Abstract: A system and method for an autonomous lawn mower comprising a mower body having at least one motor arranged to drive a cutting blade and to propel the mower body on an operating surface via a wheel arrangement, wherein the mower body includes a navigation system arranged to assist a controller to control the operation of the mower body within a predefined operating area, wherein the mower body further includes a signal detecting module arranged to detect a signal representative of a navigational marker.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner head having a housing, supports extending downward from the housing to a support point, a suction opening, an agitator chamber above and in fluid communication with the suction opening, an agitator with a spindle rotatably mounted to the housing and one or more agitating devices projecting from the spindle, a cleaning member movably mounted to the housing to move to a position where it engages the agitator to remove debris from the agitator during rotation of the agitator, and a pedal connected to the housing and movable to a position to place the cleaning member in the cleaning position. The pedal has an activation surface configured to receive an activation force from an operator, and the activation surface is configured such that application of the activation force on the pedal generates a moment force to bias the agitator away from the downward direction.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner filtration system having a primary separation system and a filter downstream of the primary separation system. The filter has an upstream side to receive an airflow exiting the primary separation system, and a downstream side fluidly opposite the upstream side. The system has a vacuum fan, a primary suction path between the filter's downstream side and the vacuum fan, a valve in the primary suction path and configured to selectively position to block the primary suction path and create a closed passage at the filter's downstream side, and a secondary suction path between the filter's upstream side and the vacuum fan. A secondary filtration system is in the secondary suction path to separate dirt from an airflow passing therethrough, to thereby clean dirt from the filter's upstream side. A nozzle may be provided to concentrate the air flow as it enters the secondary suction path.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner head having a housing, a suction opening, an agitator chamber located in communication with the suction opening, an agitator, a blade extending parallel to the agitator and mounted to rotate between a first blade position in which the blade does not engage the agitator, and a second blade position in which the blade engages the agitator to remove debris from the bristles during rotation of the agitator, a blade arm rigidly connected to rotate with the blade and extending from the blade pivot axis, and a cam surface movable between a first cam position in which the cam surface allows the blade to be in the first blade position, and a second cam position to displace the blade arm to rotate the blade to the second blade position.

Abstract: Systems and methods are discussed for providing a sensor enhanced employee safety evaluation system. Sensors that monitor employee behavior are placed at the workplace of an insured entity. Data from the sensors are processed to obtain a safety evaluation. Based on the safety evaluation, the insurance provider can adjust the terms of the insurance policy to accurately reflect the risks associated with the insured entity. Feedback based on the safety evaluation is also provided to the insured entity and the employees of the insured entity to promote improvements in safe behavior.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner filtration system having a primary separation system and a filter downstream of the primary separation system. The filter has an upstream side to receive an airflow exiting the primary separation system, and a downstream side fluidly opposite the upstream side. The system has a vacuum fan, a primary suction path between the filter's downstream side and the vacuum fan, a valve in the primary suction path and configured to selectively position to block the primary suction path and create a closed passage at the filter's downstream side, and a secondary suction path between the filter's upstream side and the vacuum fan. A secondary filtration system is in the secondary suction path to separate dirt from an airflow passing therethrough, to thereby clean dirt from the filter's upstream side. A nozzle may be provided to concentrate the air flow as it enters the secondary suction path.

Abstract: A blender jar for a household type blender. The blender includes a jar and a blender blade assembly provided rotatably around a rotary axis at a bottom of the blender jar. The rotary axis is tilted from a normal axis of a working surface used for operating the blender jar thereon in ordinary use, and the bottom of the blender jar at which the blender blade assembly is positioned has a flat surface configuration.

