Abstract: A nozzle assembly that is designed for use on a vacuum cleaner includes a pivotable outlet configured for engagement with a suction tube of the vacuum cleaner and a suction chamber coupled to the pivotable outlet via a pivot axis such that the suction chamber can rotate about the pivot axis. The suction chamber includes a rotatable inlet positioned along a rear-facing edge of the suction chamber. The rotatable inlet is configured to rotate between a first state that allows air to pass through the rotatable inlet and a second state that blocks the passage of air through the rotatable inlet.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for use on a vacuum cleaner includes a base unit, an outlet coupled to the base unit and pivotable with respect to the base unit, one or more wheels coupled to the base unit, and a suction chamber coupled to the base unit. The outlet is configured for engagement with a suction tube of the vacuum cleaner. The suction chamber includes a first agitator configured to rotate in a first direction, a second agitator configured to rotate in a second direction opposite from the first direction, and a suction port arranged between the first agitator and the second agitator.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a nozzle assembly at a distal end of the vacuum cleaner. The nozzle assembly has a base unit. The vacuum cleaner also includes a handle at a proximal end of the vacuum cleaner, a waste receptacle, a motor configured to draw air through the nozzle assembly and into the waste receptacle, and a mechanical motor disposed on the nozzle assembly. An agitation member can be detachably coupled to the base unit with a cover over the agitation member and fixed to the base unit. The agitation member may also be part of a cassette along with the cover, such that the entire cassette is detachably coupled to the base unit.

Abstract: A waste receptacle design is described that includes a substantially cylindrical body (or an elongated body) that is designed to slide longitudinally (e.g., along the length of the vacuum cleaner) around a filter/motor housing such that a front part of the filter/motor housing compacts any dirt or debris within the waste receptacle. The waste receptacle may include an inner chamber and a body around the inner chamber with space between the inner chamber and the body. Dirt and debris may be collected within the inner chamber while air passes into the inner chamber and out through a mesh or screen on the walls of the inner chamber to the space between the inner chamber and the body. When sliding the waste receptacle back towards the filter/motor housing, a distal wall of the filter/motor housing moves through the inner chamber of the waste receptacle to compact dirt and debris.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a floor nozzle, a handle, a hand nozzle that can be stored at least partially in the handle, and a backbone between the floor nozzle and the handle. The vacuum cleaner further includes a motor and dustcup on the backbone. Air flow conduits define a first air flow path between the dustcup and the floor nozzle and a second air flow path between the hand nozzle and the dustcup. A flow valve is operable between an open position and a closed position based on the position of the backbone relative to the floor nozzle. When the valve is in the open position, the first air flow path is open to the floor nozzle; when the valve is in the closed position, the first air flow path is closed to the floor nozzle, focusing suction to the hand nozzle.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a first tube and a second tube positioned within the first tube, where a first end of the first tube is connected to an outlet of the backbone and a first end of the second tube connected to an inlet of the backbone. A handle is on the first end of the first tube. When the backbone is in a retracted position the first end of the first tube surrounds the second end of the second tube, the second end of the second tube obstructs the outlet of the backbone, and the second end of the first tube surrounds the first end of the second tube. When the backbone is in an extended position the second end of the first tube aligns with the second end of the second tube, leaving the outlet of the backbone unobstructed to a dustcup. A floor nozzle is connected to the inlet of the backbone and includes a nozzle motor configured to operate a brush roll axle and a casing that provides an airpath to the inlet of the backbone.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a floor nozzle, a handle, a hand nozzle that can be stored at least partially in the handle, and a backbone between the floor nozzle and the handle. The vacuum cleaner further includes a motor and dustcup on the backbone. Air flow conduits define a first air flow path between the dustcup and the floor nozzle and a second air flow path between the hand nozzle and the dustcup. A flow valve is operable between an open position and a closed position based on the position of the backbone relative to the floor nozzle. When the valve is in the open position, the first air flow path is open to the floor nozzle; when the valve is in the closed position, the first air flow path is closed to the floor nozzle, focusing suction to the hand nozzle.

Abstract: A flexible flap coupled to the bottom of a cleaning tool is designed to have a distal end that contacts the floor and scrapes along the floor as the cleaning tool is moved across the floor in order to help guide debris into a catch tray. The flexible flap also has a design such that the distal end can curl inwards after interaction with an obstacle (e.g., recess or protrusion of the floor surface) and continue to move across the floor picking up debris, even after the distal end of the flexible flap has been curled.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a first tube and a second tube positioned within the first tube, where a first end of the first tube is connected to an outlet of the backbone and a first end of the second tube connected to an inlet of the backbone. A handle is on the first end of the first tube. When the backbone is in a retracted position the first end of the first tube surrounds the second end of the second tube, the second end of the second tube obstructs the outlet of the backbone, and the second end of the first tube surrounds the first end of the second tube. When the backbone is in an extended position the second end of the first tube aligns with the second end of the second tube, leaving the outlet of the backbone unobstructed to a dustcup. A floor nozzle is connected to the inlet of the backbone and includes a nozzle motor configured to operate a brush roll axle and a casing that provides an airpath to the inlet of the backbone.

