Abstract: A hand-held surface cleaning device includes circuitry to communicate with a robotic surface cleaning device to cause the same to target an area/region of interest for cleaning. Thus, a user may utilize the hand-held surface cleaning device to perform targeted cleaning and conveniently direct a robotic surface cleaning device to focus on a region of interest. Moreover, the hand-held surface cleaning device may include sensory such as a camera device for extracting three-dimensional information from a field of view. This information may be utilized to map locations of walls, stairs, obstacles, changes in surface types, and other features in a given location. Thus, a robotic surface cleaning device may utilize the mapping information from the hand-held surface cleaning device as an input in a real-time control loop, e.g., as an input to a Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) routine.

Abstract: A surface treatment apparatus may include a coupling, a handle, an accessory coupled to the coupling, and a toggle proximate the handle. The accessory may have at least two operational states. An actuation of the toggle may cause the accessory to transition between operational states.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for receiving and holding debris in a collection chamber of a vacuum cleaner. The collection chamber has an inlet opening through which debris-entrained air enters the collection chamber. When the vacuum cleaner is off, an internal valve prevents debris from leaving the collection chamber through the inlet opening. The internal valve is movable from a first sealed position, in which the internal valve covers the chamber inlet opening, to a second unsealed position in which the internal valve does not cover the chamber inlet opening.

Abstract: A replacement head for a vacuum device includes a plastic tray, a filter and a pad. The plastic tray includes a dust chamber, a first connector lip and a second connector lip. An opening is provided that allows air, dust and debris to be drawn into the dust chamber during use. The connector lips are provided for attachment to a vacuum device. The pad is attached to the lower side of the plastic tray and is in contact with the floor during cleaning. The filter is connected to the plastic tray such that the filter substantially covers a top opening in the dust chamber.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cleaning a surface with a cleaning device having a body with a handle, a connector, and one or more cleaning heads that are removably attached to the cleaning device. Each cleaning head include a lower surface arranged to contact a surface to be cleaned and a dirt collection chamber permanently attached to the cleaning head. The cleaning head may include a support structure to support the dirt collection chamber and a cleaning sheet. The cleaning head also may include a suction nozzle. At least a portion of the dirt collection chamber may be made of a filter material.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for receiving and holding debris in a collection chamber of a vacuum cleaner. The collection chamber has an inlet opening through which debris-entrained air enters the collection chamber. When the vacuum cleaner is off, an internal valve prevents debris from leaving the collection chamber through the inlet opening. The internal valve is movable from a first sealed position, in which the internal valve covers the chamber inlet opening, to a second unsealed position in which the internal valve does not cover the chamber inlet opening.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cleaning a surface with a cleaning device having a body with a handle, a connector, and one or more cleaning heads that are removably attached to the cleaning device. Each cleaning head include a lower surface arranged to contact a surface to be cleaned and a dirt collection chamber permanently attached to the cleaning head. The cleaning head may include a support structure to support the dirt collection chamber and a cleaning sheet. The cleaning head also may include a suction nozzle. At least a portion of the dirt collection chamber may be made of a filter material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cleaning a surface with a cleaning device having a body with a handle, a connector, and one or more cleaning heads that are removably attached to the cleaning device. Each cleaning head include a lower surface arranged to contact a surface to be cleaned and a dirt collection chamber permanently attached to the cleaning head. The cleaning head may include a support structure to support the dirt collection chamber and a cleaning sheet. The cleaning head also may include a suction nozzle. At least a portion of the dirt collection chamber may be made of a filter material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cleaning a surface with a cleaning device having a body with a handle, a connector, and one or more cleaning heads that are removably attached to the cleaning device. Each cleaning head include a lower surface arranged to contact a surface to be cleaned and a dirt collection chamber permanently attached to the cleaning head. The cleaning head may include a support structure to support the dirt collection chamber and a cleaning sheet. The cleaning head also may include a suction nozzle. At least a portion of the dirt collection chamber may be made of a filter material.

Abstract: In general, the present disclosure is directed to a force-sensing arrangement for use in surface cleaning devices, such as a vacuum device, that allows a user-supplied force to be translated into a command signal to cause the surface cleaning device to accelerate forward, reverse or to veer/turn in a desired direction. In an embodiment, the surface cleaning device includes a nozzle, wheels, motor(s) to drive the wheels, and an upright handle portion. The surface cleaning device includes a force-sensing arrangement with load cells coupled at a position where user force is transferred from the upright portion to the nozzle. The force-sensing arrangement detects the user supplying a relatively small amount of force and translates the same into measurement signals. A controller coupled to the load cells utilizes the measurement signals to determine or “infer” a desired direction of travel.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for receiving and holding debris in a collection chamber of a vacuum cleaner. A cleaning head is coupled to a body of the vacuum cleaner via one or more suspension elements that comply to horizontal oscillations of the cleaning head imparted by an offset bearing of a vertical gear drive driven by a motor mounted to the body. A vacuum source draws air in from a suction nozzle at a forward underside portion of the cleaning head adjacent to a cleaning pad, and the air travels through an air filter disposed between the vacuum source and the collection chamber. In some embodiments, the air filter comprises one or more pleats adjacent to the vacuum source.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cleaning a surface with a cleaning device having a body with a handle, a connector, and one or more cleaning heads that are removably attached to the cleaning device. Each cleaning head include a lower surface arranged to contact a surface to be cleaned and a dirt collection chamber permanently attached to the cleaning head. The cleaning head may include a support structure to support the dirt collection chamber and a cleaning sheet. The cleaning head also may include a suction nozzle. At least a portion of the dirt collection chamber may be made of a filter material.

Abstract: A replacement head for a vacuum device includes a plastic tray, a filter and a pad. The plastic tray includes a dust chamber, a first connector lip and a second connector lip. An opening is provided that allows air, dust and debris to be drawn into the dust chamber during use. The connector lips are provided for attachment to a vacuum device. The pad is attached to the lower side of the plastic tray and is in contact with the floor during cleaning. The filter is connected to the plastic tray such that the filter substantially covers a top opening in the dust chamber.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cleaning a surface with a cleaning device having a body with a handle, a connector, and one or more cleaning heads that are removably attached to the cleaning device are disclosed. Each cleaning head includes a lower surface arranged to contact a surface to be cleaned, a dirt collection chamber, and a pocket arranged to receive an insert of the connector to attach the cleaning head to the cleaning device. In some embodiments, the connector insert is pivotally connected to the connector. In some embodiments, the cleaning head includes a support structure and a cleaning sheet, with the pocket being formed between the support structure and the cleaning sheet.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cleaning a surface with a cleaning device having a body with a handle, a connector, and one or more cleaning heads that are removably attached to the cleaning device. Each cleaning head include a lower surface arranged to contact a surface to be cleaned and a dirt collection chamber permanently attached to the cleaning head. The cleaning head may include a support structure to support the dirt collection chamber and a cleaning sheet. The cleaning head also may include a suction nozzle. At least a portion of the dirt collection chamber may be made of a filter material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cleaning a surface with a cleaning device having a body with a handle, a connector, and one or more cleaning heads that are removably attached to the cleaning device. Each cleaning head include a lower surface arranged to contact a surface to be cleaned and a dirt collection chamber permanently attached to the cleaning head. The cleaning head may include a support structure to support the dirt collection chamber and a cleaning sheet. The cleaning head also may include a suction nozzle. At least a portion of the dirt collection chamber may be made of a filter material.