In the early 1920s, John W. Newcombe invented a device that separated dust and particulates from the air. He called his new invention the "Newcombe Separator". The Newcombe Separator has a cup-shaped part at its center that spins at high speed, creating centrifugal force. Air can be pulled through holes in the separator, while anything with weight is effectively thrown outward from the separator, trapping it in the bottom of the machine. This air-cleaning device led to changes in the method of collecting dust and contaminants from the home and workplace.