Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to strap assemblies for securing a mobile device relative to an arm of a user and methods of using the same. Various embodiments are directed to a strap assembly comprising a strap panel comprising a rachet cable tension adjustment slot, a ratchet assembly for selective tightening of the strap assembly towards an arm and comprising a ratchet element on the strap panel; a dynamic cable attachment element disposed within the rachet cable tension adjustment slot and configured to move along a length of the rachet cable tension adjustment slot; and a ratchet cable extending between the ratchet element and the dynamic cable attachment element and having a looped cable portion configured for attachment to the dynamic cable attachment element; wherein the dynamic cable attachment element is movable along the length of the rachet cable tension adjustment slot in response to forces imparted from the ratchet cable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable reading stand that not only serves as a reading stand for holding books, but also holds objects such as a portable electronic device such as a laptop and tablet, and can freely adjust the height and angle according to eye level of correct posture.

Abstract: A flip-folding lift desk includes: a support base, the bottom surface of the support base having at least three support members, the top surface of the support base having a connection seat extending in a direction away from the support members; a lift assembly arranged to rise and fall along its length direction, one end of the lift assembly being rotatably connected to the connection seat, so that the lift assembly can switch between two states in the length direction, including one in which the lift assembly is perpendicular to the support base, and the other in which the lift assembly is parallel to the support base; a rotation locking assembly comprising a fixed disk, a locking block, a rotating disk, a torsion spring, and a driving block; and a top assembly connected to the rotating disk on the rotation locking assembly.

Abstract: In the present invention of a storage case, a space can be saved in the packing form. The skeleton frame of the storage case includes a pair of left and right side frames, a connecting pipe connecting the front end portions of the side frames, and a back panel connecting the rear end portions of the side frames. Therefore, in the skeleton frame, the bottom wall of the case can be supported by the support portion of the side frame without providing the bottom plate that supports the entire bottom wall of the case. As a result, when the storage case is disassembled, it is not necessary to vertically stack the bottom plates that receive the entire bottom wall of the case from below, so that it is possible to save space in the packing form of the storage case.

Abstract: A guide device for a moveable furniture part, in particular a drawer, has a catch which is moveable along a guide track and which is pretensioned by an energy store and which is moveable at least between a parked position with a tensioned energy store and an end position with a less tensioned energy store. The energy store can be coupled to an activator between the parked position and the end position in order to transmit a braking or acceleration force to the moveable furniture part, and wherein the activator has a metal support part.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a crossbar to which a plurality of accessories using different mechanical interfaces may be attached and detached. The crossbar is instrumented and provides information, such as a weight change due to addition to, or removal of, items from an accessory on the crossbar. An extensible bracket attaches the crossbar to a supporting structure, decreasing mechanical strain on the crossbar due to minor misalignment of the supporting structure. Accessories such as wire hooks, shelves, bins, and so forth may be supported by the crossbar. A tether device, locking cam device, or clip device may be used to prevent lateral movement of components such as the accessories or the entire crossbar relative to its supporting structure. A baffle may be affixed to the crossbar to constrain airflow for operation in a temperature-controlled case.

Abstract: A hairstylist's portable salon forms a work space for a hairstylist that may be taken with the hairstylist to any location where a client is available for service. The portable salon includes a portable case, an adjustable chair, and an accessory stand. Accessories including a chair with a hinged chair base, a variety of accessory trays and mirror attachments for attaching to the portable base and accessory stand, and a silicone pocket for insulating and holding heated tools are also provided.

Abstract: A modular furniture assembly has a modular universal base, an armrest module, and a modular recliner. The armrest is modularly coupled to one side of the modular universal base and includes an armrest member, a stepped member, a base horizontal member, and a base vertical plate. The modular recliner is coupled to another side of the modular universal base, and includes a recliner base and a backrest module. The recliner base has a plurality of frames that are interconnected and mechanically attached to each other. The recliner base includes a recessed surface that forms a transverse gap within the recliner base, and a top support having a flat top surface aligned with top edges of the plurality of frames. The backrest module has two backrest sections with end plates configured to move, respectively, along the recessed surface.

Abstract: In some implementations, a system includes a bed having a mattress. The system further includes a sensor configured to generate pressure data of the mattress. The system further includes a processor device configured to receive the pressure data; and determine a user state from at least the pressure data. The system further includes a user-interface device comprising user-interface hardware that is capable of providing user interfaces, the user-interface device configured to select, from a plurality of available user interfaces, a selected user interface; and providing the selected user interface to a user. Other systems, methods, devices, products, and software may be used.

