises first and second devices 116,125 for separating dirt and dust from an airflow through the cleaner. The dirt and dust separated by the first and second devices 116,125 is deposited at the bottom of a collection chamber 112. The dirt and dust separated by the second device 125 is transferred to the bottom of the collection chamber 112 via a duct which is normally closed by a valve 124 to prevent air from leaving the chamber 112 along the duct 133 instead of forming a proper cyclonic flow in the chamber 112. An actuator 131, 135, 136 is provided for periodically opening the valve 124 to release the collected dirt and dust into the bottom of the chamber 112. The actuator 131, 135, 136 simultaneously closes the duct 133 between the valve 124 and the second device 125, so as to temporarily prevent air from leaving the chamber 112 along the duct 133 whilst the collected dirt and dust is released. In this manner the dirt and dust from both devices can be collected together and compacted by a single compaction auger 120.

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First Claim