Abstract: A multi-function key system and method is provided that includes key identification system, a first key, and a second key. The multi-function key system is in communication with an item of power equipment, and comprises first and second sensors for detecting magnetic fields. The first key is configured to interact with the key identification system, the first key comprises a first magnet generating a first magnetic field. The second key is configured to interact with the key identification system. The second key comprises a second magnet generating a second magnetic field. Wherein the first and second sensors differentiate between the first and second key based upon the first and second magnetic fields. The key identification system initiates a first functionality of the power equipment responsive to identifying the first key, and initiates a second functionality of the power equipment responsive to identifying the second key.

Abstract: A multi-function key system and method is provided that includes key identification system, a first key, and a second key. The multi-function key system is in communication with an item of power equipment, and comprises first and second sensors for detecting magnetic fields. The first key is configured to interact with the key identification system, the first key comprises a first magnet generating a first magnetic field. The second key is configured to interact with the key identification system. The second key comprises a second magnet generating a second magnetic field. Wherein the first and second sensors differentiate between the first and second key based upon the first and second magnetic fields. The key identification system initiates a first functionality of the power equipment responsive to identifying the first key, and initiates a second functionality of the power equipment responsive to identifying the second key.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner including a dust collector having a first stage cyclonic separator, a plurality of second stage cyclonic separators, a dirt cup configured to collect dust particles separated by the first stage cyclonic separator, and a perforated tube at least partially within the dust collector. The perforated tube includes a cylindrical wall and a plurality of openings in the cylindrical wall to allow the flow of air to pass through the cylindrical wall in a flow direction from the first stage cyclonic separator toward the plurality of second stage cyclonic separators. A plurality of isolated air conduits within the perforated tube. Each of the plurality of isolated air conduits defined at least partially by walls extending in a direction inwardly from the cylindrical wall of the perforated tube and each of the plurality of second stage cyclonic separators has a corresponding one of the plurality of isolated air conduits.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner including a dust collector having a first stage cyclonic separator, a plurality of second stage cyclonic separators, a dirt cup configured to collect dust particles separated by the first stage cyclonic separator, and a perforated tube at least partially within the dust collector. The perforated tube includes a cylindrical wall and a plurality of openings in the cylindrical wall to allow the flow of air to pass through the cylindrical wall in a flow direction from the first stage cyclonic separator toward the plurality of second stage cyclonic separators. A plurality of isolated air conduits within the perforated tube. Each of the plurality of isolated air conduits defined at least partially by walls extending in a direction inwardly from the cylindrical wall of the perforated tube and each of the plurality of second stage cyclonic separators has a corresponding one of the plurality of isolated air conduits.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a home cleaning appliance including a housing having a nozzle, which includes a main suction opening. An airstream suction source is mounted to the housing and includes a suction airstream inlet and a suction airstream outlet. A cyclone main body is mounted to the housing and communicates with the nozzle main suction opening. The cyclone main body includes a first stage separator and a plurality of second stage separators. A dirt cup is connected to the cyclone main body for collecting dust particles separated by the first stage separator and the plurality of second stage separators. An air manifold is mounted to the first stage separator for fluidly connecting the first stage separator to the plurality of second stage separators.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner including a dirt cup assembly including a first stage cyclonic separator operable to at least partially separate debris from an airflow, a second stage cyclonic separator downstream from the first stage cyclonic separator and operable to at least partially separate the debris from the airflow, a container having a sidewall that at least partially defines the first stage cyclonic separator, and a shroud having a lower perforated portion located within the container, and an upper portion that surrounds and receives the second stage cyclonic separator. The upper portion is located outside of the first container such that the upper portion forms an outside wall of the dirt cup above the sidewall of the container. The shroud further includes an intermediate portion between the lower portion and the upper portion, and the intermediate portion is coupled to the sidewall of the first container.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a home cleaning appliance including a housing having a nozzle, which includes a main suction opening. An airstream suction source is mounted to the housing and includes a suction airstream inlet and a suction airstream outlet. A cyclone main body is mounted to the housing and communicates with the nozzle main suction opening. The cyclone main body includes a first stage separator and a plurality of second stage separators. A dirt cup is connected to the cyclone main body for collecting dust particles separated by the first stage separator and the plurality of second stage separators. An air manifold is mounted to the first stage separator for fluidly connecting the first stage separator to the plurality of second stage separators.

