DYSON TECHNOLOGY LIMITED Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160130792 | FIXTURE FOR A SINK - A dual-purpose fixture for a sink or wash basin, incorporating both a water tap and a hand dryer. The water tap has a spout arranged to project over the basin of the sink, and the hand dryer incorporates two or more hand-dryer nozzles—at least one for each of a user's hands. The left-hand nozzle is located on the left-hand side of the spout and the right-hand nozzle is located on the right-hand side of the spout, specifically so that the spout acts as a dividing partition between the two hand-dryer nozzles. This encourages correct usage of the hand-dryer. The fixture may be fitted to a sink or wall-mounted above the sink. | 05-12-2016 |
20160114273 | APPARATUS FOR SEPARATING PARTICLES FROM A FLUID - An apparatus for removing dirt from an airflow, the apparatus comprising an air inlet, an impeller for generating an airflow through the apparatus and for generating swirl within the airflow, the swirl throwing the dirt radially outwards and producing an outer dirty portion and an inner clean portion of airflow downstream of the impeller, and one or more splitters downstream of the impeller that bifurcate the airflow, separating the outer dirty portion from the inner clean portion. | 04-28-2016 |
20160113467 | VACUUM CLEANER WITH MOTOR COOLING - A vacuum cleaner having a dirt-separation stage and a vacuum motor for moving air through the dirt-separation stage. The vacuum motor includes an impeller driven by an electric motor. The impeller is then located upstream of the dirt-separation stage, the electric motor is located downstream of the dirt-separation stage, and at least part of the air discharged from the dirt-separation stage is used to cool the electric motor. | 04-28-2016 |
20160113466 | VACUUM CLEANER WITH MOTOR BETWEEN SEPARATION STAGES - A vacuum cleaner that includes a first dirt-separation stage, a second dirt-separation stage, and a vacuum motor for moving air through the first dirt-separation stage and the second dirt-separation stage. The vacuum motor has a centrifugal impeller driven by an electric motor. The first dirt-separation stage is then located upstream of the impeller, the second dirt-separation stage is located downstream of the impeller, and the second dirt-separation stage has a plurality of cyclonic separators that are arranged around the vacuum motor. | 04-28-2016 |
20160113465 | VACUUM CLEANER WITH MOTOR BETWEEN SEPARATION STAGES - A vacuum cleaner having a main body and a dirt separator that is removably attached to the main body. The dirt separator includes a first dirt-separation stage, a second dirt-separation stage, and a vacuum motor for moving air through the first dirt-separation stage and the second dirt-separation stage. The vacuum motor has an impeller driven by an electric motor. The first dirt-separation stage is then located upstream of the impeller, and the second dirt-separation stage is located downstream of the impeller. | 04-28-2016 |
20160113464 | SEPARATOR FOR REMOVING DIRT PARTICLES FROM AN AIRFLOW - A separator for removing dirt particles from an airflow, the separator comprising a first separation stage having an impeller, and a second separation stage having one or more cyclone bodies arranged in parallel, the first separation stage being upstream of the second separation stage. The impeller generates the airflow through the separator and concentrates the dirt particles within the airflow to produce a clean portion and a dirty portion of airflow, and wherein only the dirty portion of airflow is passed through the second separation stage. | 04-28-2016 |
20160113460 | APPARATUS FOR SEPARATING PARTICLES FROM AN AIRFLOW - An apparatus for separating particles from an airflow, the apparatus comprising a housing comprising an inner wall, and a body positioned within the housing and separated therefrom so as to define a substantially annular flow path between the body and the inner wall. The housing is rotationally stationary, and the body is rotatable relative to the housing about a rotational axis, the body comprising an impeller section having a first set of blades extending from the body into the annular flow path towards the inner wall of the housing, the impeller being rotatable for generating airflow through the apparatus and for generating swirl within the airflow, and a turbine section located downstream of the impeller section, the turbine section having a second set of blades for recapturing rotational energy from the airflow. | 04-28-2016 |
20160100730 | VACUUM CLEANER - A vacuum cleaner comprising a dirty air intake and a cyclonic separating apparatus connected in series. The cyclonic separating apparatus comprises a plurality of cyclonic separators connected in parallel. The vacuum cleaner further comprises a bleed valve provided upstream of the plurality of cyclonic separators. The bleed valve opens to admit bled air into the plurality of cyclonic separators in response to a drop in pressure in the vacuum cleaner. The bleed valve is also connected to the inlets of the plurality of cyclonic separators via a common plenum. | 04-14-2016 |
20160100729 | DOMESTIC CYCLONIC VACUUM CLEANER - A cyclonic vacuum cleaner including a suction inlet fluidly connected in series to a vac-motor for drawing a dirty airflow in through the suction inlet. The suction inlet is fluidly connected downstream to both a first cyclonic separator and to a flow device via a flow junction, the flow junction configured for dividing the dirty airflow into two separate airflows, a first airflow passing through the first cyclonic separator and a second airflow passing through the flow device, thus stepping down the dirty airflow through the first separator compared to the dirty airflow through the suction inlet. The flow device is either a second cyclonic separator, an air filter or an air turbine. A screening member is upstream of the flow device for screening out dirt particles from the second airflow so that the dirt particles are retained in the first airflow, thus “concentrating” dust loading in the first airflow. | 04-14-2016 |
20160091899 | APPARATUS FOR GUIDING AN AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE TOWARDS A DOCKING STATION - An apparatus for guiding an autonomous vehicle towards a docking station including an autonomous vehicle with a camera-based sensing system, a drive system for driving the autonomous vehicle, and a control system for controlling the drive system. The apparatus includes a docking station including a first fiducial marker and a second fiducial marker, wherein the second fiducial marker is positioned on the docking station to define a predetermined relative spacing with the first fiducial marker, wherein the control system is operable to receive an image provided by the camera-based sensing system, the image including a representation of the first and second fiducial markers, and to control the drive system so as to guide the autonomous vehicle towards the base station based on a difference between the representation of the first and second fiducial markers in the received image and the predetermined relative spacing between the first and second fiducial markers. | 03-31-2016 |
20160059770 | MOBILE ROBOT - A mobile robot comprising: a vision system, the vision system comprising a camera and two or more light sources each arranged to provide a level of illumination to an area surrounding the mobile robot; wherein the two or more light sources are arranged to illuminate separate areas surrounding the robot corresponding to different sections of an image captured by the camera, and the level of illumination provided by each of the light sources is independently adjustable. | 03-03-2016 |
20160059420 | MOBILE ROBOT - A mobile robot comprising: a vision system, the vision system comprising a camera and at least one light source arranged to provide a level of illumination to an area surrounding the mobile robot; and a control system, the control system comprising a feature detection unit for detecting features within images captured by the vision system; wherein the level of illumination provided by the light source is adjusted in response to the number of features detected by the feature detection unit. | 03-03-2016 |
20160058261 | ROBOT CLEANER - A robot cleaner comprising: a body; and a sensor protruding from a top surface of the body, wherein the body comprises a protrusion positioned forward of the sensor relative to a forward driving direction of the robot cleaner, the protrusion extending to a height that is at least equal to the height of the sensor. | 03-03-2016 |
20160058259 | VACUUM CLEANER - A vacuum cleaner comprising a main body and a cyclonic separating apparatus. The separating apparatus comprises a dirt collection chamber and a baffle arrangement, and is mounted within the main body such that a first part of the dirt collection chamber is obscured and a second part of the dirt collection chamber is visible during normal use. The baffle arrangement is positioned within the dirt collection chamber such that, during use, an airflow moving within the dirt collection chamber is disrupted by the baffle arrangement causing dirt to collect preferentially in the second part. | 03-03-2016 |
20160058258 | CLEANER HEAD - A cleaner head for a cleaning appliance, comprising a main body, a first bearing assembly, a second bearing assembly and a brushbar. The first bearing assembly is secured to the main body, and comprises a first stationary part fixed with respect to the main body and a first rotary part arranged to rotate with respect to the first stationary part. The second bearing assembly is secured to the main body, and comprises a second stationary part fixed with respect to the main body and a second rotary part arranged to rotate with respect to the second stationary part. The brushbar is coupled for rotation with the first and second rotary parts such that the brushbar rotates with the first and second rotary parts, and is configured to slidably engage the first and second rotary parts such that it can be separated from the first and second rotary parts for cleaning. | 03-03-2016 |
20160051106 | VACUUM CLEANER - A vacuum cleaner comprising a cyclonic separating apparatus including a dirty air inlet, a main body connected to the cyclonic separating apparatus and a motor and fan unit for generating an airflow through the cyclonic separating apparatus from the dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, wherein the cyclonic separating apparatus includes at least a first cyclonic cleaning stage and an elongate filter arranged fluidly downstream from the first cyclonic cleaning stage, the elongate filter being housed in a duct at least partially surrounded by the first cleaning stage, and wherein the filter comprises an inlet portion and a filter portion defining a generally tubular filter chamber, the inlet portion including one or more radially facing inlets to permit air to flow into the inlet portion in a radial direction from where the air flows from the inlet portion to the filter chamber in an axial direction. | 02-25-2016 |
20160037986 | CLEANER HEAD - A cleaner head for a vacuum cleaning appliance includes a main body, a front agitator and a rear agitator, each agitator being rotatable relative to the main body, a mechanism for rotating the front agitator and the rear agitator, and a surface agitating edge located between the front agitator and the rear agitator. | 02-11-2016 |
20160033150 | HUMIDIFYING APPARATUS - A humidifying apparatus includes a base, a water tank removably mounted on the base for supplying water to a chamber of the base, and a motor-driven impeller for generating an air flow over water stored in the chamber. An ultraviolet radiation emitting lamp irradiates water stored in the chamber. The air flow is humidified with water from the chamber, and conveyed by an outlet duct towards an air outlet for emission from the apparatus. A detachable section of the water tank is opaque to ultraviolet radiation and is positioned over the chamber when the water tank is mounted on the base. The detachable section of the water tank includes an air inlet of the outlet duct and a flange for occluding a peripheral portion of the chamber. | 02-04-2016 |
20160033148 | HUMIDIFYING APPARATUS - A humidifying apparatus includes a body and a nozzle detachably mounted on the body. The body includes a chamber, a water tank for supplying water to the chamber, and a motor-driven impeller for generating an air flow over water stored in the chamber. An ultraviolet radiation emitting lamp irradiates water stored in the chamber. The air flow is humidified with water from the chamber, and conveyed to the nozzle for emission from the apparatus. A sensor detects the position of the nozzle relative to the body, and a drive circuit controls the actuation of the lamp depending on an output from the sensor. | 02-04-2016 |
20160032941 | FAN ASSEMBLY - A fan assembly includes a body and an air outlet connected to the body. The body includes an air inlet comprising a plurality of apertures formed in an outer casing of the body, an impeller and a motor for driving the impeller to generate an air flow which passes along an air flow path extending from the air inlet to the impeller, a drive circuit for actuating the motor, the drive circuit being connected to the outer casing, and a panel for shielding the drive circuit from the air flow passing along the air flow path. The drive circuit includes a connector for connecting the drive circuit to a power cable, the connector being located within the outer casing. The outer casing includes an aperture through which the power cable is inserted to connect the cable to the connector, The panel includes a drain located beneath the connector. | 02-04-2016 |
20160032927 | FAN ASSEMBLY - A fan assembly includes a body and a nozzle connected to the body. The body includes an impeller, a motor housing, and a motor located within the motor housing for driving the impeller. The impeller has a substantially conical hub connected to the motor, a plurality of curved vanes connected to the outer surface of the hub, and an annular vane connected to the base of the hub. The motor housing has an annular groove for receiving at least the tip of the annular vane, and an annular lip forming a drip edge extending about the motor housing, the annular lip defining an outer peripheral wall of the groove. | 02-04-2016 |
20160028334 | DRIVE CIRCUIT FOR A BRUSHLESS MOTOR (as amended) - A drive circuit for a brushless motor comprising power lines for carrying an AC voltage, an inverter, and a controller. Each leg of the inverter is connected to a winding of the motor and comprises one or more bi-directional switches. The controller can output control signals that cause a pair of switches to conduct in one direction during the positive half-cycle of the AC voltage, and to conduct in the opposite direction during the negative half-cycle of the AC voltage. Alternatively, The controller can output control signals that cause a first pair of switches to conduct during the positive half-cycle of the AC voltage and a second pair of switches to conduct during the negative half-cycle of the AC voltage such that the winding is excited in the same direction irrespective of the polarity of the AC voltage. | 01-28-2016 |
20160000283 | VACUUM CLEANER - A vacuum cleaner comprising a separating apparatus comprising a first cyclonic separator and a second cyclonic separator arranged in parallel with the first cyclonic separator, an airflow generator arranged to generate an airflow through the first and second cyclonic separators, and a flow control device for controlling the flow of air through the second cyclonic separator. The vacuum cleaner has a first configuration in which the flow control device is arranged to prevent flow of air through the second cyclonic separator such that, in use, air flows through the first cyclonic separator and bypasses the second cyclonic separator, and a second configuration in which the flow control device is arranged to permit flow of air though the second cyclonic separator such that, in use, air flows through the first and second cyclonic separators. | 01-07-2016 |
20160000282 | MOBILE ROBOT - A mobile robot including a body having a drive arrangement for driving the body on a surface, the body further including a bias for biasing a rear portion of the body in a direction away from the floor surface. The bias may include a spring-loaded swing arm located on a rear portion of the body and which is movable between stowed and deployed positions. | 01-07-2016 |
