Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a first latch moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position and a second latch moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position, and a spring pressing the second latch to the locked position. The vacuum cleaner also includes a dust bin securable on the housing with the first latch and the second latch. When the dust bin is being installed onto the housing, the second latch is moved from the locked position to the unlocked position until the spring presses the second latch back to the locked position. The dust bin is removable from the housing when the dust bin is installed on the housing, the first latch is in the unlocked position, and the second latch is in the locked position.

Abstract: An evacuation station for a surface cleaning apparatus has a housing having an air flow path extending from an evacuation station air inlet to an evacuation station air outlet. An air treatment assembly comprising an air treatment member, is moveable from an in use position in which the air treatment member is positioned in the air flow path and a second position in which the air treatment member is disconnected from the air flow path. The air treatment assembly is moveable only laterally as it is moved from the in use position to the second position.

Abstract: Print apparatus comprises: a platen to support a print substrate; a print head to apply print agent to a print substrate supported by the platen, the print head being movable relative to the platen to vary a distance therebetween; and a suction device having an inlet, the suction device to draw air from between the print head and the platen and into the inlet. The inlet of the suction device is movable with the print head to vary a clearance between the inlet and the platen.

Abstract: Flex duct systems have a flex duct having a wire-reinforced core and first and second hollow connector ends threaded to one each of ends of the wire-reinforced core. Each connector end has a plurality of locking tabs. A boot, a saddle trunk, or a linking connector each have a plurality of sleeves each protruding radially outward and positioned to releasably, attachably receive one of the plurality of locking tabs for a fluid tight connection therewith.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a cleaning system and various related apparatus for grooming a pet. The cleaning system can comprise components dedicated to pet grooming or can adapt a surface cleaning apparatus or tools normally used for cleaning floors and upholstery to instead groom a pet. The cleaning system can include two supply tanks, and a supply valve controlling the flow of cleaning solution out of one of the tanks.

Abstract: A handheld vacuum cleaner is provided, comprising: a dust-air separating unit, an airflow generating unit, a battery pack assembly, and a handle; the dust-air separating unit is provided with a dust suction port that defines a longitudinal axis extending along a front-rear direction; the airflow generating unit is provided with an air inlet side and an air outlet side, and the air inlet side communicates with the dust-air separating unit; an outer wall of the handheld vacuum cleaner is provided with an air outlet penetrating therethrough, the air outlet port and the air outlet side are connected by an air outlet channel, and the air outlet port is arranged at least partially exceeding forward beyond the airflow generating unit in the dust-air suction direction located along the longitudinal axis. When using the vacuum cleaner, the service life of the motor is lengthened and the user experience is better.

Abstract: An air outlet system for a portable dry vacuum cleaner, via which intake air sucked in by the dry vacuum cleaner can be expelled into the surroundings as exhaust air, wherein the air outlet system has an accommodation bay, which is to be arranged in a housing of the dry vacuum cleaner and in which optionally an air filter cartridge or an outlet adapter may be accommodated, wherein the outlet adapter has an outlet fitting for the connection of a blower hose and the air filter cartridge is free from an outlet fitting of this kind.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a first latch moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position and a second latch moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position, and a spring pressing the second latch to the locked position. The vacuum cleaner also includes a dust bin securable on the housing with the first latch and the second latch. When the dust bin is being installed onto the housing, the second latch is moved from the locked position to the unlocked position until the spring presses the second latch back to the locked position. The dust bin is removable from the housing when the dust bin is installed on the housing, the first latch is in the unlocked position, and the second latch is in the locked position.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner including a suction inlet that provides entrance of a suction airflow, a suction source, a diffuser, a blower port, a duct, and a removable cap. The diffuser is in fluid communication with the suction source for diffusing the suction airflow and the diffuser includes a circumferential opening that surrounds the suction source such that the suction airflow travels through the opening into the diffuser. The duct is located downstream of the blower port with respect to the direction of the suction airflow and the duct includes an outlet. The cap is removably coupled to the blower port such that at least a portion of the suction airflow exhausts through the blower port when the cap is removed, and when the cap is coupled to the blower port the suction airflow is travels through the duct and exhausts through the outlet.

