Abstract: A vacuum cleaner operable to separate debris from an airflow including a separator defining a cyclonic chamber having a dirty air inlet, a dirt outlet, and an air outlet. The vacuum cleaner further includes a dirt collection chamber in fluid communication with the dirt outlet of the cyclonic chamber. The dirt collection chamber further includes a sidewall having an opening, and the separator is pivotably coupled to the dirt collection chamber. The separator is received within the dirt collection chamber by pivoting the separator into the opening.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner operable to separate debris from an airflow including a separator defining a cyclonic chamber having a dirty air inlet, a dirt outlet, and an air outlet. The vacuum cleaner further includes a dirt collection chamber in fluid communication with the dirt outlet of the cyclonic chamber. The dirt collection chamber further includes a sidewall having an opening, and the separator is pivotably coupled to the dirt collection chamber. The separator is received within the dirt collection chamber by pivoting the separator into the opening.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner operable to separate debris from an airflow including a separator defining a cyclonic chamber having a longitudinal axis, a dirty air inlet, a dirt outlet, and an air outlet. The vacuum cleaner further includes a dirt collection chamber in fluid communication with the dirt outlet of the cyclonic chamber. The longitudinal axis of the cyclonic chamber is oriented generally horizontally when the separator is received within the dirt collection chamber.

Abstract: Compositions are described comprising an amount of a toxicant comprising a compound of the formula HNR1R2, or a salt thereof, wherein R1 and R2 are independently hydrogen, a substituted or unsubstituted C4-C6-cycloalkyl group or a substituted or unsubstituted C6-C12-aryl group; wherein the amount of the toxicant is sufficient to control termites. Methods for controlling termites using such compositions are also described.

Abstract: Compositions are described comprising an amount of a toxicant comprising a compound of the formula HNR1R2, or a salt thereof, wherein R1 and R2 are independently hydrogen, a substituted or unsubstituted C4-C6-cycloalkyl group or a substituted or unsubstituted C6-C12-aryl group; wherein the amount of the toxicant is sufficient to control termites. Methods for controlling termites using such compositions are also described.

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 defines an open path between the handle assembly and the foot and 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 operable to separate debris from an airflow including a separator defining a cyclonic chamber having a longitudinal axis, a dirty air inlet, a dirt outlet, and an air outlet. The vacuum cleaner further includes a dirt collection chamber in fluid communication with the dirt outlet of the cyclonic chamber. The longitudinal axis of the cyclonic chamber is oriented generally horizontally when the separator is received within the dirt collection chamber.

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 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 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 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 includes a base having a foot and a handle assembly pivotally coupled to the foot, and a canister assembly removably supported by the base. The vacuum cleaner also includes a first engagement member extending from one of the base and the canister assembly. The first engagement member engages the other of the base and the canister assembly to support the canister assembly on the base and inhibit the canister assembly from sliding side-to-side relative to the base. The vacuum cleaner further includes a second engagement member supported by one of the base and the canister assembly. The second engagement member engages the other of the base and the canister assembly to inhibit movement of the canister assembly away from the handle assembly when the canister assembly is supported on the base by the first engagement member.

Abstract: A biological control is disclosed for termites, including subterranean termites such as C. formosanus, comprising a mixture of a chitin synthesis inhibitor such as lufenuron with a pathogen or opportunistic pathogen. The combination greatly enhances the effectiveness above that of the individual components. For example, P. aeruginosa is commonly found in association with termites, but it is not normally harmful to termites. However, in the presence of lufenuron, P. aeruginosa becomes an opportunistic pathogen that kills termites. As another example, B. thuringiensis, which otherwise has shown only limited effectiveness against termites, has greatly enhanced lethality in combination with lufenuron. In another aspect a termite toxicant is administered to termites in a clay-based bait. Clay acts as an attractant for subterranean termites such as C. formosanus, and a clay bait can increase a colony's consumption of a toxicant.

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 defines an open path between the handle assembly and the foot and 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 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: Several derivatives of naphthalene, including 1?-acetonaphthone, 2?-acetonaphthone, 1-methoxynaphthalene, and 2-methoxynaphthalene, were discovered to be effective toxicants and repellents of termites, and resulted in significant reduction in termite feeding activity. For example, 2?-acetonaphthone was found to be an effective repellent and feeding deterrent of termites. Termites exposed to concentrations as low as 8 mg/kg sand exhibited a significant reduction in tunneling and feeding activity. Moreover, some of the dead termites had symptoms indicative of a failure to molt. At concentrations ?20 ?g/cm2, 2?-acetonaphthone was a strong repellent. Interestingly, at 160-fold lower concentration (0.125 ?g/cm2), 2?-acetonaphthone stimulated termite feeding activity. As a sand barrier, 2?-acetonaphthone significantly inhibited tunneling and feeding activity in concentrations from 8.33 to 35.0 mg/kg. Molting problems were also identified in termites exposed to 2?-acetonaphthone.

Abstract: Several derivatives of naphthalene, including 1?-acetonaphthone, 2?-acetpnaphthone, 1-methoxynaphthalene, and 2-methoxynaphthalene, were discovered to be effective toxicants and repellents of termites, and resulted in significant reduction in termite feeding activity. For example, 2?-acetonaphthone was found to be an effective repellent and feeding deterrent of termites. Termites exposed to concentrations as low as 8 mg/kg sand exhibited a significant reduction in tunneling and feeding activity. Moreover, some of the dead termites had symptoms indicative of a failure to molt. At concentrations ?20 ?g/cm2, 2?-acetonaphthone was a strong repellent. Interestingly, at 160-fold lower concentration (0.125 ?g/cm2), 2?-acetonaphthone stimulated termite feeding activity. As a sand barrier, 2?-acetonaphthone significantly inhibited tunneling and feeding activity in concentrations from 8.33 to 35.0 mg/kg. Molting problems were also identified in termites exposed to 2?-acetonaphthone.

Abstract: An inexpensive, stereoselective synthesis for nootkatone, tetrahydronootkatone, and their derivatives is disclosed. The starting materials used in the synthesis are inexpensive. The principal starting material, (?)-?-Pinene, is on the GRAS list (generally recognized as safe).

Abstract: An inexpensive, stereoselective synthesis for nootkatone, tetrahydronootkatone, and their derivatives is disclosed. The starting materials used in the synthesis are inexpensive. The principal starting material, (?)-?-Pinene, is on the GRAS list (generally recognized as safe).