Abstract: A floor cleaning machine includes a housing having a front end and a rear end, and a rotary brush coupled to the housing for rotation with respect to the housing. A collection bin is configured to receive debris from the rotary brush and a debris intake is in fluid communication with the collection bin. A motor rotates the rotary brush, and a power source supplies power to the motor. A suction source is in fluid communication with the collection bin to draw debris into the debris intake and to direct the debris into the collection bin. A projection is positioned adjacent the rotary brush and the debris intake engage bristles of the rotary brush to dislodge debris from the bristles, so that the suction source is configured to draw debris dislodged from the bristles of the rotary brush into the debris intake.

Abstract: A washing machine seal cleaning tool specifically configured for use in cleaning the seal or gasket of a washing machine. The tool includes a handle portion having a length between a first end and a second end. The first end is bifurcated defining a space for the coupling of the rotating brush member between the bifurcations. The rotating brush member having a plurality of cleaning members configured to clean the seal. The first end including at least one brush member extending perpendicular to the handle length and having a conical shape.

Abstract: A roller brush assembly and a cleaning device are provided. The above roller brush assembly is applied in the cleaning device, including: a main roller brush; an electric motor configured to drive the main roller brush to rotate to sweep a surface to be cleaned; and an auxiliary roller brush driven by the main roller brush to rotate and sweep the surface to be cleaned towards the main roller brush.

Abstract: An autonomous floor-cleaning robot comprising a housing infrastructure including a chassis, a power subsystem, a motive subsystem to propel the robot for cleaning operations, a command and control subsystem to control the robot to effect cleaning operations, and a self-adjusting cleaning head subsystem that includes a deck mounted in pivotal combination with the chassis, a brush assembly to sweep up particulates during cleaning operations, a vacuum assembly to ingest particulates during cleaning operations, and a deck adjusting subassembly mounted in combination with the motive subsystem for the brush assembly, the deck, and the chassis that is automatically operative in response to an increase in brush torque in said brush assembly to pivot the deck with respect to said chassis. The robot includes a side brush assembly to entrain particulates outside the periphery of the housing infrastructure and to direct such particulates towards the self-adjusting cleaning head system.

Abstract: An irradiator apparatus and system that utilizes a single radiation source, such as X-rays, to irradiate product samples, such as blood, blood products, bone materials, or live laboratory animals, such as mice. The irradiator apparatus and system incorporates a radiation reflector having a moveable reflector portion, and a moving mechanism to allow product container rotation and orientation. In addition, a radiation filter is associated with the single radiation source, such as an X-ray source, to allow optimal dose distribution throughout the irradiated sample and compensate for beam profile asymmetry.

Abstract: A light assembly is configured to connect between a handle and a work implement. The light assembly includes a housing that defines an interior and includes an adapter with a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a first axis that extends centrally through the adapter between the first and second ends. The first end defines a bore configured to couple to the handle. The second end defines an extension configured to couple to the work implement. A battery receptacle is disposed within the interior of the housing and is configured to receive a battery. An elongated flexible arm extends from the housing and includes a first end adjacent the housing and a second end opposite the first end. A light is disposed at the second end of the elongated flexible arm.

Abstract: An autonomous floor-cleaning robot comprising a housing infrastructure including a power subsystem for providing the energy to power the autonomous floor-cleaning robot, a motive subsystem operative to propel the autonomous floor-cleaning robot for cleaning operations, a command and control subsystem operative to control the autonomous floor-cleaning robot to effect cleaning operations, and a self-adjusting cleaning head subsystem that includes a deck, a brush assembly mounted in combination with the deck and powered by the motive subsystem to sweep up particulates during cleaning operations, and a vacuum assembly disposed in combination with the deck and powered by the motive subsystem to ingest particulates during cleaning operations. The autonomous floor-cleaning robot also includes a side brush assembly powered by the motive subsystem to entrain particulates outside the periphery of the housing infrastructure and to direct such particulates towards the self-adjusting cleaning head subsystem.

Abstract: The manually operated floor sweeper is a manually powered cleaning unit that replaces the standard push broom. Designed for indoor and outdoor use, the manually operated floor sweeper provides a plurality of brushes that move dirt and trash to a hopper, which transports the dirt and trash to a receptacle. The manually operated floor sweeper comprises a plurality of brushes, a hopper system, a drive system, a gearing system and a body.