Abstract: A nozzle device intended for use in a cleaning appliance such as a vacuum cleaner is described. The nozzle device can be moved over a surface to be cleaned. The nozzle device includes at least one light-emitting source arranged at a side of the nozzle device, and the at least one light-emitting source emits light from the respective side of the nozzle device. The nozzle device further includes a controlling arrangement for varying, at least one parameter of the at least one light-emitting source in relation to actual circumstances of a cleaning action between a functional value and at least one default value which is different from the functional value, and for setting the functional value of the parameter when the respective side is in the vicinity of an obstacle on the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: The present invention provides unique portable or stationary hose retraction systems in a single compact unit having an elongated hose, a chamber or plenum for storing the hose, a primary vacuum source for creating suction in the hose, and a secondary vacuum source for retracting the hose into the chamber. Embodiments may include one or more switches located at a distal end of the hose for controlling the primary and secondary vacuum sources. Other embodiments include a movable robotic unit with a proximity generating signal at the distal end of the hose, whereby the robotic unit may withdraw the hose as needed during use, and the secondary vacuum source may retract slack in the hose during use, or may retract the entire hose and the robotic unit after use.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for performing autonomous self-service are described. A robotic device may identify a status of a chamber associated with the robotic device based on sensor data received from a sensor of the robotic device and pause an autonomous debris collection process of the robotic device based on the identified status. The robotic device may automatically remove a first container from the chamber based on the identified status and discard the first container away from the robotic device. In some examples, the robotic device may discard the first container at a fixed position within a geo-boundary corresponding to the debris collection process. The robotic device may resume the autonomous debris collection process based on an introduction of a second container.

Abstract: A cleaner reduces noise. The cleaner includes a motor, a fan including a number Z of blades and rotatable at a rotational speed N, indicating revolutions per minute, about a rotation axis by the motor, a cover having an inlet located frontward from the fan, and a number V of ribs located in the inlet. The ribs extend in a radial direction from the rotation axis and are arranged in a circumferential direction about the rotation axis. The fan is rotatable to produce noise having a frequency fNZ of 20,000 Hz or higher, and fNZ=(m?k×V)×N/60 and m=n×Z+k×V, where n is an order, m is an integer, and k is an integer.

Abstract: A power tool includes a power tool housing including a fluid inlet and a discharge outlet. A motor is supported by the power tool housing. A tool is configured to be moved relative to the housing by the motor. A fan is configured to be rotated by the motor, such that a fluid flow with debris generated by movement of the tool is drawn into the fluid inlet and through the discharge outlet. A filter is removably attached to the power tool housing. The filter includes a filter media configured to separate the debris from the flow of fluid. The filter media includes a collection container configured to store the debris. The filter also includes an opening in the filter media through which the flow of fluid with the debris enters the collection container, and a valve that is moveable between a closed position and an open position.

Abstract: A hand vacuum cleaner is provided with a first cyclonic cleaning stage, a pre-motor filter and a fluid flow motor. The first cyclonic stage has a bottom end, an upper end spaced longitudinally from the bottom end along a first stage axis, an air inlet and an air outlet, the first cyclonic cleaning stage comprising a first cyclone chamber and a first dirt collection region, the first dirt collection region having an end wall at the bottom end that is openable to empty the first dirt collection region. The pre-motor filter is positioned downstream from the first cyclonic cleaning stage and spaced from the openable end wall of the first dirt collection region in a direction of the first stage axis. The fluid flow motor is downstream from the pre-motor filter. The pre-motor filter is removable in the direction of the central longitudinal axis through an opening in an upper end of the hand vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: An apparatus having a first cyclonic stage having a dirt collection chamber external thereto wherein the cyclone and the dirt chamber are concurrently openable. A second cyclonic stage is downstream from the first cyclonic stage, a pre-motor filter is downstream from the second cyclonic stage and a suction motor is downstream from the pre-motor filter wherein the suction motor axis of rotation extends through the pre-motor filter chamber and the second cyclonic stage.

