text:
|Piezoresistive input device
|Bidirectional road traffic sensor
|Audio emitting tread mat system
|Piezoresistive material, its preparation and use
|Flexible electrically conductive contact for a switch which is actuated upon force being applied thereto
|Sensing edge for a door and method of making the same
|Sensing edge
|Miller et al.
|Tactile sensing transducer
|Redundant sensing edge for a door for detecting an object in proximity to the door edge
|Miller et al.
|Sensing edgeswitch for a door
|Miller et al.
|Timed bedside night-light
|Electrical resistance device
|Marstiller et al.
|Distribution type tactile sensor
|Kikuo et al.
|Electric resistor producible in a wide range of specific resistance values, and relative manufacturing process
|Redundant sensing edge for a door
|Miller et al.
|Tactile sensor
|Grahn et al.
|Highly sensitive switch for actuation of a device upon force being applied thereto
|Bumper for impact detection
|Pong et al.
|High sensitivity door edge switch
|Sensing edge having a pressure sensitive switch for a door
|Process for producing electric resistors having a wide range of specific resistance values
|Continuous flexible electric conductor capable of functioning as an electric switch
|Two-dimensional electric conductor designed to function as an electric switch
|Flexible tactile switch
|Electric resistor designed for use as an electric conducting element in an electric circuit, and relative manufacturing process
|Safety edge for a door
|High sensitivity mat switch
|Tactile sensor
|Trull et al.
|Hollow non-occluding pressure sensor
|Electric mat switch
|Tactile sensor
|Door edge for attachment to a train door and the like
|Elongate switch construction
|Pressure switch
|Pressure sensitive switch
|Safety device for limiting the movement of doors and the like on contact with an obstacle
|Method of making a pressure switch
|Step-on type tone scale play device
|Pressure sensitive door edge switch and actuator construction
|Tactile pick-up
|Lagasse et al.
|Blinkilde et al.
|Safety closure edge
|Safety door-edge construction
|Variable resistance material
|A pressure-sensitive conductive strip switch assembly and a method of manufacturing the same.
|Two-dimensional electric conductor designed to function as an electric switch.
This is a divisional of application Ser. No. 08/429,683 filed Apr. 27, 1995 U.S. Pat. No. 5,695,859.
a) a layer of compressible piezoresistive material;
b) a base below said layer of piezoresistive material;
c) at least two insulative spacer elements positioned between said piezoresistive material and said base, said spacer elements each having an upper layer of conductive material, and each insulative spacer element having at least one aperture, said apertures being aligned, configured, and dimensioned to form at least one void defined by stepped sides said void has a relatively large diameter opening adjacent the piezoresistive material and a relatively small diameter opening adjacent the base.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a pressure actuated switching device for closing or opening an electric circuit, and particularly to a safety mat for operating and shutting down machinery in response to personnel movement onto the mat.
2. Background of the Art
Pressure actuated electrical mat switches are known in the art. Typically, such mat switches are used as floor mats in the vicinity of machinery to open or close electrical circuits.
For example, a floor mat switch which opens an electrical circuit when stepped on may be used as a safety device to shut down machinery when a person walks into an unsafe area in the vicinity of the machinery. Conversely, the floor mat switch can be used to close a circuit and thereby keep machinery operating only when the person is standing in a safe area. Alternatively, the floor mat switch may be used to sound an alarm when stepped on, or to perform some like function.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,497,989 to Miller discloses an electric mat switch having a pair of outer wear layers, a pair of inner moisture barrier layers between the outer wear layers, and a separator layer between the moisture barrier layers.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,661,664 to Miller discloses a high sensitivity mat switch which includes outer sheets, an open work spacer sheet, conductive sheets interposed between the outer sheets on opposite sides of the spacer sheet for contacting on flexure through the spacer sheet, and a compressible deflection sheet interposed between one conductive sheet and the adjacent outer sheet, the deflection sheet being resiliently compressible for protrusion through the spacer sheet to contact the conductor sheets upon movement of the outer sheets toward each other.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,845,323 to Beggs discloses a flexible tactile switch for determining the presence or absence of weight, such as a person in a bed.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,019,950 to Johnson discloses a timed bedside night light combination that turns on a bedside lamp when a person steps on a mat adjacent to the bed and turns on a timer when the person steps off of the mat. The timer turns off the lamp after a predetermined period of time.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,264,824 to Hour discloses an audio emitting tread mat system.
While such mats have performed useful functions, there yet remains need of an improved safety mat which can respond not only to the presence of force, but also to the amount and direction of force applied thereto.
Also, mat switches currently being used often suffer from "dead zones". Dead zones are non-reactive areas in which an applied forced does not result in switching action. For example, the peripheral area around the edge of the conventionally used mats is usually a "dead zone". In the active area where switching does occur there is a danger of sparking when the two metallic conductor sheets touch. It would be advantageous to have a mat in which dead zones and sparking are reduced or eliminated.
Also known in the art are compressible piezoresistive materials which have electrical resistance which varies in accordance with the degree of compression of the material. Such piezoresistive materials are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,060,527, 4,951,985, and 4,172,216, for example.
A pressure sensitive switching device is provided herein. In one embodiment the device comprises first and second conductive layers; a layer of compressible piezoresistive material disposed between the first and second conductive layers; and at least one insulative spacer element positioned between the piezoresistive material and at least one of the first and second conductive layers, the spacer element possessing a plurality of openings. The compressible piezoresistive material preferably has a resistance of from about 500 ohms to about 100,000 ohms when uncompressed and a resistance of from about 200 ohms to about 500 ohms when compressed. The first and second conductive layers each preferably have a resistance less than that of the piezoresistive layer. Preferably the resistance of the first and second conductive layers is less than half that of the piezoresistive layer. More preferably, the resistance of the first and second conductive layers is less than 10% that of the piezoresistive layer, and most preferably the conductive layers have a resistance less than 1% that of the piezoresistive layer. These resistances are the resistance as measured in the direction of current flow. The compressible piezoresistive material disposes itself through at least some of the openings of the spacer element to make electrical contact with the conductive layer spaced apart by the spacer element in response to force applied thereto.
In another embodiment the device comprises a spacer element having an insulative layer and an upper conductive layer, the spacer element having at least one opening; a layer of piezoresistive material positioned above the spacer element and being in electrical contact with the upper conductive layer; and a lower conductive layer positioned below the spacer element. At least a portion of the lower conductive layer can comprise a plurality of discrete electrodes individually positioned in alignment with a respective one of the openings.
In another embodiment, the device includes a plurality of insulative spacer elements positioned between the piezoresistive material and the base. The spacer elements, and preferably the base as well, each have an upper layer of conductive material and each have at least one aperture. The apertures are aligned, configured, and dimensioned to form at least one void space defined by stepped sides. The void has a relatively large diameter opening adjacent to the piezoresistive material and a relatively smaller diameter opening adjacent to the base. The spacer elements form a vertical stack of horizontally oriented layers, the conductive layer of the uppermost spacer element being in electrical contact with the piezoresistive material. When a downward force is applied to the device, the piezoresistive material is moved through the void into successive contact with the other conductive layers.
In yet another embodiment, the pressure activated switching device includes detection means responsive to shear force for making electrical contact between the piezoresistive material and an emitter or receiver electrode. Particularly, the device can include a primary and secondary receiver electrode, the primary electrode being contacted in response to a downward compressive force applied to the device, and a secondary receiver electrode being contacted in response to a shear force. Such detection means can include, for example, a spacer element which resiliently moves in response to shear or a projection of piezoresistive material exposed to the shear force and movable into contact with a secondary receiver electrode.
FIG. 1 is a partly cut away perspective view of the apparatus.
FIGS. 1A and 1B are sectional elevational views of a mat switch having a segmented conductive layer, in unactuated and actuated conditions, respectively.
FIG. 2 is a partly cut away perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus.
FIG. 3 is a partly cut away perspective view of a spacer element assembly.
FIG. 3A is a sectional elevational view of an embodiment of the switching device having a dot standoff.
FIG. 4 is a sectional elevational view of a stacked multiple switching device.
FIG. 5 is a sectional elevational view of the device of FIG. 4 under compression.
FIG. 6 is a sectional elevational view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention which detects shear force.
FIG. 7 is a sectional elevational view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 under vertical compression.
FIG. 8 is a sectional elevational view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 with applied shear stress.
FIG. 9 is a sectional elevational view of an alternative shear detecting device.
FIG. 10 is a sectional elevational view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 with applied compressive shear force applied.
FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the mat switch invention assembled in a frame.
FIG. 12 is a sectional elevational view showing an embodiment of the mat switch invention including support struts.
FIG. 13 is a partly cut away sectional view of the embodiment of the mat switch shown in FIG. 12.
FIG. 14 is a detailed section of the strut area of the embodiment of the mat switch shown in FIG. 12 under compression.
FIG. 15 is a sectional view showing a lever type edge device for eliminating dead area along the edge of the mat switch.
FIG. 16 is a spring biased coupling device for eliminating dead area along the edges of coupled mat switches.
FIG. 17 is a diagram of an electric circuit for use with the apparatus of the present invention.
The terms "insulating", "conducting", "resistance", and their related forms are used herein to refer to the electrical properties of the materials described, unless otherwise indicated. The terms "top", "bottom", "above", and "below", are used relative to each other. The terms "elastomer" and "elastomeric" are used herein to refer to material that can undergo at least 10% deformation elastically. Typically, "elastomeric" materials suitable for the purposes described herein include polymeric materials such as natural and synthetic rubbers and the like. As used herein the term "piezoresistive" refers to a material having an electrical resistance which decreases in response to compression caused by mechanical pressure applied thereto in the direction of the current path. Such piezoresistive materials typically are resilient cellular polymer foams with conductive coatings covering the walls of the cells.
"Resistance" refers to the opposition of the material to the flow of electric current along the current path in the material and is measured in ohms. Resistance increases proportionately with the length of the current path and the specific resistance, or "resistivity" of the material, and it varies inversely to the amount of cross sectional area available to the current. The resistivity is a property of the material and may be thought of as a measure of (resistance/length)/area. More particularly, the resistance may be determined in accordance with the following formula: R=(ρL)/A (I)
R=resistance in ohms
ρ=resistivity in ohm-inches
L=length in inches
A=area in square inches
The current through a circuit varies in proportion to the applied voltage and inversely with the resistance, as provided in Ohm's Law: I=V/R (II)
I=current in amperes
V=voltage in volts
R=resistance in ohms
Typically, the resistance of a flat conductive sheet across the plane of the sheet, i.e., from one edge to the opposite edge, is measured in units of ohms per square. For any given thickness of conductive sheet, the resistance value across the square remains the same no matter what the size of the square is. In applications where the current path is from one surface to another of the conductive sheet, i.e., in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the sheet, resistance is measured in ohms.
Referring to FIG. 1, the pressure activated mat switch 10 of the present invention includes a base 11 having a conductive layer 12 disposed thereon, a compressible piezoresistive material 14 sandwiched between two spacer elements, i.e., standoffs 13 and 15, and a preferably elastomeric cover sheet 17 with a conductive layer or film 17b on the underside thereof adjacent to one of the standoffs. While two spacer elements, i.e. standoffs 13 and 15 are shown, it should be appreciated that only one spacer element is needed, a second spacer element being preferred but optional.
More particularly, the base layer 11 is a sheet of any type of durable material capable of withstanding the stresses and pressures placed upon the safety mat 10 under operating conditions. Base 11 can be fabricated from, for example, plastic or elastomeric materials. A preferred material for the base is a thermoplastic such as polyvinyl chloride ("PVC") sheeting, which advantageously may be heat sealed or otherwise bonded to a PVC cover sheet at the edges to achieve a hermetic sealing of the safety mat. The sheeting can be, for example, 1/8" to 1/4" thick and may be embossed or ribbed. Moreover, the base 11 can alternatively be rigid or flexible to accommodate various environments or applications.
Conductive layer 12 is a metallic foil, or film, applied to the top of the base 11. Alternatively, conductive layer 12 can be a plastic sheet coated with a conductive film 11. This conductive coating can also be deposited on base 11 (for example by electroless deposition). Conductive layer 12 can be, for example, a copper or aluminum foil, which has been adhesively bonded to base 11. The conductive layer 12 should preferably have a resistance which is less than that of the resistance of the piezoresistive material 14, described below. Typically, the conductive layer 12 has a lateral, or edge to edge resistance of from about 0.001 to about 500 ohms per square. Preferably, the resistance of the conductive layer 12 is less than half that of the piezoresistive layer 14. More preferably, the resistance of the conductive layer 12 is less than 10% that of the piezoresistive layer 14. Most preferably, the resistance of the conductive layer 12 is less than 1% that of the piezoresistive layer 14. Low relative resistance of the conductive layer 12 helps to insure that the only significant amount of resistance encountered by the current as it passes through the apparatus 10 is in that portion of the current path which is normal to the plane of the layers. Conductive layer 12 remains stationary relative to the base 11. However, another conductive layer 17b, discussed below, is resiliently movable when a compressive force is applied. Upper conductive layer 17b also has low resistance relative to the piezoresistive material, which is disposed between upper conductive layer 17b and lower conductive layer 12. Thus, the measured resistance is indicative of the vertical displacement of the conductive layer 17b and the compression of the piezoresistive foam 14, which, in turn, is related to the force downwardly applied to the device. The lateral position of the downward force, i.e. whether the force is applied near the center of the device or near one or the other of the edges, does not significantly affect the measured resistance.
Standoff layer 13 functions as a spacer element and comprises a sheet of electrically insulative material having a plurality of holes 13a, which may be an orderly array of similarly sized or dissimilarly sized openings, or, as shown, a random array of differently sized openings. Standoff 13 is preferably relatively rigid as compared to the foam layer 14 above it. Alternatively, standoff 13 may be a compressible and resilient polymer foam. The standoffs provide an on-off function. By separating the conductive piezoresistive material layer 14 from the conductive layer 12, the standoff 13 prevents electrical contact therebetween unless a downward force of sufficient magnitude is applied to the top of the mat switch 10. Thus, the size and configuration of the standoff 13 can be designed to achieve predetermined threshold values of force, or weight, below which the mat switch 10 will not be actuated. This characteristic also controls the force relationship to the analog output as the piezoresistive material or configuration is compressed. Upon application of a predetermined sufficient amount of force the conductive piezoresistive material 14 presses through holes 13a to make electrical contact with conductive layer 12 below. The predetermined minimum amount of force sufficient to actuate the switch depends at least in part on the hole diameter, the thickness of the standoff and layer 13, and the degree of rigidity of the standoff 13 (a highly rigid standoff requires greater activation force than a low rigidity, i.e., compressible, standoff). This principle applies to all of the switching devices herein which employ a standoff. Typically, the standoff 13 ranges in thickness from about 1/32 inches to about 1/4 inches. The holes 13a range in diameter from about 1/16 inches to about 1/2 inches. Other smaller or larger dimensions suitable for the desired application may be chosen. The dimensions given herein are merely for exemplification of one of many suitable size ranges.
The piezoresistive material 14 is preferably a conductive piezoresistive foam comprising a flexible and resilient sheet of cellular polymeric material having a resistance which changes in relation to the magnitude of pressure applied to it. Typically, the piezoresistive foam layer 14 may range from 1/16" to about 1/2", although other thicknesses may also be used when appropriate. A conductive polymeric foam suitable for use in the present apparatus is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,060,527. Other conductive foams are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,951,985 and 4,172,216.
Generally, such conductive foams can be open cell foams coated with a conductive material. When a force is applied the piezoresistive foam is compressed and the overall resistance is lowered because the resistivity as well as the current path are reduced. For example, an uncompressed piezoresistive foam may have a resistance of 100,000 ohms, whereas when compressed the resistance may drop to 300 ohms.
An alternative conductive piezoresistive polymer foam suitable for use in the present invention is an intrinsically conductive expanded polymer (ICEP) cellular foam comprising an expanded polymer with premixed filler comprising conductive finely divided (preferably colloidal) particles and conductive fibers. Typically, conductive cellular foams comprise a nonconductive expanded foam with a conductive coating dispersed through the cells. Such foams are limited to open celled foams to permit the interior cells of the foam to receive the conductive coating.
An intrinsically conductive expanded foam differs from the prior known expanded foams in that the foam matrix is itself conductive. The difficulty in fabricating an intrinsically conductive expanded foam is that the conductive filler particles, which have been premixed into the unexpanded foam, spread apart from each other and lose contact with each other as the foam expands, thereby creating an open circuit.
Surprisingly, the combination of conductive finely divided particles with conductive fibers allows the conductive filler to be premixed into the resin prior to expansion without loss of conductive ability when the resin is subsequently expanded. The conductive filler can comprise an effective amount of conductive powder combined with an effective amount of conductive fiber. By "effective amount" is meant an amount sufficient to maintain electrical conductance after expansion of the foam matrix. The conductive powder can be powdered metals such as copper, silver, nickel, gold, and the like, or powdered carbon such as carbon black and powdered graphite. The particle size of the conductive powder typically ranges from diameters of about 0.01 to about 25 microns. The conductive fibers can be metal fibers or, preferably, graphite, and typically range from about 0.1 to about 0.5 inches in length, Typically the amount of conductive powder range from about 15% to about 80% by weight of the total composition. The conductive fibers typically range from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of the total composition.
The intrinsically conductive foam can be made according to the procedure described in Example 1 below. With respect to the Example, the silicone resin is obtainable from the Dow Corning Company under the designation SILASTIC™ S5370 silicone resin. The graphite pigment is available as Asbury Graphite A60. The carbon black pigment is available as Shawingigan Black carbon. The graphite fibers are obtainable as Hercules Magnamite Type A graphite fibers. A significant advantage of intrinsically conductive foam is that it can be a closed cell foam.
108 grams of silicone resin were mixed with a filler comprising 40 grams of graphite pigment, 0.4 grams of carbon black pigment, 3.0 grams of 1/4" graphite fibers. After the filler was dispersed in the resin, 6.0 grams of foaming catalyst was stirred into the mixture. The mixture was cast in a mold and allowed to foam and gel to form a piezoresistive elastomeric polymeric foam having a sheet resistance of about 50 K ohms/square.
The performed silicone resin can be thinned with solvent, such as methylethyl ketone to reduce the viscosity. The polymer generally forms a "skin" when foamed and gelled. The skin decreases the sensitivity of the piezoresistive sheet because the skin generally has a high resistance value which is less affected by compression. Optionally, a cloth can be lined around the mold into which the prefoamed resin is cast. After the resin has been foamed and gelled, the cloth can be pulled away from the polymer, thereby removing the skin and exposing the polymer cells for greater sensitivity.
When loaded, i.e. when a mechanical force or pressure is applied thereto, the resistance of a piezoresistive foam drops in a manner which is reproducible. That is, the same load repeatedly applied consistently gives the same values of resistance. Also, it is preferred that the cellular foam displays little or no resistance hysteresis. That is, the measured resistance of the conductive foam for a particular amount of compressive displacement is substantially the same whether the resistance is measured when the foam is being compressed or expanded.
Advantageously, the piezoresistive foam layer 14 accomplishes sparkless switching of the apparatus, which provides a greater margin of safety in environments with flammable gases or vapors present.
Adjacent to the piezoresistive foam 14 is another standoff 15, which has holes 15a. Standoff 15 is preferably identical to standoff 13. Alternatively, standoff 15 can be modified so as to differ from standoff 13 in thickness or the configuration and dimensions of the holes 13a.
The switching device 10 includes a cover sheet 17 comprising a non-conducting layer 17a which is preferably elastomeric (but can also be rigid); and a conducting layer 17b. The comments above with respect to the negligible resistivity of conductive layer 12 relative to that to the piezoresistive foam apply also to conductive layer 17b. The conducting layer 17b can be deposited on the upper non-conducting layer 17a so as to form an elastomeric lower conducting surface. The deposited layer 17b can also be a polymeric elastomer or coating containing filler material such as finally powdered metal or carbon to render it conducting. A conductive layer suitable for use in the present invention is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,069527, herein incorporated in its entirety.
An elastomeric conductive layer 17b can be fabricated with the conductive powder and fibers as described above with respect to the intrinsically conductive expanded polymer foam, with the exception that the polymer matrix for the conductive layer 17b need not be cellular. Preferably an elastomeric silicone is used as the matrix as set forth in Example 2.
A conductive filler was made from 60 grams of graphite pigment (Asbury Graphite A60), 0.4 grams carbon black (Shawingigan Black A), 5.0 grams of 1/4" graphite fibers (Hercules Magnamite Type A). This filler was disperse into 108.0 grams of silicone elastomer (SLYGARD™ 182 silicone elastomer resin) A catalyst was then added and the mixture was cast in a mold and allowed to cure.
The result was an elastomeric silicone film having a sheet resistance of about 10 ohms/square.
Alternatively, the cover sheet 17 can be flexible without being elastomeric and may comprise a sheet of metallized polymer such as aluminized MYLAR® brand polymer film, the coating of aluminum providing the conducting layer 17b. As yet another alternative, the cover sheet 17 can comprise an upper layer 17a flexible polymeric resin, either elastomeric or merely flexible, and a continuous layer 17b of metal foil. Preferably the upper layer 17a is a plasticized PVC sheeting which may be heat sealed or otherwise bonded (for example by solvent welding) to a PVC base 11. The advantage to using a continuous foil layer is the greater conductivity of metallic foil as compared with polymers rendered conductive by the admixture of conductive components.