Abstract: A floor cleaning robot comprises a housing, wheels, and a motor driving the wheels to move the robot across a floor, a control module disposed within the housing and directing movement of the robot across the floor, a sensor for detecting and communicating obstacle information to the control module so that the control module can cause the robot to react to the obstacle, a removable bin disposed at least partially within the housing and receiving particulates, a first rotating member directing particulates toward the bin, and a second rotating member cooperating with the first rotating member to direct particulates toward the bin. The removable bin receives particulates directed thereto by the first and second rotating members and the particulates pass from the first rotating member to the removable bin without passing through a filter.

Abstract: A floor sweeper that picks up large particles without compromising the ability to collect dust. First and second rotary brush parts received in respective concavities in a base of the sweeper, have mouths disposed at different heights.

Abstract: A robot cleaner that automatically removes dust accumulated on a floor while navigating a cleaning area, and a method of controlling the robot cleaner, includes a main body that navigates a floor; a first detector that detects an obstacle getting closer to the main body; an auxiliary cleaner that is mounted on the main body to protrude and retract; a second detector that detects a protrusion state or a retraction state of the auxiliary cleaner; and a controller that determines an abnormal operation of the auxiliary cleaner based on a result of the detection of the second detector and controls a protrusion operation or a retraction operation of the auxiliary cleaner according to a result of the determination.

Abstract: A floor cleaning device that is manually trainable for subsequent automatic operation. Prior to automatic operation, a user trains the cleaning device by manually manipulating the device through one or more desired cleaning paths. After training of the device, the device is configured to automatically initiate subsequent cleaning operations in accordance with the trained routine(s). Preferably, the training routine includes user specification of one of a number of cleaning modalities that are supported by the flooring cleaning device. In addition to automatic navigation, the floor cleaning device is configured to initiate a desired cleaning modality as a function of the device's position with respect to one or more of the trained routine(s).

Abstract: A robot includes a robot housing having a substantially arcuate forward portion and a motor drive housed by the robot housing and configured to maneuver the robot on a floor surface. At least two independently driven drive wheels are moveably attached to the robot housing and biased toward the floor surface, each of the drive wheels being moveable downwardly in response to the each of the drive wheels moving over a cliff in the floor surface. A plurality of cliff sensors are disposed adjacent a forward edge of the robot housing and spaced from each other, each cliff sensor including an emitter and a detector aimed toward the floor surface and configured to receive emitter emissions reflected off of the floor surface, each cliff sensor being responsive to a cliff in the floor surface and configured to send a signal when a cliff in the floor surface is detected.

Abstract: A lightweight sweeper for a person with limited mobility includes an elongated handle. A sweeper head having a pivot joint is connected to a bottom end of the elongated handle. A release button is located near a top end of the elongated handle, whereby the person can easily depress the release button to allow the elongated handle to pivot at various angles on the pivot joint of the sweeper head when the sweeper head travels along a floor. An electric switch is located near the top end of the elongated handle, whereby the person can easily turn the electric switch on and off to operate a motorized brush unit in the sweeper head.

Abstract: A floor sweeper for recovering material from a surface to be cleaned comprises a handle assembly pivotably attached to a foot assembly. The foot assembly comprises a housing forming a brush chamber having a bottom opening. The foot assembly comprises a pair of driving gears and a split brush assembly rotatably mounted within the brush chamber and adapted to contact the surface through the opening. The brush assembly comprises two separately-rotatable halves each corresponding to one of the driving gears, with each half comprising a brush core, brush paddles or bristles affixed to an exterior of the brush core, and a brush gear adapted for rotation with the brush core. Each brush gear is driven by a corresponding driving gear to the corresponding brush core as the floor assembly is moved across the surface in order to drive the brushes to cleaning of the surface.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus with a removable compartment is provided that allows a dust cup in the removable compartment to be emptied while minimizing handling by the user. The removable compartment is removably secured within the surface cleaning apparatus. The removable compartment can be removed by activating a first trigger device. The dust cup can be emptied by activating a second trigger device.

