Regenerating filter system for a vacuum cleaner

A vacuum cleaner comprises a floor engaging foot (20, fig 1) having a nozzle (24, fig 1) defined in an underside thereof and an upper structure pivotally attached to the foot (20, fig 1). The vacuum cleaner further includes a suction source for drawing a dirt laden air stream from the foot of the cleaner, and a fine filter 81 for separating smaller particles from the air stream. A blowback system for applying reverse airflow (115, fig 10) to a portion of the filter 81 is provided so that dust can be removed from the filter 81 and the filter 81 kept clean. The vacuum cleaner further includes a mechanical agitator (79, fig 10) for applying mechanical energy to the portion of the filter 81 being subjected to reverse airflow, and a fine particle collection chamber 92 is provided for collecting the dislodged dirt. The combination of reverse airflow (115, fig 10) and mechanical energy causes the small particles on the filter 81 to be transported to the fine particle collection chamber 92. A motor is preferably provided to rotate the cylinder about its axis and the filter 81 is preferably arranged so that rotating the filter 81 applies atmospheric pressure to the filter 81.