Abstract: A blender blade assembly having a first blade with two first blade arms extending from a centre plane in opposite directions, wherein each blade arm has a planar base section extending perpendicularly from the centre plane, wherein the base section merges at its outer end into a wing section angled upwards from the base section, and wherein the blade assembly further includes a second blade with two second blade arms, wherein each second blade arm have a curve shaped blade.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner head having a housing, supports extending downward from the housing to a support point, a suction opening, an agitator chamber above and in fluid communication with the suction opening, an agitator with a spindle rotatably mounted to the housing and one or more agitating devices projecting from the spindle, a cleaning member movably mounted to the housing to move to a position where it engages the agitator to remove debris from the agitator during rotation of the agitator, and a pedal connected to the housing and movable to a position to place the cleaning member in the cleaning position. The pedal has an activation surface configured to receive an activation force from an operator, and the activation surface is configured such that application of the activation force on the pedal generates a moment force to bias the agitator away from the downward direction.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a base with an air inlet, a handle, a base pivot connecting the base to the handle to permit the handle to pivot between an upright parked position and a reclined operating position, a movable wheel system and a wheel system drive member. The wheel system has a wheel carriage pivotally connected at one end to the base, and at least one wheel connected to the other end. The wheel carriage pivots between a first position in which the wheel is further from the air inlet, and a second position in which the wheel is closer to the air inlet. The drive member is on the handle and positioned to contact the wheel carriage as the handle moves from the upright parked position to the reclined operating position to thereby move the wheel carriage from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner handle lock assembly having a base with an air inlet, a handle, a dirt container, an air passage joining the inlet and the dirt container, an intermediate member connected to the base and handle providing relative movement between the intermediate member and the base and handle, and a handle lock. The handle lock includes a key, a protrusion extending from the base, and a detent in the handle. The key slides against the protrusion to generate a force that biases the key towards the handle as the base is moved towards a parked base position, and the detent is positioned such that the force moves the key into the detent when the handle is positioned in a parked handle position. The intermediate member may have a pair of arms straddling a central portion of the base, in which case the protrusion may be between the arms.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a base to move on a surface, an intermediate member having a first and second passages, and a first joint connecting the base to the intermediate member to permit relative rotation between the base and the intermediate member about a first axis that is generally parallel to the surface and perpendicular to a direction of movement. An air passage connects a base inlet to the first intermediate member passage. A second joint connects a handle to the intermediate member and permits rotation between the intermediate member and the handle about a second axis that is parallel to a nominal direction of movement of the vacuum. The handle has a grip a dirt collector to receive and separate dirt from air. First and second passages connect the intermediate member passages to the dirt collector inlet and outlet. A vacuum fan draws air into the base air inlet, through the intermediate member, through the dirt collector, through the second handle air passage, and back into the intermediate member.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a base to move on a surface, an intermediate member having a first and second passages, and a first joint connecting the base to the intermediate member to permit relative rotation between the base and the intermediate member about a first axis that is generally parallel to the surface and perpendicular to a direction of movement. An air passage connects a base inlet to the first intermediate member passage. A second joint connects a handle to the intermediate member and permits rotation between the intermediate member and the handle about a second axis that is parallel to a nominal direction of movement of the vacuum. The handle has a grip a dirt collector to receive and separate dirt from air. First and second passages connect the intermediate member passages to the dirt collector inlet and outlet. A vacuum fan draws air into the base air inlet, through the intermediate member, through the dirt collector, through the second handle air passage, and back into the intermediate member.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a base with an air inlet, a handle, a base pivot connecting the base to the handle to permit the handle to pivot between an upright parked position and a reclined operating position, a movable wheel system and a wheel system drive member. The wheel system has a wheel carriage pivotally connected at one end to the base, and at least one wheel connected to the other end. The wheel carriage pivots between a first position in which the wheel is further from the air inlet, and a second position in which the wheel is closer to the air inlet. The drive member is on the handle and positioned to contact the wheel carriage as the handle moves from the upright parked position to the reclined operating position to thereby move the wheel carriage from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A cleaning device with an elongated housing having a grip at one end and a cleaning head at another end, a dirt collection device and a vacuum source. The cleaning head has a rotary agitator, a first inlet opening having a first cross-sectional area, and a second inlet opening having a second cross-sectional area. The second cross-sectional area may be substantially less than the first cross-sectional area. The second inlet opening may be above the first inlet opening. There also may be a fluid supply tank and an associated pump, and the pump and agitator may be driven by the same motor.

Abstract: Systems and methods are discussed for providing a sensor enhanced employee safety evaluation system. Sensors that monitor employee behavior are placed at the workplace of an insured entity. Data from the sensors are processed to obtain a safety evaluation. Based on the safety evaluation, the insurance provider can adjust the terms of the insurance policy to accurately reflect the risks associated with the insured entity. Feedback based on the safety evaluation is also provided to the insured entity and the employees of the insured entity to promote improvements in safe behavior.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner handle lock assembly having a base with an air inlet, a handle, a dirt container, an air passage joining the inlet and the dirt container, an intermediate member connected to the base and handle providing relative movement between the intermediate member and the base and handle, and a handle lock. The handle lock includes a key, a protrusion extending from the base, and a detent in the handle. The key slides against the protrusion to generate a force that biases the key towards the handle as the base is moved towards a parked base position, and the detent is positioned such that the force moves the key into the detent when the handle is positioned in a parked handle position. The intermediate member may have a pair of arms straddling a central portion of the base, in which case the protrusion may be between the arms.

Abstract: Systems and methods are discussed for providing a sensor enhanced employee safety evaluation system. Sensors that monitor employee behavior are placed at the workplace of an insured entity. Data from the sensors are processed to obtain a safety evaluation. Based on the safety evaluation, the insurance provider can adjust the terms of the insurance policy to accurately reflect the risks associated with the insured entity. Feedback based on the safety evaluation is also provided to the insured entity and the employees of the insured entity to promote improvements in safe behavior.

Abstract: A cleaning device with an elongated housing having a grip at one end and a cleaning head at another end, a dirt collection device and a vacuum source. The cleaning head has a rotary agitator, a first inlet opening having a first cross-sectional area, and a second inlet opening having a second cross-sectional area. The second cross-sectional area may be substantially less than the first cross-sectional area. The second inlet opening may be above the first inlet opening. There also may be a fluid supply tank and an associated pump, and the pump and agitator may be driven by the same motor.