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James Holloway
Philips has announced a new range of color-change LED products designed to coexist peacefully with its chameleonesque iPhone-controlled hue light bulb. The Friends of hue range is open to independent product developers, but is being ushered in with two new Philips creations, LivingColors Bloom and LightStrips. Read More
Work has been completed on Christchurch's temporary Cardboard Cathedral designed by Japanese architect Shigeru Ban. Read More
Take a pleasure cruise up the Harlem River this month and you surely won't miss the 24-ft diameter Harvest Dome 2.0 which floats on the waters near Spuyten Duyvil Creek at the north tip of Manhattan, New York. Built to draw eyes to the city's watercourses, the dome is built from 450 discarded and broken umbrellas support by a floating ring made from 128 2-liter drinks bottles. Read More
Researchers at the University of Toronto say they can improve the energy of efficiency buildings by fitting window panes with tiny channels of water. The scientists says that these channels, inspired by vascular systems in nature such as the network of blood vessels in the human body, can provide 7º to 9º C of cooling in the summer, and reduce heat loss during winter. Read More
It's been an exceedingly ugly fortnight on Twitter. Following a successful campaign orchestrated by journalist and feminist Caroline Criado-Perez to have a woman reinstated on Bank of England banknotes, she has been subjected to a relentless campaign of harassment, with rape and death threats being received by Criado-Perez at a rate of nearly one per minute on July 24, the day it was confirmed that her campaign had been a success. After being the platform for sustained threats and abuse for almost two weeks, Twitter has finally begun to act. Read More
Got a Kinect and a laptop? Get ready to 3D print
Scanning and 3D printing an object could become much simpler if 3D printing company Volumental is successful in crowdfunding the development of a web app which would allow users to scan and print 3D objects using nothing more than a Kinect sensor and a web browser. Read More
Electric aircraft company GreenWing International has announced the release of its first 50 eSpyder single-seat electric planes, which will be sold as build-it-yourself kits for for under US$40,000. Read More
What good is a robot if, when left to its own devices, it breaks down at the first sign of trouble? What if that robot has been sent off to some inhospitable place where rescue is impossible, much less repair. Robots on the cutting edge are expensive things, so the ability to self-repair could be extremely valuable. But if it can't self-repair, the ability to simply make do would be rather useful too. That's the thinking behind this hexapod robot which can work out how best to adjust its gait in the unfortunate event that it loses a leg. Read More
A Kickstarter pitch for an old school board game wouldn't ordinarily make it onto the pages of Gizmag. But despite its initial success, Erik Chevalier's campaign for The Doom That Came to Atlantic City has been such an unmitigated disaster that it serves as an essential reminder to those thinking of backing crowdfunding campaigns that they do so at their own risk. Read More
Europe's largest battery is to undergo testing in the UK, where it will be used to store and regulate energy generated from renewable sources such as wind and solar power, The Guardian reports. The lithium manganese battery, developed by S&C Electric Europe, Samsung SDI and Younicos, will be capable of storing up to 10 MWh of energy. Read More
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Occupy LA report card: Was LAPD fair in evicting protesters?
Police evicted Occupy LA protesters Wednesday, and while some occupiers said the 1,400-strong force was 'overkill,' LAPD has gotten high marks for its communication and restraint.
Lucy Nicholson/REUTERS
Los Angeles
To Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, the morning operation that ousted Occupy Los Angeles protesters from their encampment Wednesday "was the finest hour in the history of the Los Angeles Police Department."
"I couldn't be prouder of the men and women of this force," he said at a press conference Wednesday. "This was without question an indication of what we mean when we talk about constitutional policing, when we talk about putting as much effort into serving as protecting."
To Lisa Clapier, spokeswoman for the protest group, which had boasted the largest remaining Occupy movement encampment in the US, the 1,400 police in riot and biohazard gear – with reinforcements at City Hall and Dodger Stadium – "was overkill."
"They didn't need to send in 1,400 police with riot gear and close down seven city blocks," she says. The biohazard gear was because the police were swabbing every arrested protester – about 292 at last count – for DNA and wanted to protect themselves, Ms. Clapier adds.
Mayor Villaraigosa said the operation came off "without injury to any police or protesters." Clapier claims there was at least one head injury and that the police fired rubber bullets into the trees to roust those trying to escape eviction.


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Free Steelers Digest Issues
Free Steelers Digest issues, from Volume 7, no. 16 (issue 172) , Nov. 12, 1994 to Volume 21, no. 24 (issue 528), April/May 2009. A total of 357 issues but may have a couple missing. Not willing to break up set. These completely fill a 26" x 13" x 13" box
and it's pretty heavy. All are folded in half as that's how they were delivered. You pay shipping which would probably be $20 to $40 depending where you live in respect to upstate NY. Remodeling and wifey says they must go. Figured I'd see if anybody wants them before I trash them. |
Re: Free Steelers Digest Issues
Hi, my name's John. I would gladly take them. Please email me at email@example.com to let me know how I can go about getting them. I'll definitely pay for shipping. Thanks a lot!
Re: Free Steelers Digest Issues
After 31 years of marriage, I've learned to pick my battles. I love the Steelers but I love sex more. :wink: |
Re: Free Steelers Digest Issues
Re: Free Steelers Digest Issues
SteelersJW changed his mind and no longer wants them. So, they're available again.
Re: Free Steelers Digest Issues
This has prolly run long enough, but, one last chance. If nobody wants them by 4-30-10, they're in the trash. They weigh 56 lbs and would cost you $25-40 depending where you live. I make nothing, purely the shipping cost.
Re: Free Steelers Digest Issues
I will take them..PM me and give me the details and we can work it out..Thanks.. |
Re: Free Steelers Digest Issues
Just sent ya a PM. |
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Bach Mega Tone Flugelhorn Mouthpiece
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Bach Mega Tone Flugelhorn Mouthpiece
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NBA: Two No. 1 overall picks for Love? Coach K likes it
Hall of fame coach Mike Krzyzewski says a Kevin Love-to-Cleveland trade would have his approval — and that it doesn't take much thought.
There were reports last week that the Cavaliers could be willing to trade the previous two top picks in the NBA draft — Andrew Wiggins and Anthony Bennett — to the Timberwolves in exchange for Love, but the trigger has yet to be pulled.
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Author Comments
Alight is a platformer that mixes exploration and reflexes and more than a little story. Move with the arrow keys, fly with the space bar or up arrow. If you find yourself having trouble getting much altitude, trying pressing the space bar at a slower pace until you find the right rhythm. And remember that you can always drop down out of a flock of birds without using a flap of your wings with the down arrow key.
Every time you enter a door, your game is automatically saved, and you can replay a level at any point.
If you're amazed by the music like we were, you should check out Smiletron, who made the song -- he has a web site at smiletron.org and more songs at 8bc.org/members/SMILETRON
Having trouble? Ortoslon posted a playthrough at http://youtu.be/7PxuDEvEp tU
Rated 4 / 5 stars
liked it
music went great with the game.
good story.
but the gameplay became really annoying and frustrating in the later levels. please make jump and glide two separate buttons.
seems like i didn't get the "secret" ending, i clicked quit and that was it? well if it's secret then why all the build up describing what's to come and what to do? i assumed the level would start when i clicked the button, instead it ended and i can't go back??! that really sucked, sorry :(
also, the "i'm smelling smoke" is a complete giveaway of what's going on. just leave that out, it's more subtle without it, there's enough smoke in the game.
Rated 5 / 5 stars
Great game
Speechless, really, such an awesome writing and a great story with this impossible-not-to-cry-at music. Maybe levels were bigger than they should be, I don't know, but if you just keep playing you can't regret it, 'cause it's nothing but a rewarding experience.
The flying, the smoke, everything in here counts, every single detail seems to have its place. I don't know if I'll replay it (it took me so long the first time) but I surely want to complete all challenges and endings, if there are more than the one I got.
Rated 5 / 5 stars
thats epic
this game is realy epici would love to finish it some time but i dont have the time right now :/ but realy great
Rated 3.5 / 5 stars
Beautiful Story, Frustrating Gameplay
I thought it was a beautiful story, and the variances when you select the different items gave it a nice replay value. A lot of the times though I found myself out of the story because I was frustrated with some of the navigation puzzles. The difficulty needs to be pulled down a little to add more focus on the story, because I think that is what makes this piece strong.
Rated 4.5 / 5 stars
Good Game
What do i have to do in the moon level on the highest/deepest plattform? There is no hint and i always just see me dying. This little issue spoiled the game for me at the end, 'til it was entertaining through the whole game so far.


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SELMA, Ore. – Crews continued to battle a large wildfire burning near Lake Selmac on Tuesday, but told homeowners to be ready to leave if the situation gets worse. The Reeves Creek Fire was first reported Monday night, and has burned about 230 acres in an area near Reeves Creek Road and Highway 199. No … Continue reading »
Labrador Fire Proving To Be An Anomaly
CAVE JUNCTION, Ore. – Officials are calling it an anomaly as a nearly stagnant Labrador Fire is forcing crews onto the sidelines. The roughly 2,000-acre fire has barely changed in size in the past week, but containment remains at 0%. Now officials say a shift in strategy could be on the way. The fire has … Continue reading »


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"Hey," Heather called out from the back door. "I thought of something."
"What's that?" Frank asked absent-mindedly as he blended blue and red to make ocean water.
