A haircare appliance comprises a main body comprising an annular outlet configured to expel an airflow in the form of an annular column. The haircare appliance also comprises a sensor-emitter arrangement located radially inwardly of the annular outlet. The sensor-emitter arrangement comprises at least one of a sensor and an emitter configured to sense an attachment attached to the main body, or to sense a property of or to irradiate hair proximate the haircare appliance.
An agitator element for a vacuum cleaner. The agitator element tapers from a first end of the agitator element towards a second end of the agitator element. The second end of the agitator element comprises a recess which is configured to releasably retain a debris strand ball formed during use of the agitator element in a vacuum cleaner.
An appliance comprises a main unit to which one of a plurality of magnetic attachments is attachable in any one of a plurality of rotational positions relative to the main unit about an axis; a magnetometer; and a control module. The control module is operable to determine which of the plurality of attachments is attached to the main unit based on data output by the magnetometer. The appliance comprises one or more of the following features: (i) the magnetometer is located on the axis; (ii) the appliance comprises the plurality of magnetic attachments, each magnetic attachment comprises a plurality of magnetic regions distributed about the axis in a rotationally symmetric arrangement, and the magnetometer is located radially inwardly of the plurality of magnetic regions when the attachment is attached to the main unit; and (iii) the appliance comprises the plurality of magnetic attachments and each magnetic attachment comprises a magnetic region located on the axis when the attachment is attached to the main unit.
The invention relates to a haircare appliance comprising an airflow generator for generating an airflow, a first sensor for detecting a first usage condition of the haircare appliance, and a second sensor for detecting a second usage condition of the haircare appliance. The haircare appliance further comprises a control unit configured to determine, based on an output signal from the first sensor, if the first usage condition satisfies a predetermined usage condition. Following a determination that the first usage condition satisfies the predetermined usage condition, the control unit is configured to control the airflow generator based on an output signal from the second sensor.
The invention relates to a haircare appliance comprising a body having an airflow generator for generating an airflow, and an attachment region adapted for connecting an accessory. An accessory is removably attachable to the body at the attachment region such that, when the accessory is attached to the body at the attachment region, the accessory is adapted to receive the airflow from the airflow generator and to discharge the received airflow towards hair of a user. The haircare appliance further includes a distance sensor for detecting a distance between the distance sensor and the hair of the user. A control unit is configured to, when the accessory is attached at the attachment region: determine a type of the accessory; determine, based on an output signal received from the distance sensor, a distance to the user's hair; and control the airflow generator based on the determined type of the accessory and the determined distance to the user's hair.
The invention relates to a haircare appliance comprising an airflow generator for generating an airflow, and a sensor for detecting a usage condition of the haircare appliance. The haircare appliance further comprises a control unit configured to determine, based on an output signal from the sensor, if the usage condition satisfies a predetermined usage condition. If the control unit determines that the usage condition does not satisfy the predetermined usage condition for a predetermined period, the control unit is configured to put the airflow generator into an idle state in which a temperature and/or a flow rate of the airflow generated by the airflow generator are progressively reduced.
An appliance is described that comprises a main unit to which one of a plurality of attachments is attachable, a sensor operable to emit emissions and receive reflected emissions, and a control module. The control module is operable to determine which of the plurality of attachments is attached to the main unit based on data output by the sensor.
A haircare appliance comprises a body having a central bore and an annular outlet configured to expel an airflow. The haircare appliance comprises a visual indicator device located within the bore and configured to visually indicate information associated with the haircare appliance.
A crevice tool (4) for a vacuum cleaning appliance, comprising an elongated hollow body (10) extending in a longitudinal direction, and a tool opening to admit airflow into the hollow body, wherein the tool opening is defined by first and second opposed flank edges (22, 24) that reside in a common plane that extends transversely to the longitudinal direction. The tool (4) further comprises a first connecting edge (26) that extends between the first and second opposed flank edges, wherein the first connecting edge is configured with a corner cleaning formation (30) which extends beyond the common plane in the longitudinal direction. Advantageously the corner cleaning formation is configured to press into comer surfaces such as those found between floor surfaces and kickboard/skirting boards in order to scrape dirt and thereby clean more effectively.
There is provided a robotic gripper comprising a first finger member and a mounting assembly, wherein the first finger member is connected to the mounting assembly via a linear coupling and via a rotational coupling, and the robotic gripper comprises a drive assembly to control both the linear position of the first finger relative to the mounting assembly and along the linear coupling, and the angular orientation of the first finger relative to the mounting assembly and about the rotational coupling. Suitably, the robotic gripper further comprises a second finger member. Here, the first finger member is controlled to move relative to the second finger member. Thus, the robotic gripper is controlled to grip a target object by a clamping force between the first finger member and the second finger member. Preferably, the second finger member will also be connected to the mounting assembly via a second linear coupling and via a second rotational coupling, wherein the drive assembly is configured to control both the linear position of the second finger relative to the mounting assembly and along the linear coupling, and the angular orientation of the second finger relative to the mounting assembly and about the rotational coupling. Arranging the first and optionally a second finger member to be controlled to move about both a linear coupling and a rotational coupling provides a better grasping.
A mop arrangement for a wet floor cleaner comprising a mop roller and a cleaning roller, wherein the cleaning roller is configured to be aligned adjacent the mop roller to squeeze cleaning fluid from the mop roller in use. The arrangement further comprises a drive arrangement configured to rotate the mop roller and the cleaning roller. The cleaning roller extends in an axial direction between a first end and a second end, and comprises at least one mangle bar that extends along the cleaning roller in a helical path.
A47L 11/18 - Floor surfacing or polishing machines motor-driven with rotating tools the tools being roll brushes
A47L 11/282 - Floor-scrubbing machines, motor-driven having rotary tools
A47L 11/292 - Floor-scrubbing machines characterised by means for taking-up dirty liquid having rotary tools
A47L 11/40 - Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups , or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers or levers
The invention provides a finger for a robotic gripper. The finger comprises a first member and a second member, wherein a gap is formed between the first member and the second member, the gap being configured to receive an edge of an object. The first member is configured to contact a lower surface of the edge of the object when the edge of the object is received in the gap, whilst the second member is configured to contact an upper surface of the edge of the object when the finger is pivoted relative to the object, such that the edge of the object is gripped between the first member and the second member. In this manner, the finger can be used to grip the edge of an object, in order to pick up and/or manipulate the object with a robotic gripper.
A method of determining a value of an airflow rate through a motor assembly of an air-moving device comprises measuring, during operation of a motor of the motor assembly, a first value of a first pressure at a first position in the motor assembly. The method also comprises measuring, during operation of the motor of the motor assembly, a second value of a second pressure at a second position in the motor assembly, the second position being downstream of the first position, and performing a determination process to determine, based on the first value and the second value, the value of the airflow rate through the motor assembly.
H02K 9/06 - Arrangements for cooling or ventilating by ambient air flowing through the machine having means for generating a flow of cooling medium with fans or impellers driven by the machine shaft
A47L 9/28 - Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
F04D 25/06 - Units comprising pumps and their driving means the pump being electrically driven
F04D 25/08 - Units comprising pumps and their driving means the working fluid being air, e.g. for ventilation
F04D 27/00 - Control, e.g. regulation, of pumps, pumping installations or pumping systems specially adapted for elastic fluids
H02K 11/20 - Structural association of dynamo-electric machines with electric components or with devices for shielding, monitoring or protection for measuring, monitoring, testing, protecting or switching
Disclosed is an electrode precursor composition suitable for preparing a gel electrode, the composition comprising an organic solvent, an alkali metal salt, and two or more polymers, the two or more polymers including at least an electronically insulating polymer and an electronically conductive polymer, wherein the electronically conductive polymer is present in a smaller volume fraction than the electronically insulating polymer. The electronically conductive polymer may be present in the electrode precursor composition in an amount of between 1 to 20 vol%, based on the total volume of the electrode precursor composition. The electronically conductive polymer may be present in the electrode precursor composition in an amount of up to 8 vol%, based on the total volume of the electrode precursor composition. The electronically conductive polymer may be redox active.
