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I believe the forerunner of the tank and canister vacuum is the hand
pump vacuum. It utilized a hose with a wand and tools to clean just
like today's canister cleaners. The success of Booth's gas powered machine
not only popularized this way of cleaning, but also promoted vacuum cleaning
as a commercial venture. When the electric motor was introduced as the power
source for tank machines, this style of vacuum came into its own. People
could then have their own portable tank cleaner inside the home. Tank and
canister vacuums allow for some cleaning flexibility. Wand and tool
combinatons permit you to clean the floors. A growing number of attachments
allow for vacuuming furniture, drapes, cars, and an endless number of "above
the floor" tasks. Today's gallery features some examples of the oldest
portable electric tank/canister vacuums ever produced. Other models
with be exhibited later. So, don't forget to check back.
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B.B. Vacuum Cleaner.
Made by the McCreery
Mfg. Co. Toledo, Ohio
This is a U.S. version
of H.Cecil Booth's vacuum. It was sold to individuals who wanted to
start their own house cleaning business.
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Pneu-Vac Electric Vacuum.
This cleaner is one of
the earliest of the cabinet style machines. It dates from 1907.
It is truly the great grand daddy of the canisters. The mechanism
is housed in a mahogany case. It has large caster wheels to help move the
60 pound body across the floor. It features a dust tray at the bottom
of the vacuum with a cloth filter bag inside. The center hole in the
tray is where the user inserts the hose. The top right knob is the
on/off switch and below it is where the cord plugs into the unit. The
dial at the top left of the cleaner controls the amount of suction desired
and the hole below exhausts the air. The hose can be inserted there,
as well, to blow dust out of hard to reach places. The hose, attachments,
and leatherette tool pouch are in the foreground. Note that most of
the tools are fashioned from maple wood.
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Pneu-Vac, Interior
View.
The lid of the vacuum
has been removed to allow you to see inside the machine. An induction
motor powers the vacuum. Gears, a crankshaft, and wooden push rods
convert rotary motion into linear motion which drives the four large bellows
that create suction. Four asphestos side panels are included for saftey.
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Regina Model B
At first glance, this
cabinet looks like it may house a sewing machine. |
With
the lid removed, you can see the GE induction motor and the twin diaphragms
that create suction. |
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Electrolux V.
This is the first Electrolux
tank cleaner. It was made in Sweden. It is also known as the
pistol grip model. It features a detachable sled runner and a shoulder
sling which allowed the user to carry the machine around while doing above
the floor cleaning.
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