"We haven't been swimming since last summer."
"Oh, you're right," Frank said, surprised. "We should practice before we go to Florida."
"Two steps ahead of you! Put your trunks on."
"But it's dark out, and we're miles from the lake," Frank sputtered.
"Just trust me," Heather teased. "I'll go change, too. Race you!"
With his best skeptical smile, Frank put down his pencils and headed for the bedroom. Heather already was in the closet to get her swimsuit. Frank went to the dresser and dug around for his trunks. He finally found them, and with a shrug, undressed to put them on.
To his dismay, they barely stayed up. He tugged at the drawstring, but willpower was still all that kept them from sagging. "Heather?" he whimpered.
His wife emerged from the closet with the same predicament; both bikini top and bottom were too loose for comfort. They looked at each other and both began to laugh.
"I guess we stretched them to the limit last time," Heather suggested once she caught her breath.
"We're definitely gonna need new ones for Florida," Frank observed. "Maybe I can raise the money by"
"Oh, stop. I have a surprise for you now."
Frank's eyebrows rose, and he followed Heather to the back door and out into the yard.
As his eyes adjusted, he could see the outline of an inflatable pool, too small to swim in, but big enough they both could wade at least up to their knees.
"Now we can practice," Heather said with a wink.
Grinning, Frank led the way to the pool and slowly stepped in. Once he was in, Heather followed. They stood facing each other and were silent for a moment. Heather put her hands on Frank's shoulders.
"It's been almost a year," she sighed. "Happy anniversary, sort of."
"Wow," Frank stammered, looking down and back up again. "It's been
quite a year, hasn't it?"
"I wouldn't trade it," Heather replied. And they kissed.
Frank looked up and saw the moon. It wasn't full yet, so it shouldn't matter, right? The more Frank thought about it, and kissed, the more unsure he got. Then he felt fangs against his tongue.
Heather laughed and went on kissing him. They wrapped their arms around each other, and Frank noticed Heather's arms felt hairier, too. They rocked back and forth, kissing and not caring about anything else.
As Frank's legs grew hairier, he became aware of water rushing past them. It didn't concern him until he realized the water level was lower: a lot lower. As the gushing continued, Frank found the water hardly covered his hind paws.
"Whoops," Heather remarked, lifting a leg. Frank admired her claws, then realized they'd punctured the pool as soon as they'd started to change. Now they stood on a deflated pool with scarcely a puddle to splash in.
"So much for swimming practice," Heather snarled.
"I don't care if you don't," Frank offered with a wild look in his eye.
Heather yipped, and Frank pulled her down onto the ruined pool. They made out with each other on the slick plastic as their bodies reshaped, and then some, once comfortable on all fours. Eventually they moved onto the wet grass and remained there until morning.


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Showing 289-322 of 322 items
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Hampton Inn & Suites
In the heart of Southwestern Illinois...Welcome to the Hampton Inn & Suites Edwardsville-Glen Carbon. Guests to the Hampton Inn & Suites® hotel in St. Louis-Edwardsville-Glen Carbon will find plenty to do in our area. Our hotel in Edwardsville-Glen Carbon blends the perfect mix of big city style and comfortable small-town charm. While you're here, you'll be near gorgeous homes, 85 miles of beautiful biking trails and the fun of sporting venues such as the GCS Ballpark home of the Gateway Grizzles. Check out fun and quirky spots like the World's Largest Catsup Bottle, less than nine miles from our hotel. Or head to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, a mere three miles from our front door.
CITY: Glen Carbon
Mike's Pizza and Pasta
For some of the best Sicilian-style, thin-crust pizza around, look no further than Mike's Pizza and Pasta in Jerseyville. Known for the Margherita Pizza, a nice veggie-style pie, they also offer thick and deep dish pizza delights. Full menu of pasta selections as well. Open Tuesday through Thursday, 4 p.m. - 9 p.m., Friday - Saturday, 4 p.m. - 10 p.m. and Sunday 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.
CITY: Jerseyville
Mainstream Boutique
Mainstream Boutique has unique and artsy jackets, handbags, watches, jewelry, home decor, great gifts, and so much more. You'll get noticed when you wear Mainstream Boutique.
CITY: Edwardsville
My Antique Store
One of the premiere glassware antique shops in the area, My Antique Store features high quality items for the serious glass collector. Depression glass, Fostoria, milk glass, amethyst glass, crackle glass, carnival glass and stoneware are among the many pieces found as you explore room after room of glassware filled shelves. Costume jewelry and silverplate flatware is also available. Open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
CITY: Godfrey
Roma's Pizza
Pasta, salads, sandwiches or just the classic thin crust pizzas. Sorry, we don't take reservations. Just come on in.
CITY: Bethalto
S & S Sandwich
Welcome to S & S Sandwich Shop of Alton - North Alton's only independently owned sandwich shop. Our goal is to provide fresh, quality, seasonal food fare at a great value. Every attempt is made to use only local products in our menu items. We currently serve sandwiches, soups and salads prepared by our chefs. Our daily specials change often to exploit the best of each season.
CITY: Alton
Magnuson Camelot Inn
55 rooms, indoor pool, whirlpool, pets allowed, complimentary breakfast, wireless internet
CITY: Pontoon Beach
Stagger Inn
Stagger Inn has dishes such as the "Nightmare Burger" and the "Stagger Burger", and also vegetarian friendly dishes like GardenBurgers and numerous salads. Stagger Inn has live performances by local blues and rock bands every Friday night.
CITY: Edwardsville
Bully's Smokehouse
Bully's specialize in slow cooked 'Award Winning' southern style barbecue as well as a variety of sandwiches, fish and desserts. They smoke their quality meats with fresh cut hickory and cook them at low temperatures for juicy tenderness. Bully's cooks its pork shoulders for over 15 hours and it's ribs for over 6 hours! If you have ever experienced 'fall off the bone' tenderness and a distinct hickory flavor, you can understand what makes Bully's Smokehouse legendary. After cooking is complete, they hand pull and chop on the best-selected portions. Bully's four signature sauces will make sure your cravings are filled! All of our soups and side dished are 'made from scratch' daily from the best ingredients! Bully's Smokehouse envisioned a restaurant that would feed the body as well as the soul with amazing food, great service and relaxing atmosphere.
CITY: Edwardsville
Mama Mia's Italian Restaurant
Mama Mia's offers delicious Italian food in friendly, homey environment.
CITY: Granite City
Kinder's Restaurant
Come in and experience our fantastic fish sandwiches, steaks, and many, many more great dishes. Right on the river.
CITY: Golden Eagle
Midwest Motor Sports
Looking for that perfect adult toy? Midwest Motor Sports has 20,000 square feet of two and four wheel motorcycles and ATVs as well as personal watercraft. In addition to the huge showroom, the store features a test tank for test runs of watercraft. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Wednesday and Friday. 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
CITY: Hartford
Erato Wine Bar
The expanded menu options at Erato Wine Bar encompass not only a large selection of boutique wines but an array of international beers, over one hundred spirits, and locally derived cuisine. Erato Wine Bar continues to focus on an ever progressive menu to better serve our patrons.
CITY: Edwardsville
Eagle's Nest Restaurant
Eagles Nest has a varied menu where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner. The place is clean, cheerful and features home-cooked fare. Very reasonably priced.
CITY: Bethalto
Los Tres Amigos
Looking for fresh, hot and substantial Mexican-American food? If you are in Jerseyville, then stop by Los Tres Amigos. Boasting some of the more authentic Mexican food in the area, the fried tacos are a signature offering. Hours: Sunday - Thursday, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. and Friday - Saturday, 11 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
CITY: Jerseyville
Peel Wood Fired Pizza
Wood fired pizza, wings, pasta, calzones and desserts - a unique restaurant located in Edwardsville. Pair your meal with a fantastic wine or craft beer from Peel's extensive menu and your meal is sure to be memorable. Come in and enjoy a great meal for lunch or dinner with family and friends.
CITY: Edwardsville
Bull and Bear Grill & Bar
From salads to BBQ to pasta Bull and Bear has it and it's delicious.
CITY: Edwardsville
Wang Gan Asian Eats & Beats
Wang Gang is a cool Asian restaurant off the beaten path. They offer a blend of Chef created Thai, Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine at affordable prices.
CITY: Edwardsville
Sweeties Confections
Sweeties offers the finest quality, high-end, hand crafted chocolate, old-fashioned candy, a large variety of Jelly Belly beans and candies, gelato, gourmet coffees and teas, and old-time soft drinks. We offer beautiful custom-boxed chocolates for corporate or personal gifts.
CITY: Glen Carbon
Kumar's Cafe
Home of the bottomless cup of coffee with a nice blend of breakfast and lunch menu options, Kumar's offers a homey, friendly coffee-shop atmosphere for locals and visitors alike. Famous for their omelets and hashed browns. Open Tuesday through Thursday, 6 a.m. - 3 p.m., Friday, 6 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday, 6 a.m. - 3 p.m.
CITY: Wood River
Phil's Bar and Grill
The locals call it one of the best kept secrets in Wood River. Phil's Bar and Grill features a steakhouse-quality pepper loin, which is a hit with customers. Sandwiches, barbeque, seafood, cheese steaks, fish and chips and hamburgers are also on the menu. This family-friendly establishment is open Monday - Saturday, 10:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.
