MD Manufacturing is widely recognized as being on the cutting edge of technological advancements in the central vacuum industry. This year at CEDIA, MD is introducing 3 brand new outstanding products. 

VacnSeal Central Vacuum Appliance
A simple touch of the finger releases the suction arm to quickly vacuum-seal goods in a re-sealable ZipLoc® Double Zipper Freezer Bag. VacnSeal is the low-cost food storage solution nicely located underneath the kitchen cupboard and is installed like any central vacuum inlet. Bring central vacuum suction right to a ZipLoc® bag and begin preserving food today.
www.vacnseal.com 

Stealth II Central Vacuum Attachment
Discriminating buyers will not accept inferior quality, and no other central vacuum power brush boasts the long-term durability and success like the Stealth. Its on-board computer eliminates belt breakage and assures proper carpet height settings. And now the Stealth II, with quick foot release, hidden cord management, and Glide-Release handle, is easier to connect and remove, making it the best brush on the market.
www.builtinvacuum.com

MD AirForce Central Vacuum
Introducing the most advanced central vacuum system ever invented. MD’s AirForce incorporates central vacuum advantages with home automation. Central vacuums provide deep cleaning power, better indoor air quality, and quieter operation, but AirForce also utilizes UPB powerline technology to eliminate the low voltage wire and allow shut-off based on telephone, doorbell, or other alarm activations.
www.airforcevac.com

MD’s 3 new products, along with much more, will be displayed at booth #176 during the CEDIA show. Hurry to visit our booth at CEDIA in order to receive a demonstration of our new products, and to be given a free sample of the new VacnSeal. Free VacnSeal samples will be given out to the first 400 people who stop by to visit the MD team at booth #176. 

For more information contact MD Manufacturing at (800) 525-2055 or visit our 5,000+ page website at www.builtinvacuum.com.

I am happy to report that I have finally tried the Tornado Power Cloths on my own home. While I am not thoroughly convinced that they improved the power of the system, I do believe that they have marketable value.

Initially the performance of the system did improve because I changed the paper bag. The cloths then did run through the system and did come out dirty. Because I ran the first one through from the furthest inlet, it would come out as dirty as possible. The subsequent cloths were less and less dirty. My system is about 9 years old and the longest run is about 80 feet of pipe.

Because the cloths stay in the filter, they do provide a scent that identifies that they were used. This is a good marketable issue. Of course, Andrew, my e-commerce director used some on his home and he was offended by the smell as he is highly alergic to scents.

One minor problem, I initially put the cloths in with the rough side inwards rather than outwards. This caused me to use a second one to insure the best results.

Did my performance improve? Not that I could statistically quantify. There still may be some sort of anti-static force that opens up the airflow better in the pipes by using these cloths so I recommend that Wincor run a few scientifically quantifiable tests and they will have a winner.

Who would have ever thought that the VacPan concept would have gained such great popularity? Most long-term central vacuum installers initially abhorred the idea because they envisioned the headaches associated with installation, but homeowners decisively created a fantastic market for new alternative uses for the central vacuums. Why, some homeowners have even installed central vacuum systems without a hose; only using VacPans!

Introducing VacnSeal
VacnSeal promises to be the next step after VacPan! This patented novel product combines the convenience of a central vacuum with a food preservation system. Simply install it under a kitchen counter or in a cupboard and connect it to the existing central vacuum system via standard 2” tube or the conveniently available ½” tubing. The homeowner simply flips the arm down, places their Ziploc baggies of food under the nozzle and give the VacnSeal a gentle tug. Seal the baggie between the thumb and forefinger while removing the baggie from the suction arm and foods are conveniently preserved. The suction arm then folds back up under the counter until its next use. Yes, there exists many other countertop food-sealing devices but VacnSeal is the only one to use the central vacuum to eliminate noise and save counter space. It also the only one that will work with standard freezer bags.

“We believe 80-90% of all homes will desire this added benefit” states Gary Hughes, inventor of the device for M.D. Manufacturing, Inc. Gary thought of the idea after observing his wife suck air out of Ziploc bags by using a drinking straw. After two years of careful research, the VacnSeal will be introduced for the first time to the central vacuum market at the VDTA Trade Show in Las Vegas, February28th through March 3rd. In fact, the first 300 companies to provide MD Manufacturing with their business card will actually receive a free sample.

Storing FoodsThe life-giving oxygen we all breathe is vital for all life to exist. Unfortunately, oxygen also has a degrading effect on food and promotes micro-organism growth that helps to ruin food when stored. These micro-organisms are responsible for many problems including disgusting fuzz on food, miserable smells or tastes, and slimy textures. By removing all the air possible within reason and the moisture it contains, these microorganisms stand a much poorer chance of surviving. Mold, reduced nutritional value, bad flavor, and waste are a result of storing unsealed food in our refrigerators and pantries. All of us have tasted stale crackers, chips, cereals, seen moldy cheese, and more. Vacuum packaging with the VacnSeal system will keep your foods fresher longer, especially in areas with high humidity - VacnSeal guarantees it!

Value
Do you realize the cost of foods that are discarded due to inadequate packaging? Add to that the cost of traveling to the store to purchase a new block of cheese and any illnesses that might be contracted from food poisoning and the VacnSeal could easily recuperate the entire cost of the central vacuum in just a few years! Retail priced at $59.95 plus installation, this is sure to add excellent bottom-line revenue to each and every sale.

Easy Installation
Unlike the VacPan, the VacnSeal is a breeze to install. Either locate a regular central vacuum mounting plate such as Hayden #1041 or Canplas #765566W in the cabinet above the VacnSeal location or use VacnSeal’s new 2” x ½” reducer and run their flexible ½” clear tube down inside the cabinet. The VacnSeal can then install underneath the upper cabinets or even inside of a pantry. A low voltage wire also accompanies the device. It will operate effectively with every brand of central vacuum ever produced.

