Abstract: A clutch assembly for a surface treatment appliance includes an input clutch member, an output clutch member driven by the input clutch member, a motorized mechanism for effecting relative movement between the input clutch member and the output clutch member from an engaged position, in which torque is transmitted by the output clutch member to an output, to a disengaged position, in which torque is not transmitted to the output, and a control system for actuating the motorized mechanism.

Abstract: A surface treating head assembly for an appliance such as a vacuum cleaner includes a head and a piston assembly operable to apply a force to the head. The piston assembly is connected to the main motor of the vacuum cleaner by a valve. When the valve is opened, suction airflow flows through tubes connecting the motor to the piston assembly. The resulting suction force causes the piston assembly to contract, thereby drawing the cleaner head downwards. Thus, the head is urged towards the floor surface so as to improve the efficiency of a cleaning operation.

Abstract: An automatic balancing device for counterbalancing an out-of-balance mass includes a plurality of counterbalancing masses, each of which is movable in a circular path about the axis so as to generate a balancing force. The balancing forces combine to produce a resultant balancing force which varies between minimum and maximum values. At a first speed of rotation of the body about the axis, the movement of at least one of the counterbalancing masses is restrained so that a substantially constant, non-zero resultant balancing force is produced, the resultant balancing force being freely movable about the axis. At a second speed of rotation of the body about the axis, the counterbalancing masses are free to adopt a position in which the out-of-balance mass is counterbalanced. The device allows at least partial counterbalancing of the out-of-balance mass at speeds below the critical speed of the system in which it is used.

Abstract: A clutch assembly for a surface treatment appliance includes an input clutch member, an output clutch member driven by the input clutch member, a control system for determining the difference between the rotational speeds of the input clutch member and the output clutch member, and a drive system for effecting relative movement between the input clutch member and the output clutch member from an engaged position, in which torque is transmitted by the output clutch member to an output, to a disengaged position, in which torque is not transmitted to the output, depending on said difference between the rotational speeds.

Abstract: A clutch assembly for a surface treatment appliance includes an input clutch member, an output clutch member driven by the input clutch member, a motorized mechanism for effecting relative movement between the input clutch member and the output clutch member from an engaged position, in which torque is transmitted by the output clutch member to an output, to a disengaged position, in which torque is not transmitted to the output, and a control system for actuating the motorized mechanism.

Abstract: A surface treating head assembly for an appliance such as a vacuum cleaner includes a head and a piston assembly operable to apply a force to the head. The piston assembly is connected to the main motor of the vacuum cleaner by a valve. When the valve is opened, suction airflow flows through tubes connecting the motor to the piston assembly. The resulting suction force causes the piston assembly to contract, thereby drawing the cleaner head downwards. Thus, the head is urged towards the floor surface so as to improve the efficiency of a cleaning operation.

Abstract: An appliance having a driving mechanism is provided, the appliance (10) comprising two rotatable portions (32, 34) which are rotatable by the driving mechanism (50) about an axis (40). The driving mechanism (50) comprises a gearbox (60) having an input gear (116), two output gears (240, 304) and a locking mechanism (250, 252, 318) movable between a first position and a second position. The arrangement is such that, when the locking mechanism (250, 252, 318) is in the first position and the input gear (116) is driven, both output gears (240, 304) rotate in the same direction and, when the locking mechanism (250, 252, 318) is in the second position and the input gear (116) is driven, the output gears (240, 304) rotate in opposite directions. The arrangement of the axis (40) is horizontal or substantially horizontal. The invention is particularly suitable for use in a front-loading washing machine (10) having a drum (30) comprising two rotatable portions (32, 34).

Abstract: An appliance having a driving mechanism is provided, the appliance (10) comprising two rotatable portions (32, 34) which are rotatable by the driving mechanism (50) about an axis (40). The driving mechanism (50) comprises a gearbox (60) having an input gear (116), two output gears (240, 304) and a locking mechanism (250, 252, 318) movable between a first position and a second position. The arrangement is such that, when the locking mechanism (250, 252, 318) is in the first position and the input gear (116) is driven, both output gears (240, 304) rotate in the same direction and, when the locking mechanism (250, 252, 318) is in the second position and the input gear (116) is driven, the output gears (240, 304) rotate in opposite directions. The arrangement of the axis (40) is horizontal or substantially horizontal. The invention is particularly suitable for use in a front-loading washing machine (10) having a drum (30) comprising two rotatable portions (32, 34).