CITY: Wood River
Grace Manor Restaurant at Klingel House
Grace Manor Restaurant offers American dishes that celebrate the flavors of the season, in a warm and friendly environment. Happy Hour Tues. - Sat. 4-6.
CITY: Edwardsville
Laura's Restaurant
Breakfast is served all day in this Mexican-style restaurant which boasts some of the hottest hot sauce in the area. Don't miss the Sunday buffet which is popular among locals and visitors alike. Open 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Sunday.
CITY: Hardin
Straight Home Bar and Grill
A bit off the beaten path, Straight Home Bar and Grill is well worth the effort to find it. The daily lunch specials are out of the ordinary and can run the gamut from crab alfredo entrees to chicken and dumplings to barbeque pork steak. There is no breakfast despite the early opening. But steak entrees are featured every Friday and Saturday. Hours: Monday - Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 1 a.m., Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 2 a.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. - 2 a.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. - 2 a.m.
CITY: Hardin
Jerseyville Harvest Inn
Whether you are in Jerseyville for business or pleasure, be sure to check out the Jerseyville Harvest Inn. This motel is conveniently located in the middle of the business district and is located on U.S. 67 and near Illinois Route 16. Amenities include in-room microwave, refrigerator, free Wi-fi, and free Continental breakfast.
CITY: Jerseyville
The Birdhouse
Enjoy a retreat along the Mississippi River in Grafton in this guest house near the public boat ramp and within walking distance of shopping and restaurants. This newly renovated, two-bedroom house has a beautiful view of the river from its 35-foot elevated height. A full kitchen and large wrap-around deck are among the amenities.
CITY: Grafton
Hardin Hotel
Built in 1929, this old-fashioned country hotel has every room decorated differently. Enjoy the rich colors of Calhoun County and the Illinois River at this quaint country inn. Reservations are required.
CITY: Hardin
The White Pelican - Art Gallery
The White Pelican Art Gallery sits on the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois river in Grafton IL. Featuring 18 area artists in a variety of mediums, some depicting local charms.
CITY: Grafton
Mastermind Vodka
They use only select Midwestern grain that is harvested by local farmers who can maintain unparalleled control over their crop. Next they ensure perfection by working with small hand-crafted batches that can be carefully produced. This is not the easiest way to create vodka, but it's the only way to craft perfect vodka.
CITY: Pontoon Beach
Come in for one of the best dining experiences you will have, in a great environment, surrounded by happy people, awesome drinks and fun food. We're incredibly grateful for having had such amazing friends, family, teachers and mentors along the way. We hope everyone will share in our imagination and desire for creative cooking. Let's eat!
CITY: Edwardsville
9 - 10
Nostalgia Rendezvous
Get your adrenaline pumping watching Nostalgia Drag Racing League, Victory Super Stocks, Rat Rod Show, Gassers and Funny Cars in a fun fueled weekend!
CITY: Madison
Gateway Motorsports Park
Racing enthusiasts of all kinds will find special events around every hair pin from the drag strip, oval, road racing track, National sanctioned carting track as well as concerts and corporate functions. Former race car driver Curtis Francois brought back the track and the NHRA Midwest Nationals. Don't miss many of the other events that are held through the year.
CITY: Madison


text:
Herkimer College Housing Contract
Thank you for choosing to live on campus at Herkimer College. Your application will be completed by following 3 easy steps:
- Fill out the 2015-2016 Academic Year Contract by clicking the link below. A copy of the terms of the contract can be viewed and downloaded here.
- Pay your $350 Security Deposit. All Students are required to pay a $350.00 Security Deposit at the time that this contract is submitted. Financial aid cannot be used to pay the Security Deposit. Liability for damage is not limited to the amount of the Security Deposit. Payment of the Security Deposit should be made by check or money order and made payable to Herkimer College. Credit Card payments may also be made at the Housing office, through the college Bursar's Office, or online at www.herkimer.edu/payments.
- Notarize and mail "Notary Page" of the contract to the Office of Residence Life and Housing. After submitting your application online, you will be emailed a copy of your contract. Please print out "Notary Page."
Please send your notarized contract/payment and contact us with questions at:
Office of Residence Life & Housing
Herkimer College - HCCC Housing Corporation
400 Lou Ambers Drive
Herkimer, NY 13350
Phone: (315) 867-2222
Email: email@example.com


text:
Images Of Star Formation Captured By NASA Telescope
A NASA telescope carried in the rear of a modified 747 has managed to capture mid-infrared mosaic images of the Orion Nebula–a feat that no other observation device in the world can duplicate, the space agency reported during the annual American Astronomical Society meeting in Seattle.
The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) device, which snapped the pictures, was designed specifically to record colors typically blocked by the Earth's atmosphere, according to a Monday article written by BBC News Science and Technology Reporter Jason Palmer.
"The images show the star-forming region in unprecedented clarity," Palmer added. "Further study could yield insight into stars that are just lighting up, one of astronomy's 'holy grails'."
According to a January 11 NASA press release, the images were captured by Cornell University's Terry Herter, principal investigator with the program. Herter used FORCAST (the Faint Object Infrared Camera for the SOFIA Telescope) to obtain "new information about processes of star formation in and around the nebula Messier 42 in the constellation Orion"¦ during SOFIA's Short Science 1 observing program in December 2010," the space agency reported.
The images are available online at NASA's official SOFIA website.
"SOFIA's view combines images at mid-infrared wavelengths of 19.7 microns (green) and 37.1 microns (red)," officials from the US space agency said in their media release. "The latter wavelength cannot be accessed by any telescope on the ground or currently in space. Detailed structures in the clouds of star construction material can be seen, as well as warm clouds of dust and gas surrounding, and partly obscuring, a cluster of luminous newborn stars at upper right."
The 100 inch diameter reflecting telescope is a collaborative project operated by NASA and officials at DLR Deutsches Zentrum fur Luft-und Raumfahrt (German Aerospace Center), and modifications of the aircraft that house SOFIA and instillation of the observatory was completed at L-3 Communications Integrated Systems facility at Waco, Texas.
NASA says that the project was designed to complement the Hubble, Spitzer, Herschel and James Webb space telescopes, and it is expected to have a lifespan of 20 years. Over that time, the scientists working on the SOFIA project are hopeful that they can capture many more such images.
"There's a set of stars in there that are very newly born," Herter told Palmer on Monday. "The holy grail of astronomy has always been to find stars just turning on. One of the things we can do with SOFIA is look in detail at the earliest generations of stars."
Image 1: SOFIA mid-infrared mosaic image of the Messier 42 region from the Short Science 1 observing program, December 2010. (19 microns in green and 37 microns in red) (NASA/DLR/SOFIA/USRA/DSI/FORCAST Team)
Image 2: SOFIA's mid-infrared image of Messier 42 (right) with comparison images of the same region made at other wavelengths by the Hubble Space Telescope (left) and European Southern Observatory (middle). (Credits: Visible-light image: NASA/ESA/HST/AURA/STScI/O'Dell & Wong; Near-IR image: ESO/McCaughrean et al.; Mid-IR image: NASA/DLR/SOFIA/USRA/DSI/FORCAST Team)
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We do have flexible labour markets, stingey benefits (for those without children) and it only takes a few minutes to register a new business (with tons of friendly support on everything from building a website to raising finance).
There has been a massive increase both in part time employment and in self employment.
Wages have fallen, working hours have fallen, incomes have fallen and our currency has lost value - all sufficiently strong to lift "employment" numbers even as GDP contracts.
As for business sentiment? There's a little bit of survivor bias - many of the loss making businesses (the ones without government bailouts) have already gone bust. After 5 years of non-investment and working down inventory, it wouldn't be surprising if the returns to some businesses resuming investment and taking on part time staff have risen sufficiently. And after 5 years where productivity growth really hasn't been tapped, surely there is some very real growth potential?
Yet, we shouldn't be too quick to infer that GDP growth is being underestimated. The current financial climate & instability of government finance both make private investment finance prohibitively expensive for most firms.


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US 6370453 B2 Abstract A self-moving device and method for the complete and full automatic examination of floor surfaces of all kind as well as for a particularly efficient suction of dust therefrom. In each case, the robot is controlled so as to explore the adjacent area and to detect the potential obstacles using special sensors before storing them in a data field. The displacement towards a new location is then carried out using the stored data until the whole accessible surface has been covered. One of the main constituent members of the robot includes an extensible arm that rests on the robot and on which contact and range sensors are arranged. When the robot is used as an automatic vacuum cleaner, an air flow is forced into the robot arm and the cleaning effect can further be enhanced by providing one or more circular rotary brushes at the front end of the arm. This device can essentially be used for domestic or industrial cleaning purposes with a view to replace traditional vacuum cleaners.
Claims(49) 1. A method of automatically controlling a self-moving device with range and contact-sensors, the method comprising the steps of:
individually determining and scanning a closer area around the device by using a movable arm on the device;
storing possible new positions at the border of the closer area;
the determination of the closer area and a selection of a new position is realized mainly on a basis of information of surroundings of the device which is stored in a data field and updated in each step to determine a next position;
optimizing a position to move the device by calculating and comparing each stored position which can be approached by the device by calculating and comparing for each of these positions certain evaluation parameters including distances or areas in reach of a possible new position which have not yet been scanned and by selecting the position with best evaluation results; and
moving the device to a new position until no further position can be selected.