The aforementioned layers are assembled as shown in FIG. 1 with conductive wires 18a and 18b individually connected, respectively, to conductive layers 12 and 17b. Wires 18a and 18b are connected to a power supply (not shown) and form part of an electrical switching circuit.
Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, as a further modification the conductive layer 17b can comprise a composite of conductive elastomeric polymer bonded to a segmented metal foil or a crinkled metal foil, the foil being positioned adjacent the standoff 15a, or, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the piezoresistive layer 14. Slits in the segmented foil (or crinkles in the crinkled foil) permit elastomeric stretching of the conductive layer 17b while providing the high conductivity of metal across most of the conductive layer 17b.
FIG. 1A shows a mat switch 10a with a conductive layer 17b bonded to an elastomeric insulative cover sheet 17a. Conductive layer 17b comprises an elastomeric conductive sheet 17c to which a segmented layer of metal foil 17d having slits 17e is bonded to the underside thereof. The piezoresistive material 14 is in contact with the segmented foil and is positioned above standoff 13. As shown in FIG. 1B, when a downward force F is applied to the top surface of mat switch 10a, the elastomeric layers 17a and 17b resiliently bend downward and stretch laterally. The piezoresistive material 14 is thereby pressed downward through apertures 13a in the standoff and into contact with conductive layer 12 on base 11. The gaps in the metal foil 17d defined by slits 17e spread a little bit wider. The electric current traverses these gaps through the elastomeric conductive sheet 17c. Since the gaps widen when the elastomeric sheet 17c is stretched the overall sheet resistance across the conductive layer 17b is slightly increased when the device is actuated. However, since the conductivity of the foil segments is much greater than that of the elastomeric conductor 17c, the overall conductivity of the elastomeric conductive layer 17b is similar to the that of the abovementioned continuous foil embodiment while also providing elastomeric operation.
Referring now to FIG. 2, another embodiment of the apparatus is shown wherein mat switch 20 comprises a base layer 21 with an array of discrete, laterally spaced apart conductive layers 22 which serve as electrodes. The insulative base 21 may conveniently be fabricated from a circuit board having a layer of copper. The copper layer may be selectively etched to form electrodes 22 with leads 22a for providing an electrical connection thereto. Alternatively, the electrodes 22 may be deposited or plated on base layer 21 through a pattern. This layer may also be a metal or otherwise conductive film. Those skilled in the art will recognize many ways to achieve a patterned layer of electrodes on an insulative substrate (for example, straight conductive lines remaining in one axis may be such electrodes).
Layer 23 is a standoff having a patterned array of holes 23a, each hole 23a being aligned with a respective one of the electrodes 22. The top surface of the standoff 23 has a conductive layer 24 thereon. The conductive layer 24 can be a metal foil, plate, or film, and may be formed by any method suitable for the purpose such as plating, deposition, adhesion of a foil or plate, etc. Alternatively, this layer can be a circuit of electrodes designed to offer desired communication to the circuit 22 of layer 21 (for example, straight conductive lines running in orthogonal axes.
The piezoresistive foam 25 is positioned above the conductive layer 24 and is in electrical contact therewith. The insulative cover sheet 26, which can be an elastomeric or non-elastomeric flexible polymeric sheet, covers the piezoresistive foam 25.
As can readily be appreciated, when a downward force is applied to the top of cover sheet 26, the piezoresistive foam 25 is forced through holes 23a into contact with electrodes 22, thereby completing the circuit and allowing current to flow between conductive layer or circuit 24 and electrodes 22. Unlike the previously described embodiment, the current does not flow from top to bottom of the piezoresistive foam 25, but through that portion of the foam 25 occupying the space defined by holes 23a.
Since the electrodes 22 are discrete, each with its own lead 22a, the lateral position of the applied force may be known by determining which of the electrodes 22 are receiving current.
In yet another alternative the standoff may be combined with a mesh or screen comprising a network of wires or filaments. Optionally, single piece sheets of insulating material having an array of perforations may be substituted for a filamentous or wire mesh. For example, referring to FIG. 3, spacer element assembly 19 is a combination of a coarse standoff 19c sandwiched between two insulating mesh screens 19a and 19b. Holes 19d in the standoff 19c have relatively wide diameters (as compared to the screen openings) and may be randomly, orderly, or mixed sized and spaced. The insulating screens 19a and 19b are preferably 20 mesh size and can range from 5 mesh to about 30 mesh. Spacer element assembly 19 may be substituted for one or the other of standoffs 13 or 15 in safety mat 10. Optionally, the other of the two standoffs may be eliminated. For example, a safety mat switch may be fabricated with a cover sheet 17, including an insulating cover 17a and electrode film 17b; a piezoresistive foam 14 next to the electrode layer 17b; the spacer element assembly 19 adjacent the piezoresistive foam 14; a bottom electrode 12; and a base 11.
In yet another alternative, the spacer element assembly 19 may be fabricated with coarse standoff 19c and only one of screens 19a and 19b adjacent thereto. Alternatively, the mat switch 10 can be constructed containing a mesh 19a instead of having any spacer elements, the mesh itself functioning as the spacer element.
Referring to FIG. 3A, an embodiment 80 of the switching device is shown with a base 81, conductive layers 82 and 85, piezoresistive layer 84, cover sheet 86, and two standoffs 83 and 87, each of which is a layer comprising a plurality of discrete, laterally spaced apart beads, or dots 83a and 87a, respectively, of insulating material. The dots 83a and 87a can be applied to the conductive layers 82 and 85, or to the top and/or bottom surfaces of the piezoresistive material, for example, by depositing a fluid insulator (e.g. synthetic polymer) through a patterned screen, then allowing the pattern of dots thus formed to harden or cure. For example, the material for use in fabricating the standoff dots 83a and 87a can be a polymer (e.g., methacrylate polymers, polycarbonates, or polyolefins dissolved in a solvent and applied to the conductive layers 82 and/or 85 as a viscous liquid). The solvent is then allowed to evaporate, thereby leaving deposited dots of polymer. Alternatively, the dots 83a and 87a can be deposited as a resin which cures under the influence of a curing agent (for example, ultra violet light). Silicones and epoxy resins are preferred materials to fabricate the dots 83a and 87a.
The dots 83a and 87a are preferably hemispherical can be fabricated in any shape and are preferably from about 1/32" to about 1/4" in height. The amount of force necessary to switch on the device 80 depends at least in part on the height of the dots.
The operation and construction of the mat switch 80 is similar to that of mat switch 10 except that discrete dots 83a and 87a are employed as the standoff instead of a perforated continuous layer such as standoffs 15 and 13 of mat switch 10, or wire mesh layers such as mesh 19a or 19b as shown in FIG. 3.
The edges of the mat switches 10, 20, and 80 are preferably sealed by, for example, heat sealing. The active surface for actuation extends very close to the edge with little dead zone area.
Referring to FIG. 11 a pressure actuated switch 120 is shown retained by a frame wherein a frame cover plate 127 has an annular retaining ring 128. Elastomeric insulative cover sheet 126, piezoresistive foam 125 and spacer element 123 are retained by retainer ring 128. The spacer element 123 includes a metallized top conductive layer 124 which serves as the emitter electrode, and a plurality of apertures 123a. Bottom plate 121 includes a plurality of receiver electrodes 122 oriented in alignment with apertures 123a. Conductive leads 122a extend from respective receiver electrodes to the edge of the bottom plate 121, to permit the current to be drawn off for measurement. A lead 122b extending between the bottom plate edge and the conductive metal film 124 on top of the spacer element 123 provides a path for the source current to the emitter electrode 124.
Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, an embodiment of the invention is shown with sealing struts. Mat switch 130 includes a sealed housing 131 having a base portion 131a and cover portion 131b having an upper surface with ribs 131e and sealed at edges 131d. For example, the housing 131 can be fabricated from polyvinyl chloride which is heat sealed along edges 131d. The cover portion 131b has a flat portion 131c aligned with a strut 137 beneath it. Struts 137 are elongated rigid members which provide support for the mat switch 130 and which divide the piezoresistive layer 136 into sections.
The layer of piezoresistive foam 136 is positioned above spacer element 133 and is in contact with the upper, emitter electrode, i.e. conductive metal film 135 coated onto the top surface of the spacer element 133. Apertures 134 in the spacer element 133 permit the resilient piezoresistive foam 136 to make contact with receiver electrodes 132, thereby providing a current path between the emitter and receiver electrodes for the switched-on condition.
The operation of the mat switch 130 is similar to the operation previously described embodiments 20 and 120 wherein the emitter and receiver electrodes are both positioned on the same side of the piezoresistive material and are activated when, in response to activation force applied to the surface of the mat switch, the piezoresistive foam disposes itself through the apertures of the spacer element to complete the electric circuit by contacting the receiver electrodes aligned with the apertures.
The dead zone, or non-reactive area over struts 137 is minimized by having thin flat portions 131c of the cover portion 131b disposed above the struts 137, and having the portion with ribs 131e adjacent thereto. The support struts 137 and flat portions 131c are relatively narrow as compared to the width of the mat switch 130, and typically no more than about 0.125 inches wide. A force distributed only within that narrow strip of area may not be registered by the mat switch 130. However, under actual working conditions nearly all forces will be distributed over an area overlapping the flat portions 131c. The raised ribs 131e adjacent the flat portion 131c enable the cover portion 131b to be depressed at least a distance equal to the height of the ribs.
For example, referring now to FIG. 14, it can be seen that when a force represented by weight W is rested on the cover portion 131b over flat area 131c and strut 137, the overlap of weight W contacts ribs 131e, thereby forcing cover portion 131b downward. This, in turn, biases the piezoresistive material 136 through aperture 134 and into contact with receiver electrode 132 to complete the electric circuit and put the mat switch in the "on" condition.
Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16, it is also contemplated to employ transmission means in conjunction with mat switch 130 to eliminate dead zones entirely. FIG. 15 illustrates a lever device 200 including an internal body 201 having an arm 202 with depending ridge 203, a curved base 204 and a stabilizing buttress 205. The lever 200 is elongated and is positioned adjacent the edge of the mat switch 130 such that ridge 203 engages a valley portion between two ribs 131e on the top surface of the cover portion 131b. The arm 202 extends over the edge of the mat switch 130. If a downward force F is applied to the arm 202, even though the position of the force F is aligned with an edge strut 137, the lever 200 will pivot to transfer the force to an active region of the mat switch where the force can be sensed. That is, the ridge 203 is above the piezoresistive material 136 such that downward force F will be shifted to compress the piezoresistive material.
The buttress 205 serves also as a counterweight to keep the lever 200 biased to a non-actuation, or untilted position, in the absence of downward force on the arm 202. Thus, the lever 200 is balanced such that when force F is removed the lever 200 rocks back automatically to its initial position.
Referring to FIG. 16, a coupling device 210 is shown for joining two mat switches 130 while eliminating the dead zone between them and along their respective edges. Coupler 210 includes an upper T-shaped portion 211 which is slidably engageable with upright post 214 of base 212. The upper T-shaped portion includes two arms 213 which over hang the respective mat switches 130. Each arm preferably has a depending ridge 215 for engagement with the ribbed upper surfaces 131b of the mat switches 130, as described above with respect to the engagement of ridge 203 with ribs 131e. The trunk portion 217 of the upper member includes an interior chamber 218 in which spring 216 is disposed. Spring 216 rests upon upright post 214 and resiliently biases the upper member 211 to an upward position wherein the ridges 215 do not apply any downward force upon the surface of the cover portion 131b of the mat switch. When a force is applied to the top surface of the upper T-shaped portion 211, the upper portion 211 slides downward against the biasing force of spring 216. This causes the arms 213 and ridges 215 to move downward thereby depressing the ribbed cover portion 131b and activating the mat switch 130. Force downwardly applied in what would otherwise be a "dead zone" is transferred to a active area of the mat switch 130, thereby eliminating the dead zone in actual use.
Referring now to FIG. 4, an alternative embodiment 40 of the present invention is illustrated. Multiple switching device 40 includes a cover layer 41, a piezoresistive layer 42, a base 46, and an activation region 47 which is a void. The shape of activation region 47 is defined by a series of layered spacer elements 45a, 45b, 45c, 45d, and conductive layers 43 and 44a, 44b, 44c, and 44d.
More particularly, cover sheet 41 is a flexible non-conductive sheet preferably fabricated from an elastomeric synthetic polymer. The piezoresistive material 42 is preferably a piezoresistive cellular foam such as described above, and is positioned above the top conductive layer 43 with which the piezoresistive layer 42 is in electrical contact. The conductive layers 43, 44a, 44b, 44c, and 44d can be, for example, metallic foils adhesively bonded to the respective spacer elements directly below, or may be conductive coatings deposited thereon. The spacer elements 45a, 45b, 45c, and 45d are insulative layers of predetermined thicknesses, or heights. As shown in FIG. 4, the spacer elements have similar heights. However, they can also be fabricated with different heights. The heights determine the amount of pressure or force applied to the top of the multiple switching device 40 necessary to activate the next level of circuitry. Base 46 can be rigid or flexible and can be a tough non-conductive material as described above.
The activation region 47 is funnel shaped with stepped sides. As seen from the top it is preferably circular although angled shapes such as triangles, will also work. As can be seen from FIG. 4, the diameter of the opening 47a in the upper most spacer element 45a is greater than the diameter of opening 47b in spacer element 45b, each successively lower spacer element having an opening diameter less than the one above. The top conductive layer 43 is connected to a power source P and is designated as the "emitter" electrode. The remaining conductive layers 44a, 44b, 44c, and 44d are designated as the "receiver electrodes" and may individually be connected to different respective circuits Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4.
Referring now to FIG. 5, when the multiple switching device 40 is actuated by a force F pressing down on the cover sheet 41, the piezoresistive foam 42 is pressed down into the activation region 47, and makes electrical contact with one or more of the remaining conductive layers 44a, 44b, 44c, and 44d depending on the magnitude of force F. As each contact is successively made, a new circuit is actuated. Thus, for example, circuit Z1 can be used to accomplish one function, circuit Z2 can be dedicated to another purpose or other machinery, and so on for Z3, and Z4. Conductive layer 43 serves as the common emitter electrode providing the power for receiver electrodes 44a, 44b, 44c, and 44d.
While four spacer elements are shown in multiple switching device 40, it should be recognized that any number of spacer elements may be used, and the heights of the spacer elements may be varied in accordance with the application for which the device 40 is used. The spacer elements can optionally be fabricated from a rigid material.
Referring to FIG. 6, an embodiment of the invention is shown which can detect a shear force, i.e., a force which is parallel to the plane defined by the planar top surface of the switching device. A force directed vertically downward onto the cover sheet in a direction normal to the plane defined by the top surface of the switching device has no shear component. However, if the downward force is at an angle from the vertical orientation it will have a vector component which is parallel to the plane of the top surface, this vector component constituting a shear force or stress.
As seen in FIG. 6, switching device 60 includes an insulative cover sheet 61 with a conductive film or coating 62 on the underside thereof. The conductive film 62 serves as an emitter electrode. The cover sheet 61 and conductive film 62 are preferably elastomeric. Piezoresistive foam layer 63 is beneath the conductive film 62 and is in electrical contact therewith Spacer element 64 is an insulative layer of cellular polymer and is resiliently deformable. Spacer element 64 has an aperture 68 defining a void space into which piezoresistive foam 63 can enter upon the application of a downward force to the cover sheet 61. Primary receiver electrode 65 is aligned with aperture 68 such that when the piezoresistive foam 63 is moved into aperture 68, contact is made between the piezoresistive foam 63 and primary receiver electrode 65 thereby closing the electric circuit and initiating the switching action as current flows between electrodes 62 and 65.
In addition to the primary receiver electrode 65, the shear detecting switch 60 includes at least one and preferably four or more secondary receiver electrodes 66a and 66b positioned around and laterally spaced apart from the primary receiver electrode 65, and covered by spacer element 64. Secondary receiver electrodes 66a and 66b can be connected to different electrical circuits.
Base 67 provides support for the device, the primary receiver electrode 65 and the secondary receiver electrodes 66a and 66b being mounted thereto. Base 67 can be fabricated from materials as mentioned above.
Referring additionally now to FIGS. 7 and 8, it can be seen that when a force F is directed vertically downward on the cover sheet without any lateral vector component (i.e. without any shear stress) as shown in FIG. 7, the piezoresistive foam layer 63 fills aperture 68 and makes contact with the primary receiver electrode 65, but not the secondary receiver electrodes 66a or 66b. In FIG. 8, force F is shown having a shear component, i.e., force F is at an angle to the vertical orientation. As shown in FIG. 8, secondary receiver electrode 66a is on the side of the primary receiver electrode 65 in which the shear force is directed. Spacer element 64 is thereby moved to uncover secondary receiver electrode 66a, with which the piezoresistive foam makes electrical contact in addition to primary receiver electrode 65. Secondary receiver electrode 66b on side of the primarily receiver electrode 65 opposite to the direction of applied shear, remains covered and is not activated. Thus, the direction in which shear force is applied can be detected. Additionally, the magnitude of the vector components of force F can also be measured since the resistance of the piezoresistive foam will vary in accordance with the applied compressive force, as discussed above with respect to the aforementioned mat switching devices. When the shear force is removed, the spacer element resiliently returns to its initial configuration.
Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, another shear detecting switching device 70 is shown. Switching device 70 includes an insulative base 79 with a patterned array of primary receiver electrodes 77 positioned in alignment with apertures 78 of a rigid insulative spacer element 76. A primary piezoresistive foam layer 75 is positioned above the spacer element 76 such that in the initial uncompressed configuration of the device 70, a gap exists between primary piezoresistive foam layer 75 and the primary receiver electrodes 77. Above the primary piezoresistive foam layer 75 is an elastomeric insulator sheet 73 having top and bottom conductive coatings 74b and 74c, respectively. The conductive coatings, or films, 74b and 74c serve as emitter electrodes and may be electrically connected to each other or to parts of different electrical circuits. A secondary layer 72 of piezoresistive foam is stacked above top conductive layer 74b and is in electrical contact therewith. The secondary piezoresistive foam layer 72 has a plurality of conical peaks 72a which project upward. Alternatively, 72a can be a conductive elastomer.
Insulative cover sheet 71 is positioned above the secondary piezoresistive foam layer 72 and has a plurality of apertures 71a through which conical peaks 72a are disposed such that the piezoresistive foam peaks 72a project above the top surface of the cover sheet 71. At least one, and preferably several, secondary electrodes 74a are disposed around each aperture 71a of the cover sheet 71 on the top surface thereof.
Referring now to FIG. 10, a downward force F with a shear component is applied to switching device 70. The primary piezoresistive layer 75 is moved through apertures 78 into contact with primary receiver electrodes 77. Also, the conical peaks 72a bend over in the direction of the shear force to make electrical contact with secondary receiver electrodes 74a thereby completing the electrical circuit path between top emitter electrode 74b and secondary receiver electrodes 74a. The direction and magnitude of both the shear can be measured by determining which of the secondary receiver electrodes 74a are activated and the amount of current flowing from the top emitter electrode 74b thereto. Likewise, the magnitude of the downward vector of the force can be determined from the current flowing from bottom emitter electrode 74c to primary receiver electrodes 77. Moreover, the lateral position of the force F on the top surface of the device 70 can be indicated by determining which of the primary receiver electrodes 79 are activated. Thus, a detailed measurement of position, magnitude and direction of an applied force can be made. The resolution of the measurement depends upon the number, size, and placement of receiver electrodes.
Corresponding mat switch 35 has tabs 36 configured and dimensioned to engage slots 32, and slot areas 37 for receiving tabs 31 of safety mat 30.
The tabs and corresponding slots provide mats 30 and 35 with the ability to interlock. Once engaged mat switches 30 and 35 are resistant to separation by a lateral force. It can readily be appreciated that tabs can be incorporated on more than one edge of the mat switch and that many mats can be interlocked to form a single contiguous structure. The mats may be connected electrically, as well as physically, in series or parallel circuits.
The mat switch construction of the present connection permits the active surface area of the mat to extend even into the tabs 31, 36. Thus, the tabbed area does not represent a dead zone.
Referring now to FIG. 17, a circuit 50 is shown in which any of the mat switches of the present invention may be employed to operate a relay.
Circuit 50 is powered by a direct current source, i.e., battery 51, which provides a d.c. voltage Vo ranging from about 12 to 48 volts, preferably 24 to 36 volts. The safety mat A can be any of the embodiments of the invention described above.
Potentiometer R1 can range from 1,000 ohms to about 10,000 ohms and provides a calibration resistance. Resistor R2 has a fixed resistance of from about 1,000 ohms to about 10,000 ohms. Transistors Q1 and Q2 provide amplification of the signal from the safety mat A in order to operate relay K. Relay K is used to close or open the electrical circuit on which the machinery M to be controlled operates. Capacitor C1 ranges from between about 0.01 microfarads and 0.1 microfarads and is provided to suppress noise. K can be replaced with a metering device to measure force at A. This would require adjusting the ratio of R1 and A (compression vs force) to bias transistors Q1 and Q2 into their linear amplifying range. This circuit represents an example of how the mat may be activated. Many other circuits including the use of triacs can be employed.
The various electrodes of the mats switches 40, 60, and 70 may be incorporated into separate electrical circuits of the type shown in FIG. 17. Activation of the relay corresponding to a particular circuit would then indicate that longitudinal pressure or shear force of a certain magnitude or in a certain position on the mat has occurred. The multiple outputs of the relays may be the input of a preprogrammed guidance control, or other control or response means.
The present invention can be used in many applications other than safety mats for machinery. For example, the invention may be used for intrusion detection, cargo shift detection, crash dummies, athletic targets (e.g. baseball, karate, boxing, etc.), sensor devices on human limbs to provide computer intelligence for prosthesis control, feedback devices for virtual reality displays, mattress covers to monitor heart beat (especially for use in hospitals or for signalling stoppage of the heart from sudden infant death syndrome), toys, assisting devices for the blind, computer input devices, ship mooring aids, keyboards, analog button switches, "smart" gaskets, weighing scales, and the like.
It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of preferred embodiments. Those skilled in art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.


