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Report: Tiger Woods Has a New Girlfriend
Johnston is no stranger to the sports world or to Woods. She is the daughter of baseball player Jeff Lahti and the stepdaughter of Alastair Johnston, the former vice chairman of IMG, the sports-management firm which helped Woods sign his $60 million deal with Nike in 1996.
The New York Post reports that the two have known each other since she was just 7 years old.
According to her Facebook profile, Johnston is attending Northwood University in Florida, close to Woods' Orlando estate.
The Post reports the 22-year-old was arrested last year near her stepfather's estate for suspicion of DUI. She ended up pleading no contest to reckless driving in December.
Johnston is also reportedly training for the LPGA tour. She previously played volleyball for the University of New Hampshire.
Watch POP-arazzi, our weekly video roundup of the latest craziness in pop culture:
- Filed under:
- Famous Couples -
- Tiger Woods -
- Us Magazine
- Thursday 24 MarchBy Parissa
Her parents and HIS mother should be SO proud! The ink barely dry from the divorce and settlement and this 'preditor' is dating a 22 year old nitwit! What more could the guy want? Someone his equal? Of course not ... they might REALLY 'club' him with one of his golf clubs! This young girl appears barely old enough to spell 'golf!'
- Sunday 27 March
she can have no respect for herself or other women to date him I think he is adorable, but never to be trusted.
- Monday 28 MarchBy Celsius
It's a myth that the "vast majority" of black athletes are with non-black partners... a good number have non-black partners, yes... that shouldn't be surprising, as this is America, a very diverse country, but many black athletes have black partners... if people stopped hyperventilating every time a black athlete was with a non-black partner they would notice men like Shaquille O'Neal, LeBron James, and Emmitt Smith, whose serious relationships have always been with black women. (I don't know if there have been minor flings with non-black women, so I'm leaving that alone, in case someone is going to pull up evidence of a long-ago one-night stand with some white chick after a game.)
- Monday 29 AugustBy Malcom
say what you want. but White women love us men of color. She would have been with him even if he wasn't rich. The white race is pretty much over. Your women are abandoning your race to breed with ours or other Strong men of color. Even your white women travel the world to get a baby of color meanwhile ignore white babies in the United States. what does that tell you? they want us to survive, not whites. Your own women doom your race. I love it Go Obama!!!!!!!!!
Jennifer Aniston
Is it Brad(ley) and Jen take 2? Jen was spotted out on the town with dreamboat ...
Paris Hilton
After Fairly Legal actress, Sarah Shahi, laid into Paris via Twitter for almost...
Kate Middleton
Kate Middleton is officially a princess. She walked the aisle in an Alexander...
Denise Richards
According to Denise, she's not sure that her estranged ex is completely sober....
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Photography by Robin May
Fashion coordinator Amanda Bedgood
Models Katherine Gordon and Brandon Barrett
Hair and makeup by Helliana Verrett, Mon Reve
Location The Saint Street Inn
Ladylike shapes from an era gone by are fall's best looks for day or night. Whether it's demure peplums, sweet florals or ballet pinks, fall reminds us that the Greatest Generation knew a thing or two about great style. For him, it's simple plaid shirts with an impeccable fit, oxfords with unexpected details and tailored pants. For her, it's simple beauty, red lips and ankle strap heels with quiet dresses in classic rich tweeds and graphic houndstooth. We brought these looks to life with a trip to The Saint Street Inn where our couple reminded us that the styles of WWII are as timeless as they come.
Sheer little vintage numbers over lacy vintage slips can only be found at Sky Blue Clothing.
Army green is one of fall's must have hues. Pair with a pop of color like a red scarf for her or try with a neutral pant and standout oxfords for him. From Maven Womenswear and Maven Menswear.
Take a demure floral to a more trendy place with just a slice of fall's fantastically edgy leather trim on her. For him, warm fall hues in plaid paired with dark denim and a leather jacket. From Brother's on the Boulevard.
The faux fur is the way to take any look from day to night. This lux creamy little jacket from Vanessa V. over a simple black dress is class on trend.
Diaphanous peplums are the way to take the trend to night with a touch of metallic thread. Pair a neutral dress with emerald statement necklace. From Shoe La La.
Denim shirts go everywhere this fall, especially under jackets of the same paired with killer boots like the Wolverine 1,000-mile variety. From Genterie Supply Co.
Houndstooth in a ladylike shape brings the black and white trend to the office with a super skinny patent belt. From Knotting Hill.
NOV 21 Bobby Jindal is headed to Iowa again, the Des Moines Register reports here. The paper outlines what's going on with Bobby's non-campaign for president, and there's a lot of stuff here -- too bad none of it sounds like somebody running Louisiana. Hey, wasn't that the job he wanted?
NOV 21 The end of the term has come for the grand jury investigating a lucrative Medicaid contract and a former state health official's ties to the company that won it, the Advocate reports here, but that doesn't mean the investigation into this stinkiness is over. There are still some things to look into, the lead prosecutor says.
NOV 21 With the passage of two amendments to Louisiana's much-amended constitution (it has been amended almost 200 times now) higher education has an even bigger target on its collective back, columnist Jim Beam opines in this post. Higher ed used to share the spotlight with health care, but that has changed, he says.
NOV 21 Here's a weird one: The Louisiana Cannabis Industry Association has endorsed Bill Cassidy for the U.S. Senate. Apparently, Mary Landrieu said she wouldn't consider support of medical marijuana but Cassidy said he would, WWL reports here.
NOV 21 Solange Knowles, possibly best-known for assaulting her brother-in-law in an elevator while wearing an ugly dress after the Met Ball, got married in the Marigny Opera House this past weekend, the New York Times reports here. Knowles, who has a house in the Faubourg Marigny district and owns a boutique in the Quarter, married Alan Ferguson.
NOV 21 This post on the Fuel Fix blog outlines a $1.4 billion move announced this week by the Apache Corp. that includes the sale of assets in south Louisiana. The company's interests in more than 90,000 acres in south Louisiana are some of the assets being sold, the post reports.
NOV 21 One (possible) positive from Hurricane Katrina is a comprehensive zoning ordinance for New Orleans. Nine years later, we're getting closer to that being finalized, but the current version has some problems. Here's the latest in a series of posts on The Lens in which residents give their views of the draft; this one is more amusing than most.
NOV 21 The new NOLA smoking ordinance is going to harsh your (nicotine) buzz, man. This post on Gambit outlines the high (or low, as the case may be) points: it includes electronic cigarettes and hookahs in its bans; eliminates smoking within 25 feet of any building's public entrance and in any public space - or near any public space - operated by the city.
NOV 20 Here's an interesting article in the New York Times. The authors have picked one dish to represent each state in a Thanksgiving meal. Louisiana's dish? Shrimp stuffed mirlitons.
NOV 20 Politico reports here that Bobby Jindal won't be kept out of the presidential race by anyone else's candidacy. (If he's running, which he's not, 'cause he's not done prayin' on it) So he's not interested in who is running, or what the polls say, or how much money he's got? K.
NOV 20 NOLA Defender's Tiny Daiquiri has a little fun with Bobby Jindal's Meet the Press appearance in this post. Bobby is still prayin' on whether or not he'll run for the job he's been running for over the past three years, Tiny says.

subset: commoncrawl


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Textile Design BDes (Hons)
Why Dundee
Flexibility within the programme allows you to develop a personal creative 'language' in undertaking your work. Project work forms the backbone of the course, which is augmented by creative studies in drawing and CAD as well as theoretical topics such as design history and business design. Our programmes combine individual project work with team-based creative learning that is so essential in gaining the skills required in the world of work.
Why study Textile Design at Dundee?
Textile design at Dundee offers you the opportunity to investigate textile design in a broad sense by encouraging you to consider both the practical and relevant way textiles can be applied and used within society.
You will learn and develop visual and practical skills through making and exploring a diverse range of materials. Exposure to making processes which use cutting edge technologies will help you build in-depth technical, sensory and aesthetic knowledge of colour, structure, pattern and texture.
The course aims to develop students who can contextualise practical knowledge and the decorative philosophy that is inherent within textile design, through a range of applications. This includes developing innovative textile design ideas and prototypes for industry as well as exploring the ways that practical knowledge can help solve problems such as sustainability, the ageing population, crime etc.
Textiles are synonymous with domesticity and the body and you will be actively encouraged to challenge perceived definitions within these traditional parameters and beyond.
At the end of the course you will be able to:
- think assertively for yourself
- understand what you have learned on your course
- express design ideas in a professional way
- demonstrate a confident and appropriate use of a range of textile processes and materials
- understand how textile design can be applied in a contemporary context
Who should study Textile Design?