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23. A method of automatically controlling a self-moving device with range and contact sensors, the method comprising the steps of:
scanning a closer area in a form of a sector of a circle around the device, the scanning being by a movable arm;
turning the arm from left to right during the scanning and increasing a length of the arm at each turn, the arm starting at a retracted state during the scanning and the scanning continuing until a given maximum arm length is reached by the arm whereafter following the last turn, the arm is retracted; and
moving the device to a new position and repeating the scanning.
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30. A device comprising:
propelled wheels, at least one of the propelled wheels being steerable;
sensors; and
an extensible arm having a front end and a rear end, the extensible arm having a head positioned at the front end, the head being a support in addition to the at least one propelled wheels, the head including at least one of rollers, balls, wheels or bristles.
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35. A device comprising:
propelled wheels, at least one of the propelled wheels being steerable;
sensors; and
an extensible arm having a front end and a rear end, the extensible arm having a head positioned at the front end, at least one propelled circular brush being positioned at the head.
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43. A device comprising:
propelled wheels, at least one of the propelled wheels being steerable;
sensors including a contact sensor, a step sensor and a height sensor; and
an extensible arm having a front end and a rear end, the extensible arm having a head positioned at the front end, the contact sensor being positioned at the head and detecting obstacles for movement of the arm, and the step sensor and the height sensor being positioned at the head and being used to detect obstacles which fail to block the arm, but which block movement of the device.
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Description This application is a Continuation of PCT International Application No. PCT/DE99/00276 filed on Jul. 22, 1999, which designated the United States, and on which priority is claimed under 35 U.S.C. �120, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Today commercial household vacuum cleaners resemble in function and handling basically the models from the beginning of the twentieth century, even if improvements to the suction power, noise emission and air-filters have been achieved during the years. The various models available on the market differ apart from their design mainly in the power of their engines, which in some cases can be controlled electronically, the noise damping and the quality of their filters. The classical floor vacuum cleaner consists of an engine block on wheels connected with a tube and various nozzles. For the suction of floor surfaces, usually a rigid nozzle mounted on a telescope handle, which renders possible to clean an area of about 20 cm width, is used. As an alternative, the engine block can be integrated in the telescope handle. For smooth floor surfaces, most models have a short brush, which can be pushed out of the nozzle by means of a switch operated by hand or foot. Additionally, with some models, a nozzle with an horizontally rotating brush can be used to enhance the cleaning effect. The drive of this brush is realised electrically or indirect by the air stream. To enhance the cleaning effect, especially for the use with cleaning machines, an arrangement of several circular brushes, which by a planetary gear are put into multiple rotation, is described in the German patent application 1057154. Other known cleaning machines use two stationary circular brushes at the two front ends which the automatic vacuum cleaner in DE 43 07 125 A1 possesses to move dirt from the direct lateral area of the vacuum cleaner to a stationary suction nozzle. In the German patent application DE-OS 21 01 659, a vacuum cleaner with a telescope suction arm with a circular profile is described, with a suction nozzle mounted at the end of the arm. The vacuum cleaner is not mobile, but can only turn within a certain angle by means of a rectangular positioned steering wheel. There are no sensors, only the lateral parts of the suction nozzle are seated rotatory by a spring to be able to avoid obstacles. In the British patent application GE 20 38 615 A, a vacuum cleaner with remote control and a circular base on three wheels, two of which are driven wheels, is described. This vacuum cleaner has a stationary suction nozzle beneath the base. A method of steering the device or sensors are not contained in the patent application. The patent application U.S. Pat. No. 5,095,577 describes a self moving vacuum cleaner, whose suction nozzle is mounted at the end of a suction tube which is rolled up on a cylinder and thus can be extended. The device is enabled by mechanical sensors and steering elements to follow the contour of a wall while extending the suction nozzle or rolling it up. The same mechanism, but able to extend one or two suction nozzles rectangular to the moving direction of the device, is described in the patent application U.S. Pat. No. 5,199,996, though the vacuum cleaner is only moved in parallel courses respectively in courses rectangular to the prior courses. A further method of controlling an automatic vacuum cleaner is contained in the patent application DE 43 40 771 A1. In this arrangement, the vacuum cleaner is guided along the inner contour of the surface to be cleaned, thus detecting the contours of the surface to be cleaned. Then, a micro processor compares the form of the surface to be cleaned with the previously stored contours to select the most appropriate cleaning program. For orientation, apart from optical and ultrasonic sensors on the surface of the vacuum cleaner, a magnetic field sensor is used to determine the direction. In EP 01 42 594 B1 and DE 43 07 125 A1, a similar method of controlling is described, but with the additional capability of the vacuum cleaner to plan and perform independently parallel cleaning courses after one cycle to determine the contours of the surface to be cleaned, without the previous storing of a cleaning program for a certain room. The patent application DE 196 14 916 A1 describes an automatically working moving robot, whose orientation is based mainly on the stereoscopic evaluation of the data of two video cameras. A concrete controlling method though is not described. In the patent application EP-A-38 26 93, a method of controlling on the basis of a recursive algorithm is described for a suction robot, wherein the respective closer area around the suction robot is cleaned and the suction robot then by moving ahead and back, followed by a turn with a certain angle of turning, is moved to a new place until a given area is covered. To determine the respective new position, a systematic algorithm is utilised. In the patent application U.S. Pat. No. 5,696,675, a moving robot with a lateral displaceable arm is described, which possesses a special construction with supporting wheels to support the suction arm and whose sensors are able to detect an obstacle for the arm and for the vacuum cleaner. In the patent application U.S. Pat. No. 5,677,836, a device is described, comprising the transmission of the co-ordinates from one map to another map. In addition to the deterministic controlling methods mentioned above, on the fair �DOMOTECHNICA 99�, a self working vacuum cleaner was presented, which according to the patent application EP 0 769 923 B1 mainly is controlled stochastically. Here, the vacuum cleaner moves in a certain direction until an obstacle, which is detected by sensors, blocks its way. The vacuum cleaner turns away from the obstacle and continues its way in another direction, until a new obstacle forces it to change its course, and so on. Despite the improvements in certain fields during the years, vacuum cleaning remains a time consuming and exhausting housework . Today's manual devices require frequent bending, sometimes the moving of objects as well as the strong rubbing of the suction nozzle. Apart from that, because of the inflexible suction nozzles, damage of delicate furniture may occur. When changing from smooth surfaces to carpet-covered surfaces, each time the suction nozzle has to be switched manually to achieve the best cleaning effect. If narrow places have to be vacuumed, a troublesome change of the suction nozzle is required. The known methods of controlling autonomously working vacuum cleaners show the following disadvantages: Methods of controlling, which require a manual route planning, are to complicated and very inflexible, because especially in a household, the floor surface which is to be cleaned changes continuously because of the moving of objects. Methods of controlling, which before starting the actual vacuum cleaning process detect the border lines of the floor surface which is to be cleaned and determine their cleaning courses with this information, are overstrained, if many obstacles, e. g. furniture, force them to frequent evading movements. Apart from that, because of the detection of the border lines, it takes a comparatively long time until the actual suction process starts and the method only works in closed room areas. Moreover, it is not possible to define a certain starting point for the vacuum cleaner, from where the cleaning process is to be started. Exclusively stochastic methods of controlling work unsatisfactorily as well, because certain areas are covered very often whereas other areas are covered rarely or not at all, so that a non-uniform cleaning effect is achieved. The cleaning process also lasts very long and there is no criterion of ending the process. In the recursive method of controlling, described in the patent application EP-A-38 26 93, the vacuum cleaner has to cover very far distances because of the continuous moving ahead and moving back, which leads to long vacuuming times and to a non-uniform covering of the area. A starting point can be indeed determined, but the vacuum cleaner moves away from this point in a certain direction without completely cleaning the direct environment before. The self moving vacuum cleaners controlled by the methods described above are not suitable to replace the manual vacuum cleaners because of the following reasons: Powerful vacuum cleaners possess a bulky form and cannot be used in narrow spaces, also because the damage of delicate furniture cannot be excluded. Moreover, except from complicated driving methods, several and complicated sensors are used which render the devices susceptible and very expensive. To improve the accessibility, recently very low devices with a circular base have been developed. But this limits the possible size of the batteries and so the reach and the power of the vacuum cleaner. Also, many areas in corners and niches and along the edges of furniture cannot be cleaned, because they are not accessible for the vacuum cleaner. Vacuum cleaners relying on a wire based power supply, in principal because of the necessary connecting cable are not flexible enough to be able to clean efficiently housing spaces with numerous obstacles. Thus, the invention is based on the task to provide a flexible cleaning system, which on the one hand is able to adapt to any kind of floor surface with any kind of obstacle, and on the other hand avoids unnecessary multiple cleanings of certain areas, while other areas are not sufficiently covered or are not covered at all. Apart from that, the cleaning process should he enabled to start at any point determined by the user without having to previously detect the contours of the room. To provide a serious alternative to commercial vacuum cleaners, the device controlled by the method should cover every floor area as well as edges of furniture and narrow niches, while a high cleaning effect is necessary and damages have to be excluded. The device has to be big enough to contain a sufficient capacity of batteries. By the means of adequate insulation, most of the produced noise can be damped. Moreover, the vacuum cleaner should be constructed as simple as possible, be