20160000201 | ATTACHMENT FOR A HAIR CARE APPLIANCE - Disclosed is an attachment for a hot styling appliance, the appliance comprising a body comprising a fluid inlet, a fan unit, a heater and a fluid flow path from the fluid inlet through the fan unit and heater, and a head comprising a generally tubular outer wall having a fluid outlet extending at least partially along the generally tubular outer wall which in use is in fluid communication with the body providing a fluid outlet for fluid drawn into the fluid inlet, the attachment comprising an elongate member which, when attached to the appliance, extends at least partially along the fluid outlet. The head may be bristleless. The elongate member may be wider than the outer wall of the head. The elongate member may extend around a quarter or at least a third of the outer wall. The elongate member may extend beyond the generally tubular outer wall. | 01-07-2016 |
20150374186 | VACUUM CLEANER TOOL - A tool for a vacuum cleaner that comprises a nozzle and a bristle assembly. The nozzle comprises an elongate suction opening. The bristle assembly, which is mounted within the nozzle and protrudes through the suction opening, comprises a carrier to which a strip of bristles is attached. | 12-31-2015 |
20150374185 | VACUUM CLEANER TOOL - A tool for a vacuum cleaner that comprises a nozzle and a bristle assembly. A suction opening is provided in the base of the nozzle, which extends from a front to a rear of the nozzle. The bristle assembly is mounted within the nozzle and protrudes through the suction opening. The suction opening is delimited along its length by a leading edge and a trailing edge, and at least part of the leading edge is raised relative to a front end and a rear end of the nozzle. Consequently, when the tool is swept over a cleaning surface and the front end and the rear end of the nozzle contact the cleaning surface, a gap is created between the cleaning surface and the leading edge. | 12-31-2015 |
20150359394 | VACUUM CLEANER - A vacuum cleaner comprising a cyclonic separating apparatus including a dirty air inlet, a main body connected to the cyclonic separating apparatus and a motor and fan unit for generating an airflow through the cyclonic separating apparatus from the dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, wherein the cyclonic separating apparatus includes at least a first cyclonic cleaning stage and an elongate filter arranged fluidly downstream from the first cyclonic cleaning stage, the elongate filter being housed in a duct at least partially surrounded by the first cleaning stage, and wherein the filter comprises an inlet portion and a filter portion defining a generally tubular filter chamber, the inlet portion including one or more radially facing inlets to permit air to flow into the inlet portion in a radial direction from where the air flows from the inlet portion to the filter chamber in an axial direction. | 12-17-2015 |
20150354586 | FAN ASSEMBLY - A bladeless fan assembly for creating an air current includes a nozzle mounted on a base. The nozzle comprises an interior passage and a mouth for receiving the air flow from the interior passage and through which the air flow is emitted from the fan assembly. The nozzle defines an opening through which air from outside the fan assembly is drawn by the air flow emitted from the mouth. The nozzle is detachable from the base, which is preferably sized to be accommodated within the opening of the nozzle for transportation. | 12-10-2015 |
20150342409 | DOMESTIC APPLIANCE - A domestic blender has a receptacle and a tool. The receptacle has a bottom wall, a side wall defining an opening through which foodstuff material is introduced to the receptacle, and a longitudinal axis about which the side wall is disposed. The tool has a processing member located within the receptacle adjacent to the bottom wall, extending outwardly from a rotational axis of the tool passing through the bottom wall and being inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the receptacle. The processing member is rotatable about the rotational axis to describe a swept volume having a cross-section defined by the intersection of the swept volume with a plane extending through and containing both the longitudinal axis and the rotational axis, the cross-section having a first section having a lateral surface substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, and a second section having a lateral surface substantially parallel to that axis. | 12-03-2015 |
20150342408 | DOMESTIC APPLIANCE - A domestic blender includes a receptacle, a tool located within the receptacle, and a base upon which the receptacle is detachably mounted. The receptacle has a bottom wall, a side wall defining an opening through which foodstuff material is introduced to the receptacle, and a longitudinal axis about which the side wall is disposed. The tool has a shaft which passes through an aperture located in the bottom wall of the receptacle, and a processing member for engaging foodstuff material. The base has a motor for rotating the tool about a rotational axis. The motor has an output shaft which is collinear with the rotational axis of the tool, which is inclined to the longitudinal axis of the receptacle by an angle in the range from 15 to 75°. | 12-03-2015 |
20150342407 | DOMESTIC APPLIANCE - A domestic blender includes a receptacle and a tool. The receptacle has a bottom wall, a side wall defining an opening through which foodstuff material is introduced to the receptacle, and a longitudinal axis about which the side wall is disposed. A part of the side wall which is connected to the bottom wall has a cross-section in a plane which is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, the cross-section having a shape in the form of at least part of a convex closed curve or a convex polygon with a non-unitary aspect ratio, such as an ellipse. The tool has a shaft and a processing member for engaging foodstuff material, the processing member being disposed on the shaft such that the processing member is located within the receptacle. The tool is rotatable about a rotational axis which is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the receptacle. | 12-03-2015 |
20150342406 | DOMESTIC APPLIANCE - A domestic blender includes a receptacle having a bottom wall, a side wall defining an opening through which foodstuff material is introduced to the receptacle, and a longitudinal axis about which the side wall is disposed. The bottom wall has a wall surface having a segment with one of a frustoconical shape, a faceted shape, a convex shape and a concave shape, the shape of the segment of the wall surface having an axis of symmetry which is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the receptacle so that an end of the segment which adjoins the side wall has a substantially circular shape. The blender also includes a rotatable tool having a processing member for engaging foodstuff material, the processing member being located within the receptacle adjacent to the segment of the wall surface. | 12-03-2015 |
20150342405 | DOMESTIC APPLIANCE - A domestic blender includes a receptacle and a tool located within the receptacle. The receptacle has a bottom wall, a side wall defining an opening through which foodstuff material is introduced to the receptacle, and a longitudinal axis about which the side wall extends. A wall surface of the bottom wall includes a curved segment having a shape with a vertex which is spaced from the longitudinal axis of the receptacle. The tool includes a processing member located adjacent to the curved segment of the wall surface. The tool is rotatable about a rotational axis which passes through the vertex and is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the receptacle. | 12-03-2015 |
20150338113 | FAN ASSEMBLY - A fan assembly includes a nozzle and a body on which the nozzle is mounted. The nozzle has a first air inlet, a first air outlet, and a first interior passage for conveying air from the first air inlet to the first air outlet. The nozzle also includes a second air inlet, a plurality of second air outlets, and a second interior passage for conveying air from the second air inlet to the second air outlets. The body generates a first air flow through the first interior passage and a second air flow through the second interior passage. A first air passageway conveys the first air flow to the first air inlet and a second air passageway conveys the second air flow to the second air inlet. One of the temperature, humidity, composition and electrical charge of the second air flow is changed before it is emitted from the nozzle. | 11-26-2015 |
20150320273 | CLEANING APPLIANCE - A cleaning appliance of the cylinder type comprises a separating apparatus for separating dirt from a dirt-bearing fluid flow, and a floor-engaging rolling assembly. The separating apparatus comprises a first cyclonic separation unit having a low efficiency cyclone and a second cyclonic separation unit having a plurality of second cyclones. The rolling assembly comprises a main body having a recess in which the separating apparatus is received, and a plurality of floor-engaging wheels rotatably connected to the main body. The recess in the main body comprises a plurality of shaped recesses, each of which corresponds to the shape of at least a portion of a second cyclone. When the separating apparatus is received in the recess, a second cyclone is located at least partially in each shaped recess. | 11-12-2015 |
20150320272 | CLEANING APPLIANCE - A cleaning appliance of the cylinder type comprises a separating apparatus for separating dirt from a dirt-bearing fluid flow, and a floor-engaging rolling assembly. The separating apparatus comprises a first cyclonic separation unit having a low efficiency cyclone and a second cyclonic separation unit having a plurality of second cyclones. The rolling assembly comprises a main body and a pair of floor-engaging wheels. The main body comprises a recess in which the separating apparatus is received such that when the cleaning appliance is viewed from either side there is no gap between the first cyclonic separation unit and the rolling assembly along at least 50 to 100% of the full length of the low efficiency cyclone. | 11-12-2015 |
20150320271 | CLEANING APPLIANCE - A cleaning appliance of the cylinder type comprises a separating apparatus for separating dirt from a dirt-bearing fluid flow, and a floor-engaging rolling assembly comprising a main body and a pair of floor-engaging wheels. The most rearward point of the separating apparatus is arranged in line with or rearward of the centre point of the wheels. | 11-12-2015 |
20150320268 | HAND DRYER - A hand dryer for drying a user's hands by means of an airflow discharged through an air outlet on the hand dryer. The airflow is generated by a motor-driven fan unit. The fan unit is supported by resilient support member in contact with the fan unit, the support member having a vertex, which vertex makes said contact with the fan unit. | 11-12-2015 |
20150297050 | CLEANING APPARATUS - A cleaning apparatus comprising a handheld vacuum cleaner. The handheld vacuum cleaner comprises a separator, an airflow generator, a handle for maneuvering the handheld vacuum cleaner during use and a first connector. The cleaning apparatus further comprises a cleaning implement, comprising a second connector which engages with the first connector such that the cleaning implement is in fluid communication with the separator, where the second connector comprises a catch having a first configuration in which disengagement of the second connector from the first connector is prevented, and a second configuration in which the second connector can be disengaged from the first connector. | 10-22-2015 |
20150297045 | CLEANING IMPLEMENT FOR A VACUUM CLEANER AND CLEANING APPARATUS - A cleaning implement comprising a connector for connecting the cleaning implement to a vacuum cleaner such that the cleaning implement is in fluid communication with the vacuum cleaner. The connector comprises an engagement portion and a catch pivotally connected to the engagement portion such that the catch has a pivot axis X, the catch comprises a pressing portion spaced from the pivot axis X and a latching element arranged on a portion of the catch extending from the pivot axis X to the pressing portion. The catch is arranged such that pressing on the pressing portion pivots the catch from a first configuration in which the latching element is in an engagement position for preventing disengagement of the connector from the vacuum cleaner, to a second configuration in which the latching element is in a disengagement position in which the connector can be disengaged from the vacuum cleaner. | 10-22-2015 |
20150265117 | CLEANER HEAD - A cleaner head that includes a main body having an agitator chamber, an axle that extends into the chamber, a bearing assembly mounted on the axle, a biasing member, and an agitator mounted on the bearing assembly. The bearing assembly is moveable along the axle between a first position and a second position. The biasing member then biases the bearing assembly towards the first position, and the agitator pushes the bearing assembly against the biasing member towards the second position. | 09-24-2015 |
20150265116 | CLEANER APPLIANCE - A cleaning appliance having a cleaner head rotatably attached to a duct. The cleaner head includes a main body having an agitator chamber, an agitator rotatably mounted within the agitator chamber, and a drive assembly coupled to the agitator such that torque generated by the drive assembly is transmitted to the agitator. The drive assembly is located within the agitator such that the centre of gravity of the cleaner head is located on or near a vertical plane containing the rotational axis about which the cleaner head rotates relative to the duct. | 09-24-2015 |
20150265115 | SURFACE TREATING HEAD - A surface treating head comprising a first body defining an inner aperture, and a support body defining an outer aperture, the outer aperture surrounding the inner aperture, and the support body being moveable relative to the first body to allow for relative movement between the inner and outer apertures in a substantially vertical direction, wherein the surface treating head further comprises a bellow seal provided between the first body and the support body that maintains a substantially airtight seal between the first body and support body irrespective of their relative positions and movements. | 09-24-2015 |
20150265114 | SURFACE TREATING HEAD - A surface treating head comprising a suction cavity having a suction cavity opening bounded by a front working edge and a rear working edge, at least one of the front and rear working edges being moveable between a first position in which the suction cavity opening is at a maximum and a second position in which the suction cavity opening is at a minimum, an actuating mechanism comprising a user-operable actuator for actuating at least one of the front and rear working edges between the first and second positions, and one or more air bleed vents, wherein actuation of the actuating mechanism causes the one or more air bleed vents to open and close. | 09-24-2015 |
20150265024 | ATTACHMENT FOR A HAND HELD APPLIANCE - An attachment for a hand held appliance comprising an inlet; an outlet; and a fluid flow path between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the outlet comprises at least one slot extending from near an inlet end of the attachment towards a distal end of the attachment and wherein the outlet is at least partially defined by an external surface of the attachment wherein fluid emitted from the outlet is blown along the external surface. The slot extends substantially along the length of the attachment. The outlet comprises slots radially spaced around the attachment. Fluid emitted from the outlet flows around the external surface of the attachment, tangentially to the external surface, and is attracted to the surface of the attachment. The attachment has a longitudinal axis extending from the first end to the distal end and the at least one slot may be parallel to the longitudinal axis. | 09-24-2015 |