- are creative
- are interested in design
- are interested in researching past and present textile design areas
- enjoy drawing and photography
- are interested in exploring all sorts of materials
- like to make things using hands/technology/machinery
- like to engage with contemporary culture i.e. fashion, trends and technologies
You want to:
- learn how to Design
- have a career in a textiles related field
- develop yourself in a supportive environment
- be part of an exciting university with great student facilities
Related Courses
- Animation
- Architecture
- Art Design General
- Art, Philosophy, Contemporary Practices
- Digital Interaction Design
- Fine Art (Digital Media, Drawing & Painting, Print
- Graphic Design
- Illustration
- Interior Environmental Design
- Jewellery and Metal Design
- Product Design
- Time Based Art & Digital Film
What You'll Study
Entry Requirements
The following are the minimum requirements, please note qualifications have to be obtained at the first sitting of examinations.
Please note that the entry requirements in our printed prospectus may be subject to change. The entry requirements listed below are up to date and should be referred to in case of any discrepancy.
Courses starting September 2015
Advanced Entry (to Level 2)
|SQA Advanced Higher
|BB (Advanced Higher) + BB (Higher) in different subjects
|GCE A-Level
|IB Diploma
|34 points (including 6, 6, 5 at Higher Level)
|Essential Subjects
|Art and Design, or related subject (at SQA Advanced Higher, GCE A-Level, IB Higher Level), an appropriate literate subject (at SQA Advanced Higher, GCE A Level, IB Higher Level) and one other subject outside art & design subjects (at SQA Higher, GCE A Level, IB Higher Level).
|EU & International
|Visit our Your Country webpages for entry requirements tailored to your home country
|Other Qualifications
|A recognised Foundation Course or a relevant HND with BB in the Graded Units
|Scottish Baccalaureate
|Pass with BB at AH
|SWAP Access
|A recognised Foundation Course or a relevant BTEC Extended Diploma with DDM
|Advanced Diploma
|BEng - Grade B with ASL-A Level at AA in Mathematics and a Science/Engineering subject
MEng - Grade B with ASL-A Level at AA in Mathematics and Physics
|Welsh Baccalaureate
|BEng - Pass with A level at AA in Mathematics and a Science/Engineering subject
MEng - Pass with A level atæAA in Mathematics and Physics
|European Baccalaureate
|BEng - 75% overall with 7.5 in Mathematics and a Science/Engineering subject
MEngæ - 75% overall with 7.5 in Mathematics and Physics
Fees & Funding
There have been many changes to the arrangements for funding students entering higher education in recent years, yet a degree from the University of Dundee, with its high rate of employment success, remains a cost-effective option.
The fees you pay will, in most cases, depend on your current country of residence.
The fee shown is annual, and may be subject to an increase each year.
|Fee category
|Fees for students starting September 2015
|Scottish students
|£1,820 per year of study (for Sept 2014 entry). Fees for September 2015 will be confirmed by the Scottish Government in early 2015.
|Rest of UK students
|£9,000 per year, for a maximum of 3 years, even if you are studying a four year degree. See our scholarships for rest of UK applicants."
|EU students
|£1,820 per year of study (for Sept 2014 entry). Fees for September 2015 will be confirmed by the Scottish Government in early 2015.
|Overseas students (non-EU)
|£12,950 per year of study. See our scholarships for international applicants."
Scottish and EU students can apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have tuition fees paid by the Scottish Government.
Rest of the UK students can apply for financial assistance, including a loan to cover the full cost of the tuition fees, from the Student Loan Company.


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Mike Will Made It »
Mike WiLL Made-It Liberates Drake's Unreleased Verse To Future's 'Never Satisfied'!
Convinced that fans didn't get their just do when the song originally debuted Future's Honest LP, Mike WiLL Made-It decides to liberate Drake's unreleased verse to "Never Satisfied". Stream the track which now features a verseRead More »
Mike Will Made It – Syrup In My Soda (Feat. ILoveMakonnen & Riff Raff)
Mike Will Made It reigns as one of the super-producers in the current hip-hip scene. Here he is with a fresh new record featuring Drake's newly signed OVO Sound artist, ILoveMakonnen & Jody HighrollerRead More »
Mike Will Made It – Pussy Overrated ft. Wiz Khalifa & Future
Mike Will Made It recruits Wiz Khalifa and Future for his latest single, "Pussy Overrated." Interestingly enough both Future and Wiz split from their spouses recently. The track will be featured on Mike's upcomingRead More »
Gucci Mane – Speed Bumps (Prod. by Mike Will Made It)
Although 1017's own Guwop isn't out in the streets, he continues to drop new music left and right. As Gucci Mane's fans await his new project "Trap God 3″, Gucci has teamed up withRead More »
Mike Will Made It x Wiz Khalifa x Future – Overrated (Artwork)
Atlanta producer Mike Will Made It is working on a new project entitled "Ransom". As hip-hop fans await "Ransom", today Mike Will Made It has released the artwork for his upcoming single "Overrated" featuringRead More »
Makonnen – Wishin You Well (Prod. by Mike Will Made It)
Atlanta hip-hop artist and OVO's newest member Makonnen has followed up his single "Going Up On A Tuesday" with this new single produced by Mike Will Made It. Makonnen has linked with Mike WillRead More »
Juicy J – Ice Ft. Future & ASAP Ferg (Prod by Mike Will Made It)
Before Juicy J releases the official video for his new single "Ice" he drops the Mike WIll Made It track today. The track features Future & ASAP Ferg. Watch the behind the scenes footageRead More »
Gucci Mane – The Return Of Mr. Perfect (Album Stream)
After giving us Brick Factory Vol. 2 earlier this month, Gucci Mane returns with another offering. Down below you can stream his new project, The Return Of Mr. Perfect, which comes with 13 tracksRead More »


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June 19, 2014
The new website provides a more compelling and user-friendly experience that allows visitors to access updated product information faster and also connect with the company through its various social media channels
June 18, 2012
The new website contains more in-depth information about the services offered by Sun Metro and was created to be more user friendly.
March 23, 2010
New design, based on feedback from the public, incorporates the latest trends and best practices, and allows visitors to find the information they need more quickly and easily.
Join the Metro E-Newsletters and receive the latest news in your e-mail inbox once a week. SIGN UP NOW!
View the latest eNews
Express Tuesday | Express Thursday | University Transit
Factors in Transit Bus Ramp Slope and Wheelchair-Seated Passenger Safety Nearly 3 million U.S. adults are wheelchair or scooter users1, and as the population ages this number is expected to rise. Many wheelchair users rely upon public transportation to access work, medical care, school and social activities.
Mass Transit Capital Planning An overview of the world-class best practices for assessing, prioritizing, and funding capital projects to optimize resources and align with the organization's most critical immediate and long-term goals.
The Benefits of Door-to-Door Service in ADA Complementary Paratransit Many U.S. transit agencies continue to struggle with the quality of ADA service, the costs, and the difficulties encountered in contracting the service, which is the method of choice for a significant majority of agencies. One of the most basic policy decisions an agency must make involves whether to provide door-to-door, or only curb-to-curb service.
More white papers
The full contents of Metro Magazine on your computer! The digital edition is an exact replica of the print magazine with enhanced search, multimedia and hyperlink features. View the current issue
Copyright © 2014 Metro Magazine. All Rights Reserved.


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For an artist with a distinctive and unorthodox vision, creating work that appeals to mainstream sensibilities can be a painful and frustrating, if not futile task. That's why, after struggling to conform the public tastes, ReadNex Poetry Squad alum Decora finally said "F**k it" and decided to simply do him. And it's a damn good thing he did—though new promo single RADIO (his solo Booth debut) isn't about to get played on today's Top 40 airwaves, its adventurous vibe is sure to catch the attention of listeners in the Booth. Didgeridoo drones and syncopated guitar riffs collide with a blistering breakbeat as the artist delivers rapid-fire, allusive bars. On his sung hook, he urges listeners to follow his example and "be who you wanna be," rather than following the pack. This genre-bending banger is unattached to any larger project, but we'll keep you posted on Decora's plans as further details emerge.
