Vacuuman

The best way to wash the cyclone is to not bother unhinging the filter lid, and instead remove the screws in the top od the cyclone assembly, then remove the top, and the white plate and then wash it.  Works much better.

Speaking from personal experience with Sebo vacuums, i would suggest following your feelings on it and buying it.  I have a much older version of what is now the X4, the 12 inch, where the X5 is the wider 15  inch.  I think it is a very good machine.

Yes, this was very sad news.  Thankfully I had been able to visit him a couple times in the past couple years, and he was a fascinating man.  What really stood out about him is that each of his machines had a story behind them. 

Here is the link to the actual Stan Kann interview page:

http://www.137.com/stan/

My only input here is a strong suggestion to watch this video before buying the Kenmore.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqJhGqZg7uI

But if you are dead set on either the Kenmore or keeping your current machine, keep the Lux.  It may be old, but if serviced completely and you get a new hose for it (if you still have the braided saran hose I guarantee it leaks like a sieve by now) it will have just a bit more power than the Kenmore, and be much better built and last quite a few more good years in it.

I would strongly suggest looking at a Sebo or Riccar/Simplicity Tandem Air machines.  These machines all use permanent belts that last the life of the machine, and are guaranteed to by their makers.  Find a local dealer and try one, much more impressive in person than any description I can write.