An induction heating system is provided. The induction heating system comprises an induction coil configured to generate a magnetic field and a heating target spaced apart from the induction coil. The heating target is moveable to create a varying distance between the induction coil and the heating target along a length of the heating target so as to generate, in use, a varying amount of heating of the heating target, along the length of the heating target, by penetration of the heating target by the magnetic field generated by the induction coil.
A method to control an input power of a motor of an air-moving device comprises performing a measurement process to determine a first value of an operating parameter of the motor. The operating parameter is an operating pressure of the motor or an airflow rate through the motor. The method includes performing a determination process to determine, based on the first value of the operating parameter of the motor and a first pre-determined relationship between values of the operating parameter of the motor and values of an inlet restriction of the air-moving device, a value of the inlet restriction of the air-moving device. The method includes controlling, based on the determined value of the inlet restriction, the input power of the motor.
A47L 9/28 - Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
17.
A METHOD OF DETERMINING A VALUE OF A FILTER LOADING OF A FILTER OF AN AIR-MOVING DEVICE
A method of determining a value of a filter loading of a filter of an air-moving device comprises performing a measurement process comprising determining a first value of an operating parameter of the air-moving device, the first value being a value of the operating parameter when the air-moving device is operating with a first inlet restriction condition. The method comprises performing a determination process to determine the value of the filter loading of the filter of the air-moving device. The determination process comprises determining, based on the first value of the operating parameter and a first pre-determined relationship relating, for the air-moving device when operating with the first inlet restriction condition, values of the operating parameter to values of the filter loading, the value of the filter loading.
Disclosed is a method of preparing an electrode for an alkali metal ion secondary cell, the method may comprise: a mixing step, comprising mixing polyacrylonitrile, or a copolymer of acrylonitrile and at least one other monomer, or a blend of either of the foregoing with one or more other polymers, with a first organic solvent and an electrochemically active material, to form an electrode precursor composition; an electrode precursor formation step, in which the electrode precursor composition is formed into an electrode precursor; and an electrode formation step, comprising exposing the electrode precursor to an alkali metal salt. The mixing step mat be carried out in the presence of between 0 and 1 wt.% of an alkali metal salt. The electrode formation step may comprise exposing the electrode precursor to a solution or gel comprising the alkali metal salt. The solution comprising the alkali metal salt may comprise a second organic solvent, preferably wherein the second organic solvent is the same as the first organic solvent.
C08L 33/20 - Homopolymers or copolymers of acrylonitrile
H01M 4/131 - Electrodes based on mixed oxides or hydroxides, or on mixtures of oxides or hydroxides, e.g. LiCoOx
H01M 4/1391 - Processes of manufacture of electrodes based on mixed oxides or hydroxides, or on mixtures of oxides or hydroxides, e.g. LiCoOx
H01M 4/525 - Selection of substances as active materials, active masses, active liquids of inorganic oxides or hydroxides of nickel, cobalt or iron of mixed oxides or hydroxides containing iron, cobalt or nickel for inserting or intercalating light metals, e.g. LiNiO2, LiCoO2 or LiCoOxFy
H01M 4/62 - Selection of inactive substances as ingredients for active masses, e.g. binders, fillers
H01M 10/0525 - Rocking-chair batteries, i.e. batteries with lithium insertion or intercalation in both electrodes; Lithium-ion batteries
Disclosed is an electrode precursor composition suitable for preparing a gel electrode, the composition comprising an organic solvent, an alkali metal salt, an electronically insulating polymer, and a redox active organic component, wherein the redox active organic component is present in a smaller volume fraction than the electronically insulating polymer. The redox active organic component may be present in the electrode precursor composition in an amount of between 1 to 20 vol%, based on the total volume of the electrode precursor composition. The redox active organic component may be present in the electrode precursor composition in an amount of up to 8 vol%, based on the total volume of the electrode precursor composition. The redox active organic component may be a redox active polymer.
A hair styling apparatus (10) comprising a support surface (16), a fluid outlet (20) arranged to discharge fluid across the support surface, and a plurality of spaced hair styling projections (15) projecting from the support surface (16) for styling a user's hair. The apparatus (10) also includes a plurality of fluid flow channels (27). Each channel extends through a respective projection (15) of the plurality of projections for passage of fluid discharged from the fluid outlet (20). Also disclosed is a hair styling apparatus (10) that includes at least one bleed outlet (28) provided on a projection of the plurality of projections (15) of the apparatus (10). The bleed outlet (28) is in fluid communication with a fluid passage of the apparatus (10) and arranged to discharge fluid laterally from the projection (15) so as to allow fluid to escape from the passage when the fluid outlet (20) is closed.
A hair styling apparatus (10) comprising a support surface (16), a fluid outlet (20) arranged to discharge fluid across the support surface, and a plurality of spaced hair styling projections (15) projecting from the support surface (16) for styling a user's hair. The apparatus (10) also includes a plurality of fluid flow channels (27). Each channel extends through a respective projection (15) of the plurality of projections for passage of fluid discharged from the fluid outlet (20). Also disclosed is a hair styling apparatus (10) that includes at least one bleed outlet (28) provided on a projection of the plurality of projections (15) of the apparatus (10). The bleed outlet (28) is in fluid communication with a fluid passage of the apparatus (10) and arranged to discharge fluid laterally from the projection (15) so as to allow fluid to escape from the passage when the fluid outlet (20) is closed.
A drive system for a floor cleaner comprising a longitudinally extending drive housing. A motor and a gear arrangement are at least partially located within the drive housing and longitudinally disposed with respect to one another. A drive output of the motor provides drive to an output member via the gear arrangement which comprises an asymmetric planetary gear set having two planet gears of different sizes. A cleaner head assembly comprising the drive system, a head for a cleaner and a wet floor cleaner are also disclosed.
An air intake for a drive system of a floor cleaner comprising a longitudinally extending tubular body having longitudinally extending openings. A plurality of outwardly extending annular fins are distributed along the length of the tubular body.
A47L 9/04 - Nozzles with driven brushes or agitators
A47L 9/28 - Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
A wearable air purifier, comprising a headgear, and an air delivery mask connected to the headgear and which bounds an air delivery region, wherein the air delivery mask is configured to define a first airflow path to deliver a flow of air to the air delivery region, wherein the headgear defines a second airflow path. The wearable air purifier conveniently further comprises a fan configured to direct airflow to the first airflow path and the second airflow path. Beneficially, therefore, the wearable air purifier of the invention has a fan that that is configured to direct air to two separate flow paths, which provides a more space and weight efficient purifier product.
A wearable air purifier, comprising a headgear, an air delivery mask connected to the headgear and which bounds an air delivery region, an airflow generator configured to direct airflow to the air delivery region through the air delivery mask. The headgear defines an airflow path which is defined at least in part by a head-engaging surface. Beneficially, the airflow generator is configured to direct air through the airflow path to cool the head-engaging surface. An advantage of the invention is that the wearable air purifier is configured to cool the head region of the user/wearer by way of the airflow that passes through the airflow path which is in part defined by the head-engaging surface. This provides enhanced comfort for the user during periods of prolonged wearing.
An electrode precursor composition for an alkali metal ion secondary cell is described. The composition includes a polymer-solvent gel matrix phase and a dispersed phase comprising an electrochemically active material. The electrochemically active material has a multimodal particle size distribution having a D15050/D25050 in the range 2 to 15. The electrode precursor composition can be processed into an electrode for an alkali metal ion secondary cell, for example a lithium ion secondary cell.
