Well JimB, now that you mention . . .
 
I've spotted it at http://www.bestvacuum.com
 
The pitch for this vacuum draws on scare tactics. You know, more stuff about the hideous creepy crawlies lay in wait in the living room rug.  BUT here's this wonderful thing that uses what is claimed to be a safe ultraviolet light source to break down the DNA of mold, dust mites, fleas and other in the rug nasties.  The Halo is also a bagged machine with electronically adjustable carpet height setting, beltless brush drive and other nice stuff.  I think it originates from China but I'm not sure.
 
As for safety, I wonder but can't imagine that it can do much harm in the hands of a sensible adult but would feel a little edgy about having one in a household with kids.  What this machine should have is a mechanism that will switch off the UV light source if the machine is upended or tipped over while plugged in and switched on.  This is a UL requirement for electric space heaters I believe.  Whatever the case, UL would have to have approved it since it is being sold here so I guess it must not be all that dangerous.  
 
On the bright side (pardon the pun) if the UV light really does what's claimed, I imagine that this machine would reduce the source of carpet odors.  That would be a nice extra IF the machine cleans well.
 
Regards,
 
Venson

This vacuum cleaner was mentioned before, in another thread re: Dyson.
 
Quote from guess_who on 05/09/07 at 5:43pm:

 
The vacuum cleaner uses a trigger to activate the UV-C.
 
It is not a requirement for an appliance, like a vacuum cleaner, to have the UL acceptance.  People think that it is, since we have seen them on all our appliances and believe it is mandatory.  It is like the Good Housekeeping Seal or the CRI label.  You pay UL, they test it, then you put the seal on each product they test and approve.
 
Today, consumers and retailers worry if they have something that is not UL approved. They will worry if the non-UL approved product will sell or be safe, so they will make sure they only sell UL approved.
 
If you look at recalled items, you will find that they were UL approved.
 
Personally, I would feel more comfortable if a product from another country, like China,  was UL approved.  Then I would know that I was not the first one who used the machine.

Hi Mike,
 
Thanks for the clarification that UL listings are not mandatory.  I take that to mean that it not UL's standard by which a manufacturer is judged if an unsafe product is placed on trhe market.
 
My experience thus far with UL standards is limited but nonetheless confusing.  As an example --
 
Schoettler Ind., maker of the Air-Storm and Patriot vacuums, sell an optional 14-foot electrified hose.  I actually bought one a good while back to use with an  Air-Storm I own.  It worked well and the idea seemed so totally cool that a few years down the line, thinking anyone could do this, I called Filter Queen to ask if they could make up a longer than usual electric hose for me.  They said no UL would not allow it.  I got the same reply when inquiring of another long time vacuum maker.
 
The request I assume is not made often and may or may not be difficult to fulfill but I was left to think that UL frowned on long electric hoses on canister vacs.  Go figure.  
 
Venson

Hiya O.T.,
 
I would guess yes.  However Schoettler makes its original disposable bag collars different in that the collar of the Patriot and Air-Storm paper bag are desgned to fit in one way (though they are basically round they have a squared-off side that faces the rear of the cleaner).  
 
Another "little pig" Miracle Mate sets itself apart bagwise by way of the heavy collared bags it employs. Without one in place the lid does not seal well against the cloth bag's rim.  
 
Best,
 
Venson

Quote from Vacuumfreeeke on 05/13/07 at 11:34am:

 
 
Hi V.F.,you know that there are still direct sales in certain pockets of the country.
 
I know of strong aerus/electrolux, Kirby, franchise owners/area distributors that sell 200 to 300 units a month,all on leads and telemarketing,and still some do nothing but cold calls.
 
I also believe that even rainbow and airway are still strong in certain areas.
 
You and I both know that most sales reps dont stick with it for very long.But the distributors dont care,because they can usually make money off these people,with the test demos to the relatives.
Direct selling is a tuff deal,but pays well when you get on a roll.
 
Have you seen the FullerBrush guy lately?
 
 O.T.