Decora DownloadsIndieAlternativeClub
Written by richard on 01/31/14
Submit your Rating
Debefore Records
First DJ Booth Appearance:
"Defeat" (2014)
Total DJ Booth Features:
2 Songs
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Sarkozy: Vote 'No' on Palestinian state recognition on December 2
Abbas says he is ready to set up Palestinian State on '22 percent of land'
Adalah list of 'discriminatory laws' is faulty, meant to demonize Israel – report
Abbas: Jewish state law an obstacle to peace
Family of Petah Tikva worker: Lifting gag order on investigation will show nationalistic murder
Netanyahu-Rivlin spat on 'Jewish state bill' may put off early elections
Analysis: Another chapter in the US-Israel 'crisis'
Piron unveils new reform to minimize gaps in education system
Tel Aviv Cinematheque comes under fire over 'Nakba' film festival
Hookah smokers are inhaling benzene
Effective drugs for carriers of hepatitis C not included in health basket
Mild blows may cause major head injuries
Sharp rise in additional, private health insurance costs
Tech Talk: The best keyboard apps available for smartphones
Elbit Systems developing bus with supercapacitator fast-charging system
Zion Tech: Israeli start up Dogiz helps dogs and owners socialize
Zion Tech: Our Israeli start-up of the week aims to make air pollution visible
Grapevine: Anniversary of the passing of founding PM David Ben-Gurion
Hitting all the right notes
Dancing to the capital
Two Israeli films make the Oscar short list
Sinai Says: Matters go from bad to worse at fallen giant Maccabi Haifa
It's now or never for Hapoel Jerusalem
Home-grown Israeli baseball: From youth to the pros
Ness Ziona keeps rolling with tough win over Nahariya
WATCH: Israel gets flooded as storms hit the country
Vote on Zoabi bill delayed due to Livni appeal
Police arrest two car thieves from Hebron
Divided US Jews largely silent on 'Jewish state bill'
South African court bans BDS protests inside Woolworths
Shoes of prisoners stolen from Majdanek Nazi death Camp
Russian-Ukrainian spat over anti-Semitism reaches the UN
US Jewish students' difficulties draw notice of Knesset panel
WATCH: Syrian child preacher says stop chasing half-naked women, look to your 72 virgins
Pope: Don't close door on dialogue with Islamic State
Turkish governor apologizes to Chief Rabbi for saying synagogue would be turned into museum
Report: Number of ISIS recruits grows as group relaxes strict admission requirements
Khamenei: Arrogant world powers failed to bring Iran to its knees
Jerusalem: A cooperation hub
Israel's just war and 'purity of arms'
Choosing your funding sources carefully
The way of making easy political deals
November 26: Tangible results
Wishful doing
Cinema of reconciliation
On the volcano's edge
Knowledge, power and abuse
Q&A with a Colombian lone soldier
European Press: Dividing line
Veterans: Keeping an ear out for change
Book Review: Written from his heart
This Week in Jerusalem
Who is your God?
Grapevine: Amazing place
A voice from India
Happily Eva After: When the going gets tough...
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Upscale dining in Neveh Tzedek
Obama: Helping terror go nuclear
On incitement, lots of talk but little action
To finally look behind the news
Recognizing Palestine – anomalies and ambiguities
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דְיוֹקְנְאוֹת תַרְבּוּת
מָה הַסִיפּוּר?
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Har Nof in flames
Genome of lowly centipede sequenced, adding a piece to puzzle of how life started on Earth
A creative twist on Italian in the heart of Tel Aviv
'Game of Thrones', 'Breaking Bad' director MacLaren to oversee Gal Gadot in 'Wonder Woman'
A First Look: Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman
Bennett announces Water City for Israeli technologies in Shougang, China
Tempête au sein de la coalition
Crise de confiance
Qui prendra la relève de Mahmoud Abbas ?
Arafat, Abbas, même combat ?
L'unité : notre seule planche de salut
Daniel Oren, maestro d'Israël, d'Italie et d'ailleurs !
Nos plus belles années ?
De Berlin à New York, 1920-1975
Le pot de chocolat liégeois par qui le scandale arrive
Le dernier kibboutz
La course aux étoiles
Les mordus du français
On n'invite pas un pyromane à éteindre un incendie
Tuer l'EI dans l'œuf
Le mont du Temple et la guerre sainte de l'islam
Les attentats du lundi 10 novembre vus par la presse française
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Ces enseignants-éclaireurs
Christian priest speaks out strongly in favor of Jewish state law
Hispanic Evangelicals among Israel's greatest supporters
Christians United for Israel Chairman John Hagee says Obama is anti-Semitic
Temple Mount: Common ground between Jews and Christians
Pope Francis condemns Palestinian violence
KKL Belgium Donates Portable Bomb Shelter to Kiryat Gat
KKL-JNF Awards 2014 Blumberg Prize
Exploring the Ilanot Botanical Garden and the Vickar Observation Point
Cornerstone Laid for Sports Rehab Park at Meir Hospital
Mexican Politician and Business Leader Miguel Aleman Velasco Visits KKL-JNF in Jerusalem
International Conference in Sde Boker: Combating Desertification Together
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Central America Celebrates Independence at the Rabin Center
In his Footsteps: Heritage Excursions in Memory of Yitzhak Rabin
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Saving the Sabras
11.26.2014 | 4 Kislev, 5775
The court handed down the order just a day before the Woolworths Annual General Meeting.
By JPOST.COM STAFF
By SAM SOKOL
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Despite relative silence, several prominent leaders of American Jewish community express reservations over how controversial bill would affect Israel's social fabric.
A four-year-old boy wearing a kippa was slapped on his head as he walked home from a Chabad house in Auckland, New Zealand.
By BENJAMIN WEINTHAL
The paintings, sketches and sculptures, worth millions of Euros, were reportedly stolen from Jews to fund Nazi activities in the 1930s and 1940s.
Some 5,200 of the hassidic sect's rabbis from more than 80 countries gathered in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, over the weekend for the 31st annual event.
Abraham Foxman, who runs the ADL, calls move offensive, threatening.
The Bern Art Museum has been named sole heir of Cornelius Gurlitt, the recluse who kept the collection of 1,280 artworks hidden for decades.
By REUTERS
Ukranian President Petro Poroshenko set to attend event marking the liberation of Auschwitz, come January.
New immigrants will be able to submit their credentials online prior to their arrival in Israel and special efforts will be made to cooperate with medical schools abroad.
This dark phenomena that has plagued Jewish life through much of the past 2,000 years, has hardly disappeared but merely lay dormant like the volcanoes that scatter beautiful New Zealand.
By JUSTIN AMLER
Israel is ours to relate to and complain about, from a safe distance, but always someone else's to protect.
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Edirne governor: When those bandits blow winds of war inside al-Aksa and slay Muslims, we build their synagogues.
By ARIEL BEN SOLOMON
Dave Whelan made the comments while trying to defend the hiring of a new manager, Malky Mackay, who himself is currently the subject of a Football Association racism probe.
"It is the government's job to make sure its citizens can live in safety," charges Jewish politician, adding that Jewish families shouldn't have to cover community's annual $1m. security costs.
By JTA
The survey showed a rise in negative views towards Israel and Jews in general between June and September, coinciding with Operation Protective Edge.
"If these are our best and brightest then we should all be afraid, very afraid."
By MICHELLE MALKA GROSSMAN
The Great Synagogue of Brody is a metaphor for Eastern European Jewry, written in stone.
By EITAN AROM
Jewish communities across Europe expressed shock and outrage over the attack that rattle the capital.
Metropolitan Andrei Sheptytsky, the leader of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church during the second world war, has been painted as both a supporter of Nazism and a rescuer of Jews.
Those working to aid displaced Jews recount personal exoduses
CNN ran a headline stating that four Israelis and two Palestinians were killed in the attack, failing to note that the two Palestinians were the terrorists.
By HERB KEINON,JPOST.COM STAFF
Of ten Israelis killed in a month so far in terror attacks, half have been identified as American.
By MICHAEL WILNER
For Nefesh B'Nefesh and its partners, the challenge is to learn from what went wrong during failed aliya attempts.
For second time in two months, site in Kiev desecrated with graffiti.
The Jewish Agency and the Jerusalem and Diaspora Affairs Ministry had engaged in a high profile spat this summer over their respective roles.
Hoenlein blames Palestinians for denying Jewish connection to sites such as Rachel's Tomb and the Western Wall.
Belgian Jewish leaders are currently looking at security precautions put in place following a shooting attack in Brussels' Jewish museum in May which left four dead.
By SAM SOKOL,LAHAV HARKOV
Load More News


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Vote up!-11
Vote down!
Ron's plan was always doomed
Submitted by John Ashman - A... on Fri, 07/13/2012 - 18:05. Permalink
Ron's plan was always doomed to fail, yet you guys keep persisting in it.