H01M 4/131 - Electrodes based on mixed oxides or hydroxides, or on mixtures of oxides or hydroxides, e.g. LiCoOx
H01M 4/1391 - Processes of manufacture of electrodes based on mixed oxides or hydroxides, or on mixtures of oxides or hydroxides, e.g. LiCoOx
H01M 4/485 - Selection of substances as active materials, active masses, active liquids of inorganic oxides or hydroxides of mixed oxides or hydroxides for inserting or intercalating light metals, e.g. LiTi2O4 or LiTi2OxFy
H01M 4/505 - Selection of substances as active materials, active masses, active liquids of inorganic oxides or hydroxides of manganese of mixed oxides or hydroxides containing manganese for inserting or intercalating light metals, e.g. LiMn2O4 or LiMn2OxFy
H01M 4/525 - Selection of substances as active materials, active masses, active liquids of inorganic oxides or hydroxides of nickel, cobalt or iron of mixed oxides or hydroxides containing iron, cobalt or nickel for inserting or intercalating light metals, e.g. LiNiO2, LiCoO2 or LiCoOxFy
H01M 4/62 - Selection of inactive substances as ingredients for active masses, e.g. binders, fillers
H01M 10/0525 - Rocking-chair batteries, i.e. batteries with lithium insertion or intercalation in both electrodes; Lithium-ion batteries
H01M 4/02 - Electrodes composed of, or comprising, active material
Various embodiments provide a method of preparing an electrode precursor composition for use in an alkali metal ion secondary cell, an electrode precursor composition and an electrode for an alkali metal ion secondary cell obtained or obtainable by the method, an electrochemical secondary cell comprising said electrode, and an electrochemical energy storage device comprising said electrochemical secondary cell. The method includes steps of forming a first mixture from one or more electrolyte components, a gelling polymer, and carbon nanotubes, and mixing said first mixture with an electrochemically active material to thereby form an electrode precursor composition comprising a polymer-electrolyte gel matrix phase and a dispersed phase comprising electrochemically active material and carbon nanotubes.
H01M 4/131 - Electrodes based on mixed oxides or hydroxides, or on mixtures of oxides or hydroxides, e.g. LiCoOx
H01M 4/134 - Electrodes based on metals, Si or alloys
H01M 4/1391 - Processes of manufacture of electrodes based on mixed oxides or hydroxides, or on mixtures of oxides or hydroxides, e.g. LiCoOx
H01M 4/1395 - Processes of manufacture of electrodes based on metals, Si or alloys
H01M 4/62 - Selection of inactive substances as ingredients for active masses, e.g. binders, fillers
H01M 10/0565 - Polymeric materials, e.g. gel-type or solid-type
H01M 4/133 - Electrodes based on carbonaceous material, e.g. graphite-intercalation compounds or CFx
H01M 4/1393 - Processes of manufacture of electrodes based on carbonaceous material, e.g. graphite-intercalation compounds or CFx
H01M 4/1397 - Processes of manufacture of electrodes based on inorganic compounds other than oxides or hydroxides, e.g. sulfides, selenides, tellurides, halogenides or LiCoFy
H01M 4/136 - Electrodes based on inorganic compounds other than oxides or hydroxides, e.g. sulfides, selenides, tellurides, halogenides or LiCoFy
Various embodiments provide an electrode for use in an alkali metal ion secondary cell, and a method of preparing an electrode for use in an alkali metal ion secondary cell. The electrode comprises an active material layer having a structured surface portion provided on at least one side of the active material layer. It further comprises a conformal coating layer covering at least a part of the structured surface portion, wherein the conformal coating layer comprises carbon nanotubes.
A heater assembly for a haircare appliance is described. The heater assembly comprises a contact member that defines a hair-contacting surface, wherein the contact member comprises a heat spreading layer. The heater assembly further comprises one or more heating elements for heating the contact member. The heat spreading layer has a lateral thermal resistance of no greater than 22 Kelvin/Watt.
H05B 3/24 - Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater non-flexible heating conductor being self-supporting
A45D 1/08 - Curling-tongs, i.e. tongs for use when hot; Curling-irons, i.e. irons for use when hot; Accessories therefor with two or more jaws the jaws remaining parallel to each other during use, e.g. the jaws sliding parallel to each other
A45D 1/14 - Curling-tongs, i.e. tongs for use when hot; Curling-irons, i.e. irons for use when hot; Accessories therefor with two or more jaws the jaws being separable from each other
A45D 2/00 - Hair-curling or hair-waving appliances
H05B 3/26 - Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater non-flexible heating conductor mounted on insulating base
A haircare appliance includes an air inlet, an air outlet, and a channel between the air inlet and the air outlet. The haircare appliance includes an airflow generator for generating an airflow from the air inlet to the air outlet through the channel, and a flow divider configured to divide airflow through the channel into first and second airflow portions. The haircare appliance includes an occlusion located upstream of the air outlet within the channel, the occlusion movable between a first position within the channel, and a second position within the channel different to the first position within the channel. The haircare appliance is configured to cause recombination of the first and second airflow portions downstream of the occlusion.
A drive system for a floor cleaner, comprising a motor and a cooling fan longitudinally disposed with respect to one another within a longitudinally extending drive housing. The drive output of the motor is configured to drive the cooling fan via driveshaft and a drive connector which comprises a fan-side connector element and a motor-side connector element. The fan-side connector element is configured to interlock with the motor-side connector element.
A47L 9/04 - Nozzles with driven brushes or agitators
A47L 9/28 - Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
A drive system for a floor cleaner, comprising: a motor; a cooling fan; a diffuser comprising a plurality of vanes arranged around a circumference of the diffuser, wherein the length of the vanes is non-uniform; and a longitudinally extending drive housing. The motor and the cooling fan are longitudinally disposed with respect to one another within the drive housing, and a drive output of the motor is configured to drive the cooling fan.
A47L 9/04 - Nozzles with driven brushes or agitators
A47L 9/28 - Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
An agitator head assembly for a wet floor cleaner, comprising: an agitation member rotationally mounted within the agitator head assembly and arranged to contact a floor in use; a debris remover element rotationally mounted within the agitator head assembly alongside the agitation member and arranged to contact the agitation member in use; and a drive system at least partially located within the agitation member. The drive system comprises: a longitudinally extending drive housing; a motor at least partially located within the drive housing; and a gear arrangement at least partially located within the drive housing. The motor and the gear arrangement are longitudinally disposed with respect to one another, and a drive output of the motor is operably coupled to the agitation member and to the debris remover element via the gear arrangement so as to provide drive to cause the agitation member and the debris remover element to rotate.
Disclosed is an air treatment apparatus (10) comprising a primary airflow passage (11) extending from an inlet (12) to an outlet (13) and a primary air mover (14) disposed in the primary airflow passage (11) to move air along the primary airflow passage (11) from the inlet (12) to the outlet (13). The apparatus (10) also includes an air treatment device (15) arranged to treat air flowing along the primary airflow passage (11). A secondary airflow passage (16) is also provided and extends between a first opening (17) arranged to receive air that is untreated by the air treatment device and a second opening (18) connected to the primary airflow passage (11) downstream of the air treatment device (15). The apparatus (10) further comprises one or more sensors (19) arranged to sense a characteristic of the air flowing along the secondary airflow passage (16), an airflow director (20) for directing airflow, and a controller configured to control the airflow director (20) between a baseline configuration and a diagnostic configuration. In the baseline configuration, air flows from the first opening (17) to the one or more sensors (19). In the diagnostic configuration air flows from the second opening (18) to the one or more sensors (19).
F24F 3/14 - Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by dehumidification
F04D 27/00 - Control, e.g. regulation, of pumps, pumping installations or pumping systems specially adapted for elastic fluids
F24F 8/10 - Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying by separation, e.g. by filtering
Disclosed is a volute (12) for a turbomachine (10). The volute (12) comprises a scroll (17), a volute exit (18), and a tongue (22) between the scroll (17) and the volute exit (18). The tongue (22) comprises a porous material (26) that is attached to a wall (25) of the volute (12). Also disclosed is a turbomachine (10) incorporating the volute, a wearable air purifier incorporating the turbomachine (10) and a method of forming the volute (12).
A head wearable air purifier apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a headgear; an air purifier assembly; a nozzle assembly coupled to the headgear for delivering purified air from the air purifier assembly to a wearer; a collection chamber for receiving at least a portion of exhaled breath; and a sensor configured to measure at least one component of the portion of exhaled breath; wherein the sensor is located in the collection chamber and the collection chamber comprises a one-way valve configured to selectively allow exhaled breath therethrough.
Provided is a compressor for an air purifier. The compressor includes an impeller, a plurality of outlets, and a volute extending circumferentially around the compressor. The volute is configured to pass air from the impeller to each of the plurality of outlets.
There is disclosed a filter media comprising a membrane layer and a first non-woven scrim layer secured to a surface of the membrane layer, the filter media having a Young's Modulus of at least 175 MPa. Also disclosed is an air filtering device comprising an inlet, an airflow generator to generate an airflow from the inlet towards the airflow generator and a filter media according to the invention.