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Metal Monster
A large robotic device with legs. (Read the full article)
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Jake Owen Insists Arrest Was a 'Huge Misunderstanding'
It's been quite the month for Jake Owen! Just two days before getting married beachside in his hometown of Vero Beach, Fla., the 'Barefoot Blue Jean Night' singer found himself in some serious hot water after entering a local Steak 'n Shake restaurant wearing a mask over his face. Although the night ended with Owen in handcuffs, the singer adamantly denies doing anything wrong.
"It was a huge misunderstanding," Owen says in a radio interview with US 99.5 on Monday. "I did nothing, actually. I had a good time. That's all the really matters. I'm a lover, dude. I do like to have a damn good time. That's how I roll."
Despite his strikingly candid chat about the incident over the airwaves, the singer did issue an official apology to his fans and hometown supporters following the incident, though he was mostly apologizing for his negative comments about the police who cuffed him.
"Y'all I apologize," Owen wrote to his 180,000-plus followers on Twitter. "The [Indian River County] Sheriff was doing their job. I love hometown [sic]. I had too good of a time on Cinco de Mayo. I want to publicly apologize again for bringing to light a situation that I overreacted to."
While some question the validity of the Owen's detainment, Florida law Section 876.13 stipulates that "No person or persons shall in this state, while wearing any mask, hood, or device whereby any portion of the face is so hidden, concealed, or covered as to conceal the identity of the wearer, enter upon, or be, or appear upon or within the public property of any municipality or county of the state."
"I thought it was funny," says Owen, referring to his decision to to wear the mask into the fast food restaurant, where he was eating with his entire family — nieces and nephews included — when police gave him the metal bracelets. Owen explains, "Unbeknownst to me, I didn't know there was a law you weren't allowed to go into a public establishment with a mask on."
Despite his brief run-in with the law, the singer is remains focused on his touring duties. According his official website, Owen will resume touring at the end of May, with a rigorous itinerary through the end of July. Click here for tour dates and ticket information.


