Abstract: A nozzle for a fan assembly is described. The nozzle includes a first duct through which a first airflow moves, the first duct having a first outlet for emitting the first airflow. The nozzle further includes a second duct through which a second airflow moves, the second duct having a second outlet for emitting the second airflow. The first and second outlets are arranged such that the first and second airflows collide to generate a combined airflow having a direction defined by the relative flow rates of the first and second airflows. The first duct then includes a portion moveable to vary the flow rate of the first airflow.

Abstract: A force sensing device for use in a robotic finger including: a first segment, the first segment having a first joint at a first end thereof; a second segment, the second segment being connected to the first segment by a second joint; and a third segment, the third segment being connected to the second segment by a third joint; and torque sensor for sensing the torque at each of the joints when a force is applied to the third segment. The first, second and third joints are disposed within the same plane and are disposed in a triangular arrangement.

Abstract: An electrical device including a surface which may be exposed to heat derived from operation of the electrical device such that the temperature of the surface increases during operation. The surface includes a temperature sensor including first and second electrodes separated by a layer of control material. The material properties and/or configuration of the control material are selected such that the electrical conductivity of the control material increases with increasing temperature so that electrical current is able to pass between the first and second electrodes once the temperature of any part of the control material has reached or exceeded a predetermined temperature. The temperature sensor extends over substantially the whole of the surface. A system including the electrical device and a method of controlling the electrical device is also disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a fan assembly comprising a motor-driven impeller arranged to generate an airflow, an air outlet arranged to emit the airflow, at least one filter assembly that is arranged to purify the airflow, a plurality of sensors arranged to measure a value for each of a plurality of air quality characteristic, and a processor. The processor is configured to receive measured values for each of the plurality of air quality characteristics, identify one of a corresponding set of intervals within which the measured value falls, select an air quality index value associated with the identified interval, and generate a corresponding speed value using the selected air quality index value. The processor is then configured to set a speed of the motor-driven impeller in dependence upon the highest of the speed values.

Abstract: A fan assembly, including a fan body including first and second retention assemblies and an inlet surface defining an air inlet. A motor-driven impeller contained within the fan body generates an airflow. A filter assembly attached to the fan body includes one or more flexible filter media, a first engagement element positioned at first edge of the filter media, and a second engagement element positioned at a second, opposite edge of the filter media. The filter assembly is furlable, and the first and second engagement elements releasably engage with the respective first and second retention assemblies of the fan body to retain the filter assembly tautly over the inlet surface in an at least partially unfurled state, such that, in use, airflow drawn through the air inlet by the motor-driven impeller is drawn through the filter media. The fan body is cylindrical in shape and the filter assembly wraps around substantially all the fan body.

Abstract: A cleaner head for a vacuum cleaning appliance includes a housing, a front agitator and a rear agitator. A suction chamber is located between the front agitator and the rear agitator. A baffle is located within the suction chamber between the agitators. During use of the cleaner head, debris becomes entrained within air drawn towards the suction chamber. Guide members mounted on the housing guide the entrained debris towards the suction chamber, whereas the baffle guides the air upwardly towards a central suction port of the suction chamber.

Abstract: There is provided an air treatment apparatus comprising an air flow generator that is arranged to generate an air flow through the air treatment apparatus, a moisture source that is arranged to introduce water vapour into the air flow, a body that is use surrounds both air flow generator and the moisture source, and a water supply system that is arranged to provide water to the moisture source. The water supply system comprises a water tank assembly that is separable from the body, and the water tank assembly comprises a water tank and a water pump for pumping water from the water tank to the moisture source. The water tank comprises a tank opening and the water tank assembly further comprises a removable tank cap that is arranged to fit over and thereby occlude the tank opening, and wherein the water pump is provided on the removable tank cap.

Abstract: A cleaner head for a vacuum cleaner includes a laser diode for illuminating debris located upon a region of a work surface located in front of the cleaner head with green light.

Abstract: A haircare appliance having an air inlet, an air outlet, and an airflow generator for generating an airflow from the air inlet to the air outlet and an attachment for a haircare appliance, the attachment including an air inlet, an air outlet. A curved surface adjacent to and downstream of the air outlet. The haircare appliance or the attachment has a curved surface adjacent to and downstream of the air outlet. The haircare appliance or the attachment is configured such that airflow exiting the air outlet generates a first force to attract hair toward the curved surface, and a second force to push hair away from the curved surface.

Abstract: A vehicle cabin filter assembly comprising a housing and a plurality of filter modules mounted to the housing. The filter modules comprise a first filter module, a second filter module positioned downstream of the first filter module, and a third filter module positioned downstream of the second filter module. Each filter module comprises a particulate filter element, and at least one of the filter modules comprises a gas filter element. The second filter module has a separation efficiency higher than the first filter module, and the third filter module has a separation efficiency higher than the second filter module.

Abstract: A protection circuit for an electric appliance that is configured to control power supply to an associated electrical component of the appliance such as a heating device, lamp or motor in the event that unsafe conditions are detected. The protection circuit includes a first comparator module configured to compare an operating parameter input signal to a threshold value and to output a first control signal to a first switching circuit configured to control power flow to the associated electrical component. The first comparator module is configured to receive an enable/disable signal from a first state-change latching device, which is responsive to a state change of the first control signal from the first comparator module, in response to which the state-change latching device changes the enable/disable signal from an enable state to a disable state thereby to set the first control signal into an off state.

Abstract: A device configured to generate an air flow, the device including: a compressor; an air flow duct arranged to convey a flow of air generated by the compressor; a gas-filled cavity disposed beside the air flow duct; a wall separating the air flow duct and the cavity, the wall including at least one aperture; and an acoustic resistive screen covering and held in tension over the aperture of the wall. The screen is in fluid contact with air in the air flow duct and gas in the cavity and is configured to resist air flow between the duct and the cavity. The resistive screen and the cavity together define a noise-damping resonator.