"Timid men prefer the calm of despotism to the tempestuous sea of liberty." - Thomas Jefferson
"Annoyance is step one of thinking"
"We're all in the same boat, it doesn't matter if you like me"
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I don't believe that in the whole of the education system anyone can find just one problem. That would make the job of fixing the system simple. We are faced with a myriad of problems that all need to be addressed. For example, philosophy is not a core requirement in education. What do we consider an educated person? One who has a grasp of critical thinking, reasoning, interpreting abstract thoughts, etc. I like to ponder why our leaders haven't been able to see the paradox in practice, but the truth is, for me at least, that our leaders are burdened by too many ideas, too much input, too many voices trying to be heard above the general din. In all of the chaos that is politics and society there are sensible solutions. But one solution is not going to fix the system. To understand what problems are in the way of the solution we need to spend some time evaluating the different levels of the system (i.e. the macro level, the micro level). I think it would be more helpful if we seek to address city-specific problems that are directly connected to the entire education system rather than looking for a total "one-size fits all" solution. I.E. School lunch nutrition. Also, we could think about our stance on "global competition." How long have our children been alive? So long that they have seen the world beyond a screen? How many of our children have had opportunities to travel abroad and actually see the world through an unfiltered lens? Have we given our children choices or limited them with our wants? How much strain do you suppose it places on young minds, who know nothing more of the world than what we tell them, to be competitive in a global market? What does the phrase "competitive in a global market" even mean to children? Such is our philosophy, sadly, to hinder their personal development for the sake of the concept of competition. And what about expectations? I wonder how much pressure is on the youth in America to be "number one" rather than to do one's best.
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Wed, May 02, 2012
Airlines for America (A4A), Airports Council International - North America (ACI-NA), the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and the Regional Airline Association (RAA) today commended the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for finalizing new aircraft deicing regulations that recognize and build on the industry's strong safety and environmental record while recognizing the unique operations of airlines and airports.
"By recognizing the voluntary pollution-reduction program, the EPA is enabling airports and airlines to design effective environmental-protection strategies for their communities and specific circumstances that put safety first," the associations said in a statement released Monday. "The EPA Effluent Limitation Guidelines (ELG) set technology-based standards designed to reduce discharges related to pavement deicing and aircraft deicing at new airports built after the rule goes into effect. The EPA further supported the industry's voluntary pollution-reduction program, heralding its "potential to significantly reduce aircraft deicing discharges in a safe manner." As such, the agency further agreed that applying such standards to aircraft deicing at existing airports would be impracticable and deliver few benefits.
"For more than 15 years, A4A, ACI-NA, AAAE and RAA worked with EPA in its efforts to develop national ELGs. In response to the rule proposed by EPA in 2009, the associations raised concerns that parts of the rule would not achieve the desired environmental benefits. As an alternative, the associations developed a voluntary pollution-prevention program where airports and airlines will work collectively to implement coordinated, effective and location-specific measures to minimize the impacts from aircraft deicing operations."
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Present help and this one's tough
Started by Foogle , Dec 08 2012 04:05 PM
35 replies to this topic
Posted 08 December 2012 - 04:05 PM
I'm stumped and this is a first for me.
I need a present for someone that I last saw when he was 2. He's now 25 and has due to various circumstances rejoined the family. He always was family but no one saw him after that age when he was moved to another country and was on opposite sides of the globe.
I'm not going into what is a long, convoluted and heartbreaking story. Suffice so say, he's now back in NZ, all grown up and I need a present.
So, what I do I buy for a 25 year old young man, who I know next to nothing about? No budget.
I've looked at his Facebook page and that gives me no clues. Typically young 20ish male stuff IYKWIM.
Family in NZ also are not being helpful in this regard so I turn to EB.
What do you think? I'm thinking go lateral but my brain is not working today.
Posted 08 December 2012 - 04:10 PM
I know it's not that personal, but what about a voucher of some sort? Everyone needs to buy clothes, most shopping centres will sell vouchers for the whole centre so whether he wants clothes, booze or video games or whatever he can choose what he likes. It's hard to get something personal and touching if you really don't have that much to go on. In cases like these I aim for practicality. Ie, I would always appreciate something I could use.
Posted 08 December 2012 - 04:15 PM
Thank you Una for the ideas and you're right - practical is probably the way to go. I do know that he has just moved into his own flat but I don't know what he has in the way of furniture, goods etc.
I want to somehow though, make amends for all the lost years and I don't know how to do that. (and edited to say, logically I know I can't do that).
I also want to wring my brother's neck but I can't do that either and it would be pointless in any case.
Edited by Foogle, 08 December 2012 - 04:17 PM.
Posted 08 December 2012 - 04:16 PM
movie vouchers.
If you're in NZ, why not one of the many experience vouchers? Bungee jumping etc?
Itunes card.
Gift vouchers for a music /dvd/stereo store(JB HiFi if you have it?)
Posted 08 December 2012 - 04:21 PM
Hmmmmm, ok. The flat thing is good to know. Would it be appropriate to offer to take him shopping for (i don't know) homewares or furniture (depending on your budget). That way, you could spend some time with him helping him get settled and buy him something useful at the same time? May make it more personal?
Posted 08 December 2012 - 04:31 PM
QUOTE (Unatheowl @ 08/12/2012, 05:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hmmmmm, ok. The flat thing is good to know. Would it be appropriate to offer to take him shopping for (i don't know) homewares or furniture (depending on your budget). That way, you could spend some time with him helping him get settled and buy him something useful at the same time? May make it more personal?
See I'm not sure Una. It doesn't seem right to me that after all this time to descend if you like from Australia (He doesn't know me, he doesn't remember me - we have talked on the phone though since he has been back in NZ) and say 'let's go shopping'. That would be weird wouldn't it?
But by the same token, gift vouchers and say clothing and stuff seems impersonal.
I dunno...
Posted 08 December 2012 - 04:35 PM
I recently posted a vaguely similar thread about not being sure what to buy a 20 year old family member I haven't seen for a few years. I got him a Swiss Army knife. I like the idea of it because it is practical and he is newly independent so it should be useful, but it also seems like a classic 'manly' rite of passage type gift that he will be able to keep forever IYKWIM.
Posted 08 December 2012 - 04:36 PM
QUOTE (Foogle @ 08/12/2012, 05:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
See I'm not sure Una. It doesn't seem right to me that after all this time to descend if you like from Australia (He doesn't know me, he doesn't remember me - we have talked on the phone though since he has been back in NZ) and say 'let's go shopping'. That would be weird wouldn't it?
But by the same token, gift vouchers and say clothing and stuff seems impersonal.
I dunno...
What is your relationship to him? I wouldn't find it weird if my aunt/cousin/sister wanted to spend time with me after all these years. If going shopping feels weird how about just catching up for a coffee and a chat? perhaps you could find out that way the kinds of things he's interested in
Posted 08 December 2012 - 04:39 PM
A leatherman multi-tool could be an idea
ETA so basically I agree with chickendrumstick
Edited by strawberrypie7, 08 December 2012 - 04:40 PM.
Posted 08 December 2012 - 04:41 PM
He's my nephew Lyra. A long-lost one...
I don't have a lot of time in NZ - only a week between the 23rd and 30th.
chickendrumstick - I like that idea. I'm putting that on the list. Thank you.
Posted 08 December 2012 - 04:43 PM
Has he mentioned a particular sporting team he follows? I'm thinking rugby here given he's in NZ, but having lived o/s maybe he doesn't follow it?
If he does you could buy him some tickets to a game? Most young guys would like that and it's personal in the sense you're buying him tickets to watch 'his' team?
Or perhaps cricket tickets if he's into it? I think England are coming to play NZ in NZ early next year
Posted 08 December 2012 - 04:46 PM
I would go the gift voucher and probably something non specific like a Westfield one that covers lots of different shops. I have never been to NZ so don't know if they have westfields or a similar type centre.
I know it seems a bit impersonal, but it gives him a wide variety of stores/items to pick something he wants. I wish my relatives would give gift vouchers instead of homewares etc that are completely not my style and I end up throwing out. My grandparents have always given every child/grandchild/great grandchild a cheque which I think is great. We can spend it on whatever we want or put it in savings which has always been most helpful!
Edited by blue4me, 08 December 2012 - 04:46 PM.
Posted 08 December 2012 - 04:49 PM
This might seem like an odd suggestion but...an LED Lenser torch.
My DH, adult nephews and DS (15yrs) would all say the same. They all enjoy outdoors, camping and fishing so this, for them, is the perfect gift.
Edited by nayjay, 08 December 2012 - 04:51 PM.
Posted 08 December 2012 - 04:50 PM
I think the swiss army knife idea is good or a Leatherman - a small practical tool for lifelong use!
