text:
A thermometer is disclosed that utilizes a thermistor as a temperature sensor, to control the period and duty cycle of a multivibrator circuit. A second circuit, controlled by a microcontroller, measures both the charge and discharge times of the oscillation. From the ratio of these parameters, a precise indication of temperature can be obtained that is independent of temperature variations within the active components and the charging capacitor of the multivibrator circuit. The method is also independent of the value of the charging capacitor. Furthermore, by measuring the same ratio when a fixed resistor is substituted for the thermistor, a cell constant can be derived. The cell constant is used to calibrate the non-ideal response of the multivibrator circuit, thus providing a more accurate measurement of temperature.
1. A thermometer comprising a multivibrator including a capacitor having first and second conductive paths associated therewith, one of said first and second paths being a charge path for the capacitor and the other of said first and second paths being a discharge path for the capacitor, the multivibrator also including at least first and second resistors wherein the first and second resistors are connected in said first path, and the first resistor, but not the second resistor, is connected in said second path, and wherein the first resistor has a resistance value that is substantially independent of temperature and the second resistor has a resistance value that varies with temperature and is a function of temperature.
2. A thermometer according to
3. A thermometer according to
4. A thermometer according to
5. A thermometer according to
6. A method of manufacturing a thermometer, comprising:
providing a multivibrator including a capacitor having first and second conductive paths associated therewith, one of said first and second paths being a charge path for the capacitor and the other of said first and second paths being a discharge path for the capacitor, the multivibrator also including at least first and second resistors wherein the first and second resistors are connected in said first path, and the first resistor, but not the second resistor, is connected in said second path, and wherein the first and second resistors have respective resistance values that are substantially independent of temperature,
measuring charge and discharge times of the capacitor and calculating a reference value of a cell function based on said charge and discharge times, and
replacing the second resistor with a temperature-dependent resistor.
7. A method according to
establishing thermal equilibrium between the temperature-dependent resistor and a region at a temperature to be measured,
measuring charge and discharge times of the capacitor and calculating a second value of the cell function, and
calculating a temperature value based on the reference value of the cell function and the second value of the cell function.
8. A method according to
9. A method according to
10. A method of manufacturing a thermometer, comprising;
providing a multivibrator including a capacitor having first and second conductive paths associated therewith, one of said first and second paths being a charge path for the capacitor and the other of said first and second paths being a discharge path for the capacitor, the multivibrator also including at least first and second resistors wherein the first and second resistors are connected in said first path and the first resistor, but not the second resistor, is connected in said second path, and wherein the first resistor has a resistance value that is substantially independent of temperature and the second resistor has a resistance value that varies with temperature and is a function of temperature, the resistance value of the second resistor at a reference temperature being substantially equal to the resistance value of the first resistor,
measuring charge and discharge times of the capacitor at the reference temperature and calculating a value of a cell function, and
recording the value of the cell function.
11. A thermometer comprising:
a multivibrator including a capacitor having first and second conductive paths associated therewith, one of said first and second paths being a charge path for the capacitor and the other of said first and second paths being a discharge path for the capacitor, the multi-vibrator also including at least first and second resistors wherein the first and second resistors are connected in said first path, and the first resistor, but not the second resistor, is connected in said second path, and wherein the first resistor has a resistance value that is substantially independent of temperature and the second resistor has a resistance value that varies with temperature and is a function of temperature,
a means for measuring duration of the charge time and duration of the discharge time of the capacitor and calculating the ratio of the discharge time to the charge time, and
a means for transmitting said ratio to a receiver for calculating a corresponding temperature value.
12. A device for measuring temperature, comprising a pulse generator including a resistor such that the pulse generator generates pulses of duty cycle dependent on the resistance of the resistor, and a duty-cycle measurement circuit for measuring the duty cycle of the pulses and outputting a value dependent on the measured value of the duty cycle, and wherein the resistor has a non-zero temperature coefficient of resistance.