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It was only a matter of time before Tim Tebow made a cameo in the ongoing Aaron Hernandez coverage. The former Florida teammates and (for about a week) Patriots teammates are at both ends of the image spectrum, and both names sell. Put them together, and it's like flipping two of the striped pieces on that stupid candy game that I'm about to uninstall from my phone.
On Monday, Radar.com tried to cobble together a Tebow connection that felt a little forced and obvious — Tebow reportedly encouraged Hernandez to come to Gainesville, and Tebow tried to help Hernandez stay out of trouble there.
The Orlando Sentinel has offered something more tangible, reporting that Tebow was present for the May 2007 altercation that resulted in Hernandez busting the eardrum of a restaurant employee with a punch.
"Tebow stated that he witnessed the dispute," an officer wrote in the police report. "Tebow stated that he went over to try to help resolve the conflict."
Key word: Try.
Tebow also was present when the police interviewed Hernandez, and the report points out that charges of underage drinking would not be pursued against Hernandez, but that they were being mentioned so that Florida "coaches could handle it internally."
In other words, the cops did former Gators coach Urban Meyer a favor, and the media previously didn't know about the incident. Now that Meyer is gone and Hernandez stands accused of one murder and is being investigated for two others, there's no reason to protect either of them.


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Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone! I'm afraid I don't have any images currently that are related to the holiday but I do have a spring image. Here is a Victorian image of a girl with flowers.
She's adorable and I love the little lady bug crawling on the flower. Tomorrow's post will feature what I found at the weekend's estate sale and a new vintage image! -Sarah