Posted 08 December 2012 - 04:51 PM
do u know if he likes games or sports? can get him a new game for his system or some sporting gear.
ummm....a model of his favourite car/bike
a digital photoframe for his house with pics of the family already on it
Posted 08 December 2012 - 04:58 PM
Thank you, I think I have it sorted.
I'll get him a Swiss-army/Leatherman (There is a dedicated knife shop in my local shopping centre that I think sells them) and I will have it engraved.
I also like the idea nayjay of the LED torch because I think he is also discovering the NZ great outdoors that is now on his door-step. Not sure but from various conversations I've had, and I'm guessing here, but I think he may quite like the idea of exploring the SI so that would be useful.
Thank you EB. Now just to actually meet him - he's a lot bigger than the cheeky 2 year old that I remember.
Posted 08 December 2012 - 05:16 PM
What about some photos of the time he missed with your family with a note of the event and the people?
Posted 08 December 2012 - 05:43 PM
QUOTE (1975ladybug @ 08/12/2012, 06:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
What about some photos of the time he missed with your family with a note of the event and the people?
Yes - have been searching for these ladybug. I specifically remember a photo of him sitting on the couch at Mum's all smiles and laughter. We cannot find it. There has been over the intervening years a number of break-ups within the family and photos have been lost.
My sister and I a number of months ago, contacted various family members asking them to go through what they had but none have come to light.
We are still looking though.
ETA: Sorry I thought you meant pics with him in them of which we are still looking for.
Edited by Foogle, 08 December 2012 - 05:44 PM.
Posted 08 December 2012 - 06:05 PM
My default is a really good backpack picnic set.
Posted 08 December 2012 - 06:18 PM
QUOTE (LynnyP @ 08/12/2012, 07:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My default is a really good backpack picnic set.
Exactly what my sister is buying him Lynn. He had made mention of it to her apparently.
Posted 08 December 2012 - 06:24 PM
Your sister is a woman of refinement Foogle.
Posted 08 December 2012 - 06:27 PM
QUOTE (LynnyP @ 08/12/2012, 07:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Your sister is a woman of refinement Foogle.
Indeed, passed down from the bigger sister Lynn.
Posted 08 December 2012 - 06:38 PM
not sure what your finances are.... how about a good quality camera so he can make his own family memories from here on in?
Or is that is too pricey.... how about you buy tickets to something on the South Island you could do together while you are there?
Posted 08 December 2012 - 07:09 PM
QUOTE (Foogle @ 08/12/2012, 05:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
He's my nephew Lyra. A long-lost one...
sounds like my family! I didn't know my aunt for years and years. I've only just got in contact recently
good luck with everything
Posted 08 December 2012 - 09:29 PM
QUOTE (Foogle @ 08/12/2012, 06:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yes - have been searching for these ladybug. I specifically remember a photo of him sitting on the couch at Mum's all smiles and laughter. We cannot find it. There has been over the intervening years a number of break-ups within the family and photos have been lost.
My sister and I a number of months ago, contacted various family members asking them to go through what they had but none have come to light.
We are still looking though.
ETA: Sorry I thought you meant pics with him in them of which we are still looking for.
That was my immediate thought too - a beautiful album with photos of who is who and what he missed basically. Maybe a simple family tree in the front - it must be confusing to remember who fits where if he has been away for 23 years.
I think your leatherman idea is good too - I remember my male friends being very proud of theirs round that age.
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text:
A hand held dental instrument for curing light-curable compounds comprises a housing and an array of solid state, light emitting junctions or dies for generating light having wavelengths within a narrow band of wavelengths (e.g. 400-500 nm). Preferably, a peak wavelength of 470 nm is generated. The device further comprises an optical fiber light pipe for capturing the light and transmitting a beam of the light to a work surface containing a light-curable compound. An optical lens or lenses may be used for focusing the light into the light pipe.
1. A hand held dental instrument for curing light-curable compounds curable in the mouth of a patient comprising:
a housing;
a plurality of solid state, light-emitting dies mounted in a collective array in the housing, the array of dies operable for collectively emitting light having wavelengths within a narrow band of wavelengths and at a power to cure a dental compound;
a clear lens layer encapsulating the array of dies for directing light generated by the array; and
a light transmitting device for capturing said light from the array of dies and encapsulating lens layer, and transmitting a beam of the light out of the housing to a work surface.
2. The hand held dental instrument of
3. The hand held dental instrument of
4. The hand held dental instrument of
5. The hand held dental instrument of
6. The hand held dental instrument of
7. The hand held dental instrument of
8. A hand held dental instrument for curing light-curable compounds curable in the mouth of a patient comprising:
a housing;
a plurality of solid state, light-emitting dies mounted in a collective array in the housing, the array of dies operable for collectively emitting light having wavelengths within a narrow band of wavelengths and at a power to cure a dental compound;
a clear lens layer encapsulating the array of dies for directing light generated by the array; and
the housing including a distal end and the array of light-emitting dies being positioned proximate the distal end for transmitting light directly from the array to a compound to be cured.
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/632,260, filed on Aug. 4, 2000 and entitled �Apparatus and Method for Curing Materials with Light Radiation,� which, in turn, is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Pat. No. 6,200,134, filed on Jan. 20, 1998, and issued Mar. 13, 2001, which application and patent are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
[0002] This application is related to the curing of materials with radiation and, more specifically, to curing dental coating and filling compounds with light.
[0003] Curable adhesive compounds and bonding or filling compounds are widely used for structurally connecting object surfaces together or for filling gaps or other openings and cavities in an object surface. Such curable compounds are generally manipulated and positioned in a semi-solid state and are then hardened or cured in position to a more solid state. Such curing or hardening is a chemical process which is promoted and driven by one or more curing conditions or factors. For example, the curing process may be the result of exposure of the semi-solid compound and components thereof to air or from exposure of such a compound and its components to an energy source, such as a heat source.
[0004] Other curable adhesive and filling compounds are cured by exposure to radiated energy, such as visible light energy. Such compounds, referred to as light-curable compounds, are manipulated in a semi-solid form into or onto the work surface and radiation, preferably in the form of a visible light beam, is directed at a specific wavelength or band of wavelengths onto the compound. The compound includes light-sensitive chemical components therein which, when exposed to the light at the specific wavelength, promote the hardening of the compound in the desired position on the object surface to bond, fill, or coat the surface.
[0005] Specifically, light-curable compounds are widely used in dental procedures. Dentists use light-curable dental compounds for coating and sealing tooth surfaces, filling caries and other cavities in the tooth surface, and securing crowns and various other dental structures to a tooth surface. The dental compounds are generally cured by exposure to visible light in the blue range of the spectrum. Once cured, the dental compound reduces further tooth decay, bonds the dental structure, and/or provides additional structure to a tooth.
[0006] For curing light-curable dental compounds, visible blue light, and particularly a blue light beam from a hand-held curing light device, is directed onto a tooth surface containing the desired compound layer. The blue light penetrates into the compound layer on the tooth surface for complete curing. The duration of the exposure to blue light for proper curing of the compound layer depends upon the type and thickness of the compound layer, as well as the power and characteristics of the blue light from the curing light device. For example, a thin tooth surface coating or veneer will require less radiated light power, while thicker, deeper fillings for caries and other cavities will require a greater amount of radiated power.
[0007] Light-curable compounds have shown very beneficial results in the dental field. However, existing techniques and dental curing light devices utilized to deliver the blue light to the tooth surface have exhibited various drawbacks. For example, it is known that certain wavelengths of blue light are harmful to human tissue. While attempts are made to direct the light beam only on to the tooth surface, a certain amount of oral tissue exposure to the light is inevitable. Therefore, curing light devices for curing dental compounds must have their output radiation limited to within a suitable wavelength band for patient safety. Furthermore, the light-curable compounds are usually sensitive to light having a specific wavelength, such as a blue light wavelength. Therefore, a dental curing light device must be tuned to emit light at the proper wavelengths for patient safety and proper curing.
[0008] As a result, current dental curing light devices require special complicated filtering devices or filters which receive broad spectrum light from a lamp element, such as a halogen lamp bulb, and then filter the light to provide only the light at the desirable blue wavelengths. Because of the wide spectrum of radiation delivered by available lamp elements, including visible light, UV light, and infra-red light, prior art curing techniques and light devices have generally been very inefficient. That is, a large amount of the radiated light power is lost due to filtering. For example, the input power to a conventional halogen bulb may typically be around 80 Watts, whereas the output power of light from the dental light device at the desired blue wavelength, for example 400-500 nanometers, is typically less than one-half of a Watt.