20150265023 | ATTACHMENT FOR A HAND HELD APPLIANCE - An attachment for a hand held appliance comprising a body having a wall, a fluid inlet at one end of the wall and a fluid outlet through the wall wherein the fluid outlet comprises at least one slot extending along the wall and wherein the at least one slot is formed by an overlap of a first end of the wall and a second end of the wall. The wall may be formed from at least two plates. A first one of the at least two plates may comprise the first end of the wall and a second one may comprise the second end of the wall. The first of the at least two plates may define a radially inner surface of the slot. The second one of the at least two plates may define a radially outer surface of the slot. The slot may be tangential to the wall. | 09-24-2015 |
20150265022 | ATTACHMENT FOR A HAND HELD APPLIANCE - An attachment for a hand held appliance comprising a body having a first wall; a second wall; and a slot formed along at least part of the length of the attachment, wherein the slot is defined on a first side by a surface of the first wall and on a second side by a surface of the second wall. The first wall may be generally tubular. The surface of the second wall may be substantially linear. The second wall may extend out from the first wall. The second wall may be moveable or rotatable relative to the first wall. The second wall may be generally triangular. The second wall may have a first indexed position defining a first slot position. The second wall may have a second indexed position defining a second slot position. An indexed position may be defined by a detent mechanism. | 09-24-2015 |
20150223656 | VACUUM CLEANER TOOL - A tool for a vacuum cleaner that includes a nozzle and a duct for attachment to a wand, hose or the like of the vacuum cleaner. One or more suction openings are provided in a base of the nozzle. The front of the nozzle includes a chamfered section and a further section. A suction opening is then provided in the further section, and the chamfered section is closed. The internal angle formed between the chamfered section and the further section is greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees. | 08-13-2015 |
20150223655 | VACUUM CLEANER TOOL - A tool for a vacuum cleaner comprising a duct for attachment to a wand, hose or the like of the vacuum cleaner, a nozzle and one of more dirt-sweeping elements. The dirt-sweeping elements are secured to a base of the nozzle and are arranged into at least two chevrons oriented in opposite directions towards the sides of the nozzle. At least two suction openings are then provided in the base of the nozzle, each suction opening being located within a chevron. | 08-13-2015 |
20150223654 | VACUUM CLEANER TOOL - A tool for a vacuum cleaner that includes a nozzle and a bristle assembly. An elongate suction opening is provided in a base of the nozzle. The bristle assembly is mounted within the nozzle and includes a carrier to which a strip of bristles is attached. The carrier pivots or flexes relative to the nozzle and has a pair of wings located on opposite sides of the bristles. | 08-13-2015 |
20150216384 | SEPARATING APPARATUS IN A VACUUM CLEANER - A vacuum cleaner comprising a vac motor and a separating apparatus for separating out dust particles entrained in an airflow drawn through the separator by the vac motor. The separating apparatus incorporates a non-cyclonic separation stage , the non-cyclonic separation stage comprising a flow bend for turning the airflow to separate out some of the dust particles entrained in the airflow, and a dust collector for collecting the dust particles separated out by the flow bend. The dust collector incorporates an opening, the flow bend being formed by a partition which divides the opening into a flow bend inlet and a flow bend outlet, the partition extending part-way into the dust collector so that airflow entering through the flow bend inlet is then forced to bend around the partition inside the dust collector before exiting through the flow bend outlet. | 08-06-2015 |
20150216383 | SEPARATING APPARATUS IN A VACUUM CLEANER - A vacuum cleaner having a vac-motor and a dust separator for separating out dust particles entrained in an airflow drawn through the separator by the vac-motor. The separator is a multi-stage separator incorporating a cyclonic primary separation stage, a non-cyclonic secondary separation stage which is downstream of the primary separation stage and a cyclonic tertiary stage which is downstream of the secondary stage. In accordance with the invention, the secondary stage includes a flow bend for changing the direction of the airflow thereby to separate out dust particles entrained in the airflow. The vacuum cleaner also includes a primary dust collector for collecting dust particles separated out by the primary separation stage, a secondary dust collector for collecting the dust particles separated out by the flow bend and a tertiary dust collector for collecting dust separated out by the tertiary separation stage. | 08-06-2015 |
20150216382 | SEPARATING APPARATUS IN A VACUUM CLEANER - A vacuum cleaner having a vac motor and a separating assembly for separating out dust particles entrained in an airflow drawn through the separator by the vac motor. The separating assembly is a multi-stage separating assembly comprising a primary separation stage and a secondary, non-cyclonic separation stage which is downstream of the primary separation stage, the non-cyclonic separation stage comprising a flow bend for changing the direction of the airflow thereby to separate out dust particles entrained in the airflow. A primary dust collector is provided for collecting dust particles separated out by the first separation stage, and a secondary dust collector is provided for collecting the dust particles separated out by the flow bend, wherein the primary dust collector at least partly surrounds the secondary dust collector. | 08-06-2015 |
20150190026 | SELF-RIGHTING CLEANING APPLIANCE - A self-righting cleaning appliance of the cylinder type comprises a separating apparatus for separating dirt from a dirt-bearing fluid flow, and a floor-engaging rolling assembly having a recess in which the separating apparatus is received. At least a portion of the separating apparatus is visible as a portion of the outer surface of the cleaning appliance when the separating apparatus is received in the recess, and the cleaning appliance is arranged so that it is urged to return to an upright position if it is tipped onto its side. | 07-09-2015 |
20150190025 | SELF-RIGHTING CLEANING APPLIANCE - A self-righting cleaning appliance of the cylinder type comprises a cyclonic separating apparatus for separating dirt from a dirt-bearing fluid flow, and a floor-engaging rolling assembly. The cleaning appliance is arranged so that it is urged to return to an upright position if it is tipped onto its side. | 07-09-2015 |
20150190022 | CANISTER VACUUM CLEANER - A cleaning appliance of the canister type includes separating apparatus for separating dirt from a dirt-bearing fluid flow, a floor engaging rolling assembly, and a steering mechanism for steering the cleaning appliance as it is manoeuvred over a floor surface and for pivoting the separating apparatus relative to the rolling assembly. | 07-09-2015 |
20150182086 | CLEANING APPLIANCE - A cleaning appliance of the cylinder type comprises a separating apparatus for separating dirt from a dirt-bearing fluid flow, and a floor-engaging rolling assembly. The separating apparatus comprises a first cyclonic separation unit having a low efficiency cyclone and a second cyclonic separation unit having a plurality of second cyclones. The rolling assembly comprises a main body and a pair of floor-engaging wheels. The main body comprises a recess in which the separating apparatus is received such that when the cleaning appliance is viewed from either side at least one fifth of the width of the low efficiency cyclone is hidden from view by a portion of the rolling assembly at the point of maximum depth of the recess. | 07-02-2015 |
20150157107 | HAND HELD APPLIANCE - A device for distributing at least one wire within a housing, comprising a central hub and at least one arm extending from the central hub towards the housing and wherein the at least one arm houses the at least one wire. The housing may be a tube having a larger diameter than the central hub. The at least one arm may comprise a pair of arms. The pair of arms may describe a Y shape. The device may be formed from a first part and a second part that may both provide a portion of the at least one arm and may both provide a portion of the hub. Also disclosed is a hand held appliance comprising a tube defining a fluid flow path from a fluid inlet into the tube to a fluid outlet from the tube and a device for distributing at least one wire to the tube. | 06-11-2015 |
20150157106 | HAND HELD APPLIANCE - Disclosed is a hand held appliance comprising a body, a handle having a first end connected to the body and a second end comprising a fluid inlet, a fluid flow path from the fluid inlet through the handle towards the body, a fan unit for drawing fluid along the fluid flow path and a cable extending from the second end of the handle for supplying power to the fan unit wherein at least one wire from the cable is routed along a wall of the handle. The wall of the handle may comprise at least one recess extending longitudinally along the handle for accommodating the at least one wire from the cable. The cable may comprise two wires and the wall two recesses extending longitudinally along the handle one recess for accommodating each of the wires from the cable. The two recesses may be approximately diametrically opposite in the wall. | 06-11-2015 |
20150155606 | VACUUM CLEANER AND A BATTERY PACK THEREFOR - A battery pack suitable for a handheld appliance, the battery pack including a plurality of cells and a circuit board associated with the cells, wherein the plurality of cells and the circuit board are contained within a housing, wherein the housing is defined by first and second separable housing sections which are engagable with one another to form a complete housing, wherein the circuit board includes an illuminable element that the circuit board is configured to illuminate to indicate the status of the battery pack, wherein the illuminable element forms part of the external surface of the battery pack and is located intermediate the first and second housing parts. | 06-04-2015 |
20150138692 | COATED STRUCTURED SURFACES - Disclosed is a method of coating a structured surface comprising the steps of providing nanoparticles of a first coating material, and depositing the nanoparticles onto a structured surface using electrophoretic deposition. The structured surface may comprise one or more carbon nanotubes which maybe an array. The coating material may be a dielectric material such as barium titanate which may have a particle size of approximately 20 nm diameter. Following the deposition step a second coating may be provided. The second coating may be hafnium oxide. Also disclosed is a capacitor comprising a first electrode of a structured material, a second electrode of conducting material, and a dielectric layer formed between the first and second electrode. | 05-21-2015 |
20150135429 | DEVELOPMENTS IN OR RELATING TO HAND DRYING - A fixture fits next to the basin of a sink. The fixture has a water spout arranged to project over the basin of the sink. The water spout has a water nozzle arranged for connection through the spout to a water supply. The fixture further includes an elongate air-knife discharge outlet for discharging an air-knife onto a user's hand to dry it. This discharge outlet is arranged for connection to an air supply via an air duct, the air duct having a side wall extending between a first end of the duct and a second end of the duct. The first end of the duct is connected to the air supply, the second end of the duct forms—or is connected to—the air-knife discharge outlet. The outlet extends across the second end of the duct, as opposed to being provided in the sidewall of the duct. | 05-21-2015 |
20150131205 | HYBRID CAPACITOR - Disclosed is a capacitor ( | 05-14-2015 |
20150113762 | CYCLONIC SEPARATOR HAVING STACKED CYCLONES - A cyclonic separator having a first cyclone stage; and a second cyclone stage comprising a plurality of cyclone bodies arranged in parallel, each cyclone body comprising an inlet and an outlet, the plurality of cyclone bodies being divided into at least a first layer and a second layer; wherein the second cyclone stage further comprises a first plenum common to the cyclone bodies, the first plenum extending from the outlet of the first cyclone stage to the inlets of each of the cyclone bodies of the second cyclone stage. | 04-30-2015 |
20150107048 | CYCLONIC SEPARATOR HAVING A SHROUD - A cyclonic separator having an outer wall and an inner wall, and a shroud disposed between the outer wall and the inner wall, the inner wall having one or more outwardly projecting members, the shroud having upper and lower portions, and a mesh secured between the upper and lower portions, the lower portion having a flange that extends radially inward towards the inner wall, wherein the flange has one or more flexible portions, and the outwardly projecting members abut the flexible portions so as to bias the lower portion away from the upper portion to thus tension the mesh. | 04-23-2015 |
20150093099 | HAND HELD APPLIANCE - A hand held appliance comprises a body having an outer wall, a duct extending at least partially along the body within the outer wall, an interior passage extending about the duct for receiving a primary fluid flow, a primary fluid outlet for emitting the primary fluid flow from the body, wherein the primary fluid outlet is defined by the duct and an inner wall of the body. The inner wall may extend from the outer wall towards the duct and may extend radially around the duct. The inner wall may extend from the outer wall towards the primary fluid outlet. At least one spacer may be provided between the inner wall and the duct. The at least one spacer may be a supporting rib. The duct may be formed from two parts, a first part fixed to the inner wall and a second part connected to the first part. | 04-02-2015 |
20150093098 | FAN ASSEMBLY - A bladeless fan assembly for creating an air current includes a nozzle mounted on a base housing a device for creating an air flow. The nozzle includes an interior passage for receiving the air flow and a mouth for emitting the air flow. The nozzle defines, and extends about, an opening through which air from outside the fan assembly is drawn by the air flow emitted from the mouth. The nozzle also includes a heater for heating the air flow upstream of the mouth. | 04-02-2015 |
20150091134 | ATOMIC LAYER DEPOSITION - A method of depositing a material on a substrate using an atomic layer deposition process, wherein the deposition process comprises a first deposition step, a second deposition step subsequent to the first deposition step, and a delay of at least one minute between the first deposition step and the second deposition step. Each deposition step comprises a plurality of deposition cycles. The delay is introduced to the deposition process by prolonging a period of time for which a purge gas is supplied to a process chamber housing the substrate at the end of a selected one of the deposition cycles. | 04-02-2015 |
20150089828 | HAND HELD APPLIANCE - A hand held appliance comprising a body and a handle connected to the body, wherein the body comprises a tubular inner wall, an outer wall extending about the inner wall, a fluid flow path extending between the inner wall and the outlet wall, and a barrier extending at least partially across the inner wall. The barrier may be located at one end of the inner wall and may be formed from transparent material. A space defined by the inner wall of the body may provide line of sight through the body. A fan unit may be located between the inner wall and the outer wall and may be supported by a bearing mounted on the inner wall. The barrier may be connected to the fan unit for rotation therewith. A motor for driving the fan unit and a heater may be located between the inner wall and the outer wall. | 04-02-2015 |
