Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to a triggerless extractor surface cleaning device for cleaning a surface in which a cleaning solution is distributed to the surface and extracted using suction along with dirt and/or debris on the surface in a continuous operation as the extractor moves along the surface. The extractor further comprises an encoder positioned adjacent a wheel of the extractor for detecting a rotational direction and speed of the wheel to generate a signal. Based on receiving the signal, a controller controls operation of a valve to situationally distribute the cleaning solution to the surface depending on a forward rotation of the wheel and independent of user actuation of a trigger positioned on a handle used to propel the extractor along the surface. Distribution of the cleaning solution can be further optimized based on the detected rotational speed of the wheel.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to a triggerless extractor surface cleaning device for cleaning a surface in which a cleaning solution is distributed to the surface and extracted using suction along with dirt and/or debris on the surface in a continuous operation as the extractor moves along the surface. The extractor further comprises an encoder positioned adjacent a wheel of the extractor for detecting a rotational direction and speed of the wheel to generate a signal. Based on receiving the signal, a controller controls operation of a valve to situationally distribute the cleaning solution to the surface depending on a forward rotation of the wheel and independent of user actuation of a trigger positioned on a handle used to propel the extractor along the surface. Distribution of the cleaning solution can be further optimized based on the detected rotational speed of the wheel.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to a triggerless extractor surface cleaning device for cleaning a surface in which a cleaning solution is distributed to the surface and extracted using suction along with dirt and/or debris on the surface in a continuous operation as the extractor moves along the surface. The extractor further comprises an encoder positioned adjacent a wheel of the extractor for detecting a rotational direction and speed of the wheel to generate a signal. Based on receiving the signal, a controller controls operation of a valve to situationally distribute the cleaning solution to the surface depending on a forward rotation of the wheel and independent of user actuation of a trigger positioned on a handle used to propel the extractor along the surface. Distribution of the cleaning solution can be further optimized based on the detected rotational speed of the wheel.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner including a suction inlet, a conduit in fluid communication with the suction inlet, a filter having a valve releasably connected to a filter inlet, the filter configured to collect debris drawn through the suction inlet. The vacuum cleaner further comprising a release mechanism moveable from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the filter is in fluid communication with the conduit to collect debris with the valve being open, and in the second position, the filter is disconnected from the conduit with the valve being closed. Movement of the release mechanism between the first and second positions closes the valve.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner including a debris collection container having an outer perimeter and a lid removably coupled to the debris collection container. The lid has a periphery that extends along the outer perimeter of the debris collection container. The vacuum further includes a suction source coupled to the lid and removable from the debris collection container with the lid. The suction source includes a motor and an impeller driven by the motor. The vacuum cleaner further includes an exhaust passageway downstream from the suction source for discharging an airflow from the debris collection container. The exhaust passageway extends radially outward from the impeller and toward the periphery of the lid. The vacuum cleaner further includes an exhaust outlet port in communication with the exhaust passageway. The exhaust outlet port extends along a majority of the periphery of the lid.

Abstract: A portable air compressor including an air tank configured to store compressed air. The portable air compressor further includes a compressor unit coupled to the air tank including compressor components for compressing air, and a housing having a base disposed generally between the compressor components and the air tank. The base has a concave recess extending at least partially around a circumference of the compressor unit. The portable air compressor further includes a power cord for supplying power to the compressor components. The power cord is receivable around the circumference of the compressor unit in the recess for storage.

Abstract: A garage door opener system includes a garage door opener having a motor for moving a garage door and a controller coupled to a wireless communication interface, a user communication interface including a microphone, and a garage door opener accessory. The controller controls the garage door opener motor to move the garage door, detects a command from a user via the microphone, authenticates the command, and generates a responsive control action to control the garage door opener accessory. The user interface may include a speaker that produces an audible response to the user. The accessory may include an object tracker that alerts a user with an audible or illuminating alert. Other accessories may include a video camera, a radio, a music player, a battery charger, an energy storage system, a garage door lock, a hinged lid, an entry door, and a window lock.

Abstract: A pocket hole jig for locating pocket holes in a workpiece includes a base with a base plate and first and second side walls extending along the base plate, and a body disposed between the first and second side walls and slidable along the base in a forward direction and a rearward direction. The body includes a drill bit aperture angled downward toward the base plate. The pocket hole jig also includes a fastener configured to releasably couple the pocket hole jig to an adjacent second pocket hole jig.

Abstract: A motor module is configured to convert a manually-operable window covering assembly to a motorized window covering assembly. In one embodiment, the motor module includes output shaft that engage with couplers of the window covering assembly that receive a spring module when the assembly is in a manually-operated state. The couplers are displaceable such that the spring module and motor module may be either removed and inserted into the assembly. The motor module is made sufficiently compact to fit in the header by arranging a motor, battery, circuit board, and internal gearing system to efficiently use the space in the motor module. In another embodiment, a motorized converter module is configured to be installed on a manually-operated window covering assembly to convert the window covering assembly from a manually-operated state to a motorized stated without removing any components of the window covering assembly.

Abstract: A window covering assembly includes a bracket, a roller channel for supporting a blinds covering, and a roller motor module. Protrusions are provided on the inside surface of the roller channel, and these protrusions engage recesses that are provided on the roller motor module. Roller motor module imparts a rotational force on the roller channel to extend or retract the blinds covering through the protrusions and recesses. The window covering may be converted from a manually-operated configuration to a motorized configuration. Prior to such a conversion, the assembly does not include the roller motor module but instead includes a roller spring module that includes recesses for engaging with the protrusions of the roller channel. When a user manually extends the blinds covering, rotation of the roller channel energizes a spring on the roller spring module, which imparts a rotational force in the direction of retraction of the blinds covering.

Abstract: Trigger pull tracking, charge time estimation, and other features for a power tool battery pack with wireless communication. A battery pack system includes a power tool battery pack and a processor. The battery pack includes a plurality of cells and a voltage sensor connected to the plurality of cells. The processor is in communication with the voltage sensor that detects a voltage across the plurality of cells using the voltage sensor. The processor further converts the voltage across the plurality of cells to a state of charge; determines a charge rate of a charger charging the battery pack; and determines a conversion factor based on the charge rate. The processor then generates a time to full charge of the battery pack based on the state of charge, the charge rate, and the scalar conversion factor. The processor may further generate current traces for the battery pack.