Abstract: A system for converting a stationary chair into a rocking chair. The chair includes legs that include a horizontal leg portion located near the floor. The system includes a pair of rocking assemblies that each can be mounted to one of a pair of horizontal leg portions of the chair. The rocking assemblies each include a pair of rocker brackets that can be connected to each other and entrap the horizontal leg portion between the pair of rocker brackets. Each of the rocker brackets includes a rocker surface that has an arcuate shape and extends between a front end and a back end with a fulcrum point between the front and back ends. The fulcrum point contacts the floor and the rocker brackets allow the chair to rock along the rocker surfaces. The pair of rocker brackets can be selectively installed upon and removed from the chair legs.

Abstract: A packaging-optimized detachable sofa includes a backrest support, two armrest frames, a seat cushion frame, a footrest, and a folding mechanism, where the folding mechanism includes two link assemblies; the two link assemblies are respectively detachably provided at inner sides of the two armrest frames; the seat cushion frame is detachably provided at middle inner sides of the two link assemblies; the two link assemblies each include one end detachably connected to a bottom end of the backrest support and the other end detachably connected to the footrest; the armrest frames are respectively covered by armrest skins; when the packaging-optimized detachable sofa is in a storage state, each component is disassembled from the folding mechanism; and the folding mechanism each are placed in accommodating spaces covered by the armrest skins at sides of the armrest frames.

Abstract: A folding seat support frame includes an upper support frame detachably connected to a seat fabric and a lower support frame connected to the upper support frame, where the upper support frame includes an upper connector, short rods rotationally connected to the upper connector at a first limited angle, and upper connecting rods rotationally connected to the short rods at a second limited angle; the lower support frame includes a lower connector and lower connecting rods rotationally connected to the lower connector at a third limited angle; the lower connector and the upper connector are coaxially and rotationally connected; when the folding seat support frame is in an unfolded state, the lower connecting rods and the short rods are oriented to a side of the lower connector; when the folding seat support frame is in a folded state, the short rods are butted against the lower connector.

Abstract: A baby carrier includes a carrying assembly and a support sheet. The carrying assembly includes a waist member and two shoulder straps. A front end of the waist member is connected with a lower portion of the support sheet. An upper portion of a front end of each shoulder strap is connected with an upper portion of the support sheet. A rear end of each shoulder strap is connected with a middle portion of the support sheet. A lower portion of a front end of each shoulder strap forms a circular structure connected with the waist member. A fixing member is disposed on the front end of the waist member. The lower portion of the front end of each shoulder strap is slidably connected with the fixing member. A width between the two shoulder straps is adjusted by a slide of each shoulder strap on the fixing member.

Abstract: An automated food preparation system includes a conveyance system configured to move a foodstuff into a sauce position. The automated food preparation system includes multiple sauce reservoirs each having a pump and each configured to contain a respective one of multiple sauces. The automated food preparation system includes multiple tubes, each in fluid communication with the pump of a respective one of the sauce reservoirs. The automated food preparation system includes a scanning head including multiple openings each coupled with a respective one of the tubes. The automated food preparation system includes a motor drivingly coupled to the scanning head and operable to move the scanning head relative to the foodstuff in the sauce position to position a selected one or more of the openings over a selected one or more regions of the foodstuff.

Abstract: A cooler for storing beverage containers. The cooler includes a housing defining an interior volume for storing a first beverage container at a first predetermined temperature and a compartment within the interior volume of the housing for storing a second beverage container at a second predetermined temperature that is at or below a freezing point of the beverage. The cooler further includes a user interface for receiving a user input to dispense the second beverage container, and a delivery portal for providing access to the second beverage container. A chute is configured to communicate the second beverage container from the compartment to the delivery portal and to cause nucleation of the beverage and form a slush beverage. A cooling unit is configured to maintain the interior volume of the housing at the first predetermined temperature and the compartment at the second predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A refrigerator has an open front, an air curtain system having at least one upper air egress having an outer edge and at least one lower air-recovery ingress. The air curtain system is adapted to produce a substantially vertical air curtain over at least part of the open front of the refrigerator. The refrigerator has a plurality of shelves between the egress and the ingress a plurality of shelves between the egress and the ingress including a first shelf that has an aerofoil positioned in front of it, the first shelf being located in the upper half of the open front of refrigerator. The refrigerator also includes a second shelf that does not have an aerofoil positioned in front of it, the second shelf being located below the first shelf.