Abstract: Probe data is analyzed to derive Longitudinal Speed Profiles (LSPs) and an Optimal Longitudinal Speed Profile (18) for each road segment or link in a digital map network. The Longitudinal Speed Profiles (LSPs) profiles are calculated during defined time spans whereas the Optimal Longitudinal Speed Profile (18) is based on the LSP for the time span corresponding only to free flow traffic conditions. All of the LSPs can used to create a respective energy cost for each time span, or only the OLSP (18) can be used (or alternatively the RRDSL 16 or LRRDSL 17) to calculate an energy cost for the free flow conditions only. The energy cost can be used to predict the energy required by a vehicle to traverse the link. Navigation software can use the energy cost to plan the most energy efficient route between two locations in the digital map. Sensory signals can be activated if a driver strays from the Optimal Longitudinal Speed Profile (18) to achieve extremely high levels of energy efficiency.

Abstract: A manually propelled, wheeled rotary brush having a handle and two wheels. The brush may have a generally cylindrical configuration which contacts the environmental surface on which the wheels ride, and may rotate about a horizontal axis disposed perpendicularly to the direction of travel as the wheels turn. The brush may be geared to the wheels, and may rotate faster than the wheels. The wheeled rotary brush may have a frame in which the gears are journaled. The handle may be propped in an elevated position by stabilizing legs disposed to engage the environmental surface at a point spaced apart from the brush. The brush may have replaceable brush elements which may be inserted into slots formed in a cylindrical core of the brush.

Abstract: A light weight floor sweeper having a very low profile sweeper head that uses a sweeping brush and cleaning pad to slide across the surface to be cleaned. The floor sweeper head is mounted to an elongated handle by means of a universal pivot or universal joint which allows the floor sweeper head to easily pivot about the handle in any direction to pick up debris under over hanging cabinets or under furniture. A sweeping brush is mounted on the bottom of the sweeper head to provide sweeping action as the floor sweeper is moved in any direction. Furthermore there is a soft cleaning pad releasably mounted adjacent to the brush to entrap dust and particles that the brush does not pick up. The brush is powered by a small electric motor. A removable dust-receiving tray is mounted in the sweeper head to receive debris swept by the brush.

Abstract: In a self-traveling cleaner of the present invention, a cleaning mechanism includes a brush mechanism rotatable along a floor surface and a driving mechanism for rotatingly driving the brush mechanism. The brush mechanism includes a rotation axis extending perpendicular to the floor surface, one arm projecting laterally from a lower end of the rotation axis, and a brush planted on the arm. The rotation axis is provided within a reverse side of the main body, and the arm has a rotation angle range in which the arm projects outwardly from an outer periphery of the main body and a rotation angle range in which the arm is contained within the outer periphery of the main body.

Abstract: A powered floor sweeper comprises a foot assembly with a motor driven primary agitator and a pair of edge agitators coupled to wheels such that manual propulsion of the sweeper rotates the wheels and thereby the edge agitators. The sweeper includes a slip clutch mechanism to protect the primary agitator and the motor in case the agitator become jammed. Additionally, the sweeper comprises a ramp assembly along an agitator opening to help collect dirt and dust at the primary agitator. A dust bin removably mounted in an open top dust bin recess is in communication with the agitator opening and receives the dirt and dust collected at the agitator opening. Furthermore, the sweeper comprises a handle assembly having a detent mechanism that interacts with a pivot cradle in the foot assembly to retain the handle assembly in a generally vertical position.

Abstract: A light weight floor sweeper has a sweeper head mounted to an elongated handle by means of a universal pivot or universal joint which allows the floor sweeper head to easily pivot about the handle in any direction to pick up debris under over hanging cabinets or under furniture. The floor sweeper has sweeping brushes mounted around all four sides of the sweeper head to provide sweeping action when the sweeper is moved in any direction. There are corner brushes extending out from the sides of the sweeper head that reach into corners to sweep debris toward the main sweeping brushes. All of the brushes are powered by a small electric motor that drives the brushes to direct the debris into a dust-receiving tray in the sweeper head. A gasket arrangement keeps dust and debris out of the gear housings located at each of the corners of the sweeper head regardless of the direction in which the sweeper head is moving.