Abstract: A toilet seat assembly includes a base configured to be attached to the toilet bowl, the base including a toilet seat, a lid, and an energy source. A hydraulic cylinder in the base is operable to open and close the seat and lid using water from the mains water supply. The assembly can include a cleaning assembly at least partially housed in the base, such as one that includes a cleaning cassette configured to contain a cleaning product. A processor and valve assembly are configured to control a flow of water between the mains water supply and the toilet bowl in response to sensor or user input. The assembly is configured to clean the toilet bowl automatically and can also or alternately be configured for automatic opening and closing of the lid and toilet seat.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a first tube and a second tube positioned within the first tube, where a first end of the first tube is connected to an outlet of the backbone and a first end of the second tube connected to an inlet of the backbone. A handle is on the first end of the first tube. When the backbone is in a retracted position the first end of the first tube surrounds the second end of the second tube, the second end of the second tube obstructs the outlet of the backbone, and the second end of the first tube surrounds the first end of the second tube. When the backbone is in an extended position the second end of the first tube aligns with the second end of the second tube, leaving the outlet of the backbone unobstructed to a dustcup. A floor nozzle is connected to the inlet of the backbone and includes a nozzle motor configured to operate a brush roll axle and a casing that provides an airpath to the inlet of the backbone.

Abstract: A sweeping tool includes an elongated handle having a proximal end and a distal end, a bracket coupled to the distal end of the elongated handle, and a cleaning assembly coupled to the bracket. The cleaning assembly is designed to rotate about an axis passing through a portion of the bracket. The cleaning assembly includes a housing designed to hold a rotatable brush head and to collect debris swept up by the rotatable brush head. The cleaning assembly also includes a broom head coupled to the housing and a plurality of bristles coupled to the broom head.

Abstract: A system and method of use are provided for a hand sanitizer dispenser bottle. Disclosed herein is a system comprising a hand sanitizer dispenser bottle, including a reservoir configured to contain sanitizing liquid, an arm extending from the reservoir, a nozzle positioned on a lower surface of an upper portion of the arm, the nozzle configured for dispensing sanitizing liquid, and a sensor for detection the presence of a user's hand. In some embodiments, the nozzle is a dual-headed nozzle.

Abstract: A sweeping tool includes an elongated handle having a proximal end and a distal end, a bracket coupled to the distal end of the elongated handle, and a cleaning assembly coupled to the bracket. The cleaning assembly is designed to rotate about an axis passing through a portion of the bracket. The cleaning assembly includes a housing designed to hold a rotatable brush head and to collect debris swept up by the rotatable brush head. The cleaning assembly also includes a broom head coupled to the housing and a plurality of bristles coupled to the broom head.

Abstract: A toilet seat assembly includes a base configured to be attached to the toilet bowl, the base including a toilet seat, a lid, and an energy source. A hydraulic cylinder in the base is operable to open and close the seat and lid using water from the mains water supply. The assembly can include a cleaning assembly at least partially housed in the base, such as one that includes a cleaning cassette configured to contain a cleaning product. A processor and valve assembly are configured to control a flow of water between the mains water supply and the toilet bowl in response to sensor or user input. The assembly is configured to clean the toilet bowl automatically and can also or alternately be configured for automatic opening and closing of the lid and toilet seat.

Abstract: Sperm, oocyte, and embryo survival and function is improved in vivo or in vitro by the use of a polysaccharide containing arabinose, galactose and/or hexuronic acid. In particular, a nonspermicidal lubricant containing such a polysaccharide (e.g., gum arabic, pectin, or galacturonic acid) increases the fertilization potential of the sperm during coitus, artificial insemination or sperm collection. Similarly, a freezing medium containing a polysaccharide containing arabinose, galactose and/or hexuronic acid enhances sperm, oocyte, or embryo viability.

Abstract: Sperm, oocyte, and embryo survival and function is improved in vivo or in vitro by the use of a polysaccharide containing arabinose, galactose and/or hexuronic acid. In particular, a nonspermicidal lubricant containing such a polysaccharide (e.g., gum arabic, pectin, or galacturonic acid) increases the fertilization potential of the sperm during coitus, artificial insemination or sperm collection. Similarly, a freezing medium containing a polysaccharide containing arabinose, galactose and/or hexuronic acid enhances sperm, oocyte, or embryo viability.

Abstract: Sperm, oocyte, and embryo survival and function is improved in vivo or in vitro by the use of a polysaccharide containing arabinose, galactose and/or hexuronic acid. In particular, a nonspermicidal lubricant containing such a polysaccharide (e.g., gum arabic, pectin, or galacturonic acid) increases the fertilization potential of the sperm during coitus, artificial insemination or sperm collection. Similarly, a freezing medium containing a polysaccharide containing arabinose, galactose and/or hexuronic acid enhances sperm, oocyte, or embryo viability.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for cryopreserving somatic cells are provided. In one embodiment, a cell cryopreservation medium is provided which includes an effective amount of arabinogalactan to maintain the viability of cells upon freezing, storage and thawing. The cells may be cooled or frozen during storage to a temperature about or below 4° C., for example, to about −196° C. In one preferred embodimnent, ultrarefined arabinogalactan is provided in the cryopreservation medium, optionally in combination with a second cryopreservation agent, such as dimethyl sulfoxide. The medium can be used for the cryopreservation of a wide variety of different cell types from different sources. For example, mammalian cells, including porcine, canine, human, equine, rodent and bovine cells can be cryopreserved in the medium. The presence of arabinogalactan in the medium protects the viability of cells in the medium during the process of freezing, storage and thawing.