Abstract: A robotic cleaner may include a body, one or more driven wheels configured to urge the body across a surface to be cleaned, one or more distance sensors disposed at least partially within the body such that the one or more distance sensors face the surface to be cleaned and a processor. The one or more distance sensors may be configured to output a measure of a detection distance that extends in a direction of the surface to be cleaned. The processor may be configured to determine whether an abnormality has been detected based, at least in part, on the measure of the detection distance and may be configured to determine a first velocity estimate based, at least in part, on the detection of the abnormality.

Abstract: A dust bin and a vacuum cleaner combination provided with the dust bin are provided. The dust bin includes a dust chamber, a dust inlet detachably connected to a dust suction apparatus, and a sealing structure for implementing the sealing between the dust suction apparatus and the dust bin. The dust suction apparatus has a dust outlet joined to the dust inlet. The vacuum cleaner combination includes a dust suction apparatus and a dust bin detachably connected to the dust suction apparatus. The dust suction apparatus has a housing and a dust cup assembly connected to the housing. The dust cup assembly includes a cup body and a filter apparatus disposed in the cup body. Compared with the prior art, in the present invention, a detachable multi-purpose dust bin with a simple structure is disposed, so that the dust collection chamber of the vacuum cleaner is flexibly increased.

Abstract: A non-marring nozzle attachment that may be used with a vacuum device to clean delicate surfaces such as lint screens. The non-marring nozzle attachment may use a non-marring material with a beveled surface to allow for a vacuum to safely and effectively clean delicate surfaces. The non-marring nozzle attachment may further include spaced slits to allow for more intimate contact between the nozzle tip and a surface to be cleaned. The vacuum device may be mounted near the desired area of use to a variety of rigid surfaces without having to penetrate the rigid surface with nails or screws.

Abstract: Provided is a vacuum cleaner including a base configured to form a lower surface of a cleaner body; moving wheels provided at both side surfaces of the cleaner body and rotated for travel of the vacuum cleaner and also configured to support the cleaner body to be rotated in normal and reverse directions; and a dust container installed at a front of the moving wheels and configured to collect suctioned dust, wherein the base includes a center portion; a first half portion configured to extend to be inclined upward from a front end of the center portion; and a second half portion configured to extend to be inclined upward from a rear end of the center portion, and a rotating center of the moving wheels is located between the first half portion and the second half portion.

Abstract: A garbage can has a container having a lid moveable between a closed position and an open position and a suction motor having a suction motor inlet end in air flow communication with the interior volume of the container and a suction motor outlet end in air flow communication with the ambient exterior to the container.

Abstract: A robot cleaner comprising: a cleaner body; a suction unit sucking air containing dust to be introduced into the cleaner body; and a dust container detachably coupled to the cleaner body, the dust container collecting dust filtered from the air introduced into the cleaner body, wherein the dust container includes: an external case including at least one cyclone filtering dust in air introduced into the dust container; an upper case coupled to an upper portion of the external case, the upper case including an upper opening corresponding to a space into which air passing through the cyclone is discharged; an upper cover detachably coupled to the upper case to open/close the upper opening; and a filter mounted on a rear surface of the upper cover, the filter covering the discharged space of the air passing through the cyclone when the upper cover is coupled to the upper case, to filter dust in the air passing through the cyclone.