Abstract: A dirt cup for a vacuum cleaner including a container, a tube, a lid, a first chamber, a second chamber, and a seal. The container includes an open bottom end. The lid is coupled to the container. The lid includes an aperture that extends through the lid. The lid is movable between a closed position where the lid covers the open bottom end and an open position for emptying the container through the open bottom end. The seal is coupled to the lid and includes a flange and a post that extends from the flange. The post extends into the aperture of the lid to couple the seal to the lid. The seal is positioned between the lid and the tube when the lid is in the closed position to inhibit airflow between the first chamber and the second chamber.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner including a dirt cup assembly including a first stage cyclonic separator operable to at least partially separate debris from an airflow, a second stage cyclonic separator downstream from the first stage cyclonic separator and operable to at least partially separate the debris from the airflow, a container having a sidewall that at least partially defines the first stage cyclonic separator, and a shroud having a lower perforated portion located within the container, and an upper portion that surrounds and receives the second stage cyclonic separator. The upper portion is located outside of the first container such that the upper portion forms an outside wall of the dirt cup above the sidewall of the container. The shroud further includes an intermediate portion between the lower portion and the upper portion, and the intermediate portion is coupled to the sidewall of the first container.

Abstract: A dirt cup for a vacuum cleaner including a container, a tube, a lid, a first chamber, a second chamber, and a seal. The container includes an open bottom end. The lid is coupled to the container. The lid includes an aperture that extends through the lid. The lid is movable between a closed position where the lid covers the open bottom end and an open position for emptying the container through the open bottom end. The seal is coupled to the lid and includes a flange and a post that extends from the flange. The post extends into the aperture of the lid to couple the seal to the lid. The seal is positioned between the lid and the tube when the lid is in the closed position to inhibit airflow between the first chamber and the second chamber.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a home cleaning appliance including a housing having a nozzle, which includes a main suction opening. An airstream suction source is mounted to the housing and includes a suction airstream inlet and a suction airstream outlet. A cyclone main body is mounted to the housing and communicates with the nozzle main suction opening. The cyclone main body includes a first stage separator and a plurality of second stage separators. A dirt cup is connected to the cyclone main body for collecting dust particles separated by the first stage separator and the plurality of second stage separators. An air manifold is mounted to the first stage separator for fluidly connecting the first stage separator to the plurality of second stage separators.

Abstract: A modular air gap device adapted for selective insertion into an associated faucet body and comprises a base, an inlet nipple defining an inlet passage and an outlet nipple defining an outlet passage. The inlet and outlet nipples project outwardly from the base in a first direction. An gap structure is connected to the base and projects outwardly therefrom in a second direction opposite the inlet and outlet nipples. The base and air gap structure are adapted for receipt within an air gap chamber of a faucet body. The air gap structure defines a flow path having a first end in direct fluid communication with the inlet passage of the inlet nipple and a second end spaced from the outlet passage of the outlet nipple so that an air gap is defined between the second end of the flow path and the outlet passage. A faucet including the air gap device defines a vent for venting the air gap chamber.

Abstract: A dispenser for cup-shaped articles comprises a body defining a storage region for receiving an associated stack of cups or other cup-shaped articles. The body comprises an open end that communicates with the storage region. A resilient diaphragm restricts the open end of the body. A clamp member is releasably secured adjacent the open end of the body and retains the diaphragm relative to the open end of the body. A mounting flange projects outwardly away from the body. The clamp member and mounting flange comprise mating structures that releasably secure said clamp member to the mounting flange.

Abstract: A one-piece molded polymeric sight gauge shield with internal cylindrical bore and method for making same are disclosed, along with a liquid-containing urn including same. The shield is molded by mating first and second mold portions about first and second spaced-apart cores to define: (i) a first annular void about the first core; and, (ii) a second annular void about the second core. The first and second mold portions respectively comprise first and second stand-up portions that first and second sidewall voids between themselves and the mating mold portion. First and second end portions of a gauge shield member are molded by filling the first and second voids, while the first and second sidewalls of the gauge shield member are molded by filling the first and second sidewall voids. The molding operation is a single-axis straight-pull molding method.