20150086390 | FAN - A fan assembly for generating an air flow within a room includes an annular casing which defines an interior passage. The interior passage includes an air inlet, and houses, downstream from the air inlet, an impeller and a motor for driving the impeller to draw an air flow through the air inlet and into the fan assembly. The interior passage also has an air outlet from which at least a portion of the air flow is emitted from the fan assembly. The annular casing defines a bore about which the interior passage extends and through which a secondary air flow from outside the fan assembly is drawn by the air emitted from the air outlet. | 03-26-2015 |
20150084214 | FAN ASSEMBLY - Humidifying apparatus includes a body comprising a chamber into which water is supplied by a water tank. An air flow is generated over water stored in the chamber, and a humidifying system humidifies the air flow with water from the chamber. Water in the chamber is irradiated by an ultraviolet radiation emitting lamp. The lamp forms part of a cartridge removably locatable within the body so that the lamp is received within an ultraviolet radiation transparent tube of the chamber. The body includes a plurality of supports for supporting the cartridge therebetween. Each support has a curved track for guiding movement of the cartridge towards the tube, the tracks being shaped to orient the cartridge for insertion of the lamp into the tube as the cartridge moves along the tracks towards the tube. | 03-26-2015 |
20150082652 | HAND HELD APPLIANCE - Disclosed is a hand held appliance comprising a handle having an inner wall and an outer wall extending along and around the inner wall wherein the inner wall comprises a plurality of perforations extending at least partially along the inner wall. Perforations of the outer wall are spaced from the perforations of the inner wall. The inner wall and/or outer wall may comprise a plurality of perforations extending at least partially around the inner wall. The outer wall may comprise a plurality of perforations extending at least partially along the outer wall. The handle may comprise a first end and a second end. The inner wall may have a first end and a second end and the inner wall may extend from the first end of the handle towards the second end of the handle. Also disclosed is a hairdryer. | 03-26-2015 |
20150078885 | FAN - A fan includes a casing having an air inlet and an air outlet, an impeller housing located within the casing, an impeller located within the impeller housing for generating an air flow along a path extending from the air inlet to the air outlet through the impeller housing, a motor housing connected to the impeller housing, and a motor located within the motor housing for driving the impeller. A bellows support is provided for mounting the impeller housing within the casing. The bellows support is disposed on a seat connected to the casing. The bellows support extends about the impeller housing and forms a seal between the impeller housing and the casing. | 03-19-2015 |
20150016975 | FAN ASSEMBLY - A fan assembly includes a motor-driven impeller for creating an air flow, a casing including an interior passage for receiving the air flow, and a plurality of air outlets for emitting the air flow from the casing. The casing defines and extends about an opening through which air from outside the casing is drawn by the air flow emitted from the air outlets. The fan assembly also includes at least one heater for heating at least a first portion of the air flow, and means for diverting at least a second portion of the air flow away from said at least one heater. The plurality of outlets includes at least one first air outlet for emitting the relatively hot first portion of the air flow and at least one second air outlet for emitting the relatively cold second portion of the air flow. | 01-15-2015 |
20140328684 | COMPRESSOR - A compressor that includes a frame, a rotor assembly, and a heat sink assembly. The rotor assembly includes a bearing assembly to which the heat sink assembly is secured. The compressor is configured such that, during use, air is drawn through the interior of the frame. The heat sink assembly then extends radially from the bearing assembly into the air path through the frame such that the air flows over the heat sink assembly. | 11-06-2014 |
20140328683 | COMPRESSOR - A compressor that includes a frame, a rotor assembly, and a heat sink assembly. The rotor assembly includes a shaft to which an impeller, a bearing assembly and a rotor core are secured. The heat sink assembly is then secured to the bearing assembly and to the frame. | 11-06-2014 |
20140328676 | COMPRESSOR - A compressor that includes an impeller, a diffuser and a shroud. The diffuser includes vanes and one or more projections, each of which extends from a top of a vane. The shroud includes one or more holes. The shroud covers the impeller and the diffuser such that each projection protrudes through one of the holes. The shroud is then secured to the projections by an adhesive. | 11-06-2014 |
20140328674 | COMPRESSOR - A compressor that includes a rotor assembly, a stator assembly and a heat sink assembly. The rotor assembly includes a shaft to which a bearing assembly and a rotor core are secured. The heat sink assembly is then secured to the bearing assembly and to the stator assembly. | 11-06-2014 |
20140328670 | VIBRATION ISOLATION MOUNT - A vibration isolation mount for a compressor that is formed of an elastomeric material and includes a sleeve, tapered studs or axial ribs spaced around the sleeve, and a lip seal extending around the sleeve. The mount is intended to be located between a compressor and a housing. The studs or ribs then deform to isolate the housing from radial vibration of the compressor, and the lip seal creates an annular seal between the housing and the compressor. | 11-06-2014 |
20140325789 | COMPRESSOR FLOW PATH - A product that includes a compressor, a housing and a vibration isolation mount located between the compressor and the housing. The compressor includes an impeller, a first inlet located upstream of the impeller, a first outlet located downstream of the impeller, a second inlet located downstream of the first outlet, and a second outlet located downstream of the second inlet. During operation, fluid enters the compressor via the first inlet and exits the compressor via the first outlet. The mount creates a restriction between the compressor and the housing that causes fluid exiting the first outlet to re-enter the compressor via the second inlet. | 11-06-2014 |
20140319955 | STATOR FOR AN ELECTRICAL MACHINE - A stator comprising a coil wound onto a bobbin. The coil is wound as a plurality of layers, each layer comprising a plurality of turns that extend between opposite ends of the bobbin. The outermost layer has a turn pitch greater than that of a lower layer. Additionally, an electrical machine comprising the stator. | 10-30-2014 |
20140312813 | AIR MOVING APPLIANCE WITH ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTICS - An air moving appliance comprising an electric motor coupled to a fan, a control system for controlling the motor, the control system including monitoring means configured to monitor a motor load parameter; memory means configured to store a predetermined reference motor load parameter value; compensating means that determines a compensated reference motor load parameter value based on the predetermined reference motor load parameter value and a set of ambient environment input conditions; comparison means configured to compare the motor load parameter and the compensated reference motor load parameter value and trigger an operational event based on the result of the comparison. The invention also relates to a method of controlling an air moving appliance. | 10-23-2014 |
20140255217 | DEVICE FOR BLOWING AIR BY MEANS OF NARROW SLIT NOZZLE ASSEMBLY - A device for blowing air by a nozzle assembly includes a base seat for generating an air stream to supply air flow and a nozzle assembly supported by the base seat and comprising a slot-shaped opening for blowing air. An airflow passage is connected between the base seat and the nozzle assembly. An intake end of the airflow passage is opened on the outer surface of the base seat, and an output end is connected to the nozzle assembly by a pivot component. An intake end of the nozzle assembly is connected to an output end of the base seat by the pivot component. An impeller and an electric motor for driving the impeller to rotate are provided within the base seat. The nozzle assembly is rotatably fixed on the base seat by the pivot component. | 09-11-2014 |
20140255173 | FAN ASSEMBLY - A nozzle for a fan assembly includes an air inlet, an air outlet, an interior passage for conveying air from the air inlet to the air outlet, an annular inner wall, and an outer wall extending about the inner wall. The interior passage is located between the inner wall and the outer wall. The inner wall at least partially defines a bore through which air from outside the nozzle is drawn by air emitted from the air outlet. The air outlet is arranged to direct air over an external surface at least partially defining the bore. A flow control port is located downstream from that surface. A flow control chamber is provided for conveying air to the flow control port. A control mechanism selectively enables a flow of air through the flow control port to deflect an air flow emitted from the air outlet. | 09-11-2014 |
20140246942 | STATOR FOR AN ELECTRICAL MACHINE - A stator comprising a plurality of stator elements, each stator element comprising a core and a coil wound about the core. The coil of at least one stator element is wound at angle such that the coil is sheared towards an adjacent stator element so as to reduce magnetic flux leakage between the two elements. | 09-04-2014 |
20140238756 | AUTONOMOUS SURFACE TREATING APPLIANCE - An autonomous surface treating appliance comprising a chassis having a drive arrangement and a control system interfaced to the drive arrangement so as enable control of the appliance across a surface to be treated, wherein the drive arrangement comprises at least one traction unit, each traction unit comprising a surface-engaging track constrained around a leading wheel and a trailing wheel, the leading wheel and the trailing wheel being arranged so that a track portion opposing the floor surface and extending between the leading and trailing wheels defines a ramped climbing surface. | 08-28-2014 |
20140230186 | CLEANER-HEAD FOR A VACUUM CLEANER - The invention relates to a cleaner head for a vacuum cleaner. The cleaner head has a housing and a soleplate assembly hingedly connected to the housing. The soleplate assembly and the housing are held closed by a releasable catch, which is pivotally mounted to one of the housing or the soleplate for rotation between a locking position and a release position. In accordance with the invention, the catch incorporates a first cam, which cam engages the other of the soleplate or the housing as the catch is rotated from the locking position towards the release position, in order to force apart the housing and the soleplate. | 08-21-2014 |
20140210115 | FAN ASSEMBLY - Humidifying apparatus includes a chamber, and a water tank for supplying water to the chamber. A baffle located within the chamber divides the chamber into an inlet section and an outlet section, and guides water received from the water tank along the inlet section to the outlet section. An air flow is conveyed over water stored in the outlet section of the chamber and is emitted from the apparatus. Water within both the inlet section and the outlet section of the chamber is irradiated with ultraviolet radiation. The water within the outlet section is atomized by a transducer to humidify the air flow. | 07-31-2014 |
20140210114 | FAN ASSEMBLY - A fan assembly includes a nozzle having a first casing section, a second casing section, an air inlet, an air outlet, and an interior passage for conveying air from the air inlet to the air outlet. The nozzle defines a bore through which air from outside the fan assembly is drawn by air emitted from the nozzle. The nozzle is detachably mounted on a body including a motor and impeller unit for generating an air flow through the interior passage, and a humidifier for humidifying the air flow before it enters the interior passage. The first casing section defines, at least in part, the interior passage, and is detachable from the second casing section to allow the interior passage to be accessed by a user for cleaning. | 07-31-2014 |
20140208539 | DIRT SEPARATOR FOR A VACUUM CLEANER - A dirt separator for a vacuum cleaner that comprises an inlet through which fluid enters the separator, and an outlet through which fluid exits the separator. The separator further comprises a filter assembly located downstream of the inlet and upstream of the outlet, an opening through which the filter assembly may be removed from the separator, and a hatch moveable between an open position in which the opening is uncovered and a closed position in which the opening is partially covered. When the filter assembly is removed from the separator and the hatch is in the closed position, a bleed is created around at least part of the hatch through which fluid enters the separator in preference to the inlet. When the filter assembly is located in the separator and the hatch is in the closed position, the filter assembly seals against the hatch to close the bleed. | 07-31-2014 |
20140205470 | FAN ASSEMBLY - A bladeless fan assembly for creating an air current includes a nozzle mounted on a base housing a device for creating an air flow. The nozzle includes an interior passage for receiving the air flow and a mouth for emitting the air flow. The nozzle defines, and extends about, an opening through which air from outside the fan assembly is drawn by the air flow emitted from the mouth. The nozzle also includes a heater for heating the air flow upstream of the mouth. | 07-24-2014 |
20140204510 | DOCKING STATION FOR A MOBILE ROBOT - A docking station for a mobile robot including a first side portion and a second side portion and housing an electrical system having power input means. The power input means includes a first power input socket provided on the first side portion and a second power input socket provided on the second side portion. The two power input sockets allows a user flexibility in their choice of location for the docking station in an environment. | 07-24-2014 |
20140203776 | DOCKING STATION FOR A MOBILE ROBOT - A docking station for a mobile robot comprising a base portion that is locatable on a floor surface and a rear portion that is pivotable with respect to the base portion, thereby permitting a user to place the docking station on the floor in an unfolded configuration but to store the docking station in a folded configuration. | 07-24-2014 |
20140203764 | DOCKING STATION FOR A MOBILE ROBOT - A robotic system comprising a mobile robot including a body housing a rechargeable power source and first electrical contact means disposed on the body and a docking station including second electrical contact means, wherein the mobile robot is dockable on the docking station in order to charge the rechargeable power source. The first electrical contact means includes at least one electrical contact aligned on a first contact axis and the second electrical contact means includes at least one elongate contact, wherein when the robot is docked on the docking station such that electrical contact is established between the first electrical contact means and the electrical contact means. The at least one elongate contact extends in a direction that is transverse to the first contact axis which permits electrical contact to be established between the robot and the docking station whilst accommodating a degree of lateral and angular misalignment therebetween. | 07-24-2014 |
20140199186 | FAN - A fan assembly for generating an air flow within a room includes a casing having a plurality of inlet sections and an outlet section for receiving air from the inlet sections. Each inlet section has an air inlet, an impeller and a motor for driving the impeller to draw an air flow through the air inlet section and into the air outlet section. The outlet section has an interior passage for receiving air from the inlet sections and an air outlet. The casing defines a bore about which the interior passage extends and through which a secondary air flow from outside the fan assembly is drawn by the air emitted the air outlet. | 07-17-2014 |