13. A device according to
14. A device according to
15. A device according to
16. A device according to
17. A device according to
18. A device according to
19. A device according to
20. A measurement system, for measuring the value of a parameter, comprising:
a transmitter unit that includes a sensor device for sensing the parameter, a transmitter device, a photodetector, and a controller, and
a receiver unit that includes a light emitting device that can be energized to emit an activation signal and a confirmation signal,
and wherein the photodetector delivers the activation signal and the confirmation signal to the controller, and the controller is responsive to the activation signal to initiate activation of the transmitter unit and is responsive to the confirmation signal within a predetermined interval after the activation signal to complete activation of the transmitter unit.
21. A measurement system according to
22. A measurement system according to
23. A measurement device according to
24. A measurement system comprising a transmitter for receiving data representing a value of a parameter and transmitting said value, and a receiver for receiving the transmission from the transmitter, wherein the transmitter includes a means for resolving future time into a succession of transmission intervals and for resolving each transmission interval into a plurality of transmission slots, a means for calculating a number based on a predetermined algorithm, a means for selecting one of said transmission slots based on the calculated number, and a means for transmitting said value during the selected transmission slot, and wherein the receiver includes a means for predicting when the transmitter will transmit said value and for enabling the receiver to receive the transmission from the transmitter during said selected transmission slot.
25. A measurement system according to
26. A measurement system according to
27. A measurement system according to
28. A measurement system according to
29. A measurement system according to
30. A measurement system according to
31. A measurement system according to
32. A measurement system according to
33. A measurement system according to
34. A measurement system, for measuring the value of physiological parameter, comprising:
a transmitter unit that includes a sensor device for sensing the physiological parameters a transmitter device, and a photodetector the transmitter unit having an active state, in which the sensor device generates a sensor signal having a characteristic that depends on the physiological parameter and the transmitter device emits a transmitter signal that depends on the characteristic of the sensor signal, and the transmitter unit also having an inactive state, and
a receiver unit that includes a light emitting device,
and wherein the light emitting device of the receiver unit can be energized when the transmitter unit is in the inactive state to emit an activation signal and a confirmation signal and the photodetector is responsive to the activation signal to initiate activation of the transmitter unit and is responsive to the confirmation signal within a predetermined interval after the activation signal to complete activation of the transmitter unit.
35. A measurement system according to
This application claims benefit of Provisional Application No. 60/254,879 filed Dec. 12, 2000.
In a first aspect, the present invention relates to an electronic thermometer and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a thermometer useful for measuring body temperature of human or animal subjects or for measuring ambient temperature. In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a telemetry system consisting of a transmitting measurement device (preferably a body temperature thermometer) and a portable receiving unit which displays the measured value of a sensed parameter.
Several prior art inventions utilize a temperature-dependent resistive element together with an oscillator circuit to form a digital thermometer. In the prior art, a thermistor is sometimes used as a temperature-dependent, variable-resistance device in series with a charging capacitor to form the frequency-controlling elements of the oscillator network. The equation
determines the frequency of oscillation, where R is the resistance of the resistive element (thermistor) and C is the capacitance of the series charging capacitor. As the temperature varies, the resistance of the thermistor varies, and the frequency varies as a result. By measuring the frequency, and knowing the value of the capacitance, the value of R can be determined. Because R is uniquely related to temperature, the temperature can be determined as well. For a thermistor, the resistance is related to the temperature via the Steinhart-Hart equation. The use of a multivibrator as the oscillator circuit is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,359,285 by Washburn for low-power oceanographic applications. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,602,871 and 4,464,067 issued to Hanaoka disclose thermometers based on thermistor-controlled oscillators whose properties emphasize miniaturization, light weight, and improved accuracy using correcting circuits. These latter two patents refer to applications wherein the sensor may be used with low-power wristwatch devices.
One disadvantage of measuring the frequency of the oscillator is that one must know the value of the capacitor extremely accurately in order to derive the value of the resistance accurately. Generally, it is difficult to do capacitance measurements accurately, and in addition, the capacitance value is known to be a temperature-dependent parameter. The capacitance can increase or decrease with changing temperature and the degree of change is related to the exact type of material used in the capacitor (Y5V, X7R, NPO, etc.). A further disadvantage of this approach is that the active circuit elements in the oscillator circuit can themselves have temperature-dependencies. These dependencies are nearly impossible to predict and may vary from circuit to circuit.