Abstract: A handheld surface cleaning apparatus comprises a body including at least a rear compartment, a forward compartment and a top volume openly connected to the rear compartment. An elongate rotatable brush arrangement is positioned within and extends across the forward compartment. An electric motor assembly is positioned primarily in the rear compartment, with one or more components of the electric motor assembly residing in the top volume.

Abstract: This invention relates to new compositions and methods for cleaning textile substrates, especially carpet and upholstery fabrics. More particularly, this invention relates to liquid compositions that contain absorbent particles in a flowable fluid dispersion, which dries to a soil ladened powder, that can be removed by vacuuming, brushing, and/or laundering methods. The composition includes dispersion stabilizing additives such that the composition is presented as a stable dispersion or as a composition that may be easily redispersed prior to application.

Abstract: A floor sweeper head is mounted to an elongated handle by a universal pivot or universal joint which allows the floor sweeper head to easily pivot about the handle in any direction to pick up debris under over hanging cabinets or under furniture. The floor sweeper has sweeping brushes mounted around all sides of the sweeper head to provide sweeping action in any direction. All of the brushes are powered by a small electric motor. There is a battery mounted on the elongated handle and electrical connections are provided through the elongated handle and through the universal pivot to the electric motor so that power is provided to the brushes regardless of the orientation of the elongated handle.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus includes a surface cleaning strip and means responsive to movement of the surface cleaning apparatus over a surface to be cleaned for positioning the cleaning strip relative to the surface to be cleaned in dependence upon the direction of movement of the surface cleaning apparatus.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a body including a rear compartment, a forward compartment and an intermediate compartment arranged between the rear and forward compartments. An elongate rotatable brush arrangement is positioned within and extends across the forward compartment. An electric motor is positioned in the rear compartment, and drive means extends between the rotatable brush arrangement and the electric motor.

Abstract: A light weight floor sweeper having a very low profile sweeper head that uses glides rather than rollers to slide across the surface to be cleaned. The floor sweeper head is mounted to an elongated handle by a universal pivot or universal joint which allows the floor sweeper head to easily pivot about the handle in any direction to pick up debris under over hanging cabinets or under furniture. The floor sweeper has sweeping brushes mounted around all sides of the sweeper head to provide sweeping action in any direction. Furthermore there are corner brushes extending out from the sides of the sweeper head that reach into corners to sweep debris toward the main sweeping brushes. All of the brushes are powered by a small electric motor. The motor drives the brushes to direct the debris into a dust-receiving tray in the sweeper head.

Abstract: A floor care appliance such as a vacuum cleaner is provided having a traction wheel powered edge cleaner comprised of a vertical axis rotary agitator which is affixed to either the right or left side of the suction nozzle. The agitator is rotated by the traction wheel when the vacuum cleaner is disposed along a wall surface and moved relative to the wall surface. The rotating action of the agitator sweeps dirt particles off of the wall surface and along the edge of the wall surface into the path of the suction nozzle for pickup. When not in use the edge cleaner is stored in the accessory storage rack like other accessory tools. The agitator can have differing agitator elements such as bristles or a fluff wheel.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprising a body (1) with a front face (201) wherein the front face (201) comprises a non-planar lower edge (203) such that in use the distance between the lower edge (203) and a plane of a surface to be cleaned is not uniform.

Abstract: Floor sweeping apparatus (9) of the type having a rotary brush member (20), which in use is driven to rotate about a generally horizontal axis, the brush member (20) having bristle elements (22) that, as the brush member (20) rotates, extend during part of their range of movement through an aperture (13) in a base plate (12) of a housing (10) in which the rotary brush member (20) is rotatably journalled has at least one bristle element (22), hereinafter called an end-most bristle element (25), arranged immediately adjacent to each end of said brush member (20), and a deflector member (26) is provided at each end of the aperture (13) to co-operate with said end-most bristle element (25) at the respective end of the brush member (20).