20140199185 | FAN - A fan assembly for generating an air flow within a room includes a casing having a plurality of inlet sections and an outlet section for receiving air from the inlet sections. Each inlet section has an air inlet, an impeller and a motor for driving the impeller to draw an air flow through the air inlet section and into the air outlet section. The outlet section has an interior passage for receiving air from the inlet sections and an air outlet. The casing defines a bore about which the interior passage extends and through which a secondary air flow from outside the fan assembly is drawn by the air emitted the air outlet. | 07-17-2014 |
20140196236 | AGITATOR FOR A SURFACE TREATING APPLIANCE - An agitator for a surface treating appliance. The agitator comprises an agitator body having an axis, and a bristle strip carried on the agitator body and extending along a central region of the agitator body and an end region of the agitator body. The bristle strip includes a plurality of bristles aligned in a row, and wherein bristles associated with the end region of the agitator extend in a direction that defines an acute angle with the longitudinal axis of the agitator. In this way, the bristles on the ends of the agitator are provided with a outwardly swept configuration that increases the effective swept width of the agitator. | 07-17-2014 |
20140184007 | ROTOR FOR AN ELECTRICAL MACHINE - A rotor that includes a rotor core assembly secured to a shaft. The rotor core assembly includes a magnet and an end cap secured to an end of the magnet. Each of the magnet and the end cap has a bore into which the shaft extends. The end cap forms an interference fit with the shaft. The magnet forms a clearance fit with the shaft and an adhesive is located in the clearance between the magnet and the shaft. Additionally, a method of manufacturing the rotor. The method includes inserting the shaft into the bore of the end cap. An adhesive is then introduced into the bore of the magnet and the shaft is inserted into the bore of the magnet so as to cause adhesive to be drawn into the clearance defined between the magnet and the shaft. | 07-03-2014 |
20140183777 | ROTOR CORE ASSEMBLY - A rotor core assembly that includes a magnet, a first end cap located at an end of the magnet, a second end cap located at an opposite end of the magnet, and a sleeve that surrounds the magnet and the end caps. The sleeve forms an interference fit with each of the end caps, and an adhesive is located between the magnet and the sleeve. Additionally, a method of manufacturing the rotor core assembly. | 07-03-2014 |
20140178209 | FAN - A control system is described for controlling an appliance, such as a fan. The control system includes a user-operable remote control for transmitting light signals, a control circuit for controlling at least one component of the appliance, such as a motor, and a user interface circuit for supplying control signals to the control circuit. The user interface circuit includes a switch and a receiver for receiving light signals transmitted by the remote control. A push button actuator both actuates the switch through movement of the actuator towards the switch, and conveys light signals received from the remote control to the receiver. | 06-26-2014 |
20140170959 | HAND DRYER - A hand dryer comprising a first jetting nozzle comprising a first duct in fluid communication with a first slot which forms a first nozzle outlet and a second jetting nozzle, disposed opposite the first jetting nozzle, comprising a second duct in fluid communication with a second slot which forms a second nozzle outlet. The first and second slots extend transversely with respect to the hand dryer. At least a portion of each of the first and second slots is curved such that the distance between the slots varies in the longitudinal direction of at least one of the slots. The hand dryer further comprises a blower which blows air through the jetting nozzles to produce respective air jets. | 06-19-2014 |
20140170957 | HAND DRYER - A hand dryer comprising a jetting nozzle comprising a duct in fluid communication with a slot which forms a nozzle outlet. The duct comprises opposing first and second surfaces which extend along opposite sides of the slot. The angle of inclination of the first surface of the duct with respect to a direction which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the slot varies in the longitudinal direction of the slot. The hand dryer further comprises a blower which blows air through the jetting nozzle to produce an air jet. | 06-19-2014 |
20140165418 | HAND DRYER - A hand dryer comprising a jetting nozzle comprising a duct in fluid communication with a slot which forms a nozzle outlet, and a blower which blows air through the jetting nozzle to produce an air jet. The jetting nozzle is configured such that the angle of inclination of the air jet with respect to a direction which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the slot varies in the longitudinal direction of the slot. | 06-19-2014 |
20140165327 | CANISTER VACUUM CLEANER - A canister vacuum cleaner comprising a main body, a hose, and a coupling for attaching the hose to the main body. The coupling includes a first part attached to the main body and a second part attached to the hose. Each part has a duct through which fluid is carried from the hose to the main body. The second part is attachable to the first part by sliding the second part relative to the first part along a sliding axis. When the second part is attached to the first part, the two ducts seal in a sealing plane that is non-orthogonal relative to the sliding axis. | 06-19-2014 |
20140154966 | HAND DRYER - A hand dryer for drying a user's hands by means of airflow discharged through an air outlet on the hand dryer. The airflow is generated by a motor-driven fan unit which is spring-mounted on a fixed part of the hand dryer via a plurality of coil springs. | 06-05-2014 |
20140150177 | DEVELOPMENTS RELATING TO WASHING/DRYING STATIONS IN WASHROOMS - A combined washing/drying station for a washroom comprising a water outlet for discharging water to wash a user's hands connected to a mains water supply and an air outlet for discharging airflow to dry a user's hands. The airflow is generated by a blower module connected to a mains electricity supply via a connector unit hard-wired to the electrical mains. The blower module comprises an electrical connector which connects to an electrical connector on the connector unit to allow modular replacement of the blower module. Connection to the mains water supply is via the same or an additional connector unit plumbed into the water mains. A flow-control valve is provided on the respective connector unit for isolating the water mains at the connector unit. An inlet port of the valve is connected to the water mains and an outlet port of the valve is connected to the water outlet. | 06-05-2014 |
20140141710 | HAND DRYER - The present invention relates to a hand dryer for drying a user's hands by means of an airflow discharged through an air outlet on the hand dryer. The airflow is generated by a motor-driven fan unit, the airflow exiting the fan unit through a fan outlet on the fan unit. The fan unit is mounted to a fixed part of the hand dryer by means of an inflatable mount secured to the fixed part. The mount incorporates at least one inflatable duct connecting the fan outlet to the air outlet, which inflatable duct is, in use, inflated by the airflow passing from the fan outlet to the air outlet to provide pneumatic support for the fan unit. | 05-22-2014 |
20140137422 | HAND DRYER - The invention relates to a hand dryer for drying a user's hands by means of an airflow discharged through an air outlet on the hand dryer. The airflow is generated by a motor-driven fan unit. The hand dryer comprises a plurality of air intakes, the air intakes being connected to the fan unit to form a plurality of parallel air-intake paths. Each air intake path is provided with a separate air-filter. The air-filters may be replaceable for individual replacement as required. | 05-22-2014 |
20140137366 | CLEANER HEAD FOR A CLEANING APPLIANCE - A cleaner head comprising a main body rotatably coupled to a neck, and a locking arrangement operable to permit rotation of the main body relative to the neck when the cleaner head is positioned on a surface and to prevent rotation of the body relative to the next when the cleaner head is lifted off a surface. The locking arrangement therefore stops the cleaner head from rotating undesirably when the cleaner head is lifted away from a cleaning surface. | 05-22-2014 |
20140137365 | SURFACE TREATING APPLIANCE - An upright vacuum cleaning appliance includes a main body having a user operable handle, separating apparatus for separating dirt from a dirt-bearing air flow and a casing housing a fan unit for drawing the air flow through the separating apparatus. A support assembly is connected to the main body for allowing the appliance to be rolled along a surface using the handle. The support assembly includes a pair of domed-shaped wheels which each have a substantially circular rim. The overall size of the appliance is reduced by locating the casing between the wheels, and providing an air duct which extends between the rims of the wheels to convey the air flow from the separating apparatus to the casing. | 05-22-2014 |
20140137364 | CLEANING APPLIANCE - A cleaning appliance comprising a body that is connectable to a separating apparatus at an interface that defines an axis. The interface includes a first interface portion and a second interface portion that are connected to one another by a connector, wherein the connector includes at least one radially interlocking region extending about at least a portion of the interface. | 05-22-2014 |
20140137363 | CLEANING APPLIANCE - A cleaning appliance comprising a main body and a separating apparatus including a dirt collector having a base that is openable that allows the dirt collector to be emptied. The cleaning appliance includes an actuator that is operable sequentially such that, during a first operation, the actuator causes the base to be opened and, during a second operation, the actuator causes the dirt collector to disengage from the separating apparatus. A single actuator is therefore used for two functions: firstly to open the dirt collector for emptying purposes and, secondly, to disengage the dirt collector from the separating apparatus for example for cleaning purposes. Such an arrangement is space efficient and intuitive for the user. | 05-22-2014 |
20140130250 | FIXTURE FOR A SINK - A fixture for a sink—for example provided in a commercial washroom or the like—incorporating a water tap and a hand dryer. The water tap comprises a spout arranged to project over the basin of the sink. The hand dryer comprises: an opposing pair of left-hand nozzles mounted on the spout for directing air onto the front and back of a user's left hand as it is passed—with palm open—in between the opposing nozzles, and an opposing pair of right-hand nozzles mounted on the spout for directing air onto the front and back of a user's right hand as it is passed—with palm open—in between the nozzles. | 05-15-2014 |
20140115818 | SWITCHING MECHANISM - A switching mechanism for a vacuum cleaner having a vacuum generator and an agitator, comprising a vacuum generator switch, an agitator switch, and a coupler for coupling the agitator switch with the vacuum generator switch such that switching of the vacuum generator switch switches the agitator switch. The switching mechanism is configured such that, switching of at least one of the agitator switch and the vacuum generator switch uncouples the agitator switch from the vacuum generator switch. The switching mechanism is further configured such that, when the vacuum generator switch and the agitator switch are uncoupled from each other and the agitator switch is in its open state, switching of the vacuum generator switch from its closed state to its open state couples the agitator switch with the vacuum generator switch. | 05-01-2014 |
20140101888 | CANISTER VACUUM CLEANER - 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. | 04-17-2014 |
20140097323 | VIBRATION ISOLATION MOUNT FOR AN ELECTRIC MOTOR - A mount for an electric motor that is formed of an elastomeric material and includes a sleeve around which ribs are formed. The ribs include first ribs and second ribs, and the first ribs project further from the sleeve and are more compliant than the second ribs. | 04-10-2014 |
20140090563 | CYCLONIC SEPARATOR - A cyclonic separator for a vacuum cleaner that includes a cyclone stage, a chamber and a silencer. The chamber has a plurality of ports through which fluid from the cyclone stage enters the chamber. The silencer is located in the chamber and includes a plurality of baffles. Fluid entering the chamber through the ports collides with the baffles, which act to reduce noise. | 04-03-2014 |
20140084492 | FAN ASSEMBLY - A fan assembly includes a body housing an impeller and motor for driving to the impeller to generate an air flow. A nozzle is mounted on the body for emitting the air flow. The nozzle defines an opening through which air from outside the fan assembly is drawn by the air emitted from the nozzle. A nozzle retaining mechanism is provided for releasably retaining the nozzle on the body. The mechanism is moveable from a first configuration in which the nozzle is retained on the body to a second configuration in which the nozzle is released for removal from the body. The mechanism includes a depressible member for effecting movement of the mechanism from the first configuration to the second configuration. | 03-27-2014 |
20140079566 | FAN - A fan assembly for creating an air current includes a bladeless fan assembly including a nozzle and a device for creating an air flow through the nozzle. The nozzle includes an interior passage and a mouth receiving the air flow from the interior passage. A Coanda surface located adjacent the mouth and over which the mouth is arranged to direct the air flow. The fan provides an arrangement producing an air current and a flow of cooling air created without requiring a bladed fan, that is, the air flow is created by a bladeless fan. | 03-20-2014 |
20140077398 | HUMIDIFYING APPARATUS - Humidifying apparatus includes a base housing an impeller and a motor for driving the impeller to generate a first air flow. A nozzle includes an interior passage for receiving the first air flow and an air outlet for emitting the first air flow. The nozzle defines an opening through which air from outside the apparatus is drawn by air emitted from the air outlet. The apparatus is configured to humidify a second air flow, which is emitted from a plurality of second air outlets. The second air flow is humidified with water supplied from a water tank mounted on the base. The water tank has an upwardly curved upper surface. The nozzle is mounted on the apparatus so that the upper surface of the water tank at least partially covers a lower section of an external surface of the nozzle. | 03-20-2014 |
20140075715 | CLEANING APPLIANCE - A cleaning appliance of the canister type, including a separating apparatus for separating dirt from a dirt-bearing fluid flow, a support for supporting the separating apparatus on the appliance, a duct having a fluid inlet for receiving the fluid flow from a fluid outlet of the separating apparatus, and a handle connected to the duct. The duct is pivotable between a raised position in which the separating apparatus can be removed from the appliance and a lowered position in which the duct is connected to the separating apparatus. The handle may be used for moving the duct between the first and second positions and for carrying the appliance. | 03-20-2014 |
20140068890 | CLEANING APPLIANCE - A cleaning appliance of the canister type includes separating apparatus for separating dirt from a dirt-bearing fluid flow, a floor engaging rolling assembly, and a steering mechanism for steering the cleaning appliance as it is manoeuvred over a floor surface and for pivoting the separating apparatus relative to the rolling assembly. | 03-13-2014 |
20140053368 | CYCLONIC SEPARATOR - A cyclonic separator comprising a first cyclone stage, a second cyclone stage, an inlet duct, and an outlet duct. The first cyclone stage comprises a first dirt collection chamber. The second cyclone stage is located downstream of the first cyclone stage and comprises a second dirt collection chamber. The inlet duct carries fluid to the first cyclone stage, and the outlet duct carries fluid from the second cyclone stage. The first dirt collection chamber then surrounds at least partly the inlet duct and the outlet duct. | 02-27-2014 |
