Abstract: A book with a USB connection is provided. The book also has a memory and optionally a processor. One or more documents are stored in the memory. When the book is connected to a personal computer, the documents can be displayed on the personal computer. The documents can be modified and stored on the memory in the book for later use by the book's owner. A server can also be connected to the personal computer and the progress of a plurality of students with books can be monitored. Educational systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a system and apparatus for dispensing wet wipes. The system may include a housing, a tray and a cartridge, and a wiper blade. The cartridge may have the ability to be inserted into the dispenser in a pre-selected manner based on the desired orientation of the wipes contained therein. The wiper blade may have the ability to control the dispensing characteristics of the wet wipes.

Abstract: A system and method for storing a product in a thermally stabilized state is disclosed. The system includes a thermally-conductive structure having at least an enclosed volume and an open section. The open section is configured to store at least one unit of the product as the product is exposed to ambient air. The system also includes a thermally-conductive fluid sealed within the enclosed volume and being in thermal contact with the enclosed volume. The system further includes at least one thermo-electric device and at least one thermally-conductive probe extending from the at least one thermo-electric device and into the fluid. The probe provides a thermally-conductive path between the fluid and the thermo-electric device.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a suction nozzle, a housing connected to the suction nozzle and a suction fan and motor assembly mounted to the housing. A dirt collecting receptacle is mounted to the housing and is in communication with the suction nozzle and suction fan and motor assembly. A support plate is pivotally mounted to the housing and selectively holds a cleaning sheet for collecting dust and debris from a surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a cyclonic airflow chamber that facilitates the separation of contaminants from a suction airstream. The airflow chamber includes a chamber inlet and a chamber outlet, with the chamber inlet being fluidically connected with at least one of a suction nozzle and an above-the-floor cleaning tool. An exhaust filter housing includes a suction duct and an exhaust plenum, with the suction duct communicating with the chamber outlet. A suction source housing includes an open end communicating with the exhaust plenum and a closed end. A suction source is positioned within the suction source housing to define an annular exhaust flow passageway surrounding the suction source from the housing closed end to the housing open end. The suction source includes a suction inlet communicating with the suction duct and an exhaust outlet communicating with the housing closed end.

Abstract: There is provided a system for dispensing a plurality of perforated wipes having a perforation detach strength characteristic. The system includes a dispenser having a dispensing force characteristic and including a sealable chamber. The chamber is configured to retain the plurality of perforated wipes therein. A dispensing opening is in communication with the chamber. The opening is adapted to dispense wipes from the plurality of perforated wipes through the opening and out of the dispenser. A wiper blade is positioned in the dispenser to engage at least a portion of the wipes as the wipes dispense through the opening. When dispensing, a ratio of the perforation detach strength characteristic to the dispensing force characteristic is greater than 1:1.

Abstract: A bagless canister vacuum cleaner includes a selectively removable dirt cup, and an airstream flows rotationally through the dirt cup between an interior wall of the dirt cup and a filter assembly selectively mounted in the dirt cup so that entrained contaminants are separated from the airstream flowing through the dirt cup and collected by the dirt cup. The filter lies substantially parallel to the support surface on which the vacuum cleaner is supported. A cover member is connected to the main housing, and the cover member is selectively movable to and held in an operative position in covering relation with an open first end of a dirt cup. The main housing defines a base conformed to self-support the main housing on a support surface with the dirt cup arranged with its open first end at a higher elevation than its closed second end. The removable dirt cup includes a handle adapted for being held by a user, and the dirt cup defines or includes a spout to facilitate emptying dirt therefrom.

Abstract: A cleaning device (10) includes a handle assembly (14). A cleaning head (12, 312, 512) is pivotally mounted to the handle assembly (14). The cleaning head selectively holds a cleaning pad (70) for collecting dust and debris from a surface to be cleaned. A suction nozzle (18) is carried by the cleaning head. A dirt collecting receptacle (208) is mounted to the housing and is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle and with a suction fan and motor assembly (30). At least one spray nozzle (22) is mounted on the suction nozzle. A liquid delivery system (90) delivers a cleaning fluid to the at least one spray nozzle.

Abstract: There is provided a system and apparatus for dispensing wet wipes. The system may include a wiper assembly, which may include a chassis, a wiper blade, and a tensioner. The wiper assembly minimizes the amount of wipes which cannot be dispensed. The wiper assembly may be mounted to a dispenser for wipes.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a cyclonic airflow chamber that facilitates the separation of contaminants from a suction airstream. The airflow chamber includes a chamber inlet and a chamber outlet, with the chamber inlet being fluidically connected with at least one of a suction nozzle and an above-the-floor cleaning tool. An exhaust filter housing includes a suction duct and an exhaust plenum, with the suction duct communicating with the chamber outlet. A suction source housing includes an open end communicating with the exhaust plenum and a closed end. A suction source is positioned within the suction source housing to define an annular exhaust flow passageway surrounding the suction source from the housing closed end to the housing open end. The suction source includes a suction inlet communicating with the suction duct and an exhaust outlet communicating with the housing closed end.

Abstract: A carpet extractor includes a solution distributor, such as a spray bar 90, which delivers cleaning solution to a floor surface. A housing 10 selectively receives a recovery tank 22 for collecting dirty cleaning solution from the floor. A first tank 14 for concentrated cleaning fluid and a second tank 15 for clean water supply cleaning fluid and water to a reciprocating pump 420 through first and second fluid lines 412, 410. The pump includes a piston 428, which reciprocates between first and second ends of a cylindrical bore 430. A fluid line 432 interconnects the first and second fluid lines. As the pump reciprocates, a portion of the water is drawn into the interconnecting line during a downward stroke, where it mixes with the entering cleaning solution. As the pump moves on its upward stroke, the mixture is drawn back into the water line and is pushed onward by the pump toward the spray bar with each successive downward stroke.

Abstract: There is provided a mounting system for an apparatus for dispensing wet wipes. The system may include a dispenser, a mounting assembly, a backing plate, and arms. The dispenser has the ability to be mounted to a surface by applied pressure or by conventional fastening. The mounting assembly may securely yet removably hold the dispensing apparatus to the surface.

Abstract: A bagless canister vacuum cleaner includes a selectively removable dirt cup, and an airstream flows rotationally through the dirt cup between an interior wall of the dirt cup and a filter assembly selectively mounted in the dirt cup so that entrained contaminants are separated from the airstream flowing through the dirt cup and collected by the dirt cup. The filter lies substantially parallel to the support surface on which the vacuum cleaner is supported. A cover member is connected to the main housing, and the cover member is selectively movable to and held in an operative position in covering relation with an open first end of a dirt cup. The main housing defines a base conformed to self-support the main housing on a support surface with the dirt cup arranged with its open first end at a higher elevation than its closed second end. The removable dirt cup includes a handle adapted for being held by a user, and the dirt cup defines or includes a spout to facilitate emptying dirt therefrom.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes a floor nozzle having a suction inlet and a handle. A housing has a first portion connected to the floor nozzle, a second portion connected to the handle and defines a cavity and at least one chamber. A dirt cup assembly is releasably connected to the housing and is at least partially received by the cavity. The dirt cup assembly defines a cyclonic airflow chamber and includes a wall. An inlet duct is defined on the dirt cup assembly wall and a filter assembly is removably positioned in the dirt cup assembly.