Although effective, vacuum record cleaning machines have been quite expensive. In the late ’70s the Keith Monks machine from Britain was introduced, making it the first of the vacuum machines to appear. However, selling at over $2500.00, it was beyond the reach of most audiophiles. In 1980 Harry Weisfeld at VPI developed a low cost alternative to the Monks machine. His design employed a far simpler, yet equally effective, approach to the problem. This machine has been refined over the years into what is known today as the HW 16.5. Thousands have been sold world-wide, to a broad range of satisfied users. Individual collectors, audiophiles, music libraries, record stores and radio stations have all realized the practical benefits of owning such a machine.

Info gleaned from Wikipedia