20140053365 | CYCLONIC SEPARATOR - A cyclonic separator comprising a first cyclone stage, a second cyclone stage and an inlet duct. The first cyclone stage comprises a cyclone chamber and a first dirt collection chamber. The second cyclone stage is located downstream of the first cyclone stage and comprises a second dirt collection chamber. The inlet duct carries fluid from an opening in the base of the cyclonic separator to the cyclone chamber, and the first dirt collection chamber surrounds at least partly the inlet duct and the second dirt collection chamber. | 02-27-2014 |
20140053332 | NOZZLE ASSEMBLY FOR A FAUCET OR TAP - A nozzle assembly for a tap, or faucet, including a first nozzle and a second nozzle arranged side by side. The second nozzle has a flared discharge end which flares outwardly in front of the discharge end of the first nozzle so that the two discharge ends overlap. The nozzle assembly may be incorporated as a self-contained nozzle unit for fitting to a faucet. The nozzle assembly is particularly suitable for faucets designed to dispense water and foam soap separately over the basin of a sink. | 02-27-2014 |
20140047668 | CYCLONIC SEPARATOR - A cyclonic separator comprising a cyclone chamber defined between an outer wall and a shroud. The shroud comprises an inlet opening through which fluid enters the cyclone chamber, and a plurality of perforations through which fluid exits the cyclone chamber. Fluid within the cyclone chamber is then free to spiral about the shroud and over the inlet opening. | 02-20-2014 |
20140047667 | CYCLONIC SEPARATOR - A cyclonic separator comprising a ring of cyclone bodies and an outlet duct through which cleansed fluid is discharged from the cyclonic separator, wherein the outlet duct extends between two adjacent cyclone bodies. | 02-20-2014 |
20140041152 | CLEANER HEAD FOR A VACUUM CLEANER - A cleaner head that includes a suction inlet for admitting a first airflow, a turbine inlet for admitting a second airflow, an outlet for discharging the first airflow and the second airflow and an agitator and its drive assembly. A first airflow path then carries the first airflow from the suction inlet to the outlet, and a second airflow path carries the second airflow from the turbine inlet to the outlet. The drive assembly includes a turbine that is driven by the second airflow. A baffle is located in the second airflow path and is movable between an open position in which the second airflow path is unrestricted and a closed position in which the second airflow path is restricted. The baffle is biased in the open position and moves to the closed position when the dynamic pressure of the second airflow at the baffle exceeds a threshold. | 02-13-2014 |
20140041151 | CLEANING APPLIANCE - A cleaning appliance comprises a cyclonic separating apparatus for separating dust from an airflow, the cyclonic separating apparatus having at least one cyclone, a support structure housing a motor and fan assembly for creating an airflow through the separating apparatus, the cyclonic separating apparatus comprising a duct which directs air from the at least one cyclone towards the support structure, the support structure or duct comprising at least one mesh screen through which air from the cyclonic separating apparatus must pass before reaching the motor and fan assembly. | 02-13-2014 |
20140041136 | CLEANER HEAD - A cleaner head that includes an agitator and a drive assembly for driving the agitator. The drive assembly includes a dog for transmitting torque to the agitator. One of the dog and the agitator includes a shank having a screw thread, and the other of the dog and the agitator includes a bore having a complementary screw thread. The shank projects into the bore and the two threads mate such that, as the dog rotates, the agitator screws on to and tightens against the dog. | 02-13-2014 |
20140035413 | MOTOR MOUNT - A mount for an electric motor, the mount comprising a sleeve for receiving a motor, the sleeve including plurality of elements projecting from a surface of the sleeve, wherein the plurality of elements include a vertex. | 02-06-2014 |
20140033473 | FLOOR TOOL FOR A VACUUM CLEANING APPLIANCE - A floor tool for a vacuum cleaning appliance, the floor tool comprising a main body including a suction nozzle comprising a surface engaging skirt that depends downwardly to define an outer periphery of a suction chamber having a suction chamber outlet, the surface engaging skirt including a leading edge, a trailing edge, and side edges extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge, and wherein the trailing edge depends downwardly from the suction nozzle by a first distance and the leading edge depends downwardly from the suction nozzle by a second distance that is less than the first distance so as to define a predetermined gap with a floor surface, in use. | 02-06-2014 |
20140033472 | FLOOR TOOL FOR A VACUUM CLEANING APPLIANCE - A floor tool for a vacuum cleaning appliance comprising a support member for supporting a cleaning element and at least one suction nozzle in communication with a conduit, wherein the conduit includes one or more plug elements that are engageable with respective sockets provided in the conduits, the plugs being removable from the sockets to provide access to the interior of the conduit. The invention therefore provides a floor tool combining suction and wipe cleaning facilities with improved maintainability for the user. | 02-06-2014 |
20140033471 | FLOOR TOOL FOR A VACUUM CLEANING APPLIANCE - A floor tool for a vacuum cleaning appliance comprising a body including a suction nozzle, a neck coupled to the body so as to pivot relative to it about an axis ‘A’, wherein the neck includes a base portion that defines a rail formation located at least partially about its circumference and the body includes a runner formation that is engaged with a discrete part of the rail formation, the rail formation being slidable relative to the runner formation thereby coupling the base portion to the body but permitting the base portion to pivot relative to the body. | 02-06-2014 |
20140033470 | FLOOR TOOL FOR A VACUUM CLEANING APPLIANCE - A floor tool for a vacuum cleaning appliance comprising a support member adapted to support a cleaning element and at least one suction nozzle in communication with a conduit, wherein the support member comprises a removable pad which is detachable from the support member. The support member includes a rolling arrangement that is engageable with a floor surface when the removable pad is disengaged from the support plate, thereby allowing the floor tool to be used in a ‘suction-only’ mode of operation or a “suction-and-wipe” mode of operation. | 02-06-2014 |
20140033469 | FLOOR TOOL FOR A VACUUM CLEANING APPLIANCE - A floor tool, suitable for a vacuum cleaning appliance, comprises a support member adapted to support a cleaning element and at least one suction nozzle adjacent the support member, wherein the support member includes a carrier pate and a floor engaging pad that are releasably held together by a clamping arrangement so that edges of a cleaning element can be clamped between the carrier plate and the floor pad. | 02-06-2014 |
20140033468 | FLOOR TOOL FOR A VACUUM CLEANING APPLIANCE - A floor tool for a vacuum cleaning appliance comprising a support member adapted to support a cleaning element and at least one suction nozzle in communication with a conduit that is attachable to a vacuum cleaning appliance, wherein a neck for controlling the floor tool is coupled to the support member and wherein the at least one suction nozzle is configured to float relative to the neck. | 02-06-2014 |
20140020206 | CYLINDER VACUUM CLEANER - 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. | 01-23-2014 |
20140013538 | AUTONOMOUS VACUUM CLEANER - An autonomous vacuum cleaner comprising a chassis, a traction part for supporting the vacuum cleaner on a surface, a driving part for driving the traction part and a control system configured to control the driving part to guide the vacuum cleaner across a surface to be cleaned. The vacuum cleaner further includes a cleaner head having a dirty air inlet facing the surface to be cleaned and a separating apparatus carried by the chassis and communicating with the cleaner head in order to separate debris from an airflow entering the separating apparatus via the dirty air inlet. The separating apparatus comprises a first upstream cyclone and a plurality of second cyclones arranged in parallel with one another and located downstream of the first cyclone. | 01-16-2014 |
20140007448 | ATTACHMENT FOR A HAND HELD APPLIANCE - A hairdryer comprises a handle, a body comprising a duct, a fluid flow path extending through the duct and from a fluid inlet through which a fluid flow enters the hairdryer to a fluid outlet for emitting the fluid flow from a front end of the body, a primary fluid flow path extending at least partially through the body from a primary fluid inlet through which a primary fluid flow enters the hairdryer to a primary fluid outlet; a fan unit for drawing the primary fluid flow through the primary fluid inlet, and wherein the fluid flow is drawn through the fluid flow path by fluid emitted from the primary fluid outlet, and an attachment for adjusting at least one parameter of fluid emitted from the hairdryer, the attachment being attachable to the hairdryer so that the attachment protrudes from the front end of the body. | 01-09-2014 |
20130340272 | DEVELOPMENTS IN OR RELATING TO HAND DRYING - A fixture arranged in combination with a sink. The fixture is fitted next to the basin of the sink and incorporates a part which projects over the basin of the sink, this projecting part carrying a water nozzle which is connected to a water supply. The arrangement further incorporates a hand dryer of the type which uses an air-knife mechanically to wipe the water from a user's hand, this air knife being discharged through a discharge outlet on the fixture, which apertures are connected to an air supply. | 12-26-2013 |
20130336771 | FAN - A ceiling fan includes an annular nozzle having an inner wall, an outer wall extending about the inner wall, an air inlet for receiving an air flow, an air outlet for emitting the air flow, and an interior passage located between the inner wall and the outer wall for conveying the air flow to the air outlet. The inner wall defines a bore through which air from outside the nozzle is drawn by the air flow emitted from the air outlet. The fan includes a support assembly for supporting the nozzle on a ceiling. The nozzle is rotatable relative to the support assembly about a rotational axis and between a first orientation in which the air flow is directed away from the ceiling and a second orientation in which the air flow is directed towards the ceiling. | 12-19-2013 |
20130333156 | VACUUM CLEANER - A vacuum cleaner has a removable cyclonic separator that includes a cyclone chamber; a dirt-collection chamber, open at one end; and an outlet duct from the cyclone chamber. An open end of the outlet duct is arranged for connection to a motor intake duct on the cleaner, the outlet duct and dirt collection chamber sharing a common wall section which divides the open end of the outlet duct from the open end of the dirt collection chamber. A cover closes off the open end of the dirt collection chamber and can be opened to allow access to the dirt collection chamber for emptying. When the cover is in the closed position, a cover sealing member forms an air seal between the cover and the common wall section. When the outlet duct is connected to the motor inlet duct, an outlet duct sealing member forms an air seal between the ducts. | 12-19-2013 |
20130330215 | DEVICE FOR BLOWING AIR BY MEANS OF NARROW SLIT NOZZLE ASSEMBLY - A device for blowing air by a narrow slit nozzle assembly is provided. The device includes a base seat for generating an air stream to supply air flow and a narrow slit nozzle assembly supported by the base seat for blowing air. An airflow passage is connected between the base seat and the nozzle assembly. An intake end of the airflow passage is opened on the outer surface of the base seat, and an output end is connected to the nozzle assembly by a pivot component. An intake end of the nozzle assembly is connected to an output end of the base seat by the pivot component. An impeller and an electric motor for driving the impeller to rotate are provided within the base seat. The nozzle assembly is rotatably fixed on the base seat by the pivot component. The rotation direction of the nozzle can be adjusted by the rotation of the pivot component around the airflow passage. And when the fan is idle, the nozzle can be folded so as to save space. | 12-12-2013 |
20130323100 | FAN ASSEMBLY - A nozzle for a fan assembly includes an air inlet, an air outlet, an interior passage for conveying air from the air inlet to the air outlet, an annular inner wall, and an outer wall extending about the inner wall. The interior passage is located between the inner wall and the outer wall. The inner wall at least partially defines a bore through which air from outside the nozzle is drawn by air emitted from the air outlet. A flow control port is located downstream from the air outlet. A flow control chamber is provided for conveying air to the flow control port. A control mechanism selectively inhibits a flow of air through the flow control port to deflect an air flow emitted from the air outlet. | 12-05-2013 |
20130323025 | FAN ASSEMBLY - A fan assembly for creating an air current includes a nozzle mounted on a base. The base comprises an outer casing, an impeller housing located within the outer casing, the impeller housing having an air inlet and an air outlet, an impeller located within the impeller housing and a motor for driving the impeller to create an air flow through the impeller housing. The nozzle includes an interior passage for receiving the air flow from the air outlet of the impeller housing and a mouth through which the air flow is emitted from the fan assembly. | 12-05-2013 |
20130312216 | CLEANER HEAD - A cleaner head for a vacuum cleaning appliance includes a suction cavity having a downwardly-directed opening through which debris enters the suction cavity. The opening is bounded in part by a front edge and a rear edge which is substantially co-planar with the front edge. A thread lifting strip is mounted on a support located within and moveable relative to the suction cavity. A spring urges the support in a direction extending towards the opening. | 11-28-2013 |
20130309080 | FAN - A fan for generating an air current includes a body having an air inlet, and a nozzle connected to the body. The nozzle includes an interior passage for receiving an air flow from the body and an air outlet from which the air flow is emitted from the fan. The interior passage extends about an opening or bore through which air from outside the nozzle is drawn by air emitted from the air outlet. The body includes a duct having an air inlet and an air outlet, an impeller located within the duct for drawing the air flow through the duct, and a motor for driving the impeller. An annular guide member extends about the duct for guiding air from the air inlet of the body to the air inlet of the duct. The guide member defines with the duct an annular noise suppression cavity. | 11-21-2013 |
20130309066 | FAN - A fan for generating an air current includes a body having an air inlet, and a nozzle connected to the body. The nozzle includes an interior passage and an air outlet from which the air flow is emitted from the fan. The interior passage extends about an opening or bore through which air from outside the nozzle is drawn by air emitted from the air outlet. The body includes a duct having a first end defining an air inlet of the duct and a second end located opposite to the first end and defining an air outlet of the duct, an impeller located within the duct for drawing the air flow through the duct, and a motor for driving the impeller. The second end of the duct protrudes from the body into the interior passage of the nozzle. | 11-21-2013 |
20130305485 | CYLINDER VACUUM CLEANER - 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. | 11-21-2013 |
