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does the full/queen come with 2 shams?
Mi Zone Nelly Pink 3-piece Comforter Set
Bold and playful, this comforter set features a colorful medallion print atop a white background. This charming comforter set arrives with a comforter, one reversible pillow sham and a decorative pillow.
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ITEM#: 14147002Bold and playful, this comforter set features a colorful medallion print atop a white background. This charming comforter set arrives with a comforter, one reversible pillow sham and a decorative pillow.
- Set includes: One comforter, one sham, one decorative pillow
- Style: Contemporary
- Fabric detail: Printed
- Pattern: Geometric/medallion
- Color options: Pink/purple/orange
- Materials: 100-percent polyester
- Care instructions: Machine washable
Twin/Twin XL Dimensions
- Comforter: 66 inches wide x 90 inches long
- Sham: 20 inches wide x 26 inches long
- Pillow: 10 inches wide x 18 inches long
Full/Queen Dimensions
- Comforter: 86 inches wide x 90 inches long
- Sham: 20 inches wide x 26 inches long
- Pillow: 10 inches wide x 18 inches long
The digital images we display have the most accurate color possible. However, due to differences in computer monitors, we cannot be responsible for variations in color between the actual product and your screen.
|Boys Girls
|Reversible Bedding
|Fabric Care
|Machine Wash
|Product Features
|Reversible Bedding
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|Model Number
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Bold and playful, this comforter set features a colorful medallion print atop a white background. This charming comforter set arrives with a comforter, one reversible pillow sham and a decorative pillow.
Shopping Guides
Tips on Buying Bedroom Comforter Sets
Buying new bedding for your bedroom can be challenging, but a bedroom comforter set makes the whole process easier. Bedroom comforter sets, which feature a comforter and shams, at the least, or a comforter, shams, bed skirt and throw pillows at the most, provide a simple, inexpensive way to decorate your bedroom. Keep reading for five tips on buying bedroom comforter sets.
Comforter Sets vs Bed-in-a-Bag Sets
Comforter sets and bed-in-a-bag sets offer a more practical solution to individual linen purchases, especially when you can't find matching or coordinating items in the sizes needed for your bed. Matched bedding sets like comforter sets and bed-in-a-bag sets are similar in that they offer the basic trappings needed to make your bedroom more attractive, but they differ in a few key ways. This article about comforter sets vs. bed-in-a-bag sets should help you figure out how comforter sets and bed-in-a-bag sets vary.
Top 5 Comforter Sets
When you want to create a complete, finished look for your bedroom, try a comforter set. By incorporating great bedding into your decor, you'll infuse your bedroom with solace and express your personal style, too. Comforter sets make it easy to decorate any bedroom to match your specifications. Your unique style will determine which comforter set is best for you.
FAQs about Comforter Sets
Finding the right bedding for your room can be time-consuming, but comforter sets make the process simple and inexpensive. As with any bedding purchase you make, asking a few important questions about bed comforter sets can help you make sure that a bed comforter set is what you want and help you find the set that's right for you. Keep reading for five FAQs about comforter sets.
How to Choose a Comforter Set
Do you wish you could give your bedroom a stylish new look in a flash? A comforter set can help. With the assistance of a comforter set, any bedroom can become a place of fashionable comfort in no time. Comforter sets are available for people of all tastes, so whether you have a goal to turn your studio apartment into a trendy retreat or wish to give your home a classic, opulent feel, finding the right bedding shouldn't be too difficult. If you are looking for new bedding for your home, read over the article below to learn how to choose a comforter set.
Tips on Buying a Queen Comforter Set
One of the simplest ways to change the look of your queen-size bed is to invest in a queen comforter set. A queen comforter set -- which typically includes a queen-size comforter, matching pillows shams and, sometimes, matching throw pillows and a bedskirt -- can give your bedroom a designer look without making you pay a designer price. For tips on choosing the right queen comforter set, keep reading.
How to Buy a Down Comforter
Two major considerations when purchasing a down comforter are content and construction. The Federal Trade Commission has standards set that specify labeling procedures for products that contain down. If the label of a down comforter reads 100 percent down, the comforter must contain down feathers exclusively. The same is true if the label reads pure down or all down. Most down comforters are made with goose down, but some may include down feathers from other species of fowl. Look below to learn how to buy a down comforter.
How to Wash Bed Comforters
In addition to being crucial to a good night's rest, clean comforter sets are also vital to healthy living. Make sure your bedding is cozy and clean by learning how to wash bed comforters. It may seem like a big job, but you'll find that it's actually a simple, painless process.
How to Fluff Comforters
You know it's time to cover the beds with cozy comforters when there's a chill in the air and cold weather sets in. Bedding stored in moisture-resistant bags with the air removed will be clean, but it may be flat, too. Generally stored during the warm seasons, down comforters may become lumpy if the filling was unevenly distributed while they were packed away. Comforters currently in use that appear flat should be freshened, too. A simple fluffing will restore volume, making your bedding plush and cuddly for cold winter nights. Look below to learn how to fluff comforter sets.
How to Clean Bed Comforters
Bed comforters are notoriously difficult to clean at home because of their bulk and weight. Most bed comforters are quilted and drop at least 15 inches over the sides and foot of the bed. These should be cleaned thoroughly once every three months, and large comforters may need to be dry-cleaned. However, many comforter sets can be cleaned at home if you have the right equipment. Take a look below to learn how to clean bed comforters.