robust and dispense with complicated sensors to render possible a low cost production. According to the method of automatic controlling a self-moving device, especially a vacuum cleaner, with range-respectively contact-sensors, a closer area around the device is individually determined and scanned, e.g. by a movable arm. The device is then moved to a respective new position until no position can be selected anymore. At this, the determination of the closer area and the selection of the position is realised mainly on the basis of the information of the surroundings, which is stored in a map (vacuuming field) and updated in each step, at this to determine the respective next position. An optimising of all positions, which have been stored and can be approached by the device, is performed by calculating and comparing for each of these positions certain evaluation parameters like distances or areas in the reach of a possible new position, which have not yet been scanned, and by selecting the position with the best evaluation result. The scanning of the closer area is realised, starting with the retracted state of the arm, by repeated turns to the left and the right with an increased length of the arm at each turn, until a given maximum arm length is reached and the arm is then, following a last turn, retracted again. The fully automatic method of controlling, especially of controlling a self moving vacuum cleaner, with range and contact sensors, which was developed to solve the described problems, shows the following features: Around the device, a closer area is determined, which is scanned by sensors, and at the borders of this closer area, possible new positions for the device are stored. Then, after selection of a position stored in the current or previous step, dependent on the degree of accessibility, on an assigned priority and under consideration of the existence of not yet scanned areas in the range of a possible new position, the selected position is approached and then the described sequence of steps is repeated until a given area is completely covered or no new positions can be selected anymore. The floor surface scanned by the sensors is stored in a two dimensional data field to mark herein by means of certain states obstacles detected during the scanning, free areas and possible new positions for the device. This data field, in which successively a copy of the accessible floor surface with the contours of each obstacle within and the limiting borders of the floor surface is generated, is used to determine the controlling parameters for the device and to control the already covered area. Further advantageous possibilities of the method of controlling are as follows: The closer area can be determined by the reach of the sensors, which are mounted on the device flexibly or stationary. At this, sensors can be used which are sensitive to direction and possess distant effect, or simple contact respectively range sensors, which are guided above the surface which is to be scanned by a suitable mechanical arrangement. But the scanning of the closer area can also be performed by emulating the effects of sensors with distant effect or of flexible sensors by moving the complete device, so that the device detects the maximum closer area within reach including potential obstacles with sensors without distance effect. In this case, any area relative to the position of the device can be defined as a closer area. When using sensors which do not provide any information about the direction, after the detection of an obstacle its exact position is determined by consideration of the direction of detection. To limit the number of stored positions, after the scanning of the closer area, new positions are only stored where no obstacles have been detected and where no areas border, which have been already scanned from a previous position of the device. This condition is realised most simply by storing only new positions at those borders of the closer area which are marked in the data field as not yet scanned. While storing a point (x,y) into the data field with the dimensions x_max and y_max, for negative co-ordinates the transformation into a positive range of co-ordinates, e. g. by forming x_max�|x| respectively y_max�|y| is realised. When scanning again an area already marked in the data field, the states of this area are updated according to the new sensor data. Thus it is realised, that because of the overlap of the scanning areas and especially if obstacles are located in an area already scanned, the stored information about the scanned area will always be updated. When selecting a new position for the device, only such positions are taken into consideration, which are marked in the data field as not yet scanned. This criterion provides a simple but effective method to consider the not yet scanned areas in the range of a new position: If in the meantime a position is marked as already scanned since its storage in the data field, it can be deduced that the surrounding areas as well have been covered because of the usually compact closer areas. Because of that, such a position can be deleted, since it does not have to be approached anymore. When storing new positions, different priorities for the positions can be assigned, e. g. dependent on their location and nearness in comparison with other positions. When selecting a new position for the device, only such positions are considered whose priorities are not inferior to that of a new position already preliminarily selected in the current step. When selecting a new position, only such positions are considered, which are located within a certain partial area. This partial area will be modified during the process, if within the current partial area no new position can be selected. This method renders possible an indirect influence on the movement of the device, for instance to ensure that the device mainly covers coherent areas. When selecting a new position, the distance and the direction from the current position can be used as a criterion of valuation. Moreover, when selecting a new position for the device, by evaluating the data field it can guaranteed, that the new position can be reached by the device on a direct route, allowing only areas to be traversed which have already been scanned and which are not marked as an obstacle. Furthermore, it is possible when selecting a new position to consider the covered distance since the storage of a possible new position, to limit the influence of backlash. This can for instance be realised by marking as free an additional safety distance at the borders of the area which is to be traversed, whose width depends on the covered distance, when checking the possible reach of a position in the data field. After selecting a new position by evaluating the data field, the shortest route within the already scanned area under avoiding obstacles is determined and the device is moved along this route. The device can be set back on any previous position and when setting back the device over several positions, certain positions in between can be skipped, if a checking of the data field shows that the device does not have to traverse areas marked as obstacle during its movement. If an unexpected obstacle blocks the movement of the device, it will detect the contours of the obstacle by scanning it with the sensors. Since during the movement of the device usually no new scanning of the route occurs, because at this only areas are traversed, which are marked as free in the data field, the device can meet unknown obstacles caused by the movement of objects or maybe because of backlash. In this case, the movement of the device is interrupted, the closer area is scanned to update the stored data, and then a new position is selected. After approaching the new position, the new closer area is determined by evaluating the data field, so that only a small overlap with already scanned neighbored areas occurs. Especially advantageous for the use of the invention as a vacuum cleaner is the fact that during the scanning, at the same time the floor surface is cleaned. To ensure this, the scanning can be realised by a movable arm, so that not yet scanned areas are always covered at first by the front end of the arm. When contacting an obstacle, the arm is guided along the detected obstacle at the smallest possible range. Especially advantageous can be the selecting of the closer area around the device in form of the sector of a circle, with the scanning being performed by repeated turns of the device to the left and the right with an increased length of the extensible arm at each turn. To avoid the repeated scanning of the same obstacle, the arm can be shortened in the range of those angles where an obstacle has already been detected. By evaluating the information in the data field it is ensured that the cleaning of the floor surface is only conducted in areas which are marked as not yet cleaned in the data field. A device suitable for the methods of the invention, which besides a suction unit can of course contain other cleaning units, e. g. for sweeping, cleaning by steam or by spray or which can be used alternatively for other purposes such as lawn mowing, search of objects or controlling purposes, shows the following substantial features, which can be combined: The device with propelled wheels and steering wheels respectively propelling wheels which can be steered and sensors and an extensible arm is characterised by the fact that apart from two propelled wheels the lower front end of the arm (head) is used as a third support, which rests on rollers, balls, wheels or bristles. The device with propelled wheels and steering wheels respectively propelling wheels which can be steered and sensors and an extensible arm with a head positioned at its front end is characterised by one or several rotating circular brushes positioned at the head. The device with propelled wheels and steering wheels respectively propelling wheels which can be steered and sensors and an extensible arm is characterised by range or contact sensors at the arm to detect obstacles, which by moving the arm and turning the device can cover the closer area and detect obstacles for the movement of the arm as well as obstacles which only impede the movement of the device. The device with propelled wheels and steering wheels respectively propelling wheels which can be steered and sensors is characterised by the fact that the drives are connected elastically with the respective wheel, e. g. by means of a worm drive, with the displacement of the drives caused by the blocking of the device by an obstacle being detected. This feature renders it possible to renounce on an additional outer contact sensor, which would have to surround the device completely and which would be mechanically complicated. Additional advantageous features of the device are characterised as follows: The drive of the circular brush(es) is realised via a movable shaft by a motor which is positioned at the base of the device. Each brush is surrounded by a thick ring of soft bristles which are adjusted diagonally towards the outer part of the brush to remove dust from the edges of furniture and to avoid damage. Moreover, the brush can possess bristles which are adjusted diagonally towards the inner part of the brush and can solve dirt from the floor, support the device and in addition to that, are able to lift the head of the device at small steps e. g. at the edges of carpets. If several circular brushes are used, the axes can be arranged and propelled so that the brushes move the dirt in the direction of the suction nozzle beneath the head. Especially advantageous is an already known arrangement as described in the German patent application 1057 154, in which the brushes are put into self rotation by means of a planetary gear while at the same time circulating under the head. Special sensors at the head detect obstacles for the movement of the arm. A sensor for this purpose can advantageously be constructed in the form of two electrical conductors positioned within a short distance to each other around the head of the arm, of which the outer one is pressed elastically against the inner one when touching an obstacle, thus closing an electrical circuit. Other