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Kaut, LaCrosse selected in MLL Draft
Kaut, LaCrosse selected in MLL Draft
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Penn State men's lacrosse senior standouts Austin Kaut (Morton, Pa.) and Tom LaCrosse (Canandaigua, N.Y.) were selected in Major League Lacrosse's Collegiate Draft Friday (Jan. 10) night in Philadelphia.
Kaut was taken by the Boston Cannons with the 19th pick in the draft, a fateful selection as the senior goalie dons No. 19 in the cage. The selection of a Penn State goalkeeper at No. 19 has also happened before as Drew Adams was taken by the Lizards in June 2009.
As for the aptly named LaCrosse, he was taken 60th by the Rochester Rattlers. LaCrosse hails from Canandaigua, N.Y. just 30 miles southeast of the city of Rochester. His selection marked the first time in Penn State history two Nittany Lions were taken in the collegiate draft.
Couple Kaut and LaCrosse's selections with that of Jack Forster's in the supplemental draft in December, three Nittany Lions garnered the attention of the pro league that houses eight teams and reaches from the Eastern seaboard to the Rocky Mountains.
Kaut anchors a defense this season that was second in the nation a year ago in goals allowed per game. Kaut become Penn State's first USILA All-America First Team honoree in 83 years while earning the Ensign C. Markland Kelly, Jr. Award as college lacrosse's top goalkeeper.
LaCrosse was an honorable mention All-American last season after posting season highs in goals (25), assists (5) and points (28). LaCrosse is one of three captains elected by his peers to lead Penn State in 2014.
In all, 64 athletes were taken in the draft that was hosted in the Philadelphia Convention Center as part of the US Lacrosse National Convention and Fan Fest.