How to Pick Stylish Discount Comforters
When you think of discount comforters, style may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but it should be. Many assume that design has to be sacrificed when looking for bargains, but it's actually quite easy to find stylish discount comforters that fit your budget and your decorating style. With a bit of thought and a good eye, getting a chic comforter set at a discount price can be a breeze. If you're hoping to fill your bedroom with style without emptying your wallet, take a look at the article below to learn how to pick stylish discount comforters.
How to Choose Toddler Bedding
If your child is upgrading from a crib to a standard bed, toddler bedding is the perfect way to make the transition easier. Kids' bedding comes in a wide variety of styles; you'll find everything from character comforter sets to classic children's quilts. Whether you're new to the world of toddler bedding or are looking to update your child's current bedding style, this guide will help you discover how to choose toddler bedding that will delight you both.
Best Comforter Alternatives
If you're looking for new bedding but want something other than a comforter, you have plenty of comforter alternatives to choose from. This article should help inform you of some of the best comforter alternatives.
Best Heys Luggage for Your Traveling Teen
Traveling shouldn't be a drag, especially for your adventurous teen. Heys luggage has a variety of luggage that will appeal to both your traveling teen and the fun-loving side of all of us. Instead of buying your teenager stuffy, square luggage, get him or her trendy Heys luggage. If there is one thing we know, reading a teen's mind is hard work. That's why we are here to help you construct the perfect Heys luggage set for your teenager.
Best Patio Furniture Set for Your Family
Create a retreat the whole family can enjoy when you buy a patio furniture set for your backyard. Whether you'd like plastic patio furniture that's durable enough for your children to use or wooden patio furniture perfect for teens and adults, the following suggestions will help you buy patio furniture that fits your style and allows you to entertain comfortably. Read on for tips on finding the best patio furniture set for your family.
Comforter Cover Fact Sheet
Comforter covers come in so many different colors, designs and styles that it can be easy to say, "ah, forget it," and use your down comforter as is, but don't give up too fast. There are several reasons that finding the right comforter cover is worth your time and your money, and if you keep in mind a few important facts, it can be a simple process.
A No Nonsense Guide to Caring for Down Bedding
A quality down comforter is an investment; by properly caring for your down bedding, you can keep your down comforter , down blanket and down items in top shape for years to come. Keep reading for important information that will help you maintain your down comforter and other down bedding.
Duvets Buying Guide
With so many different brands and styles of duvets available, learning a little bit them will help you find one that is perfect for your bed. "Duvet" is simply another word for "down comforter." Here's what you need to know about down comforter fabrics, fill, and construction.
What You Need to Know about Duvet Covers
Changing the look of your whole bedroom is easy when you use a duvet cover. Sometimes referred to as comforter covers, they are the best thing you'll find to keep your comforter or duvet stylish as well as clean. Here's what you need to know when you're shopping for one.
How to Buy a Bedroom Set
Bedroom sets contribute greatly to the atmosphere of a bedroom, and you must feel comfortable enough with your bedroom set to relax at night. Your bedroom set will supply you with most, if not all, of your bedroom furniture. There is no shortage of styles, sizes and colors of bedroom sets from which to choose.
Shipping & Returns
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** Most Oversize orders are delivered within 1-4 weeks. Some orders may take 6 weeks to be delivered.


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Browse from a library of over 4,000 free-loan described and captioned media titles.Start Registration Now
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DCMP News & Announcements
Deaf Herstory and History: Resources for Deaf History Month
Deaf and hard of hearing people contributed in meaningful ways throughout history—as artists, writers, scientists, community leaders, and in many other roles. But Deaf women who were actively involved in both the Deaf and hearing political and social worlds have remained highly invisible. Read more about these women in the original DCMP article written by noted Deaf historian Dr. Harry Lang.
The DCMP has comprehensive deaf-history resources to help you celebrate Deaf History Month (March 13-April 15), both those that are available to registered DCMP members and those that are available to everyone on our YouTube channel.
Value of DCMP Audio Description: A Producer's Perspective
Hilari Scarl, director and producer of one of the new DCMP March videos entitled See What I'm Saying: The Deaf Entertainers Documentary, relates her feelings about the quality of the audio description DCMP added to her production and how it enhanced her product. She writes: "To say I was moved by the eloquence of both the descriptive choices and the talent of the VO actor is an understatement. As an artist, I was deeply touched by the amount of work, care, and skill that went into audio describing my film. I was doubly moved that blind people, including the two blind people who are in the documentary, can now access my film. As a filmmaker, our deepest desire is to have people–all people–have the opportunity to experience our work, and it broke my heart every time I learned that someone in one of my audiences experienced the film through the existing audio or through a companion whispering to them throughout the film." Read all her comments here.
DCMP's Accessible Television Portal
Quality television programs have been made accessible through DCMP, and through recipients of five Department of Education (ED) funded television access grants. DCMP has partnered with these grantees and their content partners to make their accessible content available to DCMP members. DCMP is distributing this programming through an Accessible Television Portal and provides:
Free On-demand Service to Multiple Devices. The portal's television programming can be watched:
1) anywhere using mobile devices. Apple users can take advantage of our native iOS app for iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad. Viewing on Android devices requires no app;
2) at home or in the classroom on a computer or a TV set utilizing a Roku set-top-box; and 3) in the classroom using a computer in conjunction with a projector and/or interactive whiteboard.
Read more in our special announcement about this new initiative.