sensors at the head detect obstacles for the movement of the device which do not block the arm. For this purpose, a range sensor can be used which measures the clear height above the head, using e.g. ultrasonic or electromagnetic waves. Additionally, a sensor, e. g. in form of a mechanical push button or contact-free, can detect steps in the floor surface beneath the head to avoid tipping of the device. The movable arm advantageously is constructed as a telescopic arm with a rectangular profile to provide, when used as a vacuum cleaner, a big sectional area for the air stream while constructed as low as possible. If the device is not supported at the front end of the arm, it is advantageous to construct the telescopic arm so that at its rear end it is mounted rotating around a horizontal axis respectively vertically flexible to guarantee a good floor contact of the head. Also in this case, an additional support with an integrated ball to roll off can be positioned under the front end of the arm, which allows any lateral movement. By shifting of weight, the resting pressure of the head can be varied. After releasing of the blocking sensor, the device is advantageously placed back until no further blocking is detected by the sensor. Then follows a repeated advancement, though with reduced speed, to distinguish between real and fake obstacles. If the sensor releases the first time because of a real obstacle, it will release again at reduced speed. If the cause is only a step in the floor surface which can be overcome, e. g. the edge of a carpet, or an increased frictional resistance of the brush, the reduced speed causes a reduction of the dynamic forces and the frictional forces, thus preventing a new release. By means of the example of a vacuum cleaner, the process of the method of the invention is explained in detail, while for better understanding, the construction of the device is described at first. The method of the invention can of course be applied independent of the device described in the following and also with any other suitable device. The figures explain the embodiment of the invention as described in the following and are given by way of illustration only and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and wherein: FIG. 1 illustrating the elevation of the vacuum cleaner, FIG. 2 illustrating the top plan view of the vacuum cleaner, FIG. 3 illustrating the longitudinal sectional view of the suction head, FIG. 4 illustrating the top plan view of the suction head, FIG. 5 illustrating the driving means with blocking sensor, FIG. 6 illustrating the motion control while vacuuming sectors, FIG. 7 illustrating the sectors of vacuuming when obstacles occur, FIG. 8 illustrating the sequencing of vacuuming sectors, FIG. 9 illustrating the storage of the cleaned areas, FIG. 10 illustrating the complete flow chart of the controlling method, FIG. 11 illustrating the flow chart �Vacuuming of the sector ahead�, FIG. 12 illustrating the flow chart �Turning of the vacuum cleaner with possible shortening of the arm�, FIG. 13 illustrating the flow chart �Extension of the arm with possible turning of the vacuum cleaner�, and FIG. 14 illustrating the flow chart �Determination of a new cleaning position�. Driving Means and Concept of Movement FIG. 1 shows the elevation of the vacuum cleaner 1 while FIG. 2 depicts the top plan view upon the lower level of the vacuum cleaner 1 with removed dust arrester collecting container 3. The drive is realised by two step motors 9, each of which is propelled by means of a worm drive 24 with a gear reduction of approx. 1:30. A rubber covered wheel 8 is provided for each motor 9. By positioning the wheels 8 on the symmetrical axis of the circular base, by means of the two motors 9, as well the forward thrust (same direction of turning) as the turning around the center of the vacuum cleaner 1 (opposite directions of turning) can be realised. As a third support, the cleaning brush 12 is used. The cleaning brush 12 is mounted at the front end of the extensible suction arm 4. By positioning the comparatively heavy battery 7, which provides every motor 2, 9, 26 a s well as the electronic hardware 5 with energy, on the basis of the cleaner body, it is realised that the vacuum cleaner 1 is provided with a slight off-balance towards the front end, so that a stable support of the vacuum cleaner 1 is always guaranteed. This concept on the one hand grants a very simple mechanical construction, because no additional supporting wheel is necessary, and on the other hand, the suction brush 12 always is in close contact to the floor surface, independent of uneven areas of the floor covering. Extensible Suction Arm With Rotating Brush An essential element of the construction of the vacuum cleaner 1 is the extensible suction arm 4, see FIGS. 1 and 2, which renders possible the access to not easily accessible areas of the floor, e. g. under closets or in small niches. The suction arm 4 possesses a rectangular profile and consists mainly of two hollow bodies fitted into each other like a telescope which are made of synthetic material and through which the air stream is guided. The length of the suction arm 4 is also controlled by a step motor 9, which drives a toothed rack 10 mounted at the front of the extensible inner part and Which allows an exact positioning. At the front end of the arm 4, a rotating suction brush 12 is mounted, which is set rotating by a worm drive 24. The worm drive 24 is mounted on a shaft 6 with a square profile, on which a cone shaped cog-wheel 25 can glide while transferring the momentum. By a suitable support at the outer side and by a second cone shaped cog-wheel at the inside in an angle of 90�, the first cog wheel is axially fixed at the base of the vacuum cleaner 1. By this arrangement it is realised that the brush 12 can be turned independent of the current length of the suction arm 4. Apart from that, the suction arm 4 can be constructed very flat to clean the floor under low furniture. As a drive for the brush 12, a commercial geared motor 26 is used, with which a turning frequency of the brush 12 of about 0.5 Hz is adjusted. The cleaning effect is realised by guiding the dust into a collecting container 3 by means of the brush 12 within the suction arm 4 and by the air stream which is generated by an electric motor 2 with a power of approx. 50 W. The high suction efficiency partly results from the fact that the even-surfaced and aerodynamic favorable guiding of the air stream causes only little turbulence and so only small losses. An additional and most important improvement of the cleaning effect is realised by the cleaning brush 12 which rotates around its vertical middle axis, and whose longitudinal section is illustrated in FIG. 3. The position of the section B�B is shown in FIG. 4. This brush 12 bunches the air stream and loosens dust and other foreign substances mechanically of the floor, mainly independent of the kind of floor covering. The so-called brush-wheel 27 is connected by an axis 28 with a cog-wheel above the suction arm 4, in which the worm drive 24, which is mounted at the end of the shaft 6 with the square profile, gears in. The brush-wheel 27 is constructed as a spoke-wheel as to impede the air stream which is passing through as little as possible. The bristles are all mounted at the outer edge of the brush-wheel 27, with the bristles 21 which are adjusted diagonally towards the inner axis being manufactured comparatively stiff and showing a sufficiently big distance from each other as to let the air stream pass between them unimpededly. These bristles 21 support the vacuum cleaner 1 at the front and guarantee that the very soft bristles 22 which are adjusted diagonally towards the outer side of the brush just make contact with the floor covering. Apart from the thus realised decrease of the frictional resistance, an additional advantage is realised by the fact that the outer bristles 21 are arranged very densely and that the air stream can only pass through the cleft to the floor, so that an effective radial jet effect is produced. Optionally, for very soft floor coverings, an additional support 29 made of synthetic material can be positioned under the brush-wheel 27 as a lengthening of its own axis to prevent a too deep sinking of the suction head 11. In this support 29, a roller ball, which can be turned freely on the floor, is integrated to minimise the loss because of friction when moving the arm 4, see FIG. 3. The stiff bristles 21 which are adjusted diagonally towards the inside of the brush have another important task, because they render possible an uncomplicated transition while passing small steps in the floor covering, e. g. at the edges of carpets. Here, the outer soft bristles 22 are pressed towards the inside of the brush when moving the suction arm 4, with the suction head 11 being slightly lifted because of the elasticity of the bristles. This effect is increased by the diagonal adjustment of the inner supporting-bristles 21, so that the suction arm 4 can glide over the step. The resistance of the bristles when moving the vacuum cleaner 1 on carpet or over steps also is distinctly decreased by the vertical turning of the brush 12. The turning frequency has to be adjusted to the lateral moving speed of the suction head 11 to guarantee the optimum rolling off of the suction head 11. This effect is independent of the current direction of moving of the vacuum cleaner 1 because of the radial symmetry of the brush 12. Compared to usual forms of suction heads and suction brushes, a main advantage of the above described construction lies in the fact that especially in the direct environment of the suction head 11, e. g. while vacuuming the edges of furniture and skirting boards, a high cleaning effect is realised, while damage is excluded by the use of the soft outer bristles 22. Altogether, by combination of all these factors it is realised that despite the necessarily limited capacity of the motor due to the power supply by batteries, the cleaning effect is much better than that of commercial vacuum cleaners with distinctly higher connected load. Orientation of the Vacuum Cleaner With Sensors The orientation of the vacuum cleaner 1 is based on the calculation of the current suction position by means of the already covered distance. Because of the exact stepwise steering and the statistical occurrence of possible mistakes in positioning, a preciseness of location can be reached, which even after long distances, covered while vacuum cleaning a room, in combination with the sensors is absolutely sufficient. To detect obstacles with high local precision, the suction head 11 scans the floor area in front of it by turning the vacuum cleaner 1 and by an appropriate extension of the arm, see chapter �Vacuuming of a sector�. At this it is guaranteed by the circular symmetry of the vacuum cleaner 1, that while the device is turning, only the suction head 11 can meet an obstacle. Altogether, three sensors 13, 14, 15 are required for this task. The most important function falls to the share of the contact sensor 14 at the suction head 11, whose construction is illustrated in FIG. 4. This sensor 14 is used for detecting the touching of obstacles while turning the arm 4 or moving it in a longitudinal direction. It consists mainly of two strips 19, 20 made of synthetic material, which surround the suction head 11 and are kept within a distance of only a few millimetres of each other by means of two lateral distance-blocks 18. While the inner strip 19 is permanently connected with the suction head 11, the outer strip 20 is supported only by the distance-blocks 18 and consists of a very thin elastic synthetic material, to obtain the effect of a soft spring. The inner sides of the strips 19, 20, which are turned towards each other, are covered with a conducting material and joined by means of connecting wires with the electronic hardware. Usually, these surfaces, which provide the contacts are isolated against each other by means of the isolating distance-blocks 18 and the surrounding air. But if the suction head 11 meets an obstacle, the outer strip 20 will be pressed against the inner strip 19 so that an electrical circuit will be closed. Upon such contact, the direction in which the