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We will ONLY ship to the shipping address that PayPal provides on the payment "Transaction Details" page. To help guard against stolen credit cards and identity theft, NO exceptions will be made. If you need us to ship to an alternate address, we can NOT accept PayPal.
We do NOT accept payment or ship to Russia, Indonesia or Africa.
We ONLY accept payments in United States Dollars (USD).
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We are required to collect 8.25% Texas sales tax on all items shipped to a Texas address unless you fax, email or mail us a valid resellers permit.
All items are shipped from our facility FOUR (4) BUSINESS DAYS from the date payment is received. Please be patient as this processing time is necessary because to prepare each shipment with the very best care.
As these watches sit in our auction safe prior to being sold, this processing time allows us to re-examine the watch to make sure it is still in the same condition as described. It also allows us to do a final 24 to 48 hour timing to ensure accuracy. This allows us to correct any timing issues prior to shipping.
All packages $100 or more in value will require and adult signature for delivery!
Questions & Answers
1. When will my package ship?
Providing there are no holidays, the following will detail when your package will ship, If payment is received:Saturday, Sunday, Monday — Your package will ship Friday.Tuesday — Your package will ship Monday.Wednesday — Your package will ship Tuesday.Thursday — Your package will ship Wednesday.Friday — Your package will ship Thursday.
2. I paid for expedited shipping (ie. UPS 2nd Day Air or UPS Next Day Air). Does this mean I will receive it in 2 days or next day?
No. There is still a 4 business day processing time. Once the 4 business day processing time passes, your package will then ship via the expedited shipping method.
If it does not put a lump in your throat, you can send it back for a full refund.
Just email us and return it so we receive it back within 14 days. We are not like other dealers where you must wait months to see the credit or refund. We process all of our returns each weekend and your PayPal account will be credited no later than 3 business days of that weekend. Also, unlike most retailers, we will not deduct a restocking fee. We will refund 100% of the winning bid amount.
Questions & Answers
1. Can I return the item for a refund?
Yes. Just email us and return it so we receive it back within 14 days.
2. Is there a restocking fee?
No, providing that you return it so we receive it back within 14 days. The item must also be received back in the same condition with everything that was included (ie. box, tag, etc.)
3. Is shipping refunded by Beckertime?
No. The original shipping fees and the shipping costs back to us are not refunded.
4. Is customs duties and taxes refunded by Beckertime?
No. Beckertime does not refund any of the customs, duties, taxes or brokerage fees. You can contact your local customs office or the shipping carrier to request a reimbursement of your taxes and/or fees. Please note that some countries will not provide a reimbursement of your taxes or fees for a returned item.
Authenticity is guaranteed!
Every watch has been thoroughly examined and authenticated by our certified master-watchmaker.
All watches are checked for authenticity, mechanical, and aesthetic condition and to make sure it is not stolen.
Our watchmaker is Rolex certified… meaning he has a parts account with Rolex. He is an actual Rolex watchmaker who is authorized by Rolex to service Rolex watches. This is important because he is specially trained in Rolex watches.
We have been in business since 1998 and have NEVER sold a fake or stolen watch.
All ROLEX watches offered by BeckerTime are pre-owned.
We are an independent sales center of pre-owned Rolex watches and Other Luxury Timepieces
We are NOT an authorized dealer of any of the brands we carry.
The Rolex Watch Company Ltd., Rolex Watch USA Inc., or any of its subsidiaries have no obligation to warranty any watch sold by BeckerTime. BeckerTime is the sole warrantor of the Rolex watches being sold.
We are not affiliated with any of the fine manufacturers whose watches we sell. We are not affiliated with the Rolex Watch Company Ltd., Rolex Watch USA Inc., or any of its subsidiaries.


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Instagram retreated from proposed changes to its terms of service that would have ostensibly allowed the company to make money off the photos taken by its users. But this was not "a win" for users.
CEO Kevin Systrom wrote on the company's blog late Thursday that it was never the company's intention to sell the pictures its 100 million users take each day to advertisers or other third parties. Right now, Instagram has no real revenue sources. The service is free.
Systrom said the company would revert to the old terms of service, which has left plenty in the press scoring this one as a victory for privacy and user rights.
It is not.
The old terms were roughly the same — just less concise. They state that Instagram "may display advertisements and promotions….on, about, or in conjunction with your (photos)."
They also say "You hereby grant to Instagram a …royalty-free … license to use the Content that you post … subject to the Service's Privacy Policy."
The emphasis is mine but in case anyone is keeping score, that's another way of saying "without compensation," which is what freaked users out in the previously proposed change in terms.
And if you click over and bother to read the "Privacy Policy," you will see it first comforts users by saying "We will not rent or sell your information to third parties" but then immediately makes exceptions: "We may share User Content and your information with businesses that are legally part of the same group of companies that Instagram is part of, or that become part of that group."
If that language is really vague to you, that is because that language is really vague. You can still charge someone money to "share" with them. No corporate attorney would consent to such staggeringly broad language in an official legal document (unless it was in both parties' interest). Yet we do it all the time with online terms and conditions, as if they were some unassailable legal document.
Systrom even makes it clear that this is a one-way discussion: "Rather than obtain permission from you to introduce possible advertising products we have not yet developed, we are going to take the time to complete our plans," he wrote. "And then come back to our users and explain how we would like for our advertising business to work."
Note the word "explain" — not "ask."
But in the end, vetting these online "contracts" is largely pointless because, as Jim Gibson, faculty director at the Intellectual Property Institute and professor of law at the University of Richmond, points out, "The law maintains a fiction: that consumers really have consented to endless reams of boilerplate. This fiction allows companies like Facebook to unilaterally dictate terms to consumers."
Additionally, I question the premise that Instagram unwittingly walked into a public relations bear trap. Maybe the backlash was a little more intense than they expected, but these companies are filled with smart executives and experienced PR minds. Parent company Facebook has been through this dance countless times. We'd be kidding ourselves if we thought "They just don't learn." (We'd be kidding ourselves further if we thought Instagram/Facebook analysts are not sifting through reams of user data right now to quantify — put a business value on — the impact of these changes.)
While users feel empowered by changing privacy settings on a website or making a company back off some wording in these flimsy terms of conditions, the debate is gradually shifting in the companies' favor. These constant "privacy" uproars are numbing the general public — the people Instagram cares about monetizing anyway.
First off, you may know one or two friends who said, "If Instagram makes that change, I'm out of here!" Those anecdotes abounded. Anecdotes though — not data. How many people do you know on Instagram? Did all of them say they were going to leave — or just a few? As far as I could tell, most of the uproar was just with photographers and artists — the power users. And very reasonably so; artists should be paid for their work. But even though they surely make Instagram more robust, most users are Regular Joes. One of my friends put it best: "Sure, Instagram can sell my pictures of a hamburger."
But there is even a noticeable shift in tone with those with more than a passing interest in tech. When Instagram changed the language, there were reams of "This is how monetization works, dummy" posts from tech bloggers and many in the press. They defended Instagram's right to make the change; it is a business after all. While hard to quantify, the volume of that counter-argument was louder than it was when Facebook made privacy changes in the past.
And that is the point that Facebook and Instagram, and every other online service, want to make to the public: "We can't do this for free, forever. You, dear User, whether by paying us directly or letting us resell your information to third parties — since that's the most creative idea we have — need to have some skin in the game. Our servers and software don't run for free. We have to pay our employees."
It's just the hard truth — as it stands today — of businesses on the Internet. Maybe someday — hopefully — more creative monetization strategies will bring about change.
But the adage, "If you're not paying for the product, you are the product" is not an opinion, it is the reality.


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Jeannie Baliles
The former First Lady of Virginia was a co-chair for her 50th Class Reunion and serves on the Alumni Board.
After graduation, Ms. Baliles went on to earn a M.A.T. in history from Wesleyan University. She was inducted into the Delta Kappa Gamma honor society (education). Ms. Baliles is the founder and chairman of the Virginia Literary Foundation and served as the Chairman of the Virginia Opera.
She has served as a trustee on the Virginia Environmental Endowment, the Community Foundation of Central Virginia, and the Jenkins Foundation. She has also served on the board of Wolf Trap, the Nature Conservancy, the Jamestown-Yorktown Trust, YMCA, and the Historic Richmond Foundation. She is active in Democrat Party politics.
A former First Lady of the Commonwealth of Virginia, Jeannie has two grown children, Laura A. Baliles and Jonathan T. Baliles. She enjoys travel, tennis, gardening, and yoga.
Campus Involvement
- Alumni Board, Chair, Nominations Committee
Since Graduation
1964 received M.A.T. in history from Wesleyan University 1964 married Gerald L. Baliles - later VA delegate, Attorney General, Governor of VA - 1986 - 1990 Served as First lady of Virginia Mother of Laura (now 43) and Jonathan (now 41) The past 50 years have been happily spent in both public and private life. My dedication to Washington College has been evidenced in my service on the Board of Visitors and Governors (1991-1999), the Alumni Board (2008 - 2011) and Trustee Emeriti (since 2000)
I also served on the Presidential Search Committees that selected John Toll and Mitchell Reiss as Presidents of the College. Although raising a family and involving myself in the election campaigns of my husband took an enormous amount of time, many opportunities to be involved in community service became evident. Through the years I have served on the Boards of Wolf Trap, United Way, Communities in Schools (on the national level) as well as numerous education, cultural, historical and social service boards in Virginia. 25 years ago, while First Lady of Virginia, I began the Virginia Literacy Foundation, still considered the premier public-private literacy organization in the U.S. My involvement continues. At this time, I serve on the Boards of Virginia Union University (an HBCU institution), Virginia Opera, Richmond Ballet, the Jenkins Foundation (health care) and Virginians for the Arts. In addition, I provide strategic planning and development assistance to numerous 501-c3 organizations as a volunteer. Following a divorce in 1996, my life has continued as a community and civic leader. Travel has been a continued pursuit.
Every few years I rent a home (Tuscany, Provence, Normandy - this past May) and invite 40 or so of my friends to visit during the month. It is all about the opportunity to discover the culture, history, food and wines of the regions, not to mention bringing together diverse people for conversation and conviviality. Other places include the major big cities as well as Le Marche, Corfu, Bergen, Devon, Montenegro, Trieste and Patagonia. Life is good…