New Media Releases
George Washington Carver National Monument - 2008 - 18 minutes
George Washington Carver was born into slavery but also became known as one of America's greatest scientists. This monument is dedicated to his life and accomplishments. Known as the "Plant Doctor," Carver learned about plants while observing the day-to-day operations of a 19th century farm.
Oregon Caves National Monument - 2008 - 18 minutes
Nestled deep inside the Siskiyou Mountains, the caves formed as rainwater from the ancient forest above dissolved the surrounding marble and created one of the world's few marble caves. The highly complex geology found on the Monument contributes to the unusual and rare plants and animals found nowhere else but here. The cave geology is combined with the diversity of plants and animals to tell a unique story of the Pacific Northwest.
Cabrillo National Monument - 2008 - 14 minutes
Climbing out of his boat and onto shore in 1542, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo stepped into history as the first European to set foot on what is now the West Coast of the United States. In addition to telling the story of 16th century exploration, the park is home to a wealth of California's cultural and natural resources.
Pinnacles National Monument - 2008 - 14 minutes
California's Pinnacles National Monument is America's newest National Park. The monument gets its name from its spires and rock formations. It is also home to the California condor, rare chaparral vegetation and carpets of wildflowers.
Craters of the Moon National Monument - 2008 - 12 minutes
Craters of the Moon is a vast ocean of lava flows with scattered islands of cinder cones and sagebrush. Idaho's Craters of the Moon formed during eight major eruptive periods between 15,000 and 2,000 years ago. The monument continues to go through subtle changes caused by natural and human processes.

subset: commoncrawl


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Medical devices for insertion into the body of human or veterinary patients, wherein the device comprises a) a working element (e.g. a wire, a guidewire, a tube, a catheter, a cannula, a scope (e.g., rigid or flexible endoscope, laparoscope, sigmoidoscope, cystoscope, etc.) a probe, an apparatus for collecting information from a location within the body (e.g., an electrode, sensor, camera, scope, sample withdrawal apparatus, biopsy or tissue sampling device, etc.) which has an outer surface and b) a continuous or non-continuous coating on the outer surface of the working element. The outer surface of the working element is prepared to create a surface topography which promotes mechanical or frictional engagement of the coating to the working element. In some embodiments the coating is a lubricious coating, such as a fluorocarbon coating or a hydrogel that becomes lubricious when contacted by a liquid. In some embodiments, the coating may expand as swell. Also disclosed as methods for manufacturing such devices.
1. A medical device that is insertable into the body of a human or veterinary patient, said device comprising:
a working element having an outer surface;
a polymer coating disposed on at least a portion of the outer surface of the working element;
the outer surface of said working element having cavities formed therein, at least some of said cavities having side walls which are disposed at angles of about 75 or more degrees relative to the outer surface of the working element immediately adjacent to side walls; and,
at least a portion of said polymer coating extending into said cavities so as to deter separation of the polymer coating from the working element.
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31. A method for manufacturing a coated medical device which comprises a working part having an outer surface and a longitudinal axis, said working part being insertable into the body of a human or veterinary patient, said method comprising the steps of:
(A) treating at least a portion of the outer surface to create a surface topography which includes cavities; and,
(B) applying a polymer coating to the outer surface such that the surface topography deters separation of the coating from the outer surface.
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This patent application claims priority to pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/177,651 filed on Jun. 20, 2002 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/299,645 filed on Jun. 20, 2001, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.
The present invention relates generally to biomedical devices and methods for manufacturing biomedical devices and more particularly to biomedical devices that have full or partial polymer coatings and their methods of manufacture.
Medical instruments are frequently coated with various polymers to reduce sliding friction (e.g. by lubricity) and provide other performance enhancing characteristics. Obtaining adequate adherence of the polymer coating to the instrument substrate is a problem in many instances and particularly when a hydrogel is coated on a metal substrate.
Various hydrophylic and hydrophobic polymer coatings and their methods of application have been described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,263,372 Method of coating and/or impregnating porous substrates, and products obtained thereby (Emmons et al.); 4,435,476 Method of making an abrasion resistant coating on a solid substrate and articles produced thereby (Phillips et al.); 4,504,528 Process for coating aqueous fluoropolymer coating on porous substrate (Zuckeret al.); 4,541,980 Methods of producing plastic-coated metallic members (Kiersarsky et al.); 4,705,584 Application of polymeric materials to substrates (Lauchenauer); 4,729,914 Hydrophilic coating and substrate coated therewith (Kliment et al.); 4,784,159 Process for making an implantable device having a plasma sprayed metallic porous surface (Szilagyi); 5,095,915 Guidewire with flexible distal tip (Engelson); 5,129,890 Hydrophilically coated flexible wire guide (Bates et al.); 5,235,964 Flexible probe apparatus (Abenaim); 5,290,585 Lubricious hydrogel coatings (Elton); 3,969,552 Process for impregnating porous articles (Malofsky et al.); 4,147,821 Impregnation of porous articles (Young); 4,556,701 Impregnate compositions for porous substrates (Schindler et al.); 5,333,620 High performance plastic coated medical guidewire (Moutafis et al.); 5,441,488 Medical tool having lubricious surface in a wetted state and method for production thereof (Shimura et al.); 5,443,455 Guidewire and method of pretreating metal surfaces for subsequent polymer coating (Hergenrother et al.); 5,443,907 Coating for medical insertion guides (Slaikeu et al.); 5,437,288 Flexible catheter guidewire (Schwartz et al.); 5,573,520 Flexible tubular device for use in medical applications (Schwartz et al.); 5,749,968 Device for priming for improved adherence of gels to substrates (Melanson et al.); 5,750,206 Method of pretreating metal surfaces for subsequent polymer coating (Hergenrother et al.); 5,833,632 Hollow guide wire apparatus catheters (Jacobsen et al.); 5,700,559 Durable Hydrophilic Surface Coatings (Sheu et al.); 6,080,488 Process for preparation of slippery, tenaciously adhering, hydrophilic polyurethane hydrogel coating . . . medical devices (Hostettler et al.); 6,149,978 Coating of porous, hydrophobic substrates with thermoplastic fluoropolymers (Bladel et al.); 6,162,310 Method for producing porous sponge like metal (Tseng); 6,176,849 Hydrophilic lubricity coating for medical devices comprising a hydrophobic top coat (Yang et al.); 5,840,046 Guidewire Having Hydrophilic Coating (Deem); 5,984,878 (Multi-Coating Stainless Steel Guidewire (Engelson) as well as PCT International Patent Publications WO 92/11877 Biocompatible abrasion resistant coated substrates (Fan et al.) and WO 00/65143 Process for coating a perforated substrate (Munro et al.), all of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.