[0009] Additionally, the efficiency of the prior art dental curing light devices is further degraded by the power loss due to the angle of incidence of the radiated light upon the filtering element. For example, many prior art curing light devices utilize reflective filters which reflect only the desirable blue light onto the tooth surface and dental compound, but transmit light at the undesirable wavelengths to a light absorbing component where it is dissipated. If the angle of incidence of the light from the halogen bulb varies significantly from the desired angle of incidence for the filtering element surface (e.g., 45�), then a reduced amount of the desirable blue light is reflected to the tooth surface. This further decreases the light power which is available for curing the dental compound. Conversely, a higher amount of the undesirable, non-blue light may be reflected onto the tooth surface, rather than being transmitted through the filtering element to be dissipated.
[0010] Another drawback with prior art devices is that they require complicated cooling systems to operate within the proper temperature range. The significant amount of light energy at undesirable wavelengths which is generated by the halogen bulb must be filtered or otherwise captured. The captured energy is then dissipated in the form of heat. Therefore, power absorbing and dissipating elements are required within conventional curing light devices. Thermal shields are often utilized in conjunction with reflective filters to absorb and dissipate the unreflected, unused light energy in the form of heat. The high power output required for the halogen bulb to produce the desired blue light power for curing, creates a significantly, high thermal load on the shields. The shields must then be cooled. Generally, fan elements are used in the dental light device to provide such cooling. The additional cooling elements increase the size of the light device and complicate its design. As will be appreciated, it is desirable to keep the light device as small and maneuverable as possible, since it is used in a patient's mouth.
[0011] Additionally, a thermal load is placed on the reflective filter element, and it must also be cooled, such as by heat sinks and fans. The absorption devices and heat dissipating systems not only complicate the operation of the light device, but also make it more expensive to produce, and more subject to operational failure.
[0012] Another drawback of prior art dental curing light devices is the limited operational life of the lamp element, such as a halogen bulb. The bulbs frequently burn out and must be replaced. Furthermore, the heat generated inside the light device shortens the effective operational lifespan of the bulb.
[0013] Attempts have been made in the prior art to address some of these drawbacks. For example, Japanese Patent Applications No. 6-30275,6-285508, 7-163863, and 8-194786 disclose various devices using solid state semiconductor elements, such as LEDs, to provide a curing light source in the blue range. However, various of these devices require complicated internal designs for focusing of the curing light. Furthermore, as illustrated in the Figures of those applications, the solid state elements utilized would require a somewhat large housing for generating the intensity of light which is necessary for practical use.
[0014] Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a simple, durable curing light device for hardening or curing light-curable compounds. Particularly, it is an objective to provide such a curing light device for curing dental compounds used for dental fillings and coatings.
[0015] It is another objective to provide a curing light which has a compact and simple design which is capable of providing light intensity useful for practical curing applications.
[0016] It is still another objective of the present invention to cure compounds with curing light devices utilizing less power and with greater efficiency to reduce the amount of heat energy generated by the device and thus reduce the heat energy which must be dissipated.
[0017] It is another objective of the present invention to reduce the operational temperature of a curing light device, thus reducing the need for complicated cooling systems utilized in the prior art.
[0018] It is still another objective of the invention to eliminate the necessity of reflective filters and other filter elements within a light device for curing light-curable compounds.
[0019] It is still a further objective to provide a blue light device which operates within a small space and is easily manipulated within the mouth of a dental patient.
[0020] It is still another objective to increase the effective operational lifespan of the light generating components of a curing light device.
[0021] These objectives and various other objectives will become more readily apparent from the Description of the Invention below.
[0022] The present invention addresses the above objectives and provides a durable and efficient curing light device to cure light-curable compounds. The invention is particularly useful for curing dental adhesive and filling compounds with blue light. The device is more energy efficient and generates less heat than prior art devices. Furthermore, a preferred embodiment of the device provides efficient delivery of blue curing light in a simple, durable design and creates new design possibilities for dental curing light devices.
[0023] More specifically, one embodiment of the curing light device of the present invention comprises an array of solid state, light-emitting diode dies, each in the form of a small, non-packaged semi-conductor junction mounted on a ceramic substrate or circuit board. The array of non-packaged LED dies collectively are operable for efficiently emitting narrow-band radiation in a small area. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the LED dies radiate blue light at predominantly a narrow band with a peak wavelength and, most preferably, at a peak blue light wavelength which is suitable for curing dental filling and coating compounds. One desirable blue light wavelength peak for dental applications is approximately 470 nanometers.
[0024] The LED dies of the invention are very small and do not have any external plastic packaging. Therefore, a very dense array of die elements is provided by the invention for providing a light beam of practical intensity in a very small space. The dies are surface mounted on a ceramic substrate or circuit board by soldering. The top side of each die is then coupled to the circuit by very thin wires in a microscopic procedure called wire-bonding.
[0025] Preferably, the small LED dies, for example 0.3 mm on a side, are arranged on the substrate in a matrix having a circular shape. Preferably, only 0.25 mm2 of substrate space is used for mounting each LED. Generally 200-500 LEDs are used for creating the necessary light power needed for curing available dental compounds. However, a lower number of LEDs may be suitable, and in one embodiment of the invention, 96 LED dies provided suitable power for curing a dental compound.
[0026] Since light is radiated generally only at the desired wavelength, the invention eliminates the need for special light filters and reflective elements. Therefore, the invention simplifies the design and operation of the curing light device. Furthermore, the inventive curing light device is more efficient than prior art devices because the power used by the device is predominantly for light at the specific usable blue wavelength rather than for broad spectrum light.
[0027] The blue light radiation from the LED array may be captured by a light transmitting device, such as an optical fiber light pipe, and is transmitted and directed through the light pipe and onto the working surface, such as a tooth surface. The light pipe would preferably be a conventional light pipe formed by fusing together a plurality of optical fibers. One embodiment of such a light pipe maintains a uniform diameter along its length. In another embodiment, a focusing light pipe might be utilized which gathers the light from the LED array at one end and transmits the radiation at a smaller or tapered end to further define and concentrate the curing light beam for use on a smaller work surface. The LED dies and light pipe are positioned within a suitably shaped housing which is manually manipulated so that the blue light beam may be directed onto the tooth surface for curing purposes. Alternatively, the array of small dies may be positioned on the tip of a curing device to directly irradiate the dental compound instead of using a light pipe.
[0028] A light focusing device, such as an optical lens, may be utilized between the array of LED dies and the light pipe for further focusing and directing the light into the light pipe for more efficient transmission onto the tooth surface. Preferably, the lens is a converging-type lens which focuses the light from the LED array into the small light pipe end. As an alternative to a single large lens, the array of dies may be coated or encapsulated in plastic so that individual micro lenses are formed around each of the dies for focusing the light therefrom.
[0029] A DC power supply provides power of up to 50 Watts for driving the LED die array. The array generates some heat, and therefore, is mounted on a simple heat sink, which may be utilized with or without a forced air device, such as a fan, to further dissipate the heat. While some heat is generated, the array of surface-mounted LEDs of the inventive curing light device generates substantially less heat than conventional dental curing lights. Furthermore, the elimination of reflective filtering elements and thermal shields further reduces the heat and thermal stresses which are generated by prior art devices.
[0030] In another embodiment of the invention, surface mounted LEDs are utilized. The surface mounted LEDs are larger than the LED dies discussed above, and thus will take up more space in an array. The surface-mounted LEDs are preferably arranged in a circular pattern, similar to the LED dies, for a circular light pattern. The array of LEDs is soldered to an appropriate mounting base, such as a printed circuit board. The surface-mounted LED array preferably utilizes a separate lens for focusing the irradiated light.
[0031] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with a general description of the invention given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
[0032]FIG. 1 is a side view in partial cross-section of a curing light device utilizing traditional packaged LEDs.
[0033]FIG. 1A is a plan view of an alternative LED array as shown in FIG. 1.
[0034]FIG. 2 is a side view in partial cross-section of one embodiment of the invention.
[0035]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken on lines 3-3 of FIG. 2 of an array of light-emitting dies mounted on a substrate.
[0036]FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
[0037]FIG. 4 is a side view in partial cross-section of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
[0038]FIGS. 5 and 5A are side views of alternative embodiments of a light pipe for use in the invention.
[0039]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
[0040]FIG. 7 is a plan view of an alternative array of LEDs utilized in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
[0041]FIG. 1 illustrates a curing light device for curing light-curable compounds such as dental compounds. Such a device utilizes blue light LEDs such as those available from Panasonic, Model No. LNG997CKB. In FIG. 1, device 10 includes a generally gun-shaped plastic housing 12 which includes a handle portion 14 and a barrel portion 16. The operator, such as a dentist, grips housing 12 at the handle portion 14 and directs the barrel portion 16 in the direction of the tooth surface and compound to be cured (not shown). For curing dental filling and coating compounds, the dentist would generally direct the barrel portion into the mouth of a patient. The handle portion 14 includes an operational trigger switch 18 which is operably coupled to a power supply 20 within the barrel portion for selectively supplying power to light-emitting elements 32 to generate a curing light beam, as discussed below.
