AN APPARATUS FOR USE IN GATHERING DEBRIS BY APPLYING A VACUUM

摘要

A portable vacuum apparatus for use in gathering up pieces of solid matter is disclosed. The vacuum apparatus (1) includes a housing (7) defining an inlet (31), an outlet (33) and an airstream flow path extending from the inlet (31) to the outlet (33). An impeller (3) is mounted in the airstream flow path of the housing (7). Further, a rotatable material separator (13) is also positioned in said airstream flow path of the housing (7), upstream of the impeller. The rotatable material separator (13) helps to remove pieces of solid matter from the airstream. An improved screen member (13) comprising a flattened member having two major surfaces defining a central hub region and a screen region radially outward of the hub region. The hub region defines an opening through which the securing bolt (11) passes. The screen region defines a plurality of screen openings (23) therein for screening out larger and/or higher density materials. A method for gathering up pieces of solid matter with the apparatus is also disclosed.