One reason for applying polymer coatings to insertable medical devices is to impart lubricity to, or to lower the coefficient of friction of, the outer surface of the device. Some of these polymer coatings, such as fluorocarbon coatings (e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene) provide a lubricious hydrophobic surface while others such as swellable hydrogels are hydrophilic and become lubricious after coming in contact with liquid (e.g., blood or other body fluid).
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,573,520 (Schwartz et al.) describes a flexible tubular member encased by a fluid tight polymer covering, including a hydrogel, for use as a guidewire, catheter or introducer. However, the polymer covering is only described as covering either the inside surface or the outside surface for the purposes of a fluid tight sealing of apertures or for providing lubricity. As described earlier, these benefits of coatings are known in the art. However, Schwartz et al. does not describe the coating to be integral to the wall of the device or there being any sort of interlock or other improved attachment of the coating.
Also, U.S. Pat. No. No. 5,840,046 (Deem) describes guidewires having hydrophilic coatings, such as hydrophilic polysaccharides (e.g., hyaluronic acid or chondroitin sulfate). The guidewires are made of wire which is helically coiled about a core member. The spacing between adjacent coils of the wire is wide enough to allow the coating to flex along with the coil but narrow enough to prevent the coating from penetrating into an annular space that exists between the coiled wire and the inner core member.
The present invention provides novel polymer coated medical instruments including guidewires, catheters, cannula, endoscopes and other instruments for insertion into the body.
In accordance with the present invention, there are provided medical devices that are insertable into the bodies of human or veterinary patients, each such device comprising a) a working element having an outer surface and b) a polymer coating disposed on at least a portion of the outer surface of the working element, wherein the outer surface of the working element has a topography characterized by surface features which deter longitudinal slippage of the coating over the outer surface and or which result in some mechanical engagement or interlock between coating and the working element. In this regard, the outer surface of the working element may have one or more cavities formed therein, at least some of those cavities having side walls which are disposed at angles of about 75 or more degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the working element (or relative to the outer surface of the working element immediately adjacent to those side walls) and wherein at least a portion of the polymer coating extends into at least some of the cavities so as to deter separation of the polymer coating from the working element. In this manner the present invention may provide an alternative to the use of adhesive coatings or chemical adhesive layers such as the �tie layers� described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,749,837 (Palermo), which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.
Further in accordance with the invention, the cavities formed in the outer surface of the working element may comprise holes, grooves, a continuous helical or curved groove, slots, pores, apertures or other external surface features to provide a substantial improvement in the adherence of a polymer coating. The coating fills into at least some of the cavities to form a mechanical bond or interlock with the working element. To accomplish such mechanical bond or interlock, the cavities are preferably at least about 0.001 inch deep and may extend completely through the working element forming a through-hole or slot. In at least some embodiments, it is preferable that the polymer coating to penetrate to a depth below the outer surface that is at least about 25%, and more preferably at least about 50%, of the total thickness of the polymer coating on that portion of the device. Thus, for example, in a region where the polymer coating is a total of 100 mills thick, it will be preferable for the coating to penetrate into cavities at least about 25 mills below the outer surface and more preferably at about 50 mills below the outer surface. The coating need not be for the purpose of providing lubricity, although such is one purpose for the invention. Indeed, the coating may serve any purpose, such as the creating of a biocompatible barrier to insulate the patients body from toxic, infectious or non-biocompatible materials on the underlying surface of or within the device.
Still further in accordance with the invention the working element may comprise any apparatus or device that is insertable into the body, including but not limited to a wire, a guidewire, a tube, a catheter, a cannula, a scope (e.g., rigid or flexible endoscope, laparoscope, sigmoidoscope, cystoscope, etc.) a probe, an apparatus for collecting information from a location within the body (e.g., an electrode, sensor, camera, scope, sample withdrawal apparatus, biopsy or tissue sampling device, etc.). The working element's outer surface may be made from a radiopaque, biocompatible metal such as platinum, gold, tungsten, nitinol, elgiloy, stainless steel, or tantalum but may be made of a polymer impregnated or otherwise modified to be visible under x-rays by various means known in the art. Alternatively, the working element's outer surface may be made of a plastic or polymer material which, in at least some embodiments, may be visualized under ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, radiographic imaging or other medical visualization methods known in the art.
