Abstract: A drive circuit for a brushless motor is described. The drive circuit includes a converter for connection to a phase winding of the motor, and a controller. The converter includes a plurality of switches and the controller controls the states of the switches to configure the converter in one of a plurality of configurations. In a first configuration, current is permitted to flow through the phase winding in a first direction and in a second opposite direction. In a second configuration, current is permitted to flow through the phase winding in the first direction and is prevented from flowing through the phase winding in the second direction. The controller includes an input for receiving a signal indicative of current in the converter, and the controller configures the converter from the first configuration to the second configuration in response to a characteristic of the current.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hair care appliance comprising a body, a fluid flow path extending through the body from an inlet through which a fluid flow enters the appliance to an outlet for emitting the fluid flow from a front end of the body, and an attachment for adjusting at least one parameter of fluid emitted from the appliance, the attachment comprising an upstream end for attaching to the appliance, wherein one or both of the front end of the body and the upstream end of the attachment comprises at least one magnet. The front end may comprise an end wall extending radially inwards of the body and comprising the at least one magnet or a plurality of magnets radially spaced about the end wall or a ring of magnetic material extending around the end wall. The upstream end may comprise a plurality of magnets radially spaced about an end face.

Abstract: A stator core that includes a pair of poles separated by an air gap. Each pole includes a first side adjacent the air gap and a second opposite side remote from the air gap. A pole arc is formed in the first side and an arcuate mounting recess is formed in the second side of each pole. Additionally, an electric machine that includes the stator core.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner that includes a first dirt-separation stage, a second dirt-separation stage, and a vacuum motor for moving air through the first dirt-separation stage and the second dirt-separation stage. The vacuum motor has a centrifugal impeller driven by an electric motor. The first dirt-separation stage is then located upstream of the impeller, the second dirt-separation stage is located downstream of the impeller, and the second dirt-separation stage has a plurality of cyclonic separators that are arranged around the vacuum motor.