B01D 39/16 - Other self-supporting filtering material of organic material, e.g. synthetic fibres
A47L 7/00 - Suction cleaners adapted for additional purposes; Tables with suction openings for cleaning purposes; Containers for cleaning articles by suction; Suction cleaners adapted to cleaning of brushes; Suction cleaners adapted to taking-up liquids
A47L 11/00 - Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
An air purification system including: an air purification device; and a network server. The air purification device includes: an air purification unit configured to be operated to purify air in the vicinity of the air purification device; and a communication interface, wherein the air purification device is configured to communicate with the network server via the communication interface. The air purification device is configured to operate the air purification unit according to a control algorithm that uses sensor data representative of the content of air in the vicinity of the air purification device as an input. The network server is configured to update the control algorithm to change how the air purification device operates the air purification unit according to sensor data representative of the content of air in the vicinity of the air purification device.
F24F 1/0328 - Self-contained room units for air-conditioning, i.e. with all apparatus for treatment installed in a common casing with means for purifying supplied air
F24F 8/00 - Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying
A heating element with a self-balancing effect, for an appliance, the heating element comprises: a substrate; a plurality of resistive heating traces, each trace comprising a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact, each for connection to a power source; wherein: each trace comprises: an input portion connected to the first electrical contact; an output portion connected to the second electrical contact; and a zone-defining portion connected at a first end to the input portion and at a second end to the output portion, the zone-defining portion of the trace defining a respective zone and comprising at least three laterally adjacent trace portions of that trace. A heating system comprising the heating element, and method of manufacturing the heating element are also provided.
H05B 3/26 - Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater non-flexible heating conductor mounted on insulating base
A battery charger includes a transformer having a primary winding and a first secondary winding. Current-modulating circuitry is coupled in series with the primary winding, and battery detection circuitry is coupled to the first secondary winding and configured to output a connection status signal. Control circuitry is coupled to receive the connection status signal, and to control the current-modulating circuitry at least partly in reliance on the connection status signal, thereby to control energisation of the primary winding. When the battery charger is in a standby mode, a change in an output of the first secondary winding responsive to coupling of the battery to the battery charger causes the battery detection circuitry to change the connection status signal, which switches the battery charger from the standby mode to a charging mode. An associated method and battery are also disclosed.
H02J 7/02 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries for charging batteries from ac mains by converters
H02J 9/00 - Circuit arrangements for emergency or stand-by power supply, e.g. for emergency lighting
H02M 1/00 - APPARATUS FOR CONVERSION BETWEEN AC AND AC, BETWEEN AC AND DC, OR BETWEEN DC AND DC, AND FOR USE WITH MAINS OR SIMILAR POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; CONVERSION OF DC OR AC INPUT POWER INTO SURGE OUTPUT POWER; CONTROL OR REGULATION THEREOF - Details of apparatus for conversion
An attachment for a hair care appliance includes an air inlet for receiving an airflow from the hair care appliance, a main body arranged to receive the airflow from the air inlet, and a plurality of protrusions arranged in a row. At least some of the protrusions are hollow. Each hollow protrusion extends from, and is configured to receive airflow from, the main body. Each hollow protrusion includes an air outlet. Each air outlet includes a through-hole in a surface of the respective hollow protrusion and is arranged to emit airflow in an emittance direction non-orthogonal to a plane of the through-hole or to the surface of the hollow protrusion around the through-hole. Each respective air outlet faces a neighbouring protrusion in the row.
A method and system of mapping a real-world environment using a mobile robot platform comprising receiving, an indication of an update to at least a portion of an occupancy grid, comprising a representation of the real-world environment. A distance map representative of at least the portion of the occupancy grid is generated. A contour based on the distance map is generated that comprises a plurality of waypoints spaced along the contour; and navigating a locomotion- enabled component of the mobile robot system to at least one of the waypoints. The portion of the occupancy grid is updated based on an input received from the one or more sensors mounted on the locomotion-enabled component of the mobile robot platform.
A method and system for exploring a real-world environment using a mobile robot platform comprising mapping the environment at a first time, to generate a first representation of the environment and identifying an initial location of an object in the first representation of the environment. The environment is mapped at a second time, to generate a second representation of the environment. The mappings are generated based on data obtained from a sensor associated with the mobile robot platform. Based on data obtained from the sensor, a new location of the object is identified in the second representation of the environment, and a difference between the initial location of the object and the new location of the object is determined. Using a manipulator the object is moved to the initial location when it is determined that the initial location of the object differs from the new location.
An attachment for a hair care appliance, the attachment includes an air inlet for receiving an airflow from the hair care appliance, a main body arranged to receive the airflow from the air inlet, an air outlet for emitting the airflow, and a projection spaced from the main body to define a hair-receiving channel between the projection and the main body. The air outlet is arranged to emit airflow into the hair-receiving channel, and the projection includes a hair-receiving surface. In use, hair located in the hair- receiving channel is blown by the airflow away from the main body into contact with the hair-receiving surface, such that hair is collected at the hair-receiving surface.
Disclosed is a wearable assembly (10) including a headgear (12), an airflow generator (44) and an air treatment assembly (17). The airflow generator (44) is configured to generate a flow of air, comprising ambient air, and impart the flow of air to the headgear (12). The air treatment assembly (10) is configured to create a reduced-oxygen airflow by reducing an oxygen content of the flow of air, relative to an oxygen content of the ambient air, that is imparted to the headgear (10).
An electrode precursor composition for an alkali metal ion secondary cell, for example a lithium-ion secondary cell, is described. The electrode precursor composition includes a polymer-electrolyte gel matrix phase and a dispersed phase comprising an electrochemically active material. The electrode precursor composition may be processed into an electrode.
A robot manipulator comprises: a base; an arm connected to the base via at least a shoulder joint; and a control system comprising a dynamic stability determination module, wherein: the dynamic stability determination module of the control system is configured to determine whether a dynamic stability criterion is met; if the dynamic stability criterion is met, the arm is configured to respond compliantly to the applied force; and if the dynamic stability criterion is not met, the control system is configured to cause motion of the base in the direction of the applied force.
B25J 13/08 - Controls for manipulators by means of sensing devices, e.g. viewing or touching devices
B62D 57/02 - Vehicles characterised by having other propulsion or other ground-engaging means than wheels or endless track, alone or in addition to wheels or endless track with ground-engaging propulsion means, e.g. walking members
Dynamic stability of a robot manipulator A robot manipulator comprises: a base; an arm connected to the base via at least a shoulder joint; and a control system comprising a force selector, wherein: the control system is configured to: receive target trajectory instructions defining a target trajectory of a distal end of the arm; generate, based on the received target trajectory instructions, instructions defining target motion of the base; and determine an effective force which, when applied to the base, could cause the base to execute the target motion according to the instructions; in response to one or more applied forces on the robot manipulator, the control system is further configured to determine one or more of: a virtual ZMP force which, when applied to the base, would either counteract an observed motion of a ZMP of the robot manipulator, or act to move the ZMP back to within a predetermined support region; and an external force applied to the base; the force selector is configured to receive data defining the effective force and at least one of the virtual ZMP force and the external force applied to the base, and to determine a target force based on the data; and the control system is configured to generate instructions which, when executed by the base, cause the base to execute motion in response to the target force.
B25J 13/08 - Controls for manipulators by means of sensing devices, e.g. viewing or touching devices
B62D 57/032 - Vehicles characterised by having other propulsion or other ground-engaging means than wheels or endless track, alone or in addition to wheels or endless track with ground-engaging propulsion means, e.g. walking members with alternately or sequentially lifted feet or skid
B62D 57/02 - Vehicles characterised by having other propulsion or other ground-engaging means than wheels or endless track, alone or in addition to wheels or endless track with ground-engaging propulsion means, e.g. walking members
A vaccum cleaner is described comprising a dirt separator, suction motor comprising an electric motor for generating an airflow through the vacuum cleaner, one or more air outlets to an external environment of the vacuum cleaner, a first passageway fluidically located between the dirt separator and the electric motor, and a second passageway fluidically located between the electric motor and the one or more air outlets. The first passageway surrounds at least a portion of the second passageway, whereby the vacuum cleaner is configured so that, in use, the electric motor causes the airflow to move through the dirt separator, and then to the electric motor via the first passageway, and then from the electric motor to the external environment of the vacuum cleaner via the second passageway and at least one of the one or more air outlets.
