Abstract: A vacuum cleaner operable to separate debris from an air stream. The vacuum cleaner includes a first cyclonic separator and a second cyclonic separator having an inlet configured to receive the air stream from the first cyclonic separator. The inlet of the second cyclonic separator directs the air steam in an inlet flow direction from an upper end of the first housing toward a lower end of the first housing and along a longitudinal axis into the second cyclonic separator. The inlet of the second cyclonic separator has an inlet cross-sectional area for flow of the air stream measured normal to the longitudinal axis that decreases in the inlet flow direction.

Abstract: A brush head for an electric toothbrush includes a housing and a plurality of bristle tufts extending through apertures in the housing. A gear train within the housing includes a drive gear configured to oscillate about an axis, and a plurality of first driven gears. Each first driven gear is meshed directly with the drive gear. Drive means are configured to provide motion to the gear train. The drive gear provides a first drive output including a first oscillating motion in a first direction. The driven gears each provide a second drive output including a second oscillating motion in a second direction which is opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a base having a foot with a suction nozzle and a handle assembly removably coupled to the foot. The handle assembly is movable between a first position, in which the handle assembly is connected to the foot, and a second position, in which the handle assembly is disconnected to the foot. The vacuum cleaner also includes a canister assembly supported by the base. The canister assembly is removable from the base. The vacuum cleaner further includes a latch supported by one of the foot and the handle assembly. The latch is engageable with the other of the foot and the handle assembly to selectively secure the handle assembly to the foot. The latch is inaccessible when the canister assembly is supported by the base.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner base housing including a motor including a shaft and a wheel mount, wherein the motor is housed within the wheel mount described. In some embodiments, the cleaner base housing includes a first wheel mount including a substantially circular outer surface. In some embodiments, the cleaner base housing includes a second wheel mount including a substantially circular outer surface. In some embodiments, the cleaner base housing the first wheel mount and the second wheel mount are co-axial.

Abstract: An extractor-type surface cleaning machine includes a base or foot having a suction nozzle and a handle that is pivotally coupled to the foot and moveable between upright and inclined positions. The recovery tank is removably securable to the foot and fluidly communicates with the suction nozzle and the accessory. The recovery tank defines a collection chamber and a passage having an inlet in communication with the suction nozzle and an outlet. A valve member is moveable between a closed position substantially covering the outlet and an open position. Movement of the handle to the upright position moves the valve member to the closed position to block the passage during cleaning with the accessory hose. Movement of the handle to the inclined position allows movement of the valve member to the open position so that suction from the collection chamber is communicated to the suction nozzle for floor cleaning.

Abstract: A surface cleaning device having a steering assembly is provided. The surface cleaning device includes a foot, a handle assembly with a user manipulated handle, and a steering assembly coupling the handle assembly to the foot. The steering assembly includes a means for biasing the foot with respect to the handle assembly. Movement of the handle assembly stores energy within the biasing means so that the biasing means exerts a corresponding force on the foot.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner with a reduced frictional force between a vacuum base and a cleaning medium is described. The vacuum has a handle, yoke, body, and base. A handle and yoke distinct from, and behind, the base provides a moment arm anterior to the base when a force is applied. The handle and yoke assembly reduce the friction between the cleaning surface and the vacuum, allowing for larger motor and debris capturing capabilities, with easier handling and maneuverability resulting in advanced and superior cleaning capabilities.

Abstract: A cyclonic separator assembly for use with a vacuum cleaner includes a body having an inlet, an outlet, and an inner surface. The cyclonic separator assembly also includes a cyclone unit positioned within the body between the inlet and the outlet. The cyclone unit has an outer perimeter that is spaced apart from the inner surface of the body to define an inlet space therebetween. The cyclone unit includes a plurality of first cyclones in communication with the inlet space and arranged along an outer circle adjacent the outer perimeter. The cyclone unit also includes a plurality of second cyclones in communication with the inlet space and arranged along an inner circle that is spaced apart from the outer circle such that each second cyclone is nested between two adjacent first cyclones. The plurality of first cyclones and the plurality of second cyclones are arranged in parallel.

Abstract: An agitator arrangement for a floor cleaning machine is disclosed including various multi-agitator configurations or one agitator configuration with a plurality of brushes with bristle bundles for rotation of the brushes about an approximate vertical axis with a plurality of stationary downwardly projecting, bristle bundles arranged in at least one row approximately side by side with or without an offset. In particular, agitator assemblies having multiple brushes that rotate in approximately a horizontal and approximately a vertical axis or that rotate at different speeds and torque. Other configurations may include multi-row multiple vertical axis agitators.

Abstract: A rotatable coupling for a vacuum cleaner is described. The rotatable coupling includes: an inner conduit having an outer surface; a compressible strip disposed on the outer surface of the inner conduit; an outer conduit adapted to snugly fit over the strip and the first conduit. The rotatable coupling can include a non-reactive high-viscosity lubricant disposed on the outer surface of the inner conduit adjacent the strip. The outer conduit of the coupling can be rotatable about the inner conduit and an interference fit is formed between the inner conduit and the outer conduit.

Abstract: The principles and embodiments of the presently claimed invention relate to selectively illuminating a debris receptacle while it is collecting debris, obscuring the view of the collected debris when the cleaning activity is concluded, and supplying power and/or electrical signals to a debris receptacle, where the light sources are provided with electricity over electrical paths between the main body of the cleaning apparatus and a selectively detachable debris receptacle through electrical contacts that form a physical connection when the debris receptacle is inserted in the cleaning apparatus.

Abstract: A dual-stage cyclonic separator is provided for separating debris from air in a bagless surface cleaning apparatus, along with a bagless surface cleaning apparatus incorporating such a cyclonic separator. A debris collection device used with a bagless surface cleaning apparatus is also provided, along with a method of separating debris from air using a bagless surface cleaning apparatus.

Abstract: The principles and embodiments of the presently claimed invention relate to steerable, light-weight, low-profile suction bases for upright cleaning apparatuses that utilize a smaller suction base body to reduce weight and bulk, while still providing sufficient room for an internally mounted brush roll motor and controller PCB, plus additional mechanical and electrical components in the suction base.

Abstract: The principles and embodiments of the presently claimed invention related to a surface cleaning apparatus, such as a vacuum cleaner, having a wireless communication and control system including two or more wireless radio frequency communication devices configured to transmit and receive control instructions and responses to control the operation of various electrical components disposed within or attached to the surface cleaning apparatus.

Abstract: A debris collection device is provided with a controlled tension apparatus for controllable release of accumulated debris from a collective debris release outlet.