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a body including a rear compartment, a forward compartment and an intermediate compartment arranged between the rear and forward compartments. An elongate rotatable brush arrangement is positioned within and extends across the forward compartment. An electric motor is positioned in the rear compartment for driving the rotatable brush arrangement and the electric motor.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a body including a rear compartment, a forward compartment and an intermediate compartment arranged between the rear and forward compartments. An elongate rotatable brush arrangement is positioned within and extends across the forward compartment. An electric motor is positioned in the rear compartment, and drive means extends between the rotatable brush arrangement and the electric motor.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a body including a rear compartment, a forward compartment and an intermediate compartment arranged between the rear and forward compartments. An elongate rotatable brush arrangement is positioned within and extends across the forward compartment. An electric motor is positioned in the rear compartment for driving the rotatable brush arrangement and the electric motor.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprising a body (1) with a front face (201) wherein the front face (201) comprises a non-planar lower edge (203) such that in use the distance between the lower edge (203) and a plane of a surface to be cleaned is not uniform.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a body (1; 106) including a rear compartment (3; 108), a forward compartment (9; 114) and an intermediate compartment (17; 124) arranged between the rear and forward compartments. An elongate rotatable brush arrangement (11; 116) is positioned within and extends across the forward compartment (9; 114). An electric motor (5; 110) is positioned in the rear compartment (3; 108), and drive means (25, 27, 29; 128, 130, 131) extends between the rotatable brush arrangement and the electric motor.

Abstract: A brush assembly for a vacuum cleaner includes a brush cover; a brush base connected to the brush cover, a rotary drum disposed between the brush cover and the brush base, and an edge brush integrated bumper. The edge brush integrated bumper is mounted around a joint surface between the brush cover and the brush base. The edge brush integrated bumper includes a pair of edge brush portions integrally formed with the bumper. Each edge brush portion corresponds to a side of the brush cover and brushes off dust that is not accessible to the rotary drum. The brush assembly further includes assembling position guide means and fixing means for securing bumper to the brush cover. Since the bumper and edge brushes are integrally formed in an injection molding process, the number of separate parts to the brush assembly is reduced. Also, since the bumper and edge brushes can be assembled simultaneously, productivity is increased as assembly time is decreased.

Abstract: A portable air filter system having a manually operable spray pump for scenting the air flowing therethrough. The system includes an enclosure having an air inlet and an air outlet, a motor/fan assembly for moving air through the air inlet and out the air outlet, a plurality of air filters disposed between the air inlet and the air outlet, and a manually operable pump in fluid communication with a liquid scented material for scenting the air disposed between the air filters and the air outlet. A brush is attached to a pair of side walls of a wide portion of the enclosure and spans the air inlet. In use the brush aids in dislodging dust and lint from fabric materials.

Abstract: A removable brush spacer assembly for attachment to the lateral edge of a vacuum cleaner nozzle in order to support an edge brush and to space the brush with respect to a surface is shown and described. The brush spacer assembly incorporates an elongated main body having a base, a plurality of bristles collectively forming an edge brush, and a spacer. The brush is attached at one end to the main body, with the bristles projecting toward the surface being vacuumed. The spacer is attached to the main body and projects below the base to control the relationship of the brush with respect to the surface.

Abstract: A sweeper comprising a housing, at least one drawer, and at least one brush rotatably mounted to the housing for sweeping debris into the drawer. The housing forms an opening for removably mounting the drawer for movement between an open and a closed position. The sweeper is rollably supported on wheels which drive the brush. The sweeper incorporates modular features which allow the sweeper to be assembled without the use of tools.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner is provided and includes an upper section with a handle (15) and a lower cleaning nozzle section (14, 14') having a main suction opening (18) formed in the underside (16) thereof. A suction source (M) is provided and an edge cleaning tool (60) having a suction bore (64) formed therethrough is releasably connected to the cleaning nozzle section (14'). A suction hose (20) selectively connects one of the main suction opening (18) of the nozzle (14') and the suction bore (64) of the edge cleaning tool (60) with the suction source (M). First and second laterally spaced casters (30a, 30b) extend from the underside (16) of the nozzle (14, 14') and each caster (30a, 30b) is pivotable respectively about a vertical axis (D,E). First and second laterally spaced fixed wheels (32a, 32b), each rotatable about a single rolling axis (C), are also provided and positioned forward of the first and second casters (30a, 30b).