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Tech Graduate Office Launching Peer Mentoring ProgramSOCORRO, N.M. August 25, 2011 – Undergraduates have a new mentoring resource at New Mexico Tech.
The Graduate Studies Office is launching a Peer Mentoring Program to partner undergrads with grad students to offer advice on creating a successful undergraduate life, both on and off campus.
Christy Neill, director of the Title V Graduate Program, said that while Tech has launched initiatives aimed at keeping freshmen on track and improving their success rate, other undergrads are often left without supplemental resources. This program will target sophomore, junior and senior undergrads to give them a new avenue that will allow them to benefit from the experiences of graduate students.
"Graduate students offer a different perspective than advisors," Neill said. "We expect graduate students to offer advice on campus life, work and time management, employment, research opportunities, graduate school, and many other topics. They can also offer tips and advice on success skills. Hopefully, undergrads will be able to learn from their experience."
Neill said the Peer Mentoring Program is intended to complement the tutoring services offered at the Center for Student Success and the First-Year Experience program. She said ideally the program will help undergraduate students make informed decisions about careers and graduate school and gain the skills that will help them stay in school and be successful.
Neill compared the Peer Mentoring Program to a college-age version of Big Brothers-Big Sisters. Participants can either remain confidential or choose to attend social events with other mentors and mentees to enhance the feeling of community on campus.
Jason Speights, a Ph.D. student in physics, is helping launch the program. He said that when he came to Tech as an undergrad, he was a few years older than most freshmen.
"I wasn't that much older than the sophomores, but they came to me for advice," he said. "I imagine this Peer Mentoring Program will be something similar that to that situation."
Faculty members Julie Ford and Jeff Altig will be helping to build the program throughout this next year. Ford and Altig will be looking for more graduate students to volunteer for the program. They will screen grad students carefully to ensure the best fit with mentors and mentees. All grads and undergrads interested are encouraged to apply.
"We want a good mix of students – a diverse group from across academic disciplines and ethnic backgrounds," Neill said. "We want to fill a gap for our target audience. They're often left on their own to figure things out. That can be a difficult time to adjust, especially if they don't have resources."
Students interested in becoming a mentor or being an undergraduate mentee, should stop by Fitch Hall 205 and talk to Karen Chavez. Interested students can also visit the website at http://infohost.nmt.edu/~mentor/home.html for more information or to submit an application. The deadline for applying is Friday, Sept. 16.
By Thomas Guengerich/New Mexico Tech


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Whole lot of information and specifics regarding Issaquena County Land Records in the State of Mississippi now can be accessed through Issaquena County Land Records Search Index. Get hold of important information including land owner's name, age, parcel, township, range, citizenship, allocation details, and the likes. You can also procure specific information like the name of the grantor and grantee, serial number, plot document, acres, occupation of the owner, district information, and other important specifics.
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Fall Arts Festival Adds Hands-On Workshops
SOCORRO, N.M. November 19, 2012– The Community Education Department is hosting its annual fall Art Festival on Saturday, Dec. 1, with a smattering of new offerings.
In addition to the traditional offering of student art work that was produced during this semester, the event is offering a variety of art workshops for $5, demonstrations, food, music and massages.
The art sale, as always, includes a wide range of beautiful gift items made by students that are priced well below market value. This is a great opportunity to pick up a gorgeous ceramics piece, painting or fused glass work.
The $5 workshops allow participants to create their own masterpieces in an hour, including ceramic painting, glass ornament making, bead work and painting.
In the "Paint Your Own Ceramic" workshop, participants can select from professional bisque pieces, glaze it with a personalized design and fire the work. The finished pieces will be ready for pick-up after three days.
The "Fused Glass Ornament" workshop allows people to create stunning glass ornaments that you can hang in the window or on a tree.
The bead workshop has an array of high-quality beads that can be crafted into earrings, a bracelet or a necklace, with guidance from an experienced beader.
Last, a painting master will be available to help you create a charming small ready-to-hang canvas.
Several food vendors will be on hand, as well as performing musicians, and a battle demonstration from the knights in shining armor, representing the New Mexico Tech chapter of the Society of Creative Anachronism, known as the College of St. Golias.
Visitors can also soothe their stress with a session with students from the massage class. Massage students will be offering clothed Swedish massage for a donation to help fund the new Massage Club.
The Fall 2012 Arts Festival will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, December 1.
By Thomas Guengerich/New Mexico Tech


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Stewart Ernest Cink (born May 21, 1973) is an American professional golfer who won the 2009 Open Championship. He has spent over 40 weeks in the top 10 of the Official World Golf Rankings from 2004 to 2009.
Cink was born in Huntsville, Alabama and grew up in nearby Florence, where he attended Bradshaw High School. After completing high school in 1991, he graduated from Georgia Tech in Atlanta in 1995 with a degree in Management, where he played golf for the Yellow Jackets; he turned professional in 1995. While at Georgia Tech he earned the nickname "Big League Stew", because of his professional manner on the course.
After winning the Mexican Open and three events on the Nike Tour (now the Nationwide Tour) in 1996, Cink joined the PGA Tour in 1997 and won the Canon Greater Hartford Open in his rookie season. Cink performed consistently on the Tour over the next few years, picking up another win at the 2000 MCI Classic. Until his victory in the Open Championship in 2009, 2004 was his most successful season, with a fifth-place finish on the money list and wins at the MCI Heritage and at the WGC-NEC Invitational, which is one of the World Golf Championships events.


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Lake Art Hats are a great way to promote your favorite place to play and keep the sun off your face at the same time! Shop Lakes all across the U.S.A.!!
This is a one size fits all adult baseball hat. Order enough for everyone to wear at the lake.
Made in the USA. Find your favorite lake alphabetically or shop by state.
WHOLESALE Customers - This item requires a 12 pc minimum


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(Reuters) LeBron James scored 44 points on 17-of-28 shooting to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 111-102 victory over the visiting Boston Celtics on Monday night at Quicken Loans Arena to even the Eastern Conference finals at two games apiece.
Kyle Korver scored 14 points (all in the first half) for the fourth-seeded Cavaliers. Tristan Thompson recorded 13 points and 12 rebounds, George Hill scored 13 points and Kevin Love collected 11 rebounds while scoring nine points.
Jaylen Brown scored 25 points and Jayson Tatum had 17 for the second-seeded Celtics, who dropped to 1-6 on the road this postseason. Terry Rozier notched 16 points and 11 assists, Al Horford tallied 15 points and Marcus Morris scored 10.
Game 5 is today in Boston, and James is already gearing up for the contest.
"It's a hostile environment, we understand that," James said in a postgame television interview on ESPN. "There is no love in there. If you don't have on green, if you don't play for that team, if you don't bleed green, they've got no love for you.
"So we've got to come out with a bunker mentality and understand it's just us. It's going to be a great atmosphere."
Celtics coach Brad Stevens echoed that sentiment.
"It's a best two of three to go to the NBA Finals. It doesn't get much better than that," Stevens said in his postgame press conference. "Ultimately, anybody that didn't think this was going to be tough — I mean, everything is tough. In this deal, it's a blast to have to grit your teeth, get up off the mat and go after it again. That's part of what makes these guys on both sides special."
Cleveland shot 50.6 from the field on Monday and had a 47-37 rebounding edge. Boston shot 41.2 percent from the floor.
Hill's basket gave the Cavaliers a 96-81 lead with 9:53 remaining in the contest before the Celtics rattled off eight straight points. Love and James responded with back-to-back baskets to increase the Cleveland margin to 100-89.
Boston again was within seven after Marcus Smart's bucket with 4:29 left, but Thompson and James scored consecutive baskets to again push the Cavaliers' lead to 11. Hill followed with a 12-foot floater to give Cleveland a 106-93 advantage with 2:36 left.
James drained a 3-pointer with 1:43 left to record his sixth 40-point outing of this postseason and give the Cavaliers a 109-95 lead. Philadelphia's Allen Iverson (2001) is the most recent player to have six 40-point performances in a single playoff year.
"I put the work in day in and day out on my body, working on my game every day to try to put myself in the best condition I can be in the postseason," James told ESPN afterward. "My teammates, my coaching staff allow me to go out and do the things to try to help us win and trust me.
"And besides the seven turnovers tonight, I think I earned their trust a little bit more."
Cleveland led by 15 at halftime but saw Love head to the bench with this fifth foul with 7:40 left in the third quarter as Boston crept within 11. The Celtics later trailed 80-72 after Tatum's basket with 3:40 remaining in the quarter before the Cavaliers answered with a 9-2 surge to push the lead back to 15.
Tatum's dunk with 1.7 seconds to play moved Boston within 89-76 entering the final stanza.
James scored 22 points in the first half as the Cavaliers led 68-53 at the break.