Still further in accordance with the present invention, the polymer coating may comprise a material that is lubricious or has a low coefficient of friction, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (e.g. Teflon). Also, the polymer coating may comprise a hydrophilic polymer (i.e. hydrogel) that creates a lubricious surface after being exposed to a liquid (e.g., blood or other body fluid). It is preferable that the hydrogel be polymerized from ethylenically unsaturated monomers. In some cases, environmentally responsive hydrogels may be used such as that described in cozening U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/804,935 entitled Hydrogels That undergo Volumetric Expansion In Response To Changes In Their Environment And Their Methods Of manufacture And Use. Specific examples of hydrogels that may be used include those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,729,914 (Kliment), 5,290,585 (Eiton), 5,331,027 (Whitboume), 6,080,488 (Hostettlerel al.), 6,176,849 (Yang et al.) and pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/804,935 entitled Hydrogels That undergo Volumetric Expansion In Response To Changes In Their Environment And Their Methods Of manufacture And Use, each of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments of the invention, the polymer may be formed about the outer surface of the working element in a non-continuous manner (e.g., in discrete ridges, bumps or areas) or such polymer coating may be disposed in a manner that forms a generally smooth continuous polymer coating surface. In some embodiments, the polymer coating may be radioopaque.
Even further aspects of this invention will be come apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading of the detailed description of exemplary embodiments set forth herebelow.
The invention is described herebelow with reference to certain examples or embodiments as shown in the accompanying drawings. These examples or embodiments are not limiting, but rather are merely exemplary of some of the ways in which the present invention may be reduced to practice.
Although the example shown in
As shown in
Variations of the working element and/or variations in the types of cavities formed in its surface are shown in
After the cavities 66 or 66 a have been formed in the working element 65, polymer coating 64 is deposited in the cavities 66 or 66 a. In some embodiments, such as the specific example shown in
Thereafter, when the working element 62 is immersed in blood or other body fluid BF or when it is immersed in of contacted by a liquid (saline, water, etc.), the deposits of polymer coating 64 will expand or swells such that the upper surface US of each coating deposit 64 protrudes above the outer surface 66 of the working element 62. Alternatively, the polymer coating may expand in response to changes in its environment, such as changes in pH. In this manner, the expansion of the polymer coating creates a non-continuous coating system which comprises discrete raised knobs, bumps, ridges, etc. of polymer coating 64, on the outer surface 66 of the working element 62. Such coating 64 may impart lubricity or form a slippery substance which facilitates the desired insertion, positioning, movement and/or withdrawal of the working element 62 from the body of a human or veterinary patient.
The invention has been described herein with reference to certain examples and embodiments only. No effort has been made to exhaustively describe all possible examples and embodiments of the invention. Indeed, those of skill in the art will appreciate that various additions, deletions, modifications and other changes may be made to the above-described examples and embodiments, without departing from the intended spirit and scope of the invention as recited in the following claims. For example, the particular elements and attributes of any particular embodiment or example may be combined with or substituted for elements or attributes of any other embodiment wherever such addition or substitution does not render the resultant device unuseable or unsuitable for its intended application. Also, although specific types of coating have been referred to herein, many other types of lubricious, non-lubricious, hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic coatings may be used in devices of this invention. Accordingly, it is intended that all such additions, deletions, modifications and other changes be included within the scope of the following claims.
Referenced by
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Beastgrip Pro lands on Kickstarter for 'phoneographers' everywhere
I've been a fan of Beastgrip for some time now, and with good reason. The unique smartphone housing is perfect for everything you need to do when it comes to mobile photography or videography, and makes your powerful, pocketable device the hub of a robust mobile imaging platform. In a short time, Beastgrip has captured the imagination of casual consumers and forward-thinking pros alike, and the latest iteration — Beastgrip Pro — builds on that. And today, you can finally get one for yourself.


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Suction Cup Hooks & Mats
Suction cups play an important role in the performance of many SlipX® Solutions® bathroom products. The majority of our bath mats and accessories use specially designed and tested suction cup hooks to keep them securely in place.
Suction Cup Bathtub Mats
All the bath mats produced by SlipX Solutions depend on the high quality suction cups to keep them safely and securely in place. Suction cups are arguably the most important piece of safe non-slip shower mats and bath mats.
Most of our suction cup bath mats are rectangular and won't fit very well in a shower stall. Don't worry though, we also sell square and round shower mats. Both of them are available in white and clear and will fit nicely in your shower.


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I don't think you can go wrong with this one as a business hotel. Service good. The bed is great and the TV screen is brilliant. The restaurant next door is unpretentious and you get reasonable food. serves late as well or there is a MDs next door.
- Reservation Options:
- TripAdvisor is proud to partner with Booking.com, Premier Inn, Priceline and Odigeo so you can book your Premier Inn Huntingdon - A1 / A14 reservations with confidence. We help millions of travelers each month to find the perfect hotel for both vacation and business trips, always with the best discounts and special offers.
- Also Known As:
- Premier Inn Huntingdon (a1 / a14) Hotel Huntingdon


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The invention relates to a sensor system for in-situ monitoring of lubricant oil quality. The sensor system consists of a sensing element located in-situ in contact with lubricant oil. The sensor is corrodable and upon deterioration of the oil the sensor corrodes and eventually the circuit will break. Current flow through the circuit is monitored by conventional power supply and measuring devices and upon breaking of the sensor, an indication is provided to the driver of a motor vehicle indicating that oil is to be changed.