A47L 9/00 - DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL - Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
A vacuum cleaner comprising a non-cyclonic separation system, a suction motor for generating an airflow through the non-cyclonic separation system, and a battery assembly for powering the suction motor. The vacuum cleaner has a central longitudinal axis, and the non-cyclonic separation system, the suction motor and the battery assembly are aligned along the central longitudinal axis.
A47L 5/28 - Suction cleaners with handles and nozzles fixed on the casings, e.g. wheeled suction cleaners with steering handle
A47L 9/28 - Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
A separation system (100) for a vacuum cleaner. The separation system comprising: a chamber (122) having an airflow inlet (140); and a filter assembly (200) disposed in the chamber (122) for filtering airflow from the airflow inlet; wherein the filter assembly (200) extends in a length direction along the chamber (122) and has a generally U-shaped cross-sectional shape when viewed along the length direction.
A dock for a vacuum cleaner comprising a cleaner head, the cleaner head comprising a main housing and a neck portion extending from the main housing; the dock comprising: a first abutment portion configured to, when the cleaner head is located in the dock, abut the main housing of the cleaner head, and a second abutment portion configured to, when the cleaner head is located in the dock, abut the neck portion of the cleaner head.
A47L 5/28 - Suction cleaners with handles and nozzles fixed on the casings, e.g. wheeled suction cleaners with steering handle
A47L 9/28 - Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
A vacuum cleaner is described comprising a non-cyclonic separation system and a cyclonic separation system. The vacuum cleaner may be a handheld vacuum cleaner. The cyclonic separation system may be located vertically above the non-cyclonic separation system, and/or the vacuum cleaner may comprise a suction motor that is located vertically above the cyclonic separation system. The vacuum cleaner may comprise a chamber for collecting dirt separated by the non-cyclonic separation system, and a further chamber for collecting dirt separated by the cyclonic separation system. One of the chambers may surround the other of the chambers, and/or one of the chambers may be located within or alongside the other of the chambers. The cyclonic separation system may be located downstream of the non-cyclonic separation system. The vacuum cleaner may comprise one or more filters that are located downstream of the cyclonic separation system, and upstream and/or downstream of a suction motor of the vacuum cleaner.
A wand (1000) for a vacuum cleaner is described. The wand (1000) comprises a first end (1018) connectable to a main unit (10) of the vacuum cleaner, a second end (1020) connectable to a cleanerhead (1100) of the vacuum cleaner (10), the first end opposite to the second end. The wand further comprises a connection release mechanism (1010) for releasing a connection between the wand and the cleanerhead, the connection release mechanism (1010) comprises a user actuable portion (1032) located at or near the first end of the wand, and a connection breaking member (1040) located at the second end of the wand, wherein actuation of the user actuable portion (1032) in a first direction causes movement of the connection breaking member (1040) in a second direction different to the first direction.
A separation system for a vacuum cleaner is described. The separation system comprises a chamber having an airflow inlet through which an airflow enters the chamber, and a filter located in the chamber for filtering the airflow. The airflow may enter the chamber along an axis, and the airflow may flow over the filter in a direction generally parallel to the axis. The chamber may be defined by a bin and the airflow inlet may be located in a base of the bin. The filter may be U- shaped in cross-section. The filter may filter a first portion of the airflow, and the separation system may comprise one or more auxiliary filters for filtering a second portion of the airflow. The separation system may comprise a core located within the chamber, and the core may comprise an airflow outlet or passage through which airflow filtered by the filter exits the chamber. The core may be U-shaped in cross-section, and/or may comprise one or more dirt collection chambers for collecting dirt separated from the airflow by a further separation system of the vacuum cleaner. The separation system may comprise an inlet valve member moveable to obstruct or unobstruct the airflow inlet, and/or the separation system may comprise a structure that shapes the airflow entering the chamber. A vacuum cleaner comprising the separation system is also described.
A separation system for a vacuum cleaner is described comprising a bin defining a chamber having an airflow inlet, a filter for filtering airflow from the airflow inlet where the filter is disposed within the chamber and a wiping mechanism to wipe both a wall of the chamber and the filter in response to a single actuation of the wiping mechanism.
A bin assembly for a vacuum cleaner is described. The bin assembly may comprise comprises a bin body, and a bin base attached to the bin body and moveable between a closed position and an open position. The bin assembly may comprise a bin closure clasp for releasably retaining the bin base in the closed position. The bin assembly may comprise a nozzle that is attached to or is formed integrally with the bin base. The bin assembly may further comprise an interlock mechanism having different configurations which, for example, may prevent the attachment of an attachment to the nozzle when the bin base is in the open position, or prevent movement of the bin base from the closed position to the open position when an attachment is attached to the nozzle.
A separation system for a vacuum cleaner is described. The separation system comprises a first cyclone body comprising a first inlet and a second cyclone body comprising a second inlet. The second cyclone body is arranged in parallel with the first cyclone body. The separation system further comprises a valve assembly movable between a first position in which the valve assembly permits airflow through the first and second inlets, and a second position in which the valve assembly permits airflow through the first inlet and inhibits airflow through the second inlet. The first and second inlets are located in a common plane.
A47L 9/00 - DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL - Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
A47L 9/16 - Arrangement or disposition of cyclones or other devices with centrifugal action
There is disclosed a dirt separator for a vacuum cleaner, comprising a filter assembly to separate dirt from an airflow moving through the dirt separator, a bin to collect dirt separated from the airflow, the bin comprising an opening, and a valve movable between a closed position in which the opening is obstructed by the valve, and an open position in which the opening is unobstructed by the valve. The bin is moveable relative to the valve between a first position and a second position, and the bin and the valve are arranged such that: in a first stage of an emptying sequence, the valve is moved to the open position and the bin is moved from the first position to the second position to thereby cause dirt within the bin to move past the valve; and in a second stage of the emptying sequence, the valve is moved to the closed position and the bin is moved from the second position to the first position to thereby cause the dirt to be pushed out of the opening by the valve.
A47L 5/28 - Suction cleaners with handles and nozzles fixed on the casings, e.g. wheeled suction cleaners with steering handle
A47L 9/28 - Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
There is disclosed a dirt separator for a vacuum cleaner, comprising a dirt separation chamber extending along a longitudinal axis from an opening to an outlet, and a filter assembly extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and dividing the dirt separation chamber into a dirt collection chamber upstream of the filter assembly, and an outlet chamber downstream of the filter assembly. The outlet chamber has a cross-sectional area that is substantially constant along a length of the filter assembly.
A47L 5/28 - Suction cleaners with handles and nozzles fixed on the casings, e.g. wheeled suction cleaners with steering handle
A47L 9/28 - Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
A cleaner head for a vacuum cleaner, the cleaner head having a housing defining a suction chamber comprising an outlet, and an agitator element mounted to the housing for rotation about a first axis such that the agitator comprises a first, free end and a second end. The housing comprises at least one rib extending within the housing along a helical, spiral, or angled path, the rib contacting the agitator element, such that, in use, hair picked up by the agitator element is moved axially towards the first end by the at least one rib as the agitator element rotates.
There is disclosed a dirt separator for a vacuum cleaner. The dirt separator comprises a filter assembly to separate dirt from an airflow moving through the dirt separator, a bin to collect dirt separated from the airflow, the bin comprising an opening, and a valve movable between a closed position in which the opening is obstructed by the valve, a first open position in which the opening is unobstructed by the valve, and a second, different open position in which the opening is unobstructed by the valve. The valve is moveable from the closed position to the first open position in response to suction within the dirt separator. The bin is moveable relative to the valve between a first position and a second position. The valve is moveable from the closed position to the second open position in response to movement of the bin from the first position to the second position.