Abstract: A cup dispenser includes a blow-molded plastic storage tube and a blow-molded plastic cup pushing member or follower positioned within the tube. The pushing member is optionally spring-biased toward an open first end of the tube away from a closed, second end of the tube. A resilient diaphragm is positioned over the open end of the cup storage tube or another suitable cup retainer is employed for releasably retaining a telescopically interfitted stack of cups in the storage tube. An annular collar is arranged coaxial with and fitted to the storage tube in the region of the open end. The cup storage tube and the cup pushing member are preferably blow-molded together in a single operation as a one-piece construction. The cup pushing member is separated from the cup storage tube for use.

Abstract: A modular air gap device adapted for selective insertion into an associated faucet body and comprises a base, an inlet nipple defining an inlet passage and an outlet nipple defining an outlet passage. The inlet and outlet nipples project outwardly from the base in a first direction. An gap structure is connected to the base and projects outwardly therefrom in a second direction opposite the inlet and outlet nipples. The base and air gap structure are adapted for receipt within an air gap chamber of a faucet body. The air gap structure defines a flow path having a first end in direct fluid communication with the inlet passage of the inlet nipple and a second end spaced from the outlet passage of the outlet nipple so that an air gap is defined between the second end of the flow path and the outlet passage. A faucet including the air gap device defines a vent for venting the air gap chamber.

Abstract: A dispenser for cup-shaped articles includes a housing defining a storage portion adapted to receive an associated stack of nested cup-shaped articles. The housing includes an open end that communicates with the storage portion. A cup retainer mounting base is located adjacent the open end of the housing. The mounting base defines an opening that communicates with the open end of the housing. The mounting base also defines a first plurality of mounting openings and a second plurality of mounting openings. A cup retainer is connected to the mounting base and restricts the opening of said mounting base. The cup retainer is movable between at least first and second operative positions wherein the cup retainer restricts the opening of the mounting base more in the first operative position as compared to the second operative position. The cup retainer is defined as separate stud members each including a resilient finger or as an annular band including a plurality of resilient fingers.

Abstract: A dispensing valve comprises a first component comprising a body adapted to be secured in fluid communication to a fitment of a liquid container. The body defines a first flow passage that extends therethrough. The first flow passage has an inlet. A valve assembly is connected to said body. The valve assembly comprises: (i) a seal retaining body defining a second flow passage that communicates with said inlet of said first flow passage; and, (ii) a resilient seal member located in said second flow passage and resiliently urged into sealing engagement with the inlet to block fluid flow from the second flow passage into the first flow passage via the inlet. The dispensing valve further comprises an outlet spout that defines a bore that extends from and through a first end to and through a second end.

Abstract: A faucet includes a body having a main bore including an inlet and an outlet. A bonnet and spout are connected to the body. A stem includes a first portion inserted into the outlet of the main bore and a second portion that projects through the bonnet chamber to a distal end. The first portion of the stem comprises a flow path and the stem is slidably movable relative to the body and bonnet between a first position and a second position. A seal is carried by the stem and is engaged with the stem and sealing face when the stem is located in the first position. The seal is spaced from the sealing face when the said stem is moved to the second position. A handle is operably connected to the distal end of the second portion of the stem. A spring biases the stem to the first position.

Abstract: A liquid-dispensing faucet includes a mounting fitting that defines a first flow passage and that is adapted for connection to an associated container with the first flow passage in communication with an internal space of the container. The mounting fitting comprises a valve seat. A body is connected to the mounting fitting. The body defines an inlet, an outlet and a second flow passage that fluidically interconnects the inlet and the outlet. A seal member is connected to the body and is selectively movable between a first operative position and second operative position. The seal member sealingly mates with the valve seat to block the first flow passage when the seal member is in the first operative position. An actuator is operably coupled to the seal member for moving the seal member from the first operative position to the second operative position. In this manner, the valve seat is provided in the mounting fitting rather than as a part of the faucet body.