Abstract: A merchandise security system comprises a divider rail, a tile rail selectively engaged with the divider rail, one or more dividers slidably engaged with the divider rail, and one or more tiles slidably engaged with the tile rail, the one or more tiles configured to extend in a vertical direction relative to a base surface and the one or more tiles configured to slide along the tile rail in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction.

Abstract: A device comprising an adjustable lid for covering a glass or cup that covers the top of the glass or cup and prevents substances from being placed in the glass or cup.

Abstract: A cake shield with a top cover and side wall dimensioned to enclose a cake to prevent contamination during celebration is disclosed. Recesses in the top cover may include a recessed track dimensioned to hold multiple candles, a deeper cylindrical or conical recess, or a recess dimensioned for a candle with a rectangular footprint. Use of transparent material allows the cake to be viewed under the shield. The cake shield may comprise a base wall that supports the side wall of the top cover, and two or more pieces may interlock to form the base wall. A kit may also include a base plate for supporting both the cake and the side wall, as well as decorations for the top cover that may include candles and other materials.

Abstract: Flexible element for forming a piece of disposable cutlery, especially a spoon, including an elongated body made from thin, bendable material including a handle and acting portions, each with a free end. A first bending line on the body extends longitudinally from the handle portion free end towards the acting portion, so the body may be bent longitudinally and in the bent position, the working position, the handle portion is V-shaped or U-shaped. The body has an elongated opening including at one side a lip, pointing from the handle portion free end towards the acting portion. A fifth bending line extends transverse to the first bending line, visually dividing the body into the handling and acting portions. The fifth bending line is positioned so when the body is folded along such, a part of the acting portion free end can be inserted into the opening, behind the lip.

Abstract: A mailbox management system includes a server, a client-mailbox store, a mailbox management application installed on a mobile device of a client-mailbox store operator, and a mobile application installed on a mobile device of a mailbox user. The client-mailbox store includes a physical mailbox assigned to the mailbox user, and the server is connected to the mailbox management application, the mobile application, and a third party virtual mailbox provider. The mailbox management application is configured to receive label information of a mail, and the server is configured to receive the label information from the mobile application and send it to the mobile application of the recipient mailbox user. The mobile application is further configured to present an open and scan action option, a forward action option, a shred action option, and a trash action option to the mailbox user concerning the mail.

Abstract: Implementations of drone landing pad systems may include a body having a landing pad receptacle and a package receptacle coupled to the landing pad receptacle, an extension mechanism coupled within the landing pad receptacle, and a landing pad coupled to the extension mechanism and configured to couple within the landing pad receptacle. The extension mechanism may be configured to lift the landing pad to an elevated position to receive a package from a drone. The landing pad may be configured to tilt to transfer the package into the package receptacle.

Abstract: A system is presented that can be used to install pinch pleat drapery as well as ripplefold drapery onto a drapery rod as well as a drapery track. The system includes the use of a plurality of attachment members that have a center channel, a left channel and a right channel that are configured to receive a drapery pin therein. When a pinch pleat drapery is installed, drapery pins are placed in the center channels of the attachment members. When a ripplefold drapery is installed, drapery pins are installed in the attachment members in a pattern wherein adjacent drapery pins point in opposite directions thereby forming a pattern of drapery pins that point left, right, left, right and so on. In this way, a single system may be used that installs both pinch pleat drapery as well as ripplefold drapery onto a drapery rod as well as a drapery track.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus which includes a steam generator, and a water supply device to supply water to the steam generator, and a water supply control valve arranged between the water supply device and the steam generator and configured to adjust a level of water in the steam generator. The water supply control valve includes a housing, an inlet portion, and a float configured to move within the housing to open the inlet portion while a level of water in the housing is at a first level and move to move within the housing to close the inlet portion while the level of water in the housing is at a second level above the first level where the buoyancy of the float is greater than the gravity caused by the weight of the water supplied by the water supply device and to the water supply control valve.

Abstract: A coffee maker includes an extractor configured to receive ground coffee and water and to extract coffee from the ground coffee, and a dispenser configured to supply water to the ground coffee in the extractor. The dispenser includes an arm that is rotatably disposed vertically above an inlet of the extractor and includes a nozzle configured to supply water to the ground coffee in the extractor, a first actuator configured to rotatably support the arm and to rotate the arm about a center of the inlet along an edge of the inlet, and a second actuator connected to the arm and configured to rotate the arm relative to the first actuator.