Abstract: Provided is a vacuum cleaner including a cleaner body of which a center of gravity is disposed at a rear side further than a rotating center thereof; one pair of moving wheels provided at both side surfaces of the cleaner body and configured to rotatably support the cleaner body and also to be rotated for travelling; and a rear wheel unit provided at a bottom surface of the cleaner body and configured to elastically support the cleaner body at a rear of the pair of moving wheels, wherein the rear wheel unit includes a supporting part rotatably installed at the bottom surface of the cleaner body and rotated in a rotating direction of the cleaner body; an elastic portion configured to extend from one side of the supporting part and to be elastically deformed by being in contact with the bottom surface of the cleaner body when the supporting part is rotated; a rotating member shaft-coupled to the supporting part and installed to be rotatable in a direction intersecting with a rotating direction of the supporting

Abstract: An autonomous vacuum cleaner includes an outer housing and a separator assembly that is removably received by the autonomous vacuum cleaner. A portion of the separator assembly defines a portion of at least two walls of the outer housing.

Abstract: A hand vacuum cleaner having a main body and an air treatment member provided at a front end of the main body.

Abstract: Applicants have created vacuum systems and apparatuses for cooling a vacuum device. The apparatus can include a cooling device adapted to couple with a vacuum device, at least one cooling device air inlet, and a cooling device outlet. The air flows from the air inlets to the air outlet and combines with air disposed within the vacuum device. The system can include the cooling device, a vacuum housing, and a vacuum interface such that air flowing from the air inlets to the outlet flows from the vacuum interface to the vacuum housing biased with a negative pressure area. As a result, the air originating from the air inlets cools the air disposed within the vacuum housing upon mixing and the vacuum device cools, thus increasing the vacuum device's performance. Furthermore, heat transfer from the vacuum device to an operator reduces, thus improving the productivity and comfort of the operator.

Abstract: A portable surface cleaning apparatus, such as a hand vacuum cleaner, having a cyclone and a cleaner body, wherein a pre-motor filter is positioned in the air flow passage upstream from the suction motor and, when the cyclone and the cleaner body are separated, the pre-motor filter remains in position and access to the pre-motor filter is provided.

Abstract: An embodiment provides a lock-release apparatus including: a rotation member to actuate a locking member; a case member rotatably supporting the rotation member; an operation member slidable in a direction substantially in parallel to a rotation plane of the rotation member; and a spring member urging the rotation member in a given rotation direction. The lock-release apparatus further includes a link structure converting a sliding movement of the operation member into a rotational movement of the rotation member. More specifically, the case member includes: an accommodation section slidably accommodating the operation member to allow an operation face thereof to be exposed; and a support section rotatably supporting the rotation member.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a dirt separating and collecting system. The dirt separating and collecting system can include an air-permeable filter material, and a helical inlet guide. Dirt entering the helical inlet guide within a working airstream is visible to the user through an at least partially transparent housing.

Abstract: Vacuum cleaner filters, in particular replaceable vacuum cleaner filters suitable for both dry and wet/dry type vacuum cleaners are disclosed, as well as systems incorporating the use of such filters and methods for their use. The filters include a plurality of adjacently positioned pleats arranged in a closed circumferential, cylindrically-shaped path, a top end cap having a central orifice capable of constricting a post on a vacuum filter cage, and optionally a molded end ring oppositely-spaced from the top end cap for engagement with the motor housing of a vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A latch mounts in an opening on the lidcage of a conventional vacuum cleaner. A stationary piece has a hooked arm that locks against an edge on the lidcage, and can be clipped in place without other fasteners. It also has a hose fence that helps hold a stored hose. A movable piece has a tongue that slides within a channel on the stationary piece. When locked, the tongue engages the bead and a lock latches onto an edge, inhibiting the tongue from moving to the unlocked position. The lock is on an actuator tab that extends from the stationary piece and can be deflected by a user to release the lock. A spaced finger edge may be engaged by a user while pressing the actuator tab. A barb on the tongue engages the same edge that the lock latches onto, and resists removal of the tongue from the channel.