20130305484 | AUTONOMOUS VACUUM CLEANER - An autonomous vacuum cleaner comprising a main body comprising a dirty air inlet, a clean air outlet, an airflow path extending between the dirty air inlet and the clean air outlet, a separating apparatus arranged in the airflow path between the dirty air inlet and the clean air outlet, and an airflow generator for generating an airflow along the airflow path from the dirty air inlet to the clean air outlet. The airflow generator has a discharge portion which discharges airflow into a chamber formed in the main body, the chamber including an opening that is closable by a removable panel, wherein a power source is receivable within the chamber formed in the main body and is removable from the chamber through the opening. | 11-21-2013 |
20130305483 | AUTONOMOUS VACUUM CLEANER - An autonomous vacuum cleaner comprising a main body having a dirty air inlet, a clean air outlet, an airflow path between the dirty air inlet and the clean air outlet and a primary separating apparatus arranged in the air flow path between the dirty air inlet and the clean air outlet. The primary separating apparatus comprises at least one cyclone, and the main body further includes a secondary separating apparatus in the airflow path downstream of the primary separating apparatus. The secondary separating apparatus comprises a container for holding dirt and debris which has an air inlet and a filter element, wherein the container is arranged in the air flow such that air flows into the container through the air inlet and out of the container through the filter element. The secondary separating apparatus is removable. | 11-21-2013 |
20130302156 | FAN - A fan casing includes an impeller housing, a mixed-flow impeller located within the impeller housing, and a motor for driving the impeller. The impeller includes a hub connected to the motor, and a plurality of blades connected to the hub, each blade comprising a leading edge located adjacent the air inlet of the impeller housing, an inner side edge connected to and extending partially about the outer surface of the hub, an outer side edge located opposite to the inner side edge, and a blade tip located at the intersection of the leading edge and the outer side edge. The leading edge comprises an inner portion located adjacent the hub, and an outer portion located adjacent the blade tip, and wherein the inner portion is swept rearwardly from the hub to the outer portion, and the outer portion is swept forwardly from the inner portion to the blade tip. | 11-14-2013 |
20130302146 | FAN - A ceiling fan includes an annular nozzle having an inner wall, an outer wall extending about the inner wall, an air inlet for receiving an air flow, an air outlet for emitting the air flow, and an interior passage located between the inner and outer wall for conveying the air flow to the air outlet. The inner wall defines a bore through which air from outside the nozzle is drawn by the air flow emitted from the air outlet. A support assembly supports the nozzle on a ceiling and includes a ceiling mount for mounting the ceiling fan on a ceiling, an arm having a first end connected to the ceiling mount, and a body connected to a second end of the arm and the annular nozzle. The body is pivotable relative to the arm about a pivot axis to move the annular nozzle between a raised and lowered position. | 11-14-2013 |
20130280061 | FAN - A fan includes a nozzle and a device for creating a primary air flow through the nozzle. The nozzle includes a mouth for emitting the primary air flow, and defines a bore through which a secondary air flow from outside the fan is drawn by the primary air flow emitted from the mouth and which combines with the primary air flow to produce a combined air flow. To allow a user to adjust at least one parameter, for example at least one of the profile, orientation and the direction, of the combined air flow, the fan comprises an insert which is locatable at least partially within the bore of the nozzle. The fan may be provided with a set of such inserts. | 10-24-2013 |
20130280051 | FAN ASSEMBLY - A fan assembly includes an annular nozzle and a system for creating a primary air flow. The nozzle includes an outer wall and an inner wall surrounded by the outer wall, the inner wall defining a bore having a bore axis. The nozzle also includes an interior passage located between the inner and outer walls, and extending about the bore axis for receiving an air flow, and an air outlet located at or towards the front of the nozzle for emitting the air flow. The nozzle is configured to emit the air flow through the air outlet in a direction extending away from the bore axis. | 10-24-2013 |
20130276328 | HAND DRYER - The invention relates to a wall-mountable hand dryer of the type which uses an air-knife to wipe the water from a user's hand. In accordance with the invention, the hand dryer is configured to have a maximum depth, front-to-back, of less than 150 mm when it is surface-mounted on—rather than recessed within—the wall. The dryer has a projecting part which projects outwardly either from the wall or from a rear part of the dryer, and the air-knife is directed downwardly onto the user's hand as it is passed lengthwise underneath the projecting part of the dryer. The air knife is discharged through one or more discharge apertures, and these discharge apertures are positioned towards the front of the projecting part so that they are spaced at least 75 mm from the wall or, as the case may be, the rear part of the dryer. | 10-24-2013 |
20130272858 | FAN ASSEMBLY - A fan assembly includes a nozzle and a device for creating an air flow through the nozzle. The nozzle includes an interior passage, a mouth for receiving the air flow from the interior passage, and a Coanda surface located adjacent the mouth and over which the mouth is arranged to direct the air flow. The mouth and the Coanda surface extend about an axis. The Coanda surface comprises a diffuser portion, the angle subtended between the axis and the diffuser portion of the Coanda surface varying about the axis. | 10-17-2013 |
20130249330 | STATOR FOR AN ELECTRICAL MACHINE - A stator includes a plurality of stator elements, each stator element comprising a c-shaped core having two poles. Each pole of each stator element is secured to a pole of an adjacent stator element by a bridge formed of a non-magnetic material moulded onto the poles. | 09-26-2013 |
20130249126 | HUMIDIFYING APPARATUS - Humidifying apparatus includes a housing defining a water reservoir, and a water tank mounted on the housing for supplying water to the reservoir. An air flow is conveyed over water stored in the reservoir and emitted from the apparatus. The water stored in the reservoir is irradiated by ultraviolet radiation and atomized by a transducer to humidify the air flow passing over the reservoir. A flow of water entering the reservoir is guided adjacent to, and preferably along, the ultraviolet radiation generator. | 09-26-2013 |
20130249124 | HUMIDIFYING APPARATUS - A humidifying apparatus includes a nozzle and a base on which the nozzle is mounted. The nozzle has respective first and second air inlets, air outlets and interior passages for conveying air therefrom and thereto. The nozzle defines a bore through which air outside the humidifying apparatus is drawn by air emitted from the air outlets. The base generates first and second air flows through the respective first and second interior passages, and a water reservoir. First and second air passageways convey the first and second air flows to the respective first and second air inlets. As the second air passageway conveys the second air flow over the water in the reservoir, water stored in the reservoir is agitated. An ultraviolet radiation generator irradiates the agitated water for a period of time before water stored in the reservoir is atomized to increase the humidity of the second air flow. | 09-26-2013 |
20130249122 | HUMIDIFYING APPARATUS - Humidifying apparatus includes one or more motor and impeller units for generating a first air flow and a second air flow. A nozzle has a first air outlet for emitting the first air flow, with the nozzle defining an opening through which air from outside the humidifying apparatus is drawn by air emitted from the first air outlet. The second air flow is humidified and emitted from a plurality of second air outlets. A body comprising a water tank for supplying water for humidifying the second air flow is configured to releasably retain the nozzle on the apparatus. | 09-26-2013 |
20130234640 | SENSORLESS CONTROL OF A BRUSHLESS PERMANENT-MAGNET MOTOR - A method of controlling a brushless permanent-magnet motor. The method includes generating a first signal having a voltage that is proportional to a voltage across a winding of the motor, and generating a second signal having a voltage that is proportional to a current in the winding. The second signal is then differentiated to generate a third signal, and the voltages of the first signal and the third signal are compared. An output signal is generated in response to the comparison, the output signal having an edge whenever the voltages of the first signal and the third signal correspond. The winding is then commutated at times relative to the edges in the output signal. Additionally, a control system that implements the method, and a motor system that incorporates the control system. | 09-12-2013 |
20130234633 | METHOD OF DETERMINING THE ROTOR POSITION OF A PERMANENT-MAGNET MOTOR - A method of determining the position of a rotor of a permanent-magnet motor. The method includes sequentially exciting and freewheeling a winding of the motor. The winding is freewheeled for a freewheel period in response to current in the winding exceeding a current limit. The method also includes measuring a parameter that corresponds to either the magnitude of current in the winding at the end of the freewheel period or the interval between the start or end of the freewheel period and the time at which current in the winding exceeds the current limit. The measured parameter is then compared against a threshold and the rotor is determined to be at a predetermined position when the measured parameter is less than or greater than the threshold. | 09-12-2013 |
20130234631 | METHOD OF DETERMINING THE ROTOR POSITION OF A PERMANENT-MAGNET MOTOR - A method of determining the position of a rotor of a permanent-magnet motor. The method uses two different schemes to determine the position of the rotor. A first scheme is used when the rotor rotates within a first speed range, by sequentially exciting and freewheeling a winding of the motor, measuring a parameter that depends on the rate of change of current in the winding, and comparing the parameter against a threshold. A second scheme is used when the rotor rotates within a second speed range, by generating a voltage signal that is proportional to the voltage across the winding, generating a further voltage signal that depends on the rate of change of current in the winding, and comparing the two signals. | 09-12-2013 |
20130234347 | HUMIDIFYING APPARATUS - Humidifying apparatus includes a base housing a motor and impeller unit for generating a first air flow. A removable nozzle includes an interior passage for receiving the first air flow and an air outlet for emitting the first air flow. The nozzle defines an opening through which air from outside the apparatus is drawn by air emitted from the air outlet. The apparatus is configured to humidify a second air flow, which is emitted from a plurality of second air outlets. The second air flow is humidified with water supplied from a water tank mounted on the base. The water tank has a handle which is moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position, and which is biased towards the deployed position. The nozzle is configured to urge the handle towards the stowed position. | 09-12-2013 |
20130234346 | HUMIDIFYING APPARATUS - Humidifying apparatus includes a base housing a motor and impeller unit for generating a first air flow. A nozzle includes an interior passage for receiving the first air flow and an air outlet for emitting the first air flow. The nozzle defines an opening through which air from outside the apparatus is drawn by air emitted from the air outlet. The apparatus is configured to humidify a second air flow, which is emitted from a plurality of second air outlets. The second air flow is humidified with water supplied from a water tank mounted on the base. The water tank surrounds at least an upper section of the motor and impeller unit. | 09-12-2013 |
20130223997 | BEARING ASSEMBLY - A bearing assembly that includes a first bearing, a second bearing, a spring and a sleeve. The spring applies a preload to each of the bearings, and the sleeve surrounds the spring and the bearings. The sleeve includes an end portion that extends axially beyond the first bearing. The end portion includes a step down in the outer diameter that defines a seat for an o-ring. | 08-29-2013 |
20130212832 | CLEANER-HEAD FOR A VACUUM CLEANER - A cleaner head for a vacuum cleaner has a dirty-air inlet provided in a main suction chamber of the cleaner head, an outlet duct extending from the main suction chamber for connection to a suction source, and a rotating brush bar housed inside the main suction chamber for agitating a floor surface contacted through the dirty-air inlet. The brush bar is driven by an air-cooled motor housed inside a hollow section of the brush bar, the motor having an air intake and an air exhaust fluidly connected to one another to form an air cooling path through the inside of the motor. The air intake is connected to a clean air inlet on the cleaner head and the air exhaust is fluidly connected to the outlet duct by an exhaust duct which bypasses the main suction chamber. | 08-22-2013 |
20130212831 | CLEANER HEAD - A floor tool for a surface treating appliance, comprising a suction opening through which a dirt-bearing fluid flow enters the floor tool, and an agitating apparatus comprising a rotatable body having an outer surface which is substantially covered with filaments having a surface resistivity in the range from 1×10 | 08-22-2013 |
20130207615 | VACUUM CLEANER AND A BATTERY PACK THEREFOR - A battery pack suitable for handheld appliance, the battery pack including a plurality of cells and a circuit board associated with the cells, wherein a power terminal is associated with the circuit board and configured to transmit power to an appliance, in use, the battery pack further including a momentary switch operatively connected to the circuit board and movable between closed and open positions by an actuator wherein, when in the open position the power terminal is configured by the circuit to a power delivery state and, when in the closed position, the power terminal is configured by the circuit to a power disabled state. | 08-15-2013 |
20130205539 | CLEANER-HEAD FOR A VACUUM CLEANER - A cleaner head for a vacuum cleaner has a rotating brush bar driven by an air-cooled motor, which is mounted inside the cleaner head with at least a section of the motor being located inside the brush bar. To cool the motor in use, an external casing of the motor is provided a plurality of air-cooling holes comprising at least one air intake and at least one air exhaust. These cooling holes are connected—intake to exhaust—to form one or more air-cooling paths through the inside of the motor. Each air intake is connected to an upstream clean air inlet by a stationary—not rotating—intake duct, and each air exhaust is similarly connected to a downstream clean air outlet by a stationary—not rotating—exhaust duct. This avoids the problems associated with using the rotating brush bar itself as a duct for carrying cooling air to the motor. | 08-15-2013 |
20130205538 | VACUUM CLEANER - A vacuum cleaner comprising a main body and a separating apparatus associated with the main body, wherein the main body includes a suction generator for drawing air into the separating apparatus and a handle arrangement including a trigger member for activating the suction generator. The trigger member is resiliently biased into a first position in which the suction generator does not operate, and is movable into a second position to activate the suction generator, wherein, when in the first position, a contact surface of the trigger member is spaced away from an adjacent surface of the handle arrangement and, when in the activated position, the contact face of the trigger member is substantially flush with the adjacent surface of the handle arrangement. The invention also relates for a handle arrangement for such a vacuum cleaner. | 08-15-2013 |