1. A sensor system for in-situ monitoring of lubricant oil quality comprising:
sensor means comprising a sensor element located in-situ in contact with lubricant oil employed in a combustion motive environment for supplying an electrical signal indicative of the condition of said lubricant oil, said sensor element being a conductive filament, film or foil, with said filament, fllm or foil being either free standing or supported by a substantially non-corroding, electrically insulating material made of ceramic or plastic, and said sensor element being constructed such that either one of multiple filaments, films or foils are provided, each having different characteristics from the other such that a respective one will break at correspondingly progressive stages of lubricant deterioration;
power supply means electrically connected to said sensor means for supplying a current thereto;
measuring means connected electrically to said sensor means and to said power supply means in a manner completing a circuit for measuring current flow from said sensor means; and
indicator means connected to said measuring means for providing a perceptible indication upon receipt of a signal from said measuring means when an electrical signal from said sensor element exceeds predetermined parameter, whereby degradation of lubricant oil beyond acceptable levels can be determined as a result of degraded oil causing the change in current from said sensor means to a level beyond said predetermined parameters.
2. A sensor system as in claim 1 wherein said sensor element is a conductive element made of corrodable conductive material.
3. A senoor system as in claim 2 wherein said material is selected from the group consisting essentially of metals, polymers and composites.
4. A sensor system as in claim 3 wherein said material is selected from the group consisting essentially of lead and lead alloy having one of Sb, Sn or Ca alloyed therewith.
5. A sensor as in claim 3 wherein said material is selected from the group consisting essentially of a corroding metal and an alloy of any one of tin, zinc and iron.
6. A sensor as in claim 1 further comprising adjusting means connected to said sensor means for adjusting the sensitivity of said sensor means to a predetermined level such that said indicator means is only triggered into operation at a predetermined level of lubricant deterioration.
7. A sensor as in claim 6 wherein said adjusting means comprises a variable resistor.
8. A sensor as in claim 1 wherein said measuring means is contained in a microprocessor for controlling automotive functions of a combustion motive engine.
9. A method of in-situ monitoring of lubricant oil quality comprising:
supplying an electric current to sensor means comprising a sensor element located in-situ in contact with lubricant oil in use in a combustion motive environment, said sensor element being a conductive filament, film or foil, with said filament, film or foil being either free standing or supported by a substantially non-corroding, electrically insulating material made of ceramic or plastic, and said sensor element being such that either one of multiple filaments, films or foils are provided, each having different characteristics from the other such that a respective one will break at correspondingly progressive stages of lubricant deterioration;
measuring current flow from said sensor means, including measuring any change in current flow from said sensor means as a result of a break of a conductive filament film or foil of said sensor element; and
providing a perceptible alarm indication upon current flow from said sensor means changing beyond predetermined parameters, as a result of said break, which have been selected to define a degradation of lubricant oil quality beyond acceptable levels.
This application is related to copending application Ser. No. 67,982 concurrently filed herewith, whose disclosure is specifically incorporated by reference herein.
This invention relates to a sensor system for in-situ monitoring of lubricant oil quality and to a method of monitoring the lubricant oil quality in-situ. More specifically, the invention relates to a microprocessor controlled solid-state monitor of lubricant oil quality for use especially in automotive, as well as other motive applications.
Lubricant oil in use in automotive applications or other combustion engine applications is subjected to an aging process as a result of its use in the engine operation. The exposure of oil to high temperature zones in the presence of NOx, moisture and air are main factors contributing to chemical changes which decrease the oils' lubricating effectiveness.
As a result of this decrease in its effectiveness, detrimental effects may result on the engine parts, for example, accelerated corrosion. As a further aspect of its use in a lubricant environment in automotive engines, corrosivity of lubricant oil increases with use due to the oil degradation as well as a break up of the protective additives therein. The extent of oil degradation and break up of protective additives depends on various factors such as base oil formulation, type and amount of protective additives, engine design and vehicle operating conditions. Accordingly, the customary change of oil at regular intervals of time or mileage does not necessarily provide adequate protection for engine parts because the mileage alone is not a sufficient indication of the oil quality. More specifically, the oil, depending on the type of use may be changed either too soon, causing an unnecessary cost in oil and labor expended, or too late, contributing to damage of engine parts.
Moreover, even though the effectiveness of lubricant oil, when sold, has to meet industry established standards, oil formulations can and do vary greatly from one oil manufacturer to another. More specifically, every oil contains a number of additives which vary greatly in both quality and quantity from one manufacturer to another. The oil origin can be paraffinic, synthetic, or a mixture of both and will also vary in accordance to the refining processes employed to manufacture the oil. With respect to additives, they typically amount to 5% to 25% of a base oil and will be made up of, for example, anti-oxidants (S, N, Se, As, Zn--containing organics, phenol derivatives, chelating agents, etc.), viscosity index improvers (linear polymers such as polyolefins and the like), detergents and dispersants, friction modifiers "anti-squawk" and "anti-chatter" agents such as fatty acid esters, alcohols and amines, anti-wear agents, anti-foam agents (liquid silicone, polyethelene glycol ethers and sulfides), corrosion inhibitors/meta passivators (N-compounds, fatty acid amides, carboxylic acid derivative), and others such as preservatives, odorants and the like.
As oil ages, degradation products of various type accumulate. Moreover, accumulation of other contaminants will occur simultaneously, including mineral acids such as sulfur, nitrogen and hydrohalic based acids, soot and water. The final result is an oil whose acidity, corrosivity and viscosity has substantially increased as it reaches the end of its useful life, which as previously indicated, can result in disastrous consequences when continued in use in an internal combustion engine.