Abstract: The invention relates to beverage extraction unit (1) for extracting a beverage from an exchangeable capsule (2) containing beverage ingredients and being configured for operating according to two beverage extraction modes, e.g. at respectively high pressure or low pressure. The invention also relates to the beverage machine comprising the extraction unit.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing a beverage by dissolution of soluble beverage powder with water in a beverage preparation apparatus, —said apparatus comprising at least one chamber (1) for receiving and mixing a dose of soluble beverage powder with water, said chamber comprising : —an opened top to receive the dose of soluble beverage powder, and —a lateral side wall (11) said lateral side wall comprising a water inlet (2), and —a bottom wall (12), said bottom wall comprising a beverage outlet conduit (3), and —said method comprising the steps of: a) —introducing water through the water inlet (2) to wet the internal surface of the funnel of the bottom wall, then b) —stopping the introduction of water, then c) —introducing the dose of soluble beverage powder in the chamber, then d) —introducing water in the chamber to dissolve the powder.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus includes an inner container and an outer container which define mixing fluid passageways between them. The inner container is received in the outer container with at least two different orientations. Each orientation forms a different set of passageways each including a mixing chamber and a riser passage, where the passageways lead from the inner container to the mixing chamber. The different orientations create different designs of the passageways, to give different mixing functionality.

Abstract: A table (1) has a table top (2) containing an opening (3). A heating appliance (10) is in the opening (3) wherein the heating appliance (10) extends at least beneath the table top (2). The table top opening (3) comprises a recess (5) in which the heating appliance (10) is received, and the recess (5) has at least one wall (7) below the table top (2). The heating appliance (10) has a substantially sealed chamber (13) for receiving combustible fuel (47) with which the heating appliance (10) is used, and the chamber (13) has at least one window (35, 45).

Abstract: A moisture control apparatus for a cooking chamber of a cooking device. A cooking system that can include the cooking device and the moisture control apparatus connected to the cooking chamber of the cooking device. The moisture control apparatus can include a control portion and a dispersal portion. The control portion can be located on the outside of the cooking device. The control portion can control the flow of water to the dispersal portion so as to control moisture on a food in the cooking chamber of the cooking device by providing, by the dispersal portion, a mist or fog of water particles to the cooking surface of the cooking chamber. The dispersal portion can be located inside the cooking chamber of the cooking device, and the control portion can be located outside the cooking chamber of the cooking device.

Abstract: A calibration tool for a coffee grinder can receive an image from a camera. The image can depict coffee grinds produced by the coffee grinder. The calibration tool can analyze the image using one or more image processing techniques to determine a representative grind size for the coffee grinds. The calibration tool can determine whether the representative grind size of the coffee grinds deviates from a predefined reference size by at least a threshold amount. In response to determining that the representative grind size of the coffee grinds deviates from the predefined reference size by at least the threshold amount, the calibration tool can output an instruction indicating how to calibrate the coffee grinder to more closely adhere to the predefined reference size.

Abstract: A variable temperature blender is disclosed for the cooking and preparation of heated sauces, jams, soups, purees, alternative milks, smoothies and more. A variable temperature blender has a lid assembly, a vessel assembly, and a base assembly. The vessel assembly has a blending vessel and a collar attached to a bottom portion of the blending vessel. The base assembly have a user interface, a motor, and a controller. A heating element positioned within the collar of the vessel assembly received an electronic signal from the controller via an electrical interface connecting the base assembly with the vessel assembly. The electronic signal activates or deactivates the heating element based on an operational mode of the variable temperature blender to heat a food item contained within the blending vessel.

Abstract: Cooking tongs with first and second U-shaped arms hinged at a proximal end with generally flat and inwardly cupped spatulas at a distal end. A lance shaped temperature sensor mounted inside the first arm on a slide carrier and an aperture in the spatula through which a distal end of the lance shaped temperature sensor may be reciprocated on a slide carrier. A slide control attached to the slide carrier through a slot in a sidewall of the first arm for telescopic sliding of the lance shaped temperature sensor through the aperture in the first spatula. An electronic display window on the first arm connected to a data processor on the slide carrier for converting a signal received from the lance shaped temperature sensor into temperature data that is displayed in the electronic display window.

Abstract: A reinforced folding cutting mat including a mat, which is a plate body thicker than 0.5 mm. The mat is formed with at least a cutting face made of cutting resistant plastic material. At least a fold tangent is formed in at least one part of mat, so that the mat can be bent using the fold tangent as fold line, and the one fold tangent includes a plurality of deep cutting edges and a plurality of reinforcing ribs with different cutting depths. The reinforcing ribs are adjacent to the deep cutting edges. The folding cutting mat is a product a one-piece product that is reinforced and has a more durable fold tangent form.

