Willis C Palmer

US Patent:

60996102, Aug 8, 2000

Filed:

Oct 19, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/174634

Inventors:

Willis Palmer - Vista CA

International Classification:

B01D 4600

US Classification:

55429

Abstract:

A central vacuum system particularly adapted to collect and dispose of hair from hair cutting and from pet grooming. The system includes an automatic arrangement for collecting and dumping accumulated hair or other material. A housing includes an inlet for receiving air and an air pump for expelling air from the housing, with filters between the inlet and air pump. A disposal opening is provided at the lower end of the housing for dumping accumulated material. A hinge is mounted on the housing adjacent to said disposal opening. A cover and extended arm are mounted on said hinge for rotation between a collection position with the cover over the disposal opening and an open position for dumping. A counterweight is mounted on the arm for maintaining the cover over the disposal opening when less than a predetermined weight of material rests on said cover within said housing and for allowing the cover to rotate away from the disposal opening when a greater weight of material is present. A magnet may be provided between the rotating assembly and the housing to further add a closing force to the cover.