Some prior arts attempt to reduce the undesirable temperature dependencies by way of calibration techniques. As an example of prior art, U.S. Pat. No. 4,150,573 discloses the use of a thermistor to control a pulse oscillator circuit. In that patent, the pulse oscillator input is switched between the thermistor and a fixed resistor. A ratio is formed between the frequency produced by the thermistor and the frequency produced by the fixed resistor. This ratio divides out uncertainties associated with circuit component values and power supply variations. This provides the advantage of reducing the need for high accuracy parts and reduces the effects of power supply variations. However, this concept is unnecessarily complicated and it does not accurately measure the non-ideal behavior of the oscillator circuit nor does it null out temperature dependencies in the active components of the oscillator circuit. This concept may also introduce errors due to the temperature variations in the switching device.
For a medical thermometer, or other applications where extreme accuracy is required (less than 0.05 degrees C. uncertainty), the errors introduced by capacitance variation and by active circuit element variation cannot be tolerated. A method is needed that reduces these effects to a level of less than 0.01 degrees C. In addition, for a low-power application such as a miniature ingestible temperature sensor, it is not possible to use sophisticated, computer-controlled correction techniques, because the thermometer must be miniature, and is expected to be powered from a 1.5 volt battery source or a 3.0 volt battery source.
At present there are ingestible temperature responsive transmitters or ingestible temperature monitoring pills available. U.S. Pat. No. 4,689,621 issued to Kleinberg, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,844,076 issued to Lesho et al describe temperature responsive transmitters for use in ingestible capsules. Both devices disclosed employ crystal-controlled oscillators which transmit continuously on a single frequency determined by the temperature of the device. Lesho et al. also discloses a receiver employing a frequency counter to determine the frequency of the transmitter, and perform the calculation to determine the temperature sensed by the pill.
However, both of these devices have severe application limitations as they are purely analog devices, continuously transmitting on a single frequency. This prevents the use of multiple devices on a single subject, or on subjects in close proximity to each other because the signals from individual devices interfere with each other and cannot be distinguished. In addition, the prior art uses the temperature characteristics of a crystal to vary the oscillation frequency of the transmitter, requiring a frequency counter or other coherent detector in the receiver to determine the absolute frequency, and hence, the temperature. Use of a crystal to determine the oscillation frequency also requires an extensive calibration procedure, and requires the user of the device to input those calibration values into the receiver prior to use.
To prevent the batteries used in the ingestible capsule from being drained during storage, the prior art places a magnetic reed switch between the battery and the circuitry. Consequently, the device must be stored with a magnet in close proximity to keep the device de-activated, or it must use a rechargeable battery, and a recharger as disclosed in Lesho et al.
The basis of the invention in a first aspect is a circuit containing a temperature-dependent resistive element that controls the charge and discharge times of a multivibrator. By measuring the charge and discharge times, and converting those time elements with a formula, the resistance value of the resistive element can be determined. Because the resistance of the resistive element is uniquely related to temperature, the temperature can be uniquely determined.
As in the prior art, our invention also utilizes a thermistor-controlled multivibrator whose oscillation frequency is determined by the RC combination of the thermistor resistance and the value of the charging capacitor. However, the preferred embodiment contains several unique designs not introduced in the prior art. These designs provide novel means to (1) null out errors introduced by the non-ideal behavior of the multivibrator circuit and (2) vastly improve accuracy by nulling out undesirable temperature-induced effects within the passive and active circuit elements.
Our invention utilizes a CMOS 555 timer as the multivibrator circuit in the preferred embodiment. However, other oscillator designs might be used in other applications as well. For example, our method could be used with a bipolar, 5-volt 555 timer, when higher voltage power supplies would be available.
A first novel feature of the preferred embodiment of the first aspect of this invention is the determination of temperature through the measurement of the charge and discharge times of the sensor digital waveform. By measuring the ratio of the discharge time to the charge time, a sensor response may be obtained that is uniquely determined by the temperature that the sensor is in equilibrium with, e.g. body temperature, skin temperature, ambient temperature, etc.
