Abstract: A vacuum cleaner including a vacuum motor configured to draw an air flow through an air flow path of the vacuum cleaner; a dirt separator having dirt, receptacle; a display screen; and a controller configured to control images displayed on the screen. The dirt receptacle has a closed configuration in which it can receive dirt separated from the air flow, and an open configuration in which dirt contained in the dirt receptacle can be emptied therefrom. The controller is configured to display video instructions on the screen.

Abstract: A measurement probe is described that includes a probe body, a stylus that is deflectable relative to the probe body, and a plurality of sensor elements for generating a sensor signal indicative of stylus deflection. An analyser is provided, optionally as part of a trigger unit, to analyse the sensor signals and issues a trigger signal to indicate the stylus has contacted an object. The analyser is arranged to combine a plurality of the sensor signals to generate a resultant deflection signal for comparison to a deflection threshold and is also arranged to detect oscillatory motion of the stylus by analysing at least one of the sensor signals. The analyser only issues a trigger signal when the resultant deflection signal crosses the deflection threshold and no oscillatory motion of the stylus is detected. The measurement probe may be used on a machine tool or other coordinate positioning apparatus.

Abstract: Systems and methods for budgeting and/or spending control. In some implementations, a user may select a plurality of spending categories and/or an amount, such as a threshold amount, for a single, intended transaction on a mobile application or a web-based application. A debit card/spending account under the control of the user may then be activated and/or funds may be temporarily allocated to the debit card for the intended transaction. The debit card/spending account may automatically default to at least one of a zero balance and an inactive status other than when sufficient information is received prior to each intended transaction.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are disclosed for imposing budget control constraints on user financial resources, including allocating funds across a plurality of sub-accounts exclusively associated with categories, the categories associated with a type of expenditure. A predetermined spending threshold is set for each category and a credit card may be activated in response to a spending threshold exceeding a requested payment.

Abstract: A measurement probe is described that includes a probe body, a stylus that is deflectable relative to the probe body, and a plurality of sensor elements for generating a sensor signal indicative of stylus deflection. An analyser is provided, optionally as part of a trigger unit, to analyse the sensor signals and issues a trigger signal to indicate the stylus has contacted an object. The analyser is arranged to combine a plurality of the sensor signals to generate a resultant deflection signal for comparison to a deflection threshold and is also arranged to detect oscillatory motion of the stylus by analysing at least one of the sensor signals. The analyser only issues a trigger signal when the resultant deflection signal crosses the deflection threshold and no oscillatory motion of the stylus is detected. The measurement probe may be used on a machine tool or other coordinate positioning apparatus.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are disclosed for imposing budget control constraints on user financial resources, including allocating funds across a plurality of sub-accounts exclusively associated with categories, the categories associated with a type of expenditure. A predetermined spending threshold is set for each category and a credit card may be activated in response to a spending threshold exceeding a requested payment.

Abstract: A process for forming a coating on a metal substrate includes contacting the substrate with a molybdate solution having a pH of between 3.5 and 5 inclusive containing an acid with the proviso that the acid is not nitric acid. The substrate is contacted with the solution at a temperature between 30 and 75 degrees Celsius and results in a yellow coating that is kinetically stable from 20 seconds to 300 seconds before the coating darkens to a final black coloration. Water washing of the yellow coating precludes further color development. The resulting yellow coating is amenable to overlayering with a seal coat.

Abstract: A keyboard for a typewriter or a computer comprises two groups of keys for operation by the digits of the two hands of an operator. Each group has five home keys, and also some non-home keys, arranged in continuous rows. A decoder is provided for decoding the operation of the keys so that operation of each individual home key of the first group signals a respective vowel and simultaneous operation of a home key of the first group and a home key of the second group signals a consonant. Additional rows provide for output of a character and a space.