[0042] Barrel portion 16 supports a light transmitting device, such as a light pipe 22, which is appropriately formed and angled to direct the curing light onto a tooth surface or other work surface. It will be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art that the shape of housing 12 may vary. Barrel portion 16 is shown as solid; however, it might also be vented for heat dissipation purposes as discussed further hereinbelow. The light pipe 22 is preferably removably secured in the end of barrel portion 16 by any suitable method as is known in the art. For example, the light pipe 22 might be screwed into and out of the barrel portion 16. The housing body 12 is formed of a suitable light-weight plastic material such as polysulphone.
[0043] The DC power supply 20 of device 10 is coupled to a conventional base AC source 15, such as through a cord 13 as is conventional with dental curing light devices. The base AC source 15 is mounted within a base structure (not shown) for the device which includes conventional controls for the light device 10, such as a timer for timing the operational radiation cycle for the device when the trigger switch 18 is engaged.
[0044] The narrow wavelength band of radiation or light is generated by an array 30 of conventional light-emitting diodes 32. Preferably, a single wavelength of light is generated, but a narrow wavelength band comprising the single wavelength peak desired would also be suitable. The array 30 creates a field or beam of light 34, a portion of which is captured by a receiving end 35 of the light pipe 22. The light beam 34 is transmitted through light pipe 22 as a more narrow beam 36 and is emitted at a transmission end 37 of the light pipe 22 onto a work surface or tooth surface (not shown).
[0045] In one prototype tested during development of the invention, the inventors utilized nine high-intensity, blue light LEDs 32 which had integral lenses therein which produced a 15 degree radiation or viewing angle. Again, suitable LEDs are commercially available from Nichia or Panasonic under Model No. LNG997CKB. The LEDs are considered as blue light LEDs because they generate light at a wavelength of approximately 470 nm, which is blue within the visible light spectrum. Other blue light wavelengths might also be utilized, depending upon the particular curing characteristics of the light-curable compound.
[0046] The LEDs 32 of the embodiment in FIG. 1 are mounted on a suitable base 40, such as G10 (circuit board material), and are arranged in a 3�3 matrix. Each of the LEDs 32 is adjusted individually on the base 40 to concentrate the beam into the receiving end of the light pipe 22. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, some of the LEDs on the outer edges of the array are bent at their electrical leads 33 toward the center of the array to focus the light 34. The LEDs 32 are electrically coupled to DC power supply 20. A cooling fan indicated by reference numeral 42 is utilized to surface cool the LEDs 32 and is also powered by supply 20.
[0047] In testing the prototype shown in FIG. 1, the DC current through the LEDs was increased in several gradations and radiated light energy measurements were taken with a laser power monitor instrument (not shown). The curing ability of the LEDs 32 was checked by using one millimeter thick slices of a light-curable dental compound, such as Kerr Dentin XRV Herculite, which were placed proximate the transmission end 36 of light pipe 22. At DC current levels of approximately 65 mA, a radiated power level of approximately 30 mW from beam 36 was measured. The dental compound slices were radiated for approximately one minute. Through such experimentation, it was determined that the compound was successfully cured, at least partially. Longer curing times and higher radiation power levels may be necessary for a full cure, depending upon the thickness of the compound.
[0048] Currently, a number of LED manufacturers, including Panasonic, have made available blue light LEDs which include semiconductor junctions doped with Silicon Carbide to provide a generally narrow band wavelength light output. A plurality or array of such devices was utilized in the test prototype because they have a relatively low individual power rating, as compared to halogen lamp bulbs.
[0049] A fan element 42 was utilized in the test prototype shown in FIG. 1, although the lack of filtering devices reduces the heat dissipation requirements of curing light device 10. Since the radiation 34 from the LEDs 32 is generally a single wavelength, or a very narrow band of wavelengths, energy from the unwanted wavelengths of visible light does not have to be dissipated in the form of heat. Therefore, fan element 42 could be eliminated in an alternative test prototype.
[0050]FIG. 1A illustrates another test prototype LED array for use, such as in the device of FIG. 1. Array 23 utilizes individual LEDs 24 having a relatively standard 3.0 mm diameter size. Twenty-one (21) LEDs are shown mounted to base 25 by the wire leads 26 similar to the array in FIG. 1. Base 25 is a printed circuit board material such as G10. The LEDs used in the test array 23 are Panasonic No. LNG997CKB, and the light therefrom was focused to a 15% viewing area into a light pipe similar to that shown in FIG. 5A. The circular array 23 of LEDs ensures good transmission into a light pipe. Preferably, a cooling fan, as shown in FIG. 1, is used to cool array 23.
[0051] The array 23 was tested and it was determined that a driving current of approximately 50 mA per LED 24 is optimal. At that current, the array produced an output power of approximately 40 mW. Measuring the output, it was found that the transmission percentage, or relative intensity, for the light array at around 470 nm increases as the drive current increases between 30 mA and 60 mA.
[0052] While the arrays as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 1A are sufficient for curing, at least partially, dental compound materials, they are still somewhat large and bulky, generate a relatively substantial amount of heat, and require separate focusing apparatuses. Therefore, there is still a need for a suitable, compact dental curing device which is efficient, durable, relatively cool, and can provide a density of light generating elements in a small package which will generate a curing beam of suitable intensity.
[0053] In accordance with the principles of the present invention, FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention in which a plurality of LED dies are utilized to generate the curing radiation. More specifically, a plurality of LED dies 43 are mounted on a ceramic substrate 44, such as by soldering. The ceramic substrate, such as alumina, is utilized for providing the necessary cooling of the elements 43 as they operate. The substrate 44, in turn, is mounted on a heat sink device 46, having cooling fins 46 a, for further cooling purposes. A forced air element (not shown), such as the fan element 42 in FIG. 1, might be utilized for directing or forcing air toward fins 46 a and over the heat sink 46 to provide further cooling.
[0054] The LED dies of the invention are made of light-generating semiconductor material which is not packaged or otherwise covered in plastic. That is, the LED dies of the invention are essentially unpackaged semiconductor junctions for generating the desired light. Therefore, the dies are very small and substantially smaller than conventional LEDs used in the test prototype of FIGS. 1 and 1A.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 3, the dies 43 are mounted in an array as shown on the generally circular ceramic substrate 44. Suitable power lines 48 coupled to a DC power supply 20 provide the necessary power for illuminating the devices 43. The individual dies or chips 43 are generally rectangular in shape and measure approximately 0.3 mm (0.012 inches) on a side, or 0.09 mm2 in area. Therefore, the area needed in the array for a single die is substantially smaller than the area needed in the array for a conventional LED. The LEDs are mounted side-by-side in a matrix for forming a beam of light. The matrix or array arrangement of the devices 43 is in a circular shape to correspond to the circular shape of ceramic element 44 and the cross-section of barrel portion 16, which is circular. Furthermore, the circular array of FIG. 3 generates a generally circular beam of light. Other substrate shapes may be used, depending upon the design of device 10. It has been determined that each LED die 43 should have approximately 0.5 mm per side, or approximately 0.25 mm2 of ceramic substrate space for proper mounting, operation, and cooling purposes.
[0056] Metal tracks (not shown) are formed on the ceramic substrate and the dies 43 are appropriately soldered to the tracks on a bottom side. The top sides of the dies 43, shown in the view of FIG. 3, are coupled to conductive pads by very thin wires (not shown) in a microscopic procedure referred to as wire bonding. The conductive pads 47, in turn, are coupled to leads 48.
[0057] In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, 96 LEDs are arranged as shown for providing the necessary curing radiation. Each LED 43 requires approximately 4-5 Volts of DC bias, and are preferably biased in series circuits of four LEDs, for a total of approximately 20 volts DC required per series circuit. The 96 LEDs are thus arranged as 24 series circuits of four LEDs each on substrate 44. It is important to keep the density of the light beam to a maximum. The LED devices therefore need to be laid out to avoid any blank spots in the beam. The array of 96 LEDs in the arrangement of FIG. 3 requires a circular area of approximately 8 mm2 or 0.3125 inches in diameter.