A second novel feature of the preferred embodiment of the first aspect of this invention is to measure the cell constant of the sensor by substituting a precision fixed reference resistor in place of the temperature-dependent resistor, and measuring the response of the sensor when the fixed resistor is in place. All subsequent measurements of the sensor response when the temperature-dependent resistor is in place are normalized by the cell constant, thereby nulling out non-ideal effects of the astable multivibrator and the passive circuit elements that control the multivibrator frequency.
A third novel feature of the preferred embodiment of the first aspect of this invention is that the fixed reference resistor is a precise multiple value of the temperature-dependent resistor when the temperature-dependent resistor is stabilized at a characteristic temperature. For a thermistor, this characteristic temperature is known as the "reference temperature" and the resistance of the thermistor at the characteristic temperature is known as the reference resistance. Ideally, the multiple value is a positive integer and is preferably unity.
A fourth novel feature of the preferred embodiment of the first aspect of this invention is that the cell constant may be measured during assembly of the sensor by substitution of the reference resistor of known value instead of the temperature-dependent resistor and this process does not require the use of a temperature-stabilized immersion bath or chamber.
In accordance with the second aspect of the invention, a body temperature measurement system consists of a microcontroller-based measurement device which transmits body temperature data, and a body-worn receiving unit which interprets the transmission and displays the temperature.
The measurement device contains three electrical subsystems: a thermistor-controlled multivibrator sensor circuit, a low-power microcontroller, and a modulated transmitter. A precision thermistor provides a variable charge element for an integrated timer circuit connected in an astable multivibrator configuration. The multivibrator generates pulses whose duty cycle varies as the thermistor charge element varies. The pulses are counted by a low-power microcontroller, and converted by the same microcontroller to a digital number which is temporarily stored in memory. Once the digital number has been determined the microcontroller de-activates power to the multivibrator to conserve battery power.
Using its own clock and a seed value, the microcontroller calculates a pseudo-random number, and determines the commencement of the next data transmission. The microcontroller then constructs a data word consisting of the current reference clock value, the digital number from the multivibrator count, a unique serial number previously stored in the microcontroller during manufacturing, and an error detection number calculated from the other values in the data word. The data word is interleaved with very specific bit values, and attached to a preamble and sync word to create a data packet. When it is time for the next transmission, the microcontroller activates the RF transmitter, and begins sending the data packet to the modulation portion of the RF transmitter.
The RF transmitter consists of a crystal-stabilized oscillator which supplies a carrier frequency, and a variable capacitor which frequency modulates the carrier. Once it has been activated, the RF transmitter modulates the data packet from the microcontroller onto the carrier, and transmits the modulated carrier. After the data has been transmitted, the microcontroller de-activates the RF transmitter, and enters a sleep mode to preserve battery power. The microcontroller leaves sleep mode just prior to the next transmission, re-actives the multivibrator, and begins the temperature measurement cycle again.
The entire measurement device electronics are designed to operate from one or two silver-oxide batteries. The device and the batteries are packaged in a bio-compatible shell that can be swallowed.
The receiving unit contains three functional subsystems: data demodulator and interpreter, microcontroller with sensor-tracking and data conversion algorithms, and activation mechanism. The data demodulator consists of a radio which demodulates the carrier to data. An on-board microcontroller removes the interleaved bits and checks the error detection word to determine if the incoming data is uncorrupted by the RF channel. For intact data words, the microcontroller converts the digital number from the multivibrator count to temperature. The temperature and the serial number from the data word are displayed on an LCD, stored in on-board memory, and/or retransmitted to a remote station via a direct-wire connection or a secondary radio-frequency link.
The same pseudo-random algorithm used to determine the next transmission time in the transmitter is programmed into the receiving unit microcontroller. Using this algorithm, the receiver can predict when each sensor will transmit a data packet, and which sensor will be transmitting the data packet. If the receiving unit is displaced far enough from the measurement device that radio communication is lost, the receiver can still predict when that particular transmitter should be transmitting based on the algorithm.