A separation system for a vacuum cleaning appliance, comprising a vacuum generator; an outlet chamber which extends in a first direction and which defines an air outlet, wherein air is drawn through the outlet chamber in the first direction by the vacuum generator, in use, towards the air outlet. The system further includes an air permeable filter arrangement separating the outlet chamber from a dirt collection chamber. An air inlet pipe extends through at least a portion of the outlet chamber, and includes a throat portion which defines a discharge opening into the dirt collection chamber; wherein the throat portion extends in a second direction that is transverse to the first direction. The throat portion of the air inlet pipe is shaped to define a streamlined outer profile in respect of the first direction of air flow through the outlet chamber to the outlet opening. Beneficially, the streamlined outer profile/surface of the inlet pipe has the effect of improving the smoothness of airflow through the outlet chamber towards the outlet opening by reducing flow separation as the air flows around the inlet pipe. The streamlined shape helps recover some of the flow energy normally wasted in creation of separated flow, which has the effect of reducing the pressure drop of the separation system.
There is disclosed a vacuum cleaner, comprising a suction generator to generate an airflow, a dirt separator comprising an opening to permit the airflow to pass into the dirt separator, a filter assembly to separate dirt from the airflow, and a dirt collection chamber to collect dirt separated from the airflow, and an attachment attached to the dirt separator. The attachment comprises a housing comprising a duct to deliver the airflow to the opening of the dirt separator, and a compaction member movable between a first position in which all of the compaction member is upstream of the opening, and a second position in which the compaction member extends through the opening of the dirt separator and into the dirt collection chamber to compact dirt collected in the dirt collection chamber.
A separator for a cleaning device, the separator comprising: an inlet for receiving a fluid flow containing entrained debris into the separator; an outlet for discharging a filtered fluid flow from the separator, the outlet being spaced longitudinally from the inlet; an inlet duct extending within an interior volume of the separator, the inlet duct being connected to the inlet to receive the fluid flow; an outlet volume connected to the outlet; and a longitudinally-extending boundary wall interposed between the inlet duct and the outlet volume. The boundary wall comprises a filter screen that is configured to retain the debris in the inlet duct while allowing filtered fluid to flow from the inlet duct to the outlet volume.
A vacuum cleaner (10) comprising a separation system (100), a suction motor (1004) for generating an airflow through the separation system, a motor housing (1002), housing the suction motor, and a battery assembly (2000) for powering the suction motor, wherein the battery assembly is releasably connected to the motor housing such that a first portion of the battery assembly is located within the motor housing.
A47L 5/28 - Suction cleaners with handles and nozzles fixed on the casings, e.g. wheeled suction cleaners with steering handle
A47L 9/28 - Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
A separation system for a vacuum cleaner. The separation system comprising: a chamber having an airflow inlet; and a filter assembly disposed in the chamber for filtering airflow from the airflow inlet; wherein the filter assembly extends in a first direction; and wherein the separation system is configured such that, in use: a bulk airflow from the airflow inlet into the chamber is in a second direction which is substantially parallel to the first direction; and the bulk airflow from the airflow inlet flows over the filter in the first direction.
A47L 5/28 - Suction cleaners with handles and nozzles fixed on the casings, e.g. wheeled suction cleaners with steering handle
A47L 9/28 - Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
There is disclosed a hair styling appliance comprising electrodes, a control system operable to energise the electrodes to heat hair dielectrically, a shielding bounding the electrodes to block an electromagnetic field generated by the electrodes when energised, and a sensor assembly located outside the shielding, the sensor assembly to sense a property of hair
There is disclosed a hair styling appliance comprising electrodes, a control system operable to energise the electrodes to heat hair dielectrically, and a sensor assembly to sense a property of the hair. The control system is operable to suspend energisation of the electrodes during sensing of the property of the hair by the sensor assembly
A robot 100 comprising: a body 120 with an underside 128; a plurality of legs 140 for supporting the body 120 above a support surface 1000; a housekeeping module 160 carried by the body 120, wherein the housekeeping module 160 is configured to perform a housekeeping operation; wherein the housekeeping module 160 is extendible from the underside 128 of the body 120.
A47L 9/00 - DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL - Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
A47L 11/00 - Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
A47L 11/40 - Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups , or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers or levers
B62D 57/032 - Vehicles characterised by having other propulsion or other ground-engaging means than wheels or endless track, alone or in addition to wheels or endless track with ground-engaging propulsion means, e.g. walking members with alternately or sequentially lifted feet or skid
A method of casting an aluminium nitride ceramic component. The method comprises providing an aluminium nitride ceramic slurry, the slurry comprising: aluminium nitride powder; a solvent; and a polymer binder, wherein the slurry comprises no more than 5 wt% polymer binder; slip casting a green product using the slurry; and sintering the green product to dry to produce the aluminium nitride ceramic component.
C04B 35/581 - Shaped ceramic products characterised by their composition; Ceramic compositions; Processing powders of inorganic compounds preparatory to the manufacturing of ceramic products based on non-oxides based on borides, nitrides or silicides based on aluminium nitride
C04B 35/626 - Preparing or treating the powders individually or as batches
An AC-to-AC converter is described that comprises input terminals for connection to an AC source, output terminals for connection to a load, a transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, a primary-side switch, a pair of secondary-side switches, and a control circuit to control the switches. Closing the primary-side switch causes a primary current to be drawn from the AC source and through the primary winding to store energy in the transformer. Closing one of the secondary-side switches causes a secondary current to be output at the output terminals to transfer energy from the transformer to the load. The secondary current has the same polarity as the primary current when a first of the secondary-side switches is closed, and the opposite polarity when a second of the secondary-side switches is closed. The control circuit is operable to control the switches such that an alternating current is output at the output terminals.
H02M 5/458 - Conversion of ac power input into ac power output, e.g. for change of voltage, for change of frequency, for change of number of phases with intermediate conversion into dc by static converters using discharge tubes or semiconductor devices to convert the intermediate dc into ac using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only
H02M 3/335 - Conversion of dc power input into dc power output with intermediate conversion into ac by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode to produce the intermediate ac using devices of a triode or a transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only
H02P 6/06 - Arrangements for speed regulation of a single motor wherein the motor speed is measured and compared with a given physical value so as to adjust the motor speed
A heater assembly for a haircare appliance is described. The heater assembly comprises first and second frames arranged along a curved path to define an airflow path, a first resistive track supported by the first frame such that the first resistive track is held within the airflow path, and a second resistive track supported by the second frame such that the second resistive track is held within the airflow path.
H05B 3/16 - Heating elements characterised by the composition or nature of the materials or by the arrangement of the conductor the conductor being mounted on an insulating base
A45D 20/12 - Hand-held drying devices, e.g. air douches - Details thereof or accessories therefor, e.g. nozzles, stands
A cleaner head (20) for a vacuum cleaner comprises a housing, at least two rotatable brush bars (22, 24), and a hair diverter (50, 52). The housing defines a suction chamber comprising an outlet (34). The brush bars have an outer surface and are at least partly arranged inside the housing. The brush bars comprise a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal ends of the two brush bars face each other such that an outlet-facing clearance is formed therebetween. The hair diverter is situated in between the clearance and the outlet and is in direct contact with the outer surface of both brush bars. A width of the hair diverter spans more than a full width of the clearance. (Figure 4)
A hairstyling apparatus having heating elements, and a sensor for determining voltage and/or current output of an electrical energy source, and outputting a signal indicative of the determined voltage and or/current output. Switching components are connected with the heating elements. The switching components are controlled to reconfigure current flows through the plurality of heating elements in reliance on the signal.
H05B 3/26 - Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater non-flexible heating conductor mounted on insulating base
A cleaner head for a vacuum cleaner. The cleaner head has a housing defining a suction chamber comprising an outlet. The housing has a first side on which a first agitator element is mounted for rotation, and a second side on which a second agitator element is mounted for rotation. The one or both of the agitator elements have a shape which tapers from one end of the agitator element to the other.
An agitator element (22, 24) for a vacuum cleaner comprising a support member (50) which has opposed first (51) and second (52) end surfaces located at first and second ends of the agitator element respectively. An elongate surface extends between the first and second end surfaces. Agitation material (40) extends away from the first end surface of the support member such that the outermost extremity of the agitation material defines the outermost extremity of the first end of the agitator element.