obstacle is met is not important. The two bulges 23 at both sides of the suction head 11 are used to reliably detect lateral touches when turning the vacuum cleaner 1. These bulges 23 convey the lateral pressure on the outer elastic strip 20, which then is pressed against the inner strip 19. FIG. 1 illustrates that the contact sensor 14 covers the complete height of the suction head 11 and also extends a far way down to be able to detect possible obstacles, which can block the movement of the suction head 11. Though the contact sensor 14 is not capable to detect the direction of an obstacle, this information always can be gained because the direction of the movement of the suction head 11 is known. The second very important sensor is the so called height sensor 13 at the upper front end of the suction head 11, see FIGS. 3 and 4. This sensor 13 has the task to detect obstacles, which do not impede the suction arm 4 and suction head 11, but whose clear height is not sufficient for the whole vacuum cleaner 1 to pass under them. For this purpose, a commercial infrared range sensor is used, whose release range is exactly adjusted to the height of the vacuum cleaner 1 minus the height of the suction head 11. This sensor 13 possesses a high lateral accuracy, so that even at obstacles with a vertical distance of about 30 cm, a lateral local precision of only a few centimetres is obtained. As a third sensor, a so called step sensor 15 is provided, see FIG. 3, to detect major steps in the floor covering, e. g. at stairs, to prevent a toppling over of the vacuum cleaner 1. This sensor 15 consists of a sensitive switch, which is mounted shortly behind the suction head 11 at the lower edge of the suction arm 4, with the distance between sensor 15 and floor measuring about 1 cm on even surfaces. If the suction head 11 is moved over a step with a vertical downward displacement, which has at least the same distance as between sensor 15 and floor, the suction arm touches down with the switch which releases the sensor. The sensors 13 to 15 described above are sufficient to be able to definitely control the vacuum cleaner 1 under normal conditions with the method described in the chapter �Automatic controlling of the vacuum cleaner�. In spite of that, by moving of objects in areas already vacuumed, it cannot be excluded, that the vacuum cleaner 1 meets obstacles when moving. To be able to mark an obstacle for the controlling program in this case as well, the power transmission from the step motors 9 to the two propelling wheels is endowed with a mechanical blocking sensor 16 for each wheel. To illustrate the function of the blocking sensor 16, one of the step motors 9 is pictured in FIG. 5 in detail. This view is taken along section �A�A� in FIG. 2. The pinion 30 of the step motor 9 transmits its momentum on a cog-wheel 25 which propels a worm drive. The shaft, on which cog-wheel 25 and worm drive 24 are mounted, is connected with the elastic mounting support 31 by axial rings 32 so that no axial movement of the shaft in relation to the mounting support 31 is possible and so the turning of the shaft is transmitted by means of the worm drive 24 in the turning of the wheel 8. However, the propelling unit is no rigid system, because the combined mounting support 31 of shaft and step motor 9 consists of elastic material, which will permit slight axial displacements of the shaft, if during the turning of the motor a blocking of the vacuum cleaner occurs. This displacement of the bearing 17 also closes an electrical contact as illustrated in FIG. 5, which is evaluated by the controlling electronic hardware. The presented realisation of a blocking sensor 16 compared with rigid systems possesses the advantage, that during a sudden blocking of the vacuum cleaner, no great forces occur, which could cause damage. Because of the elasticity of the mounting support 31, a gradual increase of the propelling forces at the shaft occurs, until the blocking sensor 16 releases. By changing the degree of rigidity of the bearing 17, the elasticity of the drive can be adjusted individually to the weight of the vacuum cleaner 1 and the dynamic forces. Automatic Controlling of the Vacuum Cleaner Description of the Controlling Method The controlling of the vacuum cleaner 1 is realised that, starting from the current position and in relation to the previous direction of movement, a sector with a maximum of �90� is vacuumed in a meandering form, see FIG. 6. At first, the vacuum cleaner turns to the left maximum position. Then follows a turn to he maximum right, a lengthening of the suction arm 4 in the size of the diameter of the suction head, and then the turning back to the left maximum position. This procedure of movement is repeated until the suction arm 4 has reached its maximum length, after which it is drawn back completely when the last turn to the right has been finished. The described controlling of movement is automatically adjusted. If obstacles occur during the turning or the movement of the arm, see the chapter �Vacuuming of a sector�. In FIG. 7, a limited sector area is illustrated, which can be covered by the suction head 11 if objects impede the movement. Thus, so called vacuuming shadows may occur, which the suction head 11 cannot reach because of the blocking of the turning of the suction arm 4. Apart from this vacuuming shadows, further free border areas of the currently vacuumed sector are marked, see next chapter, and so marked as possible new positions for the vacuum cleaner. Out of all these positions, after finishing the vacuuming of a sector, the next vacuuming position is selected and approached, see �Determination of a new vacuuming positions�. FIG. 8 illustrates by means of the example of the corner of a room, how by concatenating single vacuuming sectors, areas with any contour can be cleaned completely (in this example all sectors possess the maximum opening angle of 180�). By means of overlapping the sectors, some areas are cleaned several times, which additionally increases the cleaning effect and compensates possible inaccuracies of the position of the vacuum cleaner. To increase the reach of the vacuum cleaner with one charge of the batteries, the suction engine, which is the biggest consumer of power, runs only while vacuuming a sector and not when a new vacuming position is approached. Marking of the Cleaned Areas For the global orientation of the vacuum cleaner, the whole area which is to be cleaned is mapped in an electronic data field, the so called vacuuming field, wherein the different states which can be assigned to an area element are stored. This two dimensional information is used to mark new cleaning positions, to determine the route to these positions and for the determination of the vacuuming sector. The following four states can be distinguished: State 0 �unvacuumed� This state is the default-value in the cleaning field when starting the vacuum cleaner and is overwritten as soon as the suction head has covered the respective place for the first time. State 1 �vacuumed� This state is assigned to all area elements of the vacuuming field, which have already been covered by the suction head and which do not present an obstacle for the movement of the vacuum cleaner. State 2 �obstacle� This state is used to mark obstacles, which have been detected by the sensors. A field marked with this state cannot be traversed by the vacuum cleaner when approaching a new cleaning position. State 3 �possible new cleaning position� With this state, while cleaning a sector, a border field, which before must exhibit the state 0, is marked as a possible new cleaning position. If the area later on is covered by the suction head, the field will obtain the state 1 or 2. When controlling a possible new vacuuming position, state 3 shows that the respective area has not been vacuumed before. To map the real area which has to be cleaned in the vacuuming field, a two-dimensional screen is used. At this, the local precision in x- or y- direction amounts to 1 cm each and thus is sufficiently exact for the precision of detection of the sensors. Since for the four different states only two bits are necessary, it is possible to map with this resolution an area of 10�10 m2 into a memory size of only 250 kBytes. A possible problem when minimising the storing requirements is caused by the fact that at the beginning of the cleaning procedure, the vacuum cleaner is started at any place of the room. From this origin, for x and y may occur positive as well as negative co-ordinates, while the latter cannot be taken over directly into the vacuuming field. To solve this problem, a transformation of co-ordinates is carried out, see FIG. 9: Each negative value for x respectively y is mapped on xmax�|x| respectively ymax�|y|, with xmax and ymax defining the maximum dimensions of the vacuuming field for x and y, which limit the range of movement of the vacuum cleaner. Because of the transformation, field areas with at least one negative co-ordinate, are mapped in a shifted way in the vacuuming field. During control of the movement, it is supervised that the amount of the maximum positive and the maximum negative vacuuming distance from the origin in the directions x and y does not exceed the given values for xmax or ymax. If this is not the case, the processing of the program will be interrupted with an error message. Since the suction head moves rather continuously, new states in the cleaning field will always be assigned if a distance of 1 cm has been covered. This includes that the areas below the outer radius of the suction head are taken into account in the form of a semi-circle in relation to the respective direction of movement of the head. An exception of this rule of marking is made for the sensors for height and steps: If these sensors detect an obstacle, only the area in the vacuuming field which is positioned directly under the respective sensor, will be marked. Description of the Controlling Method In the flow charts described in the following, the following notation is used for the illustration: Beginning and end respectively jumping back to the previous flow chart are marked by a circle. Actions are symbolised by rectangles, with symbols marked by shadows meaning that the respective action is detailed in a separate flow chart. Hexagons with two lateral peaks have the meaning of a decision with the two possibilities �yes� and �no�. The complete flowchart of the vacuum cleaner control is depicted in FIG. 10. At the beginning of the vacuuming process and always when a new vacuuming position is taken, the current vacuuming position is stored. For a definite localisation, the x- and y-co-ordinates of the center point of the vacuum cleaner, the length of the suction arm and the angle, which the suction arm takes in relation to the x-axis, are required. Then, the optimum size of the sector to be vacuumed within the maximum borders of the angle of �90� (proceeding from the previous direction of movement of the vacuum cleaner) and the maximum possible length of the suction arm Rmax, are determined. For this, it is checked in the vacuuming field, which points still show the state 0, meaning unvacuumed. The area in which these points can be found is marked definitely by the left and the right limiting angle Wl and Wr and the outer-and inner radius Ra and Ri, with Ri meaning the constant length of the arm when retracted. In the next step, the so defined area of the sector is vacuumed, see section �Vacuuming of a sector�, including a respective treatment of obstacles. Every area which is covered, is marked in the cleaning field with the state 1 respectively if an obstacle was detected with state 2. Now possible new positions of the suction head (tasks) are marked with the state 3 in the vacuuming field as possible starting points for new vacuuming sectors at the free outer borders of the vacuumed area, which are marked by the state 0. In addition to this marking, the storage of each task is carried out with its co-ordinates, its priority and the optimum new direction of vacuuming (rectangular to the respective border) in the list of the still open tasks. If the vacuum cleaner could be turned to Wl respectively Wr as well as at the vacuuming shadows behind obstacles, the corners will be