A surface cleaning apparatus includes a housing that supports a suction source, a dirt separation device that has an elongate axis, and a user graspable handle having an elongate axis. A passage member transports dirt-laden air to the dirt separation device. The passage member has an elongate axis. The elongate axis of the passage member and the elongate axis of the user graspable handle lie in a plane. The elongate axis of the dirt collection chamber intersects the plane. During operation, while the housing is supported on a floor surface, the elongate axis of the dirt separation device is parallel with the floor surface.

A surface cleaning apparatus includes a housing that supports a suction source, a dirt separation device that has an elongate axis, and a user graspable handle having an elongate axis. A passage member transports dirt-laden air to the dirt separation device. The passage member has an elongate axis. The elongate axis of the passage member and the elongate axis of the user graspable handle lie in a plane. The elongate axis of the dirt collection chamber intersects the plane. During operation, while the housing is supported on a floor surface, the elongate axis of the dirt separation device is parallel with the floor surface.

Hydro excavation vacuum apparatus that process spoil material onboard the apparatus by separating water from the cut earthen material are disclosed.

A vacuum cleaner or a docking station has momentum separator having first and second sidewalls which are porous. A first air flow chamber is located exterior to the momentum separator between a first end wall, which is spaced from and faces the first side screen, and the first side screen. A second air flow chamber is located exterior to the momentum separator between a second end wall, which is spaced from and faces the second side screen, and the second side screen. In operation, air exits the momentum separator through the first and second side screens and travels through the first and second air flow chambers to the air outlet of the first and second air flow chambers.

A vacuum cleaner or a docking station has momentum separator having first and second sidewalls which are porous. A first air flow chamber is located exterior to the momentum separator between a first end wall, which is spaced from and faces the first side screen, and the first side screen. A second air flow chamber is located exterior to the momentum separator between a second end wall, which is spaced from and faces the second side screen, and the second side screen. In operation, air exits the momentum separator through the first and second side screens and travels through the first and second air flow chambers to the air outlet of the first and second air flow chambers.

A hand vacuum cleaner has a cyclone assembly having a cyclone with a central longitudinally extending axis wherein, when the upper end of the hand vacuum cleaner is positioned above the lower end of the hand vacuum cleaner, the central longitudinally extending axis is oriented generally horizontal. The cyclone assembly has a cyclone assembly height that extends between an upper end of the cyclone assembly and a lower end of the cyclone assembly with a medial portion of the cyclone assembly positioned between the upper end and the lower end of the cyclone assembly. A housing containing the suction motor is positioned rearward of the cyclone assembly and extends downwardly from the upper end of the cyclone assembly to the medial portion. A pistol grip handle is positioned rearward of the cyclone assembly, below the housing and extends downwardly from the medial portion.

A hand vacuum cleaner has a cyclone assembly having a cyclone with a central longitudinally extending axis wherein, when the upper end of the hand vacuum cleaner is positioned above the lower end of the hand vacuum cleaner, the central longitudinally extending axis is oriented generally horizontal. The cyclone assembly has a cyclone assembly height that extends between an upper end of the cyclone assembly and a lower end of the cyclone assembly with a medial portion of the cyclone assembly positioned between the upper end and the lower end of the cyclone assembly. A housing containing the suction motor is positioned rearward of the cyclone assembly and extends downwardly from the upper end of the cyclone assembly to the medial portion. A pistol grip handle is positioned rearward of the cyclone assembly, below the housing and extends downwardly from the medial portion.

A surface cleaning apparatus includes a housing having an elongate axis (H) and supports a suction source, and a dirt separation device having an elongate axis (A). The dirt separation device includes a separator for separating dirt from dirt-laden air, and a dirt collection chamber for receiving separated dirt. The dirt separation device or a part of the dirt separation device is releasably connected to the housing. A passage member that transports dirt-laden air to the dirt separation device has an elongate axis (B). The dirt separation device is pivotally moveable relative to the housing to effect release of the dirt separation device.

A surface cleaning apparatus includes a housing having an elongate axis (H) and supports a suction source, and a dirt separation device having an elongate axis (A). The dirt separation device includes a separator for separating dirt from dirt-laden air, and a dirt collection chamber for receiving separated dirt. The dirt separation device or a part of the dirt separation device is releasably connected to the housing. A passage member that transports dirt-laden air to the dirt separation device has an elongate axis (B). The dirt separation device is pivotally moveable relative to the housing to effect release of the dirt separation device.

A dirt separation device for a surface cleaning apparatus including: a separator for separating dirt from dirt-laden air; an inlet through which dirt-laden air is drawn into the separator; an outlet through which cleaner air exits the separator; a dirt collection chamber for receiving separated dirt; a cover member movable between a first position in which the cover member inhibits access to the dirt collection chamber and a second position in which the cover member permits access to the dirt collection chamber; an actuator device coupled to the cover member for effecting movement of the cover member from the first position to the second position, wherein the actuator device is rotationally movable, or an engagement part operably connected to the actuator device is rotationally movable, to effect movement of the closing member from the first position to the second position.