Abstract: A cylinder vacuum cleaner comprising a main body which is fluidly connected to a suction hose used to pull the main body forwards along a floor, and a rear swivel castor for supporting the main body on the floor, the rear castor having a negatively-raked swivel axis which is offset from a wheel axis of the castor to provide a positive castor trail.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided, including a dirt collection container, a suction unit for acting on the dirt collection container with negative pressure via a suction chamber, at least one filter element arranged between the dirt collection container and the suction chamber in the flow direction of the air sucked in by the suction unit, a filter cover covering the filter element on the clean space side, at least one rechargeable battery for providing electrical energy for the suction unit, and at least one battery receptacle. The vacuum cleaner can further include a battery lid, which includes the at least one battery receptacle, and which is arranged above the filter cover, the battery lid being transferable from a closed position in which it covers the filter cover to an open position in which a user has access on the clean space side to the filter cover, and vice versa.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow passage extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet. A suction motor is positioned in the air flow path. At least one cyclone chamber positioned in the air flow path. An associated dirt collection chamber is optionally exterior the cyclone chamber. A pre-motor filter is positioned downstream of the cyclone chamber and upstream of the suction motor. The pre-motor filter has an upstream side and a downstream side. The pre-motor filter may overlie at least a portion of the suction motor and the cyclone chamber.

Abstract: A cleaning robot that discharges, upwards and from an exhaust port (7), airflow having dust removed therefrom, and comprises: a main case (2) having a suction port (6) opened in the bottom surface thereof and the exhaust port (7) opened in the upper surface thereof, and that is self-propelled on a floor surface (F); an electric fan (22) arranged inside the main case (2); and a dust collection unit (30) that collects dust in airflow sucked in from the suction port (6) by the driving force of the electric fan (22).

Abstract: A cleaning robot that discharges, upwards and from an exhaust port (7), airflow having dust removed therefrom, and comprises: a main case (2) having a suction port (6) opened in the bottom surface thereof and the exhaust port (7) opened in the upper surface thereof, and that is self-propelled on a floor surface (F); an electric fan (22) arranged inside the main case (2); and a dust collection unit (30) that collects dust in airflow sucked in from the suction port (6) by the driving force of the electric fan (22).

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a filtration apparatus comprising a cyclone and an openable dirt collection chamber in communication with the cyclone dirt outlet. The dirt collection chamber has an openable end portion that comprises a wall that is intersected by the longitudinally extending axis, and when the end portion is in an open position, the cyclone chamber has an absence of any member having a larger diameter than the vortex finder whereby the dirt collection chamber and the cyclone are concurrently emptyable when the dirt collection chamber is opened.

Abstract: An extraction cleaner for cleaning a floor surface includes a liquid distribution system and a liquid recovery system. The liquid recovery system includes a motor, and a motor cooling air pathway provides cooling air to the motor and removes heated cooling air from the motor. A duct system delivers heated motor cooling air to a supply tank of the extraction cleaner to heat liquid contained therein, and also drains liquid from the supply tank away from the motor.

Abstract: An upright surface cleaning apparatus comprises a surface cleaning head having a dirty air inlet. A support structure is moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head and a portable cleaning unit is removably mounted to the support structure. An above floor cleaning wand is provided. Each of the wand and the portable cleaning unit is separately removable from the support structure.