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by Trevor Kuss, Sports Information Assistant
>>> Photo Gallery
MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. – The first "Meet the Bobcats Night" for the 2012-13 school year took place Tuesday night at Zaxby's in Milledgeville, and was a highly-attended success.
The normal schedule for "Meet the Bobcats Night" will generally be the first Tuesday of every month, as schedules permit. The regular schedule will begin Sept. 4 with women's soccer, and then continue in October and November with each Basketball team having a night.
"We're excited to be out in the community," said Steve Barsby GC Assistant Athletic Director. "For our athletes to be able to meet the fans and be a part of a fun night at Zaxby's."
The nights will feature a different Bobcat team every month, along with Thunder, and the live broadcast of the brand new Georgia College Sports Talk show, "The Prowl". Kids will be able to meet the athletes and have them sign a Bobcat poster. All Zaxby's kids' meals will be free with paid adult meal during the time "The Prowl" is on the air.
The Georgia College Department of Athletics, two-time winners of the PBC Commissioner's Cup, sponsors 11 varsity athletic programs at the NCAA Division II level. As a Division II program, Bobcat Athletics prides itself on balancing the life of the student-athlete, evidenced by the teams' multiple appearances in post-season competition as well as documented academic success and community-service involvement. Sign up at www.twitter.com/BobcatSports and www.facebook.com/gcbobcats for up-to-the-minute reports, and visit www.GCBobcats.com for more information, and to nominate your favorite former Bobcats and Colonials to the GC Athletics Hall of Fame.


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President Barack Obama formally introduced Denis McDonough as his chief of staff on Friday, describing his deputy national security adviser as not only a straight-shooter, but also a close friend.
Obama debuted McDonough, whom the president had been widely expected to select, at the White House, saying he had been "counting on Denis for nearly a decade."
McDonough, a longtime adviser to Obama who has advised the president largely on matters of national security, succeeds outgoing chief of staff Jack Lew. The president has nominated Lew to become the next secretary of the treasury.
President Obama introduces Denis McDonough as the new White House chief of staff, saying the former deputy national security adviser was chosen for the job because of "his dedication, his determination."
"He's the consummate public servant who plays it straight," the president said. "And that's the kind of teamwork that I want in the White House."
Of McDonough's national security advice, Obama said: "Denis has played a key role in every major national security decision in my presidency."
McDonough's ascension coincides with a broader staff overhaul at the White House. Among the changes included elevating White House communications director Dan Pfeiffer to a senior adviser role; Jennifer Palmieri, Pfieffer's deputy, takes over that role. Rob Nabors, the director of legislative affairs, was promoted to a deputy chief of staff position. Miguel Rodriguez takes over that role.
Carolyn Kaster / AP
President Barack Obama, with current White House Chief of Staff Jack Lew, right, announces that he will name current Deputy National Security Adviser Denis McDonough,left, as his next chief of staff, Friday, Jan. 25, 2013, in the East Room of the White House in Washington.
Obama also singled out his longtime political adviser, David Plouffe, whose last day at the White House is on Friday, for praise.
"David has been with me from the start of this enterprise, running for president," Obama said, adding: "If it were not for him, we would not have been as effective as a White House, and I probably wouldn't be here."


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Cookies are audience measurement tools used on most of the internet's websites.
Jamendo uses cookies to identify the music you listen to, through Google Analytics.
By better knowing the music you like, we are able to make better recommandations, and thus improve your overall experience with us.
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Walnut Creek Real Estate
Walnut Creek has exceptional balance: open space, residential areas, an active business and commercial community, parks, entertainment and recreation. Residents and visitors can take advantage of the city's many amenities, including a wide choice of trails for jogging, biking, hiking and horses. The city trolley, fashioned after a traditional cable car, offers free rides through town and can deliver visitors from the BART station to downtown in minutes. Once there, shoppers can choose from numerous boutiques and department stores and diners can enjoy world-class restaurants. Walnut Creek has a long-standing commitment to open space. In fact, the city's 2,500 acres of open space is the most per capita for any suburban community in the United States. Walnut Creek's balance of beautiful natural areas, thriving commercial districts and cozy neighborhoods make it a great place to call home.
Walnut Creek Property Info
area data
While overarching trends in real estate such as interest rates, economic factors, and consumer confidence all influence the purchase or sale of a home, smaller monthly changes in our local markets can affect your transaction just as much. Our real time market data gives you the most accurate and timely snapshot of your city or neighborhood.
Walnut Creek Market Report
Market News, May 2019
All residential. Information obtained from the Multiple Listing Service and/or public records. This third party information has not been independently verified.
New Listings
Reduced Prices
Open Houses
Walnut Creek Homes For Sale
Search for properties in Walnut Creek


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Garmin Inland Lakes Vision North Central Pre-Programmed Card
This microSD/SD card offers detailed inland lake coverage of North Dakota, South Dakota, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio and Wisconsin. Also includes full coverage for specific lakes where lake detail extends into neighboring states. Select lakes include Vision coverage consisting of underwater digital elevation models, auto guidance navigation, and satellite imagery.
What is Inland Lakes Vision?
Plug an optional Inland Lakes Vision SD card into your new Garmin chartplotter and tremendously expand its full graphic capabilities with detailed map coverage of inland lakes and rivers for the continental U.S.
By adding an Inland Lakes Vision card to your compatible chartplotter, you'll see shoreline, depth contours, bottom conditions, boat ramps, mile markers and more. Inland Lakes Vision also provides above and below water 3-D perspective, auto guidance technology and satellite imagery for over 300 of the most popular lakes.
Purchase your Inland Lakes Vision cards today, and see water in a whole new light.
Inland Lakes Vision Features:
- Over 300 of the most popular lakes will also have:
- High resolution satellite imagery for selected lakes, when overlaid on the chart, provides the mariner with unparalleled situational awareness.
- Mariner's Eye View - Provides the mariner with a 3-D perspective of map information for a quick, reliable and easy position.
- Fish Eye View 3-D perspective below the water line for displaying bottom contours based on bathymetric mapping data.
- Auto Guidance technology searches map data to suggest the best passage to a destination.
Fully Compatible with: GPSMAPs 4008, 4010, 4012, 420/420s, 4208, 421, 4210, 4212, 421s, 430/430s, 431, 431s, 440/440s, 441, 441s, 5008, 5012, 5015, 520/520s, 5208, 521, 5212, 5215, 521s, 525/525s, 526, 526s, 530/530s, 531, 531s, 535/535s, 536, 536s, 540/540s, 541, 541s, 545/545s, 546, 546s, 6008, 6012, 620, 6208, 6212, 640, 7012, 7015, 720, 720s, 7212, 7215, 740, 740s.
Not sure what maps you need? Check out our Garmin BlueChart Guide (click here).
[ Click here for a detailed list of lakes included in Region 1 ]
Package Includes
Package includes:
- microSD card with pre-loaded data
- SD adapter
You May Also Be Interested In...
- Wrist / Fitness GPS
- Automotive GPS Units
- Handheld GPS Units
- Chartplotters / GPS
- Fishfinders / GPS
- Motorcycle / ATV GPS
- Two-Way Radio / GPS
- Safety & Tracking
- Camping & Outdoors


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Business Description:
Welcome to Best Way Repair in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Thank you for taking the time to visit us on Yelp. We have been servicing fine cars and trucks for over 13 years. We are proud to provide auto repair and maintenance for the Rock Hill area. Bring in your vehicle and our attentive repair technicians will resolve all issues to restore the reliability you expect from your car's performance. So stop by our auto repair shop and discover for yourself why Best Way Repair is considered one of the top automotive shops in the region.
Auto Repair & Service
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Honest, No Hastle
Honest assessment of maintenance work needed to keep your vehicle in top running and safe condition. I continue to recommend Best Way Automotive to anyone needing quality service on their vehicle.


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From GNUstepWiki
Revision as of 05:06, 28 February 2012; view current revision
←Older revision | Newer revision→
←Older revision | Newer revision→
A simple code editor for GNUstepers
Current Version: 0.3 (Windows Installer)
- Released: Feb 14, 2012
- Licensed: GPLv3
This is a simple code editor with highlight syntax and auto indentation. Gemas depends on HighlighterKit framework of Saso Kiselkov. On Windows, when you launch Gemas, it open a new document for Objective-C. If you want other type of document, create the appropriate new document from menu. This is because currently you can't change the highlight syntax once you open a document.
- Highlight syntax for languages C, C++, Obj-C, Obj-C++, GSmarkup.
- Highlight syntax to edit Strings, Plist, GNUmakefile, ChangeLog files and Plain text.
- Auto indentation.
- Double click above a parentheses to select all code inside these.
- Emacs compatibility (this means that you can see correctly the indentation of a file you wrote on Emacs).
- Go to Line Panel.
- Preferences Panel to change colors, editor size, font, Highlighter theme, ...
- Menu options App and Tool to create a simple App or Tool


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Beyond Top Cutsom Hats
I have a sweet friend named Robyn. We've known each other for several years... our sons went to school together in the town where we used to live.
She is extremely crafty and makes the most beautiful things.
One of her many talents is creating super cool hats and she has opened a home business called Beyond Top.
Here is a bit about Robyn and Beyond Top:
I am a SAHM of 2 busy little men! When I am not chasing them around, I love anything crafty, including card making, crocheting, and even making my own bath salts & sugar scrubs. I recently taught myself how to crochet different hats, and have started a home business selling them. I will do custom work, where you can choose the style of hat, the color & embellishments. Or choose from hats I've already made! Check back often, as I keep learning new techniques & will be posting pictures of hats as I complete them!!
I fully believe in supporting other moms and their home businesses so please head on over to Beyond Top and take a look at all the adorable hats Robyn has created!!
I think Robyn's hats are so super cute! I love all of her creative styles.
Her hats are very reasonably priced and she is happy to work with you if you would like something special made.