Abstract: A sweeping machine has two circular brooms at the front region of a housing rotating towards the inside in opposing directions. Inside the housing and adjoining a sweeper plate across which the circular brooms sweep, a cylinder broom sweeping in a direction towards the front region is arranged. The cylinder broom picks up the refuse swept by the circular brooms and sweeps up dusty refuse in particular from the ground and throws both of these together backwards into the housing into a refuse container.

Abstract: A cleaning member having reduced manufacturing cost is provided for effectively sweeping out fine dust, pieces of thread, pieces of cotton waste and the like, and otherwise improving dust collecting performance. The cleaning members for cleaning areas nearby walls are fitted to a floor cleaner that stirs up dust on the surface of a floor by means of a rotary member mounted on its main body casing. The floor cleaner receives and contains the stirred-up dust in dust collecting chambers. The cleaning member includes a mounting section which is molded integrally from a soft and flexible material and which is for mounting the cleaning member onto the main body casing, and at least one downwardly extending plate.

Abstract: A floor care appliance, in particular a vacuum cleaning appliance, for example a vacuum cleaner (1) or a floor polisher, with downwardly directed bristles (11) arranged preferably around its outer periphery, the bristles (11) being fixed in a mounting strip (13), and the mounting strip (13) being positively held in a downwardly open receiving groove portion (14) of sidewalls (16, 19) inwardly extending projections (17, 24) being disposed on the sidewalls (16, 19). In order to enable force-free installation and removal of the mounting strip fitted with the bristles, the projections (24) of one sidewall (19) are displaceable into a release disposition for the mounting strip (13).

Abstract: A brush-type sweeper unit includes a prism-like body that has a base with an open front part, an open front face, and an upper face provided by a removable cap from which a handle for moving the sweeper unit extends. The body also includes parallel sidewalls between which first, second and third shafts extend, with the second shaft being between the first and third shafts. Front and rear cylindrical brushes are mounted on the respective first and second shafts, and a set of front wheels are also mounted on the first shaft at opposite ends thereof. Mounted on the third shaft are a set of rear wheels that are in edge-to-edge frictional engagement with a set of driven wheels on the second shaft. In this way the rear brush is driven by rotation of the rear wheels transmitted through the driven wheels, with rotation of the rear brush being in a direction opposite to the rotational direction of the front brush.

Abstract: A raised powered baseboard brush apparatus (10) for use on top of a conventional corner sweeper attachment (100) for a powered floor sweeper (200) for engaging a rotating elevated baseboard brush member (26) into contact with the top portion of a baseboard (50) disposed parallel to the line of travel of the powered floor sweeper (200).

Abstract: A floor nozzle for a vacuum cleaner of the present invention has an auxiliary agitator provided outside the lateral wall of a main body of the nozzle. The auxiliary agitator is covered by a protecting cover, so as to ensure safety during use. Moreover, a stirring member, a dust outlet and confirmation holes allow dust to be discharged out of the main body more easily and smoothly, while preventing burning or breaking of the agitator.

Abstract: A floor nozzle for vacuum cleaner in addition to a main rotating brush has auxiliary rotating brushes positioned aperatures in the side faces of the nozzle which extend to the bottom thereof, thereby to brush and suck dusts of edges on a carpet adjacent a wall of a room.

Abstract: A floor cleaner of the present invention has wheels provided on a main body casing which is journaled to a proximal portion of an operation handle, a rotary cleaning body on each side end portion of which is mounted a driven roller which is freely engageable by a respective one of the wheels, individual rotatable auxiliary rotary cleaning bodies located at both side end portions of the main body casing, respectively, and ducts communicating one of the dust collecting chambers, the chambers having dust intakes that respectively face the rotary cleaning body.

Abstract: A rotary brush sweeper includes a rotary brush which is rotatable about a brush axis and which may be of generally cylindrical form. The rotary brush is supported in a brush support assembly that is pivotable about a central axis, with the brush axis being offset from the central axis. As a result, rotation of the pivotable brush support assembly accomplishes the raising or lowering of the rotary brush with respect to a surface being cleaned. In a preferred configuration, the pivotable brush support assembly includes a pair of spaced support members having respective annular convex mounting surfaces. The spaced support members are received within respective annular concave mounting surfaces situated on a housing structure for the sweeper.