For the pseudo-random algorithm to be initiated correctly, the receiving unit has an embedded activation mechanism. A cavity within the receiver's housing holds the measurement device capsule. The receiver's microcontroller pulses an IR LED contained within the cavity. An IR sensitive photodetector in the device capsule activates the capsule's microcontroller. Subsequent messaging from the receiver via the IR LED confirms the capsule's use and prompts a transmission from the measurement device. This first transmission from the measurement device contains the device's serial number, clock value, and a calibration value stored during manufacturing. The serial number identifies the device during all subsequent transmissions. Included in the serial number is a sensor identifier that indicates which type of physiological parameter the sensor measures. Feedback is provided to the user to indicate that the sensor has been identified and is operational. The temperature monitor system is able to support sensors of other physiological parameters (including but not limited to heart rate, blood pressure, SPO2, etc.), behavioral parameters (such as activity, sleep, etc.), environmental conditions (such as temperature, motion, etc.), and detection conditions (such as concentration level of a toxic or other material of interest).
The clock value is used as part of the sensor-tracking algorithm, and the calibration value is used to convert the digital number from the multivibrator to temperature.
Using the on-board activation mechanism, several devices can be monitored by the same receiving unit, since each one has a unique serial number, and is given a different time sequence in the sensor-tracking algorithm.
A first novel feature of the preferred embodiment of the second aspect of this invention is the use of a multivibrator to convert the thermistor resistance to pulses with varying duty cycle, counting these pulses by an onboard microcontroller and storing a resulting value in memory as a digital number.
A second novel feature of the preferred embodiment of the second aspect of this invention is that a unique serial number is stored in the device microcontroller memory and is transmitted with the measured temperature number to specifically identify the device. The serial number contains a sensor identifier indicating which physiological (heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, etc.), behavioral, environmental, or detection parameter is being measured.
A third novel feature of the preferred embodiment of the second aspect of this invention is that the sensor/transmitter microcontroller determines when the next data transmission will be by calculating a pseudo-random number based on its own clock and a seed number. The same algorithm is contained in the receiving unit so that the receiver can predict when the next transmission will be from each device.
A fourth novel feature of the preferred embodiment of the second aspect of this invention is that the measured temperature number, the clock cycle, and the unique serial number are combined in a data word with an error detection number. This data word is encoded using bit stuffing, and combined with a preamble and sync word to form a data packet.
A fifth novel feature of the preferred embodiment of the second aspect of this invention is that the RF transmitter topology includes a mechanism for modulating the carrier. Further, the RF transmissions are periodic, rather than continuous, and are not started until the time calculated by the microcontroller.
A sixth novel feature of the preferred embodiment of the second aspect of this invention is that the microcontroller controls the activation of the multivibrator and the RF transmitter, and utilizes a sleep mode to minimize the average current draw on the battery. This allows the use of ultra-miniature silver-oxide batteries.
A seventh novel feature of the preferred embodiment of the second aspect of this invention is an activation mechanism utilizing an IR LED and an IR sensitive photodetector. The mechanism activates the microcontroller reset in the measurement device allowing it to be shelved for long periods before use. The IR communication link also enables the receiving unit to send instructions to the device, and prompt the device for information such as the serial number and calibration value. The IR communication link also enables the receiving unit to determine whether the sensor is operating within limits so that feedback may be provided to the user about the satisfactory operation of the sensor.
For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a temperature-sensitive circuit in accordance with the invention in its first aspect,
FIG. 2 is a graph that is useful in describing operation of the circuit shown in FIG. 1,
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the architecture of the electronic components contained within the transmitter unit of a temperature measurement device in the preferred embodiment of the invention in its second aspect,
FIG. 4 is a circuit schematic of the RF transmitter circuit included in the transmitter unit, and
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the architecture of the electronic components contained within the receiving unit of the temperature measurement device.
The temperature-sensitive circuit shown in FIG. 1 is a classical 555 timer circuit whose charge time is controlled by resistors RT and R1 and a capacitor C2, and whose discharge time is controlled by the resistor R1 and the capacitor C2. Classical 555 timer circuits use the external network to control the frequency, and various uses of 555 timers in transducers are well known.
In one embodiment of the invention, RT is a precision thermistor having a resistance of approximately 100 kohm at 25� C., and R1 is a 100 kohm precision fixed resistor. This will produce a 555 pulsed waveform whose charge time, tc, is about twice the discharge time, td, as shown in FIG. 2.
As the temperature increases above 25� C