Abstract: A cylinder vacuum cleaner comprising a main body which is fluidly connected to a suction hose used to pull the main body forwards along a floor, and a front swivel castor for supporting the main body on the floor, the front castor comprising a frame mounted for rotation about a swivel axis and one or more wheels mounted on the frame, the hose being connected to the frame for co-rotation with the frame about the swivel axis, wherein the swivel axis is positively raked.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner dirt collection assembly having a housing, an air inlet and air outlet connected to the housing and a cyclone chamber inside the housing. The cyclone chamber has top and bottom walls, and an outer wall joining the top and bottom walls to form a generally enclosed space. The outer wall has a helical guide channel extending radially outward from the adjacent portion of the outer wall. An inner wall, located inside the enclosed space, has a generally cylindrical or frustroconical surface having one or more openings fluidly connecting the enclosed space to the air outlet. A separator plate is located inside the enclosed space at a location between the top and bottom walls. The separator plate extends towards the outer wall and is spaced from the outer wall by a gap.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, an air treatment member and a suction motor. The surface cleaning apparatus comprises a main body comprising a front end, a rear end and a filter compartment. A pair of spaced apart wheels may be mounted to the surface cleaning apparatus. One of the wheels overlies the filter compartment and at least a portion of the filter is visible through the wheel.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus has a cyclone unit comprising at least one cyclone having a cyclone inlet positioned in the air flow passage. A generally linear air flow path is provided from the cyclone outlet to the suction motor.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vacuum cleaner comprising an electric motor 3 and a blower producing an air flow through the vacuum cleaner. The electric motor and the blower are placed on a common vertical axis 17. A separator unit 13 is placed laterally with respect to the common axis of the motor and the blower. A bent conduit 19 connects the blower with the separator unit, and one end 21 of the conduit encloses the common vertical axis. The conduit comprises a portion located along the common axis 17 having a double wall forming a closed air pocket 23. This provides damping of noise emitted by the blower/motor and which propagates in the opposite direction of the air flow.

Abstract: A canister vacuum cleaner that includes a main body to which a hose is attached. The main body includes a chassis, a dirt separator carried by the chassis, and an inlet assembly for carrying fluid from the hose to the dirt separator. The dirt separator includes an inlet located in a base of the dirt separator. The inlet assembly includes a spigot fixed to the chassis and a hose coupling rotatably attached to the spigot. The hose is then attached to the hose coupling, and the spigot projects into the inlet such that the spigot both supports and carries fluid to the dirt separator.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a tank having an internal chamber and a first wall dividing the internal chamber of into a first compartment and a second compartment separated by the wall. A discharge is adapted and configured to discharge waste material vacuumed by the vacuum cleaner into the first compartment of the tank. The first wall includes one or more openings extending through the first wall and fluidly communicating the first and second chambers whereby waste material received into the first compartment that can pass through the one or more openings can pass from the first compartment into the second compartment while waste material that cannot pass through the one or more openings remains in the first compartment.

Abstract: A cleaning appliance includes a substantially spherical surface engaging rolling assembly having a fluid inlet for receiving a fluid flow and a system for drawing the fluid flow through the inlet, and a plurality of support members for supporting the rolling assembly as it is maneuvered over a surface. The center of gravity of the cleaning appliance is located within the rolling assembly.

Abstract: The Vacuum Cleaner is designed with a unique shape which allows it to be placed in a stable position on a flight of stairs and which overcomes the problem of instability when positioned on stairs but also remains suitable for use on a flat surface such as a floor. This shape also enables easy upward movement on stairs and overcomes the problem of maneuverability. The Vacuum Cleaner has one or more rotating ground engaging members which can be locked to allow rotation in a forward direction only, which overcomes the problem that previous Vacuum Cleaners have of being insecure when positioned on stairs and it may have one or more rotating members which can engage with a stair riser to allow traversing in an upward direction with very little hindrance.

Abstract: A dust separating device for a vacuum cleaner is provided. The dust separating device includes a dust separating unit including a first main body movably connected to a second main body. The second main body includes a plurality of sub bodies coupled together. A vacuum cleaner is also provided. The vacuum cleaner includes a main vacuum cleaner body and a dust separating device including a dust separating unit and a filter unit. The dust separating device is detachably mounted to the main body and includes a plurality of main bodies.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet. The surface cleaning apparatus includes a main body having a front end, a rear end, first and second opposed sidewalls. A cavity having an open upper end is positioned between the first and second opposed side walls. A suction motor provided in the air flow path. A cyclone bin assembly provided in the air flow path. The cyclone bin assembly may have opposed end walls and may be removably mounted in the cavity. The first and second opposed sidewalls can be sized to protect the cyclone bin assembly from a side impact.