Thoughtful Features
VacnSeal’s pending patents cover a multitude of brilliant ideas. First, it contains an internal filter which is easily removable in the unlikely event liquids are sucked up. The arm and nozzles are easily removed for safe dishwashing. It even contains a secondary filter in the Wall Plate Cover to insure that no dust or debris backflows thru the system. Additional components allow the VacnSeal to be mounted vertically including a 90 degree neck for either left-hand or right-hand operation. In fact, you can easily install it on the door of a pantry with the optional ½” clear flex tube. It comes packaged with an extra inlet valve extension and all hardware for a convenient installation.

Point-of-Sale Packaging
Because this item would be a fantastic add-on for all existing central vacuum systems, it would be a great do-it-yourself-kit. Packaged in a beautiful box, it will look great in your store counter for all after market sales. Complete with step-by-step instructions, the VacnSeal is supported by an extensive website detailing all aspects for your clients.

Another Innovative Product from M.D. Manufacturing, Inc.
M.D. Manufacturing of Bakersfield, Ca is making this product available to the entire industry. Ask for it by name from your Central Vacuum Manufacturer or supplier. You can also contact them directly at 1-800-525-2055 or sales@Vacnseal.com. M.D. Manufacturing has been providing quality products to the central vacuum market since 1961.

I hope to use this forum to keep you updated on the latest breaking news from our industry. The few trade journals that cover our industry are quite weak and almost all the reporting is simply manufacturers bragging about color changes or repackaged products.

Here’s a few tidbits from CEDIA.
First, the Filtex brand name is back. The name began in the late 40’s I believe as a portable vacuum sold door-to-door. Originally based out of Los Angeles, they added central vacuums on in the late 50’s. They actually used to make a few parts for us in the early 60’s and we made a few parts for them also. They company was sold a few times to VSI, Nader Mfg, M&S, and Chamberlain. Chamberlain sold out their central vacuum division to Linear late last year and apparently everyone forgot about the name. Well Lindsay Manufacturing noticed the gap and wisely picked up the name. So we now have a re-invented central vacuum called “Filtex” that looks just like a Vacuumaid. It is blue and silver will likely be sold to the builder/installer market.

Beam had their new”Prism” RF (Radio Frequency) hose at the tradeshow. I believe it contained two-way communication verifying that the power unit was operating with a led light on the end of the hose. (Something MD has had for 4 years). They really weren’t showing off the hose at CEDIA and no one we spoke to said they demonstrated it. Also they had their Electrolux Power Brush at the show but we noticed that the neck was completely broken off of the mount. They state that this was only a sample piece and not a production item so it will ikely be strengthened before they introduce it. Maybe they can’t slam it on the ground like we do when we demonstrate our Stealth Brush?

Also Beam had a new Electrolux Solaire unit at the show. It was an aqua green color and rather small. We’ll be posting the stats of it on our website as soon as we can.

Nutone displayed their new style unit that is egg-shaped and plastic. It looks cool but we really doubt that it will improve their performance. Somebody has to teach their booth design crew to install vacuums. This is the second show in a row where they installed their tees completely backwards! No one coming to our booth even mentioned that they saw it.

Of course MD, as always had a ton of new things. Their 5.0 version of the AirForce was a big hit turning off when the phone or door bell rings, but this version now offers a fool-proof way to check all the communication before you leave the job site. Simple test procedures are now built into every device to determine background noise, signal strength, and if any devices are not on the same phase. A laptop computer can also be used to run a series of tests to determine fluxuations over time. All this, without having to run low voltage wires. They even demonstrated turning the unit and or the power brush on and off from any laptop that had the software installed! MD also has it’s new CentraMop attachment that essentially gives you a “swiffer” on the end of the central vacuum wand. It’s pretty cool. And then they introduced their new website with new graphics and a far-easier means of drilling down into the tons of info found there.

Hope this helps bring you up to speed. I’ll be telling you more as the weeks progress.

I just have to get this off my chest and you guys are the lucky recipients! I have a major confession to make:

Two weeks ago I slicked back my hair, applied sun glasses, put on a baseball cap and wore shabby clothes and made a mad dash to Costco. It wasn’t going to be a normal Costco run where I always run into someone I know. Usually an additional half hour must be planned due to Costco being such a “meeting place” in our town. Not this time! I went at 11:15 in the morning, their least busiest time on a weekday.

So my mission was to purchase a portable vacuum. I already know what you are saying…. “why didn’t this guy buy one of his dealers… the real salesmen pounding the pavement….. what a traitor!” No, I couldn’t do it. I had to anonymously bag the goods and get out of there as fast as possible. The 8 minutes and 14 seconds from leaving my car to returning and starting the engine seemed endless!

Never before in my life had I purchased a portable vacuum and I wasn’t about to let anyone see me betraying my central vacuum heritage! This was beneath me! So there I was standing in the Costco aisle looking for a cheap, high amperage piece of junk to test a new invention of mine. This was a sad day that I never thought would come upon me. There was Dyson alluring me.. Sorry but I wanted inexpensive, not just cheap! So I made a selection at about $100 and left as quickly as possible.

With the goods in my cart, I found the most obscure route back to the check-out counter. What would my friends say if they caught me? What if one of my central vacuum dealers caught me in this compromising position? My heart raced as the clerk rung up the sale!

So I got the product back to the shop and sure enough, my invention worked. As soon as I get the clearance from our patent attorneys, I’ll let you in on a great new idea that is sure to help all my faithful independent vacuum dealers.

Will it all be worth the humility of having to purchase a portable vacuum? Time will only tell!