Abstract: A showerhead includes an inlet configured to receive water from the supply conduit. An inner spray portion is coupled to the inlet. A first spray outlet is coupled to the inner spray portion, and the first spray outlet selectively receives water from the inlet and discharges water from the showerhead in a first discharge direction. An outer spray portion is pivotally coupled to the inner spray portion. A second spray outlet is coupled to the outer spray portion, and the second spray outlet selectively receives water from the inlet and discharges water from the showerhead in a second discharge direction. A third spray outlet is coupled to the outer spray portion, and the third spray outlet selectively receives water from the inlet and discharges water from the showerhead in a third discharge direction. The third discharge direction is substantially opposite the second discharge direction.

Abstract: A shower receptor includes a base having a floor surface configured for a user to stand on. The floor surface includes a first portion having a first coefficient of friction and a second portion having a second coefficient of friction. The first portion is an etched area of the floor surface that defines a surface texture having a depth. The second portion is an unetched area of the floor surface. The first coefficient of friction of the first portion has a first value when the first portion is wet and the second coefficient of friction of the second portion has a second value when the second portion is wet. The first value is higher than the second value.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for arranging an element, such as a shower board or shower drain, in a floor, which method includes the steps of: providing an element which has an upper surface with at least two straight edges lying at an angle, preferably an angle of 90 degrees. The element has a strip of a flexible watertight layer standing upright from the upper surface along the corner of the two straight edges; folding the upright strip downward, wherein the folding edge is shaped adjacently of the two straight edges of the corner and wherein the strip of the flexible watertight layer hangs downward from this folding edge; and arranging the element in the floor. The upper surface of the floor lies flush with the upper surface of the element.

Abstract: A combined shower and toilet arrangement 10 comprises a shower, comprising: a shower fluid outputting arrangement 12; and a shower floor 14; and: a toilet 16, comprising a receiving area 19 for receiving human waste; wherein the combined shower and toilet arrangement is operable in a shower use mode or a toilet use mode, wherein, in the toilet use mode, the shower floor is in a position that does not obstruct use of the toilet, and is in a non-use position, not usable as a floor for the shower; and in the shower use mode, the shower floor 14 is in a shower use position, above a portion or a whole of the receiving area of the toilet 16, and is usable as a floor for the shower.

Abstract: A toothpaste dispensing device has an elongate body defining an upper section for accommodating at least a portion of a toothpaste container longitudinally therein in use and a lower section defining a toothbrush entrance therethrough. A dispensing mechanism is located within the lower section. The dispensing mechanism comprises a pump mechanism engaging a mouth of the toothpaste container and a trigger pivotally coupled to act on the pump mechanism. The trigger is accessible via the toothbrush entrance such that, in use, when a toothbrush head is inserted into the toothbrush entrance, the toothbrush head deflects the trigger thereby causing the trigger to act on the pump mechanism to dispense toothpaste from the toothpaste container onto the toothbrush head located thereunderneath.

Abstract: The invention relates to a manufacturing method and a manufacturing equipment for a corrugated net. The manufacturing method comprises steps of: injecting a thermoplastic plastic mesh material, the plastic mesh material having an injection temperature; directly reducing a temperature of the plastic mesh material from the injection temperature to a moldable temperature; and pressing the plastic mesh material with the moldable temperature to cause the plastic mesh material with the moldable temperature to form creases. The invention is capable of reducing manufacturing procedures and time by directly adjusting the injected plastic mesh material to the moldable temperature and pressing to form creases without requiring heating equipment, and the moldable temperature of the overall plastic mesh material is uniformly set to be capable of improving an effect of forming corrugated structure for the mesh material.

Abstract: A cleaning device includes a handle and a cleaning head which is movable on a surface to be cleaned. The cleaning head has at least one rotatable cleaning roller and a first lip element arranged adjacent to a first suction gutter which can be subjected to negative pressure by a suction pump, and the cleaning head has a second lip element arranged adjacent to a second suction gutter which can be subjected to negative pressure by the suction pump. The first and second lip elements may each be movable, and the handle may be pivoted to move the lip elements.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus includes a recovery tank, a suction nozzle in fluid communication with the recovery tank, and a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle and the recovery tank to generate a working air path to transport debris-containing fluid including air and liquid from the suction nozzle into the recovery tank. An air/liquid separator can be provided within the recovery tank for separating liquid from air in the debris-containing fluid.