Up to now, there has been no system or method of measuring the deterioration of oil in-situ in an automotive environment. Current practices of determining oil condiion require laboratory measurements such as titration of total base numbers, i.e., TBN, which is defined as the number of miligrams of KOH required to neutralize all acidic constituents present in one gram of a sample of oil. Change in viscosity of oil is not considered to be a practical indicator of oil conditions since it varies with temperature.
The degree of additive degradation on the other hand would be a good measure of oil condition. A problem with this is that each oil contains different additives so that different sensing devices would have to be designed for different oils. At the same time, other physical properties of oil such as fluoresence, specific gravity, color, dielectric constant, interfacial tension and the like could, in principle, be used for quality control tests. However, all of these tests must necessarily be performed in a laboratory environment.
In accordance with the invention, the problem of having to conduct oil testing in a laboratory environment is thus avoided.
In one aspect the invention is directed to a sensor system for in-situ monitoring of lubricant oil quality. The sensor system comprises a sensor including a sensor element located in-situ in contact with lubricant oil employed in a combustion motive environment for supplying an electrical signal indicative of the condition of the lubricant oil. A power supply serves to supply a current to the sensor with a measuring unit connected electrically to the sensor and to the power supply in a manner completing a circuit for measuring current flow from the sensor. An indicator is connected to the measuring unit for providing a perceptible indication, upon receipt of a sigaal from the measuring unit, when an electrical signal from the sensor exceeds predetermined parameters, whereby degradation of lubricant oil beyond acceptable levels can be determined as a result of degraded oil causing the change in current from the sensor to a level beyond the predetermined parameters. As can be appreciated from this brief description, what is being measured is the change in conductivity of the fuse element in the oil which is directly determinative of the quality of the oil.
In another more specific aspect, the sensor element is a conductive element made of corrodable conductive material such as a metallic, polymeric or composite material. Preferrably, the material is of lead or lead alloy having one of Sb, Sn or Ca alloyed therewith. Alternatively, the material can be a corroding metal or alloy such as tin, zinc or iron.
In its most preferred construction, the sensor element is a conductive filament, film or foil. The film, filament or foil is either free standing or supported by a substantially non-corroding, electrically insulating material of ceramic or plastic. In still more specific aspects, the sensor element is preferably made up of multiple filaments, films or foils, with each having different characteristics one from the other such that a respective one will break upon corrosion attack correspondingly different progressive stages of lubricant deterioration. According to this embodiment, there will be specific abrupt changes of current flow from the sensor element whereby progressive indications as advance warning can be provided to a driver of an automotive ehicle to facilitate scheduled changes of oil.
Other specific features will be detailed in the detailed discussion of the invention to follow hereafter.
In an alternative aspect of the invention, it is directed to a method of in-situ monitoring of lubricant oil quality. The method comprises supplying an electric current to a sensor element located in-situ in contact with lubricant oil in use in a combustion motive environment. Current flow from the sensor is measured, including the measuring of any change i.e., W i in current flow from the sensor. A perceptible alarm indication is provided upon current flow from the sensor changing beyond predetermined parameters which have been selected to define the degradation of lubricant oil quality beyond acceptable levels.
Having briefly described the invention, the same will become better understood from the following detailed discussion, taken in conjunction with the attached drawing wherein:
FIG. 1 is a generally schematic representation of an oil quality monitoring system and its various components.
The invention is directed to an in-situ measuring system for measuring oil corrosivity as an indicator of its condition. The rate of chemical corrosion in a given corrosive medium differs substantially from metal to metal, and their alloys or other materials. Materials which corrode sufficiently fast in lubricant oil and whose corrosion rates parallel the rate of oil degradation over a period of useful life of oil can be used as indicators of oil quality in accordance with the principles of the invention. Such materials are preferrably electrically conductive and may be metallic, polymeric or composite in nature. The corrosion rate of the selected material should be slow, for example, originally in fresh (virgin) oils, and relatively fast in spent (used) oils, gradually changing from slow to fast corrosion as the oils approach the end of their useful lives. The cumulative effects of prolonged corrosion at low (initial) rates and increased corrosion at high (later) rates are likely to be observed and are acceptable for purposes of the invention.
In an alternative embodiment, materials can be employed whose electrical and/or physical properties change significantly due to degradation or absorption of contaminants may be used in place of the above-discussed electrically conductive fuse material. For example, electrical conductivity of materials like undoped (conductive) polymers change by a large margin from a low value to a high value when they are doped. If the oil degradation products function as dopants, or swelling agents, for example, H2 O, then these kinds of materials are useful as an alternative construction of an oil sensor. Some composite materials have their electrical conductivity change upon absorption of contaminating/degradation products, and as a result, these types of materials may also be employed as the oil sensor in accordance with the invention. Examples of these materials include, among others, carbon filled silicone rubber. The essential features and differences between this group and the above-discussed corrodable fuse type is that while breakage occurs in the corrodable fuse type, in the latter, a significant change in selected material properties occurs which results in a change in current flow therethrough due to degradation of the oil.
The status of lubricant oils useful life is reached when the corrosion rate of any one of the above-discussed sensing elements progresses to predetermined level indicated either by a change in conductivity beyond a predetermined level, or the breaking, i.e., opening, of the specific fuse element employed. Accordingly, as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, it is important to recognize that by adjusting the physical dimensions of the sensing elements in a conventional manner, such as thickness, width, and the like, the quality of oil can be monitored along the various states along its useful life.
