Abstract: A method comprises obtaining a stack for an energy storage device, the stack comprising a substrate, a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer, and an electrolyte layer between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer. The method comprises laser ablating the stack to form a plurality of first grooves in the stack, each of the plurality of first grooves being through the first electrode layer and the electrolyte layer. The method comprises forming, in or on the stack, at least one registration feature, different from each of the plurality of first grooves. An apparatus and a stack for an energy storage device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A dental treatment appliance includes a treatment system which transmits a pulsed signal towards the oral cavity and receives a signal returned from the oral cavity. A controller actuates the treatment of the oral cavity of the user depending on the received signal.

Abstract: A brushless permanent magnet motor has a phase winding, an inverter for applying voltage vectors to the phase winding, and a controller for controlling the inverter. The inverter has a plurality of high side switches and a plurality of low side switches. The controller is configured to divide an electrical cycle of the motor into a first portion and a second portion different to the first portion, apply a first set of voltage vectors to the phase winding in the first portion of the electrical cycle, and apply a second set of voltage vectors to the phase winding in the second portion of the electrical cycle. The second set of voltage vectors is different to the first set of voltage vectors. The controller is configured to turn on a low side switch to apply each voltage vector of the first set of voltage vectors, and turn off all low side switches to apply a zero-voltage vector of the second set of voltage vectors.

Abstract: A cleaner head for a vacuum cleaner, the cleaner head being configured to apply suction to a horizontal surface to be cleaned by the vacuum cleaner. The cleaner head includes: first and second agitator elements each being mounted for rotation about a respective axis. Each agitator element includes a first, free end and a second end, each agitator element has a shape which tapers towards the first end in a direction along the axis of rotation, the first and second agitator elements are cantilevered from opposing sides of a hub portion of the cleaner head at their respective second ends, and each agitator element is arranged such that when the cleaner head is applying suction to the horizontal surface, the position of the axis at the first end of the element is closer to the surface than the position of the axis at the second end of the element.

Abstract: A dock for receiving a floor cleaner with a cleaning head, the dock including a receiving unit for receiving the cleaning head of the floor cleaner, and a hair removal unit for removing hair from a cleaning head received by the receiving unit. The hair removal unit may take a number of forms, for example a cutter and/or hook, a toothed comb, or a tapered roller. The removal of hair from the cleaning head of the floor cleaner may improve or maintain cleaning performance, and/or improve the aesthetics of the floor cleaner during use.

Abstract: An air amplifier for directing airflow from a fan assembly, and a fan assembly including an air amplifier. The air amplifier includes an inlet for receiving airflow from a fan assembly, and an airflow cavity. The airflow cavity includes a first wall and a second wall that define an airflow passageway extending towards an exhaust outlet for emitting air. A divider body is provided within the passageway. The divider body divides the airflow passageway into a first exhaust passageway and a second exhaust passageway. The divider body tapers towards the exhaust outlet.

Abstract: A filter assembly for use in a vacuum cleaner includes a filter medium including a state-changing material which changes state in dependence on the quantity of liquid to which the filter medium is exposed to provide a first status indication to a user that the filter assembly is suitable for use in the vacuum cleaner when the state-changing material is in a first state and a second status indication to the user that the filter assembly is not suitable for use in the vacuum cleaner when the state-changing material is in a second state.

Abstract: A cleaner head for a vacuum cleaner, the cleaner head being configured to apply suction to a horizontal surface to be cleaned by the vacuum cleaner, wherein the cleaner head includes: first and second agitator elements each being mounted for rotation about a respective axis. Each agitator element includes a first, free end and a second end, each agitator element has a shape which tapers towards the first end in a direction along the axis of rotation, the first and second agitator elements are cantilevered from opposing sides of a hub portion of the cleaner head at their respective second ends, and each agitator element is arranged such that the position of the axis at the first end of each agitator element is further forwards than the position of the axis at the second end of each agitator element.

Abstract: An air amplifier for directing airflow from a fan assembly, and a fan assembly including an air amplifier. The air amplifier includes an inlet for receiving airflow from a fan assembly, and an airflow cavity. The airflow cavity includes a first wall and a second wall that define an airflow passageway extending towards an exhaust outlet for emitting air. A lip is provided at or towards a front edge of the first wall. The lip extends towards the second wall, thereby partially inhibiting airflow from the exhaust outlet.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a filtration chamber with an inner wall and an outer wall, an air inlet arranged to feed air carrying dust particles into the space between the inner wall and outer wall of the filtration chamber and a dirt chute for discharging dirt and/or dust from the vacuum cleaner. A tapered filter is located between the inner wall and the outer wall of the filtration chamber. The tapered filter includes a narrow end and a wide end, and the narrow end of the filter is located at or proximate to the air inlet and/or the dirt chute.