Abstract: A floor cleaning apparatus comprising a housing, a motorized agitation system, and at least one removable pad alignment jig. The motorized agitation system comprising a plurality of rotatable pad holders provided on the housing, a plurality of cleaning pads, and at least one drive motor operably coupled with the plurality of rotatable pad holders. One of plurality of cleaning pads being provided on each of the plurality of rotatable pad holders for rotation thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed are a cleaning roller and a rolling steam mop. The cleaning roller includes a central shaft capable of rotating, a steam channel, and a cleaning layer. The steam channel is provided with a steam inlet and a plurality of first steam outlets; the steam inlet is used for communicating with a steam generation device: the plurality of first steam outlets are distributed in an axial direction of the central shaft. The cleaning layer is provided around the central shaft; and the steam flowing out from the first steam outlets can be diffused outwards through the cleaning layer When in use, the steam generated by the steam generation device enters the steam channel through the steam inlet, and then flows out from the first steam outlets, and is diffused outwards through the cleaning layer, so that the steam can be diffused to an object to be cleaned.

Abstract: A cleaning implement in which a squeegee blade is linked to a handle through a resiliently deformable support arm so that the squeegee blade is movable relative to the handle. A distance between a handle longitudinal axis and the squeegee blade varies when the support arm deforms. The support arm facilitates application on the surface of a force within a predetermined range by the squeegee blade.

Abstract: A dishwasher is provided having a diverter assembly. The diverter assembly may include a diverter disk moveable between an upper and a lower position. The diverter disk may include a diverter head defining an opening and a radial center, and a disk boss attached to the diverter head at a radial center of the diverter head. The disk boss may define a disk channel extending below the diverter head. The diverter disk may further include an upper spring guide extending below the disk boss and located within the disk channel, a return spring extending below the upper spring guide within the disk channel, and a lower spring guide extending through the return spring. The return spring may have a top end attached to the upper spring guide and a bottom end attached to the lower spring guide.

Abstract: A dishwashing appliance or removable rack accessory may include a rigid upper strut, a rigid lower strut, and a plurality of intermediate struts. The rigid lower strut may be spaced apart from the rigid upper strut along a vertical direction. The plurality of intermediate struts may extend between the rigid upper and lower struts. The intermediate struts may be generally movable along a transverse direction relative to the rigid upper and lower struts. The plurality of intermediate struts and the rigid upper and lower struts may collectively define a plurality of variable apertures extending through the removable rack accessory along a lateral direction to receive one or more container lids therein.

Abstract: A self-driving cleaner includes a main body and a driving unit for driving in a cleaning area. The cleaner suctions foreign material on the floor in the cleaning area. The cleaner includes a first pattern irradiation unit and a second pattern irradiation unit on the front surface of the main body, the first and second pattern irradiation units radiating light in a preset pattern towards the front lower side and the front upper side of the main body, respectively. The cleaner includes a camera on the front surface of the main body, for capturing, at a preset interval, an image including a first light pattern and a second light pattern formed by the first and the second pattern irradiation units, respectively. The cleaner includes a control unit for determining whether a first obstacle exists at a location upwardly spaced apart from the floor, using the image captured by the camera.

Abstract: A bypass valve may include a body defining a dirty air passageway, a nozzle coupling port configured to fluidly couple the dirty air passageway to a nozzle of the surface cleaning device, a wand coupling port configured to fluidly couple the dirty air passageway to a wand of the surface cleaning device, a suction coupling port configured to fluidly couple the dirty air passageway with a suction motor of the surface cleaning device, a wand receptacle configured to removably couple to the wand, and a valve bypass arrangement configured to selectively redirect air flowing through the body such that a majority of the air flowing through the body transitions between flowing through one of the wand coupling port and the nozzle coupling port. The valve bypass arrangement redirects the air in response to the wand being coupled to or decoupled from the wand receptacle.

Abstract: A cleaning accessory for a vacuum cleaner comprises a housing. At least one rotatable cleaning brush is rotatably mounted to the housing and configured to engage a surface to be cleaned. The at least one rotatable cleaning brush comprises at least one flexible cleaning element projecting outwards from a side of the housing. The at least one flexible cleaning element is arranged to rotate in a cleaning position and rotate in a disengaged position whereby the at last one flexible cleaning element engages the surface to be cleaned when rotating in the cleaning position and the at last one flexible cleaning element is remote from the surface to be cleaned when rotating in the disengaged position.