FIG. 1 illustrates a version of the oil sensing system in accordance with the invention. Typically, the oil sensor 1 will include an oil sensing element 3, which in one variant will include multiple filaments 5 which are corrodable and which are designed to break open at different points along the deterioration of oil quality and which can be monitored individually or collectively. Electrical lead 11 completes circuit in line with a power supply 7, i.e., typically a car battery, and the circuit is adjustable in sensitivity by means of adjusting means 9 which can be, for example, a variable resistor 9. The entire circuit is connected by line 15 to a conventional automotive microprocessor 13 of the type presently employed in automotive applications for monitoring the operation of the various systems of the automobile. Upon conductivity or current flow through sensing element 3 changing by a predetermined amount, the mirco processor will process the information and when predetermined changes are reached, will pass a signal through line 17 to an indicator panel 19 or warning alarm 19 in the cockpit of an automobile. As will be clearly evident from this preferred variant, due to the fact that multiple filaments or leads 5 are employed in the sensor, the microprocessor 13 can process the information in a manner such that progressive indications of oil corrosion or deterioration can be supplied to the panel 19 as a "lead-up" warning to enable the driver to schedule, well ahead of maximum deterioration time, service for the automobile.
As noted previously, the deterioration measuring device or sensor made of any of the above materials, can be in the form of a filament, film or foil. Alternatively, the sensing element can also be a free standing element or supported on a substrate allowing direct contact between the sensing element and oil. The substrate material may be of an inert, non-conductive material, such as ceramic, plastic, glass and the like.
The sensing element itself, i.e., the fuse is an integral part of the electrical circuit which allows the detection of continuity of the fuse, in the case where the circuit is of the type which is designed to corrode and break, by measuring the current passing through. The purpose of current flow is to allow the "reading" of the fuse condition. The break of the fuse is then indicated by an electrical open circuit condition, i.e., no current flow through the circuit. Further, the fuse is designed such that currents of very low magnitude, e.g. about 10-6 amps., are sufficient for monitoring the oil.
In its implementation, the electrical circuit does not have to be "live" on a continuous basis, and fuse condition can be periodically monitored.
As will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, other means of monitoring the status of the sensing element may be possible and are contemplated by the broadest aspects of this invention. As an example of such an alternative method is to follow the change in conductivity of a sensing element, for example, of the type previously discussed such as the undoped conductive polymers or carbon filled silicone rubber.
In the preferred aspect where the sensing element is a corrodable element 3, its conductivity decreases due to a reduced dimension of the fuse. The magnitude of conductivity change is desirably sufficiently large to assure adequate monitoring sensitivity. This manner of monitoring is also suitable for sensing elements made of conductive polymers or other composite materials than for metallic sensors. Further, depending on the type of material used as a sensing element, an increase in conductivity may also be observed. The specific arrangement, depending upon the type of sensing fuse employed, can be implemented in a routine manner by one of ordinary skill in the art.
As discussed previously the current signal is preferably fed into a fuse monitor implemented as part of a microprocessor 13 wherein it is interpreted by the microprocessor 13 is preferred. It is also possible to monitor the continuity of the fuse, for example, by conventional analog devices such as a multimeter. With respect to the metallic type fuses where, for example, when lead is employed or a lead alloy, the alloy will have one of Sb, Sn, or Ca alloyed with the lead. Alternatively, the corrodable metallic fuse can be a pure metal or an alloy made from tin, zinc, or iron.
As a result of providing a system as described above, the precise knowledge of oil condition will contribute to a cost reduction of operating a vehicle, either through less frequent oil changes or servicing or better protection of engine and thus, extended engine life.
Having described the invention generally, the following examples are illustrative of the invention and are not intended to be limiting in any way whatsoever.
A fuse element made up of a coil of lead wire of 0.75 mm in diameter was immersed in an oil heated under reflux, but open to air with stirring being conducted with a magnetic bar stirrer. The oil was heated at 150�-160� C. for the duration of the experiment. Tests were conducted with virgin oil and oil after being used in a car driven for 6,000 miles. The oil was Quaker State SAE 10W-40 grade. The lead coil experienced multiple breakage after 111/2 days in virgin and after 41/2 days in used oil.
The same experiment as example 1 was conducted with a like coil of lead wire. The oil employed in this experiment was Valvoline and was used in a laboratory test engine for an equivalent of 10,000 miles. The lead coil experienced multiple breakage after 111/2 days in virgin oil and after 73/4 days in used oil.
The same coil of example 1 was employed in a test with Sun Fleet L SAE 20W-50 oil used for varying lengths of time in a different length of laboratory test engine. The results are summarized in the following table.
TABLE 1______________________________________Corrosion Study of Lead In Lubricant OilOil StatusHrs. of Use Fuse Breaking Point, Days______________________________________ 0 >30 (did not break after 30 days when experiment terminated) 24 30 49 8100 6150 4193 3______________________________________
The same test as in Example 1 except that the wire was a tin wire of 0.25 mm diameters employed as the sensing element. The results were similar to Example 1.
The same test as in Example 1 was conducted but the fuse element was made by dipping ceramic rods into a molten lead as well as in its alloys to provide film type sensors. The results were the same as in Example 1.
The same test as in Example 1 was conducted with a fuse element made by mechanically attaching lead and lead alloy foil strips onto a polymeric substrate. The joint points and electrical leads were masked with epoxy type resin to prevent direct contact with oil. The results were the same as in Example 1.
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