A47L 9/04 - Nozzles with driven brushes or agitators
A47L 11/40 - Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups , or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers or levers
A haircare appliance is described that comprises a body for engaging hair in use, a sensor arrangement and a control unit. The sensor arrangement is configured to output a plurality of signals, each signal being indicative of a presence of an object at a respective region of the body. The control unit is configured to determine whether the object is hair based on temporal differences between the signals.
A45D 1/04 - Curling-tongs, i.e. tongs for use when hot; Curling-irons, i.e. irons for use when hot; Accessories therefor with means for internal heating, e.g. by liquid fuel by electricity
A45D 2/00 - Hair-curling or hair-waving appliances
A45D 20/12 - Hand-held drying devices, e.g. air douches - Details thereof or accessories therefor, e.g. nozzles, stands
A45D 20/50 - Hair-drying combs or hair-drying brushes, with internal heating means and provision for an air stream
An attachment for a haircare appliance includes an air inlet, an air outlet, a curved surface adjacent to and downstream of the air outlet, and a plurality of bristles. The attachment is configured such that airflow exiting the air outlet in use generates a first force to attract hair toward the curved surface, and a second force to push hair away from the curved surface. The plurality of bristles are movable between a first position relative to the air outlet, and a second position relative to the air outlet, with the second position different to the first position. Movement of the plurality of bristles from the first position to the second position increases exposure of the plurality of bristles to airflow from the air outlet.
A hairstyling apparatus includes a heater having at least one heating element. A sensing circuit determines a voltage of a mains power supply and outputs a signal indicative of the determined voltage. A power electronic converter converts the mains power supply to a heater drive signal for driving the heater at least partly in reliance on the signal.
A system configured to track areas which have been cleaned using a cleaning appliance, the system comprising: a location determination module; a processor; and a display component, wherein: the location determination module is configured to determine location information indicative of a location of a portion of a surface which is being cleaned by a cleaning appliance at a given time; and to generate a location data signal encoding the location information; and the processor is configured to receive the location data signal from the location determination module and to determine, based on the location data signal, the location information; and to generate instructions configured to cause a display component to display a visual representation of the location information.
A47L 9/28 - Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
A circuit for limiting current includes a current modulating circuit comprising a current modulating circuit control terminal, a shunt resistance connected in series with the current modulating circuit, a current-to-voltage converter connected between a first input voltage and a first side of the shunt resistance, a voltage-to-current converter connected between a second input voltage and a second side of the shunt resistance opposite the first side of the shunt resistance. The current-to-voltage converter includes a first control terminal and a first primary current path through the current-to-voltage converter, the first primary current path comprising a first series resistance. The voltage-to-current converter comprises a second control terminal and a second primary current path through the current-to-voltage converter, the second primary current path comprising a second series resistance. The first and second control terminals are coupled to each other, and to the first primary current path and the control terminal of the current modulating circuit is coupled to receive a control signal from the first primary current path. Resistance values are selected such that an increase in voltage across the shunt resistance as current rises causes a reduction in current through the first primary current path, which in turn causes a change in the control signal such that current flow through the current modulating circuit is reduced.
G05F 3/20 - Regulating voltage or current wherein the variable is dc using uncontrolled devices with non-linear characteristics being semiconductor devices using diode-transistor combinations
H02H 9/02 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for limiting excess current or voltage without disconnection responsive to excess current
H03K 17/082 - Modifications for protecting switching circuit against overcurrent or overvoltage by feedback from the output to the control circuit
An AC-to-AC converter is described that comprises input terminals, pairs of output terminals, a plurality of bridge arms, and a control unit. The bridge arms are connected in parallel to the input terminals and comprise a respective bridge arm for each pair of output terminals and a common bridge arm. Each bridge arm comprises a pair of switches and a node located between the switches. Each pair of output terminals comprises a first output terminal connected to the node of the respective bridge arm, and a second output terminal connected to the node of the common bridge arm. The switches have a plurality of configurations for selectively connecting the output terminals to the input terminals in one of a plurality of arrangements. The control unit is operable to control the switches to apply an alternating output voltage to the output terminals. Additionally, in at least one setting, the control unit is operable to control the switches such that, over each half-cycle of the input voltage, the switches transition between different configurations.
H02M 1/12 - Arrangements for reducing harmonics from ac input or output
H02M 5/293 - Conversion of ac power input into ac power output, e.g. for change of voltage, for change of frequency, for change of number of phases without intermediate conversion into dc by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only
85.
A METHOD OF CONTROLLING A BRUSHLESS PERMANENT MAGNET MOTOR
A method of controlling a brushless permanent magnet motor includes exciting a phase winding of the motor by applying a voltage to the phase winding using an inverter of the motor, and turning off the inverter for a first time interval. The method includes sequentially exciting the phase winding of the motor for a plurality of excitation periods over a second time interval subsequent to the first time interval. A start point of each excitation period is spaced from a zero- crossing of back EMF induced in the phase winding by an advance period. The method includes determining the advance periods such that the advance periods vary within the second time interval.
A method of controlling a brushless permanent magnet motor includes exciting a phase winding of the motor for an excitation period, wherein exciting the phase winding comprises applying a voltage to the phase winding, and freewheeling the phase winding for a first freewheel period and a second freewheel period. The method includes commutating the phase winding at a commutation time measured relative to a zero-crossing of back EMF induced in the phase winding. The first freewheel period starts at an end of the excitation period, and the second freewheel period is such that the zero-crossing of back EMF induced in the phase winding occurs during the second freewheel period.
A vacuum cleaning system comprising a vacuum cleaner having a vacuum motor, a dirt bin, a primary separation system, a membrane filter, and an air valve arrangement configured to control air flow through at least the membrane filter. The vacuum cleaner is configured to be operable in a surface cleaning mode of operation and a self-cleaning mode of operation. In the surface cleaning mode of operation, the vacuum cleaner is configured such that the vacuum motor draws dirty air from a dirty-air inlet through the dirt bin, the primary separation system and the membrane filter in a first airflow direction, and, in the self-cleaning mode of operation, the vacuum cleaner is configured to permit air to flow from the air valve arrangement through the membrane filter in a second airflow direction to clean dirt from the membrane filter. Usefully, therefore, airflow can be routed through the vacuum cleaner in a second or 'reverse' direction to clean the caked on dirt from the membrane filter. The membrane filter may be used as a pre-motor filter positioned upstream from the vacuum motor, or as a post-motor filter, positioned downstream from the vacuum motor, when considered in an airflow direction during a surface cleaning mode of operation.
A vacuum cleaning system comprising a vacuum cleaner and a docking station, wherein the docking station comprises a dirt storage chamber and an interface configured to mate with a dirt bin of the vacuum cleaner such that dirt expelled from the dirt bin through a bin opening is ejected into the dirt storage chamber of the docking station. The system further comprises a vacuum generator which is configured to evacuate air from the dirt storage chamber when the vacuum cleaner is docked with the docking station. The system is configured to operate in a dirt bin emptying mode comprising: operating the vacuum generator to generate a partial vacuum in the dirt storage chamber and, once a sufficient negative pressure level has been generated, opening a dirt bin door of the vacuum cleaner and operating an air valve arrangement to admit a pulse of air into the dirt bin of the vacuum cleaner thereby to eject dirt from the dirt bin through the bin opening and into the dirt storage chamber. The invention can also be expressed as, and therefore embraces, a method of operating a vacuum cleaner system.
A47L 9/00 - DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL - Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
A47L 9/16 - Arrangement or disposition of cyclones or other devices with centrifugal action
A method of determining a position of a rotor of a brushless permanent magnet motor includes exciting a phase winding of the motor for an excitation period by applying a voltage to the phase winding using an inverter of the motor, and turning off the inverter for a time period. The method includes measuring, during the time period, a plurality of values indicative of back EMF induced in the phase winding. The method includes calculating a phase of the back EMF induced in the phase winding using the plurality of measured values, and determining a zero- crossing point of back EMF induced in the phase winding used the calculated phase of back EMF induced in the phase winding. The method includes determining an aligned position of the rotor of the brushless permanent magnet motor when the back EMF induced in the phase winding is at the zero-crossing point.
A method of controlling a brushless permanent magnet motor includes sequentially exciting and freewheeling a phase winding of the motor over a time interval between successive commutations of the phase winding. Exciting the phase winding includes applying a voltage to the phase winding, and freewheeling includes freewheeling the phase winding for a respective freewheel period in response to a phase current flowing through the phase winding reaching a current threshold. The method includes determining the freewheel period such that the freewheel period increases between a start of the time interval and an end of the time interval.