[0058] The dies 43 of the invention provide a very high density array which provides suitable curing power in a small area. As discussed, a very large number of individual dies 43 may be mounted in a small area. Suitable dies for the invention are available from CREE Research, Inc., of Durham, N.C., as Part No. C430-DH85.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 3, each 4 LED series circuit is coupled to the DC power supply 20 through wire leads 48 and conductive pads 47 which are arranged around the periphery of substrate 44.
[0060] It should be appreciated that the spacing of the individual LEDs 43 in the array may be varied as necessary depending upon the size of substrate 44, the cooling requirements, and the cooling system available. Furthermore, the number of LEDs utilized and the electrical wiring scheme may also vary from that shown in the drawings without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0061] An array of 96 surface-mounted blue LEDs arranged as shown in FIG. 3 generated 480 nm blue light at a radiated power level of approximately 30 mW. While the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 utilizing 96 LEDs is suitable for some curing applications, a greater number of LEDs may be necessary for generating the required power for a wide range of curing conditions. For example, deeper fillings or thicker surface coatings may require additional power. Radiated power levels of approximately 200 mW/cm2 or greater are generally necessary for curing the available dental compounds. Other intensities may be necessary for curing other light-sensitive compounds.
[0062] To that end, it is anticipated that the number of elements in the array will be determined by the intensity of the individual dies. A number of dies in the range of 200-500 elements might be used. Elements having the shape and dimensions as discussed above would require approximately 1.25 cm2 for approximately 500 LEDs. Arranged in a circular shape, as illustrated in FIG. 3, such an array would be approximately 18 mm (0.7 inches) in diameter. Of course, such size dimensions will vary depending upon the number of elements used as well as heat dissipation considerations and electrical connections and biasing of the elements.
[0063] The invention provides many advantages over the prior art dental compound curing technology. One particular advantage is that the dies 43 are solid state devices which have virtually an unlimited life. Furthermore, the radiation or light output from the dies is not degraded toward the end of the useful life of the devices, as generally occurs with the halogen lamp bulbs used in the prior art. Therefore, even up to ultimate failure of the dies, they will provide suitable radiation for curing purposes. The dies 43 further eliminate the need for specific filtering of the undesired wavelengths of broad-spectrum light which is required with prior art halogen lamp bulbs. The dies 43 preferably provide radiation at a desirable blue light wavelength, for example, 470 nm, or at a desirable blue light band of wavelengths.
[0064] Referring again to FIG. 2, the LED dies 43 preferably are arranged so that as much as possible of the radiation is directed into the receiving end 35 of light pipe 22. The dies 43 are preferably positioned as close to the receiving end 35 of the light pipe 22 as possible to eliminate, or at least minimize, any loss of radiation.
[0065] Light pipes or light guides 22 may be commercially available and come in a variety of different sizes; for example in diameters of 8 mm, 11 mm and 13 mm. Generally, such light pipes are formed of a plurality of optical fibers (for example, approximately 5,000 fibers) which are fused together into a single light pipe structure. The light transmitted into the receiving end 35 is then transmitted through the light pipe and is directed out the transmission end 37 as a narrow beam of radiation 36. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the light pipe maintains a uniform diameter from the receiving end 35 to the transmission end 37. At the transmission end 37, the light pipe is bent or curved for directing beam 36 in a downward direction onto the work surface, such as a tooth surface. The light pipe 22 is also preferably rotatable in the barrel portion 16 of housing 12 so as to direct the beam 36 in other directions, as necessary with respect to housing 12.
[0066] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 5, a tapered light pipe 50 might be utilized which has a larger diameter receiving end 52 (e.g. 13 mm) which tapers down to a smaller diameter transmission end 54 (e.g. 6-7 mm). In that way, the light captured in the receiving end 52 is directed to form a more focused or narrow beam 55. FIG. 5A shows another suitable version of a tapered light pipe. Light pipe 56 has a wide receiving end 57 which tapers to a smaller diameter and transmission end 58.
[0067]FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention which utilizes a focusing device 70 which might be utilized when the array of dies 60 generates a beam 65 substantially wider than the receiving end 66 of a light pipe 67. More specifically, the array of dies 60 is mounted on substrate 62, which is appropriately coupled to a heat sink element 64 having fins 64 a, and may generate a beam of radiation 65 which is broader or wider than the receiving end 66 of light pipe 67. For efficient transfer of the radiation to the light pipe 67 and to prevent a portion of the radiation 65 from being lost, a radiation focusing device 70, such as an optical lens, may be utilized. Lens 70 is preferably a converging optical lens which focuses the radiation 65 from the dies to a smaller size beam as shown in FIG. 4 for efficient transmission into the receiving end 66 of light pipe 67. In that way, a large percentage of the radiation generated by the elements 60 is received by the light pipe and transmitted thereby for curing purposes. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 utilizes the heat sink 64 for dissipation of heat generated by the array of elements 60. A forced air device (not shown) might also be utilized in conjunction with the heat sink 64 for heat dissipation purposes. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 does not utilize a focusing device such as a lens. However, in accordance with the principles of the present invention, a microlens might be formed over each die to focus the light generated therefrom. The microlenses over the individual dies would be an alternative to the large lens 70 illustrated in FIG. 4. To that end, referring to FIG. 3A, the entire array of dies 43 can be encapsulated in a continuous layer of clear plastic 71. The layer 71 is formed to create individual curved microlenses 73 over each of the individual dies. The microlenses focus the emitted light toward the fiber optic light guide for more efficient transmission of the blue light. Alternatively, individual layers and microlenses might be formed separately over the dies 43 rather than as part of a one large continuous layer.
[0068] The use of an array of microlenses 73 will eliminate the need for a larger single lens 70 and thus will produce an even more compact design for the inventive light curing device. Referring to FIG. 6, the array of dies 43, which produces a sufficient intensity and is properly focused using microlenses 73, could be positioned at the tip 75 of the light curing device 76. Such a design would eliminate the need for a light pipe and would thus eliminate any loss of power associated with a light pipe. The array of dies 43 would directly illuminate a tooth or dental compound. As shown in FIG. 6, the die array is coupled to a power supply 78 by lines 80. If necessary, a small fan unit 82 might be utilized for cooling purposes. Fan unit 82 is also coupled to power supply 78 by lines 83.
[0069] Therefore, depending on the intensity of the individual dies, the number of dies in the array is minimized in accordance with the principles of the invention. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, a very small power supply 78 may be utilized to drive the minimized number of dies. A small rechargeable battery pack 84 may be used. The inventive light could therefore be made as small as a fountain pen, similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6.
[0070]FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention which utilizes small packaged surface mountable LEDs in an array for generating the blue light of the invention. Array 90 is generally circular in shape and includes a plurality of surface-mounted LEDs 92 which are mounted on a base 94 of printed circuit board material, such as G10. The surface-mounted LEDs are commercially available from Nichia and have a generally rectangular surface area on the base 94 of approximately 0.050�0.065 inches. Therefore, the surface-mounted LEDs 92 are larger than the dies illustrated in FIGS. 2-4, and would require a larger surface area for the same number of elements in an array. The LEDs 92 are electrically connected in series of 3 LEDs which are coupled to an appropriate power supply through resistors 96 positioned around the periphery of base 94. Attachment flanges 98 are used to secure base 94 within a curing light device. While the surface-mounted embodiment will be larger, on average, than the embodiments using dies, such an array will still be smaller than one using conventional, bulky LEDs having large packages and long wire leads. While 126 LEDs are shown in FIG. 7, larger or smaller array sizes might be utilized.
[0071] Thus the present invention provides a small, compact and durable curing device for hardening or curing light-curable materials such dental filling and coating compounds. Because light is generated in a narrow wavelength band of the spectrum, and preferably as close to a single blue light wavelength as possible, reflective filters and other filtering elements are not required within the inventive device for filtering and removing unused radiation generated by the traditional lamp bulbs. Therefore, the inventive device significantly reduces the heat generated within the curing device and eliminates the need for complicated cooling systems. Furthermore, the power efficiency of the device is increased because most if not all of the radiation generated is usable for the purposes of curing. The small size of the radiating dies and surface-mounted LEDs, as well as the elimination of filters and complicated heat dissipation mechanisms provides a curing device which may be assembled in a housing substantially smaller than conventionally available. Accordingly, the device would be lighter and easier to manipulate for the operator, such as a dentist. Still further, the useful life of the device is increased because of the solid state nature of the dies and surface-mounted LEDs. Furthermore, there will be no degradation in the radiation output toward the end of the useful life of the elements as generally occurs with halogen lamps. As such, the invention provides a variety of new design possibilities for curing devices, and particularly for dental curing devices.
[0072] While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of the embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details representative apparatus and method, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departure from the spirit or scope of applicant's general inventive concept.
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