20130202413 | FAN - A fan includes a base and a nozzle mounted on the base. The base includes an impeller and a motor for driving the impeller to generate an air flow. The nozzle includes an air inlet, an air outlet, and an annular casing which defines a bore through which air from outside the fan is drawn by air emitted from the air outlet. An ionizer is located within the bore of the nozzle for treating the air drawn through the bore. | 08-08-2013 |
20130202412 | FAN - A fan includes a base and a nozzle mounted on the base. The base includes an impeller and a motor for driving the impeller to generate an air flow. The nozzle includes an air inlet, an air outlet, and an annular casing which defines a bore through which air from outside the fan is drawn by air emitted from the air outlet. An electrostatic precipitator is located within the bore of the nozzle for treating the air drawn through the bore. | 08-08-2013 |
20130199640 | FIXTURE FOR A SINK - A fixture for delivering a first fluid over the basin of a sink includes a supply inlet and a delivery outlet for the fluid, the inlet connected to the outlet through a hollow body of the fixture, the hollow body including two straight, hollow metal tubes: a first tube arranged to be mounted next to the basin of the sink in use, and a second tube joined to the wall of the first tube so as to project out over the basin of the sink in use. One or more inserts are provided inside the first metal tube and together define a curved elbow duct inside the first metal tube for guiding the fluid from the first metal tube into the second metal tube. The tubes can be cut at relatively low cost from conventional rolled steel tubing, and the curved elbow duct limits pressure losses inside the first tube. | 08-08-2013 |
20130199372 | FAN ASSEMBLY - A nozzle for a fan assembly includes an air inlet, a plurality of air outlets, and an annular casing having an annular inner wall defining a bore through which air from outside the nozzle is drawn by air emitted from the air outlets and an outer wall extending about the inner wall. The annular casing includes an air passage for conveying air to the air outlets. The air passage has an inlet section located between the inner wall and the outer wall and extending about the bore of the nozzle, and a plurality of outlet sections each extending across the bore for conveying air to a respective air outlet. To achieve an even air pressure at each end of each of the outlet sections, the inlet section of the air passage is arranged to convey air to each end of each of the outlet sections. | 08-08-2013 |
20130196802 | CLEANER HEAD FOR A CLEANING APPLIANCE - A cleaner head includes a drive mechanism connecting a drive means to a rotatable brush member. The drive mechanism comprises an input drive member connected to the drive means, an output drive member connected to the rotatable brush member, and a flexible drive element extending therebetween. The drive mechanism is provided with an adjustment mechanism operable to vary the distance between the input and output drive members in order to vary the tension of the flexible drive element. The adjustment mechanism is movable in a first direction from a first position in which the flexible drive element has a relatively low tension through a plurality of further positions which increases the tension in the flexible drive element. The adjustment mechanism is lockable in a selected one of the plurality of further positions against movement in a direction opposite to the first direction. | 08-01-2013 |
20130189083 | FAN - A fan includes an outer casing having an air inlet and an air outlet, and an impeller housing located within the casing. An impeller is provided within the impeller housing for generating an air flow along a path extending from the air inlet to the air outlet through the impeller housing. A motor for driving the impeller is located within a motor housing connected to the impeller housing. A foam annular seal is located between the impeller housing and a seat to inhibit the leakage of air between the impeller housing and the casing. A plurality of resilient supports is provided between the impeller housing and the seat to reduce the load on the annular seal. | 07-25-2013 |
20130174374 | FLOOR TOOL FOR A VACUUM CLEANING APPLIANCE - A floor tool for a vacuum cleaning appliance, comprising a main body connected to a conduit, the main body comprising, a supporting member adapted to support a cleaning element and a suction nozzle adjacent an edge of the supporting member, wherein the suction nozzle defines a suction chamber, and wherein the suction chamber includes a first fluid outlet and a second fluid outlet in communication with the conduit. | 07-11-2013 |
20130174373 | CLEANER HEAD FOR A VACUUM CLEANER - A cleaner head for a vacuum cleaner houses a hollow brush bar mounted for rotation about an axis. This brush bar is driven by a motor housed inside the hollow brush bar, the motor forming part of a drive assembly supported at one end of the cleaner head. The brush bar is arranged for removal from the cleaner head by sliding the brush bar along the axis and out through an opening at the opposite end of the cleaner head and the brush bar is rotatably supported in clearance around the drive assembly by a first bearing, which bearing engages the brush bar in a corresponding axial-sliding fit to allow said sliding removal of the brush bar. | 07-11-2013 |
20130174372 | FLOOR TOOL FOR A VACUUM CLEANING APPLIANCE - A floor tool for a vacuum cleaning appliance, comprising a main body connected to a conduit, the main body comprising, a supporting member adapted to support a cleaning element and a suction nozzle adjacent an edge of the supporting member, wherein the suction nozzle defines a suction chamber, and wherein the suction chamber includes a first fluid outlet and a second fluid outlet in communication with the conduit. | 07-11-2013 |
20130161842 | HUMIDIFYING APPARATUS - Humidifying apparatus includes a humidifier for emitting moist air into an external environment, and a fan assembly for generating an air current within the external environment for conveying the emitted moist air away from the humidifier. The fan assembly includes a device for creating an air flow and a nozzle comprising an interior passage for receiving the air flow and a mouth for emitting the air flow. The humidifier is located behind nozzle, the nozzle extending about and defining an opening through which both air from outside the nozzle and the moist air emitted from the humidifier are drawn by the air flow emitted from the mouth. | 06-27-2013 |
20130160233 | SEPARATING APPARATUS - A separating apparatus comprises a first cyclonic separating unit and a second cyclonic separating unit located fluidly downstream therefrom and including a plurality of second cyclones arranged fluidly in parallel about a first axis and grouped into at least a first and second set of second cyclones arranged about the first axis. Each cyclone in the first and second sets of second cyclones defines a longitudinal axis and includes a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The fluid inlets of the first set of second cyclones are spaced along the first axis from the fluid inlets of the second set of second cyclones, and each outlet of the cyclones in the first and second sets of second cyclones is in fluid communication with an outlet duct, wherein the outlet duct includes a first portion which extends between two of the cyclones of at least the first set of second cyclones. | 06-27-2013 |
20130160232 | VACUUM CLEANER - A vacuum cleaner comprising a cyclonic separating apparatus including a dirty air inlet, a main body connected to the cyclonic separating apparatus and a motor and fan unit for generating an airflow through the cyclonic separating apparatus from the dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, wherein the cyclonic separating apparatus includes at least a first cyclonic cleaning stage and an elongate filter arranged fluidly downstream from the first cyclonic cleaning stage, the elongate filter being housed in a duct at least partially surrounded by the first cleaning stage, and wherein the filter comprises an inlet portion and a filter portion defining a generally tubular filter chamber, the inlet portion including one or more radially facing inlets to permit air to flow into the inlet portion in a radial direction from where the air flows from the inlet portion to the filter chamber in an axial direction. | 06-27-2013 |
20130154563 | RECHARGEABLE BATTERY PACK - The invention relates to a rechargeable battery pack. Particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a rechargeable battery pack for a battery powered appliance such as a hand held vacuum cleaner. The rechargeable battery pack includes at least one power interface for transferring power from the battery pack to an appliance during use and a single charger input terminal to which an output terminal of a battery charger is connectable during use for charging the battery pack, wherein the single charger input terminal is connectable to the output terminal of a battery charger when the battery pack is connected to an appliance and when the battery pack is not connected to an appliance. | 06-20-2013 |
20130152336 | ATTACHMENT FOR A VACUUM CLEANING APPLIANCE - An attachment for a vacuum cleaning appliance, the attachment including a head divided into a first rotatable member and a second rotatable member, each rotatable member comprising means for sweeping dirt from a surface, a conduit connectable to a vacuum cleaning appliance for conveying an air flow from the head towards the appliance, a drive mechanism for rotating the head about a first axis while simultaneously rotating the first rotatable member about a second axis and the second rotatable member about a third axis, each of the second axis and the third axis being angled to the first axis, and means for dislodging dirt from the sweeping means with rotation of the head about the first axis so that dislodged dirt may become entrained within the air flow. | 06-20-2013 |
20130152303 | DOMESTIC APPLIANCE - A hand washing station has a fluid dispenser for dispensing a relatively hot fluid into a receptacle having a drain. The fluid dispenser is arranged to dispense fluid on to a heat exchanger located above the drain. A relatively cold fluid is conveyed adjacent or over an internal surface of the heat exchanger. | 06-20-2013 |
20130152302 | DOMESTIC APPLIANCE - A receptacle of a hand washing station includes a heat exchanger having an external surface for thermally contacting a relatively hot fluid and an internal surface for thermally contacting a relatively cold fluid. The external surface of the heat exchanger forms at least part of the external surface of the receptacle. | 06-20-2013 |
20130152301 | DOMESTIC APPLIANCE - A hand washing station has a receptacle with a raised or domed portion, a fluid dispenser for dispensing a relatively hot fluid, a drain for draining fluid from the receptacle, and a cooling jacket for conveying a relatively cold fluid beneath the raised portion of the receptacle. The raised portion of the receptacle forms part of a heat exchanger for transferring heat from the relatively hot fluid within the receptacle to the relatively cold fluid within the cooling jacket. | 06-20-2013 |
20130146206 | REINFORCED MAGNET - A magnet that includes a composite body and at least one reinforcing element. The reinforcing element is embedded within the body and increases the radial strength of the body. As a result, the magnet is able to rotate at higher speeds without fracturing. Additionally, methods of manufacturing the magnet are described. | 06-13-2013 |
20130139349 | CLEANER HEAD - A cleaner head for a vacuum cleaning appliance includes a main body having a downwardly-directed suction opening and at least one surface engaging support member, a front agitator and a rear agitator, with each agitator being rotatable relative to the main body, and a mechanism for rotating the front agitator and the rear agitator. The front agitator has a relatively flexible pile and the rear agitator has relatively stiff bristles arranged to dislodge matter from the pile of the front agitator. The pile of the front agitator and the at least one surface engaging support member extend downwardly beyond the bristles of the rear agitator so as to space the bristles of the rear agitator from a relatively hard surface to be cleaned. | 06-06-2013 |
20130129490 | FAN ASSEMBLY - A nozzle for a fan assembly has an air inlet, an annular air outlet, and an interior passage for conveying air from the air inlet to the air outlet. The interior passage is located between an annular inner wall, and an outer wall extending about the inner wall. The inner wall at least partially defines a bore through which air from outside the nozzle is drawn by air emitted from the air outlet. The inner wall is eccentric with respect to the outer wall so that the cross-sectional area of the interior passage varies about the bore. The variation in the cross-sectional area of the interior passage can control the direction in which air is emitted from around the air outlet to reduce turbulence in the air flow generated by the fan assembly. | 05-23-2013 |
20130127384 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING A BRUSHLESS MOTOR - A method of controlling a brushless motor that includes storing a lookup table of control values, periodically obtaining a speed-adjusted control value, and exciting a phase winding of the motor. The speed-adjusted control value is then used to define the phase and/or length of excitation. Obtaining the speed-adjusted control value includes measuring the speed of the motor, increasing or decreasing a speed-adjust variable in the event that the measured speed is greater or less than a threshold, selecting a control value from the lookup table using the measured speed, and adjusting the selected control value using the speed-adjust variable to obtain the speed-adjusted control value. Additionally, a control system that implements the method, and a motor assembly that incorporates the brushless motor and the control system. | 05-23-2013 |
20130106240 | POWER GENERATOR | 05-02-2013 |
20130097885 | DEVELOPMENTS IN OR RELATING TO A HAND DRYER - A method of manufacturing a nozzle part for a hand dryer. The nozzle part has a nozzle body and an air outlet aperture in the nozzle body, and the method includes moulding the nozzle body from plastic as a single part and then post-machining the air outlet aperture in the moulded plastic nozzle body. | 04-25-2013 |
20130097803 | SURFACE TREATING APPLIANCE - A surface treating appliance including an electrical influence machine comprising a first non electrically conductive support structure spaced from a second non electrically conductive support structure, at least one of the support structures being arranged to move with respect to the other support structure, and at least two charge collecting points, and further comprising an air turbine for rotating at least one of the support structures. | 04-25-2013 |
20130093374 | METHOD OF STARTING A BRUSHLESS MOTOR - A method of starting a brushless motor that includes a rotor, a stator having at least one phase winding, and a rotor-position sensor. The method involves exciting the winding and sensing a signal output by the sensor. If an edge of the signal is sensed during a first period, the winding is commutated in response to the edge. Otherwise, the method involves commutating the winding at the end of the first period, sensing the signal, and commutating the winding in response to a second of two edges of the signal sensed during a second period. Additionally, a control system that implements the method, and a motor assembly that incorporates the brushless motor and the control system. | 04-18-2013 |
20130087393 | DRIVE ARRANGEMENT FOR A MOBILE ROBOT - A drive arrangement suitable for a mobile robot and particularly for an autonomous surface treating appliance. The drive arrangement comprises a drive housing adapted to be mounted on a chassis of a mobile robot and includes a drive motor operatively connected to a drive shaft having a drive axis. The drive arrangement further comprises a linkage member rotatably mounted to the drive housing about a pivot axis, a first wheel carried by the drive shaft, a second wheel carried by the linkage member, and means for transmitting drive from the first wheel to the second wheel. | 04-11-2013 |