A method for processing a cleanable perimeter segment of an area to be cleaned by a robotic cleaner during a cleaning operation of the robotic cleaner. The cleanable perimeter segment comprises a set of waypoints defining a path to be followed by the robotic cleaner along an edge of the area to be cleaned. The method comprises detecting, based on at least two sensor readings obtained by at least one sensor on the robotic cleaner, positions of at least two points on the edge relative to a current location of the robotic cleaner at a first waypoint of the set of waypoints, wherein at least one of the detected points on the edge is ahead of the robotic cleaner along the path to be followed by the robotic cleaner, calculating an approximation of the edge by fitting a line of best fit between the at least two detected points, and adjusting the position of a second waypoint of the set of waypoints subsequent to the first waypoint along the path to be followed by the robotic cleaner, based on a closest point on the line of best fit relative to the second waypoint.
A system for quantifying an amount of air inhaled by a person that is rebreathed air is disclosed. The system comprises a carbon dioxide sensor responsive to carbon dioxide in air, a heart rate sensor or a breathing rate sensor responsive to a person's heart rate or breathing rate respectively, one or more processors, and one or more memory devices storing machine-readable instructions. The machine-readable instructions are executable by the one or more processors to cause the processors to measure a concentration of carbon dioxide in air using the carbon dioxide sensor, measure the person's heart rate or breathing rate using the heart rate sensor or the breathing rate sensor respectively, and instruct execution of computational operations to quantify an amount of air inhaled by the person based on the measure of the person's heart rate or breathing rate, quantify a fraction of air that is rebreathed air based on the measure of the concentration of carbon dioxide in the air, and quantify an amount of air inhaled by the person that is rebreathed air based on the quantified amount of air inhaled by the person and the quantified fraction of air that is rebreathed air.
A dentine-enamel boundary detection system for an oral inspection device is provided. The dentine-enamel boundary detection system comprises a light emission module configured to emit light to irradiate an oral region of interest, two optical filters having different respective passbands, each of the two filters arranged to filter a portion of fluorescence emitted from oral structures in the oral region of interest to pass filtered fluorescence; and a sensor module configured to detect the filtered fluorescence and output corresponding sensor data. The system further comprises a processor module configured to identify the presence of a dentine-enamel boundary in the oral region of interest by processing the sensor data output by the sensor module.
An electrolytic cell for the production of hypochlorous acid and sodium hydroxide from brine as separate product streams is described. The electrolytic cell comprises an electrolysis chamber comprising an anode and a cathode; electrical connections to each of the anode and cathode; a brine inlet into the electrolysis chamber for the supply of a brine solution into the electrolysis chamber; a first liquid outlet from the electrolysis chamber proximal the anode; a second liquid outlet from the electrolysis chamber proximal the cathode; at least one pump arranged to draw liquid from the electrolysis chamber through the first liquid outlet at a first flow rate and through the second liquid outlet at a second flow rate. The cell generates hypochlorous acid for use in situ, for example as a cleaning product in the home or at commercial or industrial premises.
Disclosed is a hair styling apparatus comprising a body having a hair styling element for styling hair. The hair styling element comprises a first portion and a second portion that is moveable relative to the first portion. The apparatus further comprises an actuator pivotably mounted to the body and engageable with the second portion to move the second portion, and a trigger connected to the actuator directly by pivotable connection or indirectly by one or more pivotably connected linkages. Depressing the trigger pivots the actuator from a first position to a second position so as to move the second portion. In another aspect, there is disclosed a similar apparatus in which the trigger is operatively connected to the actuator so as to move the actuator when depressed. The trigger comprises a trigger body and a grip portion for receipt of user's finger in use. The grip portion is slidably mounted to the trigger body so as to slide relative to the trigger body as the trigger is depressed.
Disclosed is a hair styling apparatus comprising a body and a hair styling element rotatably mounted to the body so as to be rotatable about a rotational axis. The hair styling element comprises first and second portions and each portion is rotatable with the hair styling element. The second portion is further moveable relative to the first portion. The apparatus further includes a trigger mounted to the body and an actuation mechanism operatively connecting the trigger to the second portion. The operative connection is such that depressing the trigger moves the second portion relative to the first portion.
A hair styling apparatus comprising a body from which a plurality of spaced projections project. The projections are in the form of comb teeth or brush bristles for passing through a user's hair to style the hair. The apparatus further comprises a steam generator for generating steam and one or more steam outlets in fluid communication with the steam generator for receipt of steam therefrom. The one or more steam outlets are arranged to discharge steam onto hair through which the projections are passed in use. The apparatus further comprises an air mover for moving an airflow through the apparatus, and one or more airflow outlets in fluid communication with the air mover for receipt of an airflow therefrom. The one or more airflow outlets are arranged to discharge air at or proximate to the discharged steam so as to provide a barrier to the passage of the steam.
A fan assembly, comprising an airflow generator arranged to generate an airflow and a nozzle comprising a nozzle body and first and second air outlets defined in a front side of the nozzle body, the first and second air outlets arranged to emit the airflow from the fan assembly in a substantially forward direction of the nozzle body. The fan assembly comprises a valve mechanism to selectively permit the airflow to pass through the first air outlet or the second air outlet, wherein the first and second air outlets have different geometries such that the first air outlet emits a first airflow delivered to a user as a focused airflow, and the second air outlet emits a second airflow delivered to a user as a diffused airflow.
F04D 25/08 - Units comprising pumps and their driving means the working fluid being air, e.g. for ventilation
F04D 27/00 - Control, e.g. regulation, of pumps, pumping installations or pumping systems specially adapted for elastic fluids
F04D 29/42 - Casings; Connections for working fluid for radial or helico-centrifugal pumps
F04F 5/16 - Jet pumps, i.e. devices in which fluid flow is induced by pressure drop caused by velocity of another fluid flow the inducing fluid being elastic fluid displacing elastic fluids
Disclosed is a hair styling apparatus for styling a tress of hair. The apparatus comprises a barrel comprising a circumferential surface about which a tress of hair can be wrapped in use, a steam generator for generating steam and one or more steam outlets in fluid communication with the steam generator for receipt of steam therefrom. The one or more steam outlets are arranged to discharge steam onto a tress of hair when wrapped about the circumferential surface. The apparatus further comprises an air mover for moving an airflow through the apparatus and one or more airflow outlets in fluid communication with the air mover for receipt of an airflow therefrom. The one or more airflow outlets are arranged to discharge air in a direction along the barrel so as to provide a barrier to the passage of the discharged steam.
A45D 1/16 - Curling-tongs, i.e. tongs for use when hot; Curling-irons, i.e. irons for use when hot; Accessories therefor with a single heated member
A45D 1/18 - Curling-tongs, i.e. tongs for use when hot; Curling-irons, i.e. irons for use when hot; Accessories therefor with combs
A45D 1/00 - Curling-tongs, i.e. tongs for use when hot; Curling-irons, i.e. irons for use when hot; Accessories therefor
A45D 1/28 - Curling-tongs, i.e. tongs for use when hot; Curling-irons, i.e. irons for use when hot; Accessories therefor with means for controlling or indicating the temperature
A45D 20/12 - Hand-held drying devices, e.g. air douches - Details thereof or accessories therefor, e.g. nozzles, stands
A45D 20/10 - Hand-held drying devices, e.g. air douches
A45D 20/50 - Hair-drying combs or hair-drying brushes, with internal heating means and provision for an air stream
A cleaner head is described that comprises an agitator a drive assembly for driving the agitator. The drive assembly comprises an electric motor, a transmission for transmitting torque generated by the electric motor to the agitator, and a control unit for controlling the electric motor. The control unit is operable in one of a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the control unit applies a first pulsed voltage to the electric motor continuously over a drive period to cause the agitator to rotate at a first speed. In the second mode, the control unit applies a second pulsed voltage to the electric motor discontinuously over the drive period to cause the agitator to rotate at a second lower speed.
A47L 9/04 - Nozzles with driven brushes or agitators
A47L 9/28 - Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
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