History and Story Behind Inventions: Vacuum Cleaner

About the story behind the invention of the vacuum cleaner, history and biography of inventor John S. Thurman.

INVENTION: Vacuum Cleaner

INVENTOR: John S. Thurman, U.S.

YEAR: 1899

HOW INVENTED: Working out of St. Louis, Mo., he obtained the basic patent for his invention of a "pneumatic carpet renovator," the modern-day, motor-driven, carpet-vacuuming machine.