marked as possible new vacuuming positions. Apart from the lateral borders, the center of each free border area (marked by the fact that the arm can be extended to Ra without contacting an obstacle) is marked. To increase the number of possible vacuuming positions at larger free border areas, apart from the center additional border points are marked, though with the lower priority 2. In FIG. 6, the possible new vacuuming positions in case of a sector without obstacles, and in FIG. 7 in case of a sector with obstacles, are depicted as black arrows (prio 1) respectively as white arrows (prio 2), with the arrowheads illustrating the new direction of vacuuming. The current position of the suction head, from which the last sector was vacuumed, now is deleted from the list of still open tasks. Then, the position for the vacuuming of the next sector is determined out of all stored tasks and the vacuum cleaner is moved with its head to this point, see chapter �Determination of the next vacuuming sector�. If no new vacuuming position could be found and approached, the cleaning process will be ended; if this is not the case, it will be continued with the storage of the new vacuuming position as described above. Vacuuming of a Sector While vacuuming the current sector, whose borders were determined after the approaching of a new position, the method described in the following with its route optimised controlling of the suction head allows the exact scanning of the contours of any object which impedes the movement of the suction arm. If no obstacles are detected during the sector vacuuming, the movement of the suction head will be carried through as in FIG. 6 illustrated. But if the suction head meets an obstacle while turning or changing the length, it is guided along the obstacle at a close range. To be able to guide the suction head along already known obstacles and to avoid a multiple detection, the so called angle-field is used, which is initiated anew before each vacuuming of a sector and is used to store the respective maximum radius for each angle of the sector. At the beginning of the sector vacuuming, the desired radius Rs, which provides the reference length for the suction arm and which is incremented after each turning, is set at the inner radius Ri, which the suction arm takes in its retracted state. Now, the suction arm is turned towards the left border of the sector Wl, at the most though until meeting an obstacle, afterwards the turning direction is changed. Then follows the turning of the vacuum cleaner into the current direction with possible shortening of the length of the arm, see next chapter and FIG. 12. During this procedure, if the determined final angle cannot be reached directly because of an obstacle, it will be tried to continue the turning by shortening the length of the arm step by step while detecting the border contour of the obstacle. The turning is finished as soon as the suction arm reaches the final angle respectively if it can be turned freely the next step after a necessary shortening of the arm, because then the arm at first has to be lengthened again to follow the contour of the obstacle. After this, it is checked, if after finishing the turning process the respective sector border could be reached, respectively if all angles up to the sector border are marked with an radius shorter than the current desired radius. Only if at least one of these conditions is fulfilled, the direction of turning will be converted, Rs will be increased by the diameter of the suction head and it will be checked, if Rs is larger than the previously determined outer radius Ra. Since in this case, the outer border of the sector was reached, the suction motor is stopped, the suction arm is retracted to Ri and the vacuuming process is continued as described in FIG. 10 and section �Description of the controlling method�. If this criterion of breaking off is not fulfilled, in the following it is tried to extend the suction arm to Rs, see section �Extension of the arm with possible turning of the vacuum cleaner� and FIG. 13. At this, in case of contact with an obstacle, the turning is continued step by step and then it is tried a new to reach Rs. This macro ends with reaching Rs respectively if the evaluation of the angle-fields reveals that in the direction of the turning, all accessible areas have already been vacuumed. Then, it is jumped back to the macro �Turning of the vacuum cleaner with possible shortening of the arm�, as described above. Turning of the Vacuum Cleaner With Possible Shortening of the Arm As illustrated in FIG. 12, at first the final angle of the turning is calculated, which generally is not identical with the left or right border angle Wl respectively Wr. For this, it is checked if at a previous turn in this direction with a shorter length of the arm an obstacle has already been detected. In this case, a too large turning angle would cause the suction arm to meet an already known obstacle again, though not with the suction head an the here mounted contact sensor, but further behind. The obstacle then could only be detected by the blocking sensor, which releases at distinctly greater forces when pressed against an obstacle than the contact sensor and which is not planned for this use (see �Orientation of the vacuum cleaner with sensors�). If after completing of the turning the borders of the sectors Wl respectively Wr have been reached, meaning that no obstacle has occurred, an instant jumping back to FIG. 11 is performed, see the previous section. The jumping back also will be performed if the turning is stopped because of a known obstacle, which reaches up to the border of the sector, because then a continuing of the turning with the current desired radius behind the obstacle is not possible. If both conditions are not fulfilled, the suction head will be turned back by 1 cm and then the arm is retracted, while it is distinguished between two cases. If an obstacle which is already known but can be circumvented exists, meaning that the turning can be continued behind the obstacle with the desired radius, the arm will be retracted far enough and turned before the obstacle. After this, the jumping back to the previous flowchart is performed. If the obstacle is detected with the current desired radius for the first time, its contour will have to be scanned exactly to be able to vacuum the edges at best. Because of that, in this case the length of the arm is shortened only by 1 cm and then it is tried to turn on the head for half the width of the head (though the borders of the sector here form an absolute limit). The radiuses of the suction arm in the covered angles are then stored in the angle-field. If the suction arm could be turned half the width of the head without meeting again the obstacle or if the respective border of the sector was reached, it will he jumped back to FIG. 11. If the sensors detect a new obstacle, it will again be checked if a continuing is possible as described above. Extension of the Arm With Possible Turning of the Vacuum Cleaner At first it is tried as illustrated in FIG. 13, to extend the suction arm to the current desired angle Rs. The arm is turned back after finishing the extension of the arm against the current direction of turning for at most half the width of the head until the obstacle is met. Since when circumventing an obstacle the turning is performed in multiples of half the width of the head, the turning back is necessary to assure that the contour of the obstacle which has to be circumvented is detected exactly. The turning back has to be performed only if before no change of the turning direction has occurred and even then would only be performed if the suction arm can be extended a certain minimum length. Then, it will be checked if the desired radius has been reached or if in the angle-field already all following angles in the turning direction are marked with a radius smaller than Rs, thus marking a known obstacle until the border of the sector. In both cases, it is jumped back to FIG. 11. If a known obstacle lies within the turning direction which does not reach up to the border of the sector, the suction arm then will be retracted as far as necessary, turned past the obstacle and then it will be tried again to extend the arm. If this is not possible, the suction arm will be retracted slightly until no obstacle is detected anymore by the sensor and turned on half the width of the head. If because of an obstacle no turn has been possible, the jumping back to FIG. 11 will be performed. If the arm could be turned at least slightly, the covered area in the angle-field would be marked with the respective radiuses, and then follows the jumping back to the extension of the suction arm as described above. Determination of the Next Vacuuming Position The main principle to determine the new vacuuming position consist in filtering the optimum task of the current position out of all the open tasks by evaluating different criteria. If no new task is found from the current position, the previous positions of the vacuum cleaner will be examined one after another. If from one of these previous positions, a new vacuuming position can be determined, the vacuum cleaner will be led back to this position, and from there, the new position is approached. At the beginning of the flow chart in FIG. 14, the test position is set on the current position of the vacuum cleaner. Then, all the stored tasks will be run through and checked if they are suitable as a possible continuing step. The following evaluations in the here mentioned sequence are performed: At first, by means of the state in the vacuuming field it will be checked, if the stored position has been already vacuumed. In this case, the respective task is rejected and deleted. If a possible candidate for the new position has already been chosen, only such tasks will be evaluated, which show at least the same priority, see chapter �Description of the controlling method�. If this condition is fulfilled, then the distance of the task from the current test position will be calculated and by means of the states in the cleaning field, it will be checked, if the vacuum cleaner with its head can be moved to this position on a direct route. For this, the whole route which has to be covered by the vacuum cleaner has to be marked with the state 1 and it has to be possible that the task can be reached at least by extending the arm. Of all positions which can be approached, that one is selected, whose priority is higher than the one of the priorities already selected, or which possesses a higher value of the x co-ordinate if the priorities are equal. By this criterion it is guaranteed that the area which is to be cleaned always is cleaned from back to front. If after checking all stored tasks, no approachable position could be found, the test position will be set back on the respective previous position of the vacuum cleaner, from where again a loop over all tasks is performed. If from none of the former positions of the vacuum cleaner a continuing is possible, either because all of the tasks have been accomplished or because the still open tasks cannot be reached by the vacuum cleaner, the vacuuming process will break off. If this is not the case, it will be checked, if the test position, from where a task has been found, is identical to the current position of the vacuum cleaner. While in this case, the new position can be approached directly after the turning of the vacuum cleaner in the respective direction, in all other cases, the vacuum cleaner has to be set back to the test position at first. At this, during several operations of setting-back which have to be carried through, an optimising of the route is performed by checking for each position in between, if it can be skipped and if the vacuum cleaner possibly can be moved back directly from its current position to the position from which then is taken the new vacuuming position. Condition for a possible �short-cut� again is the fact that the vacuum cleaner only may traverse areas, which are marked in the vacuuming-field with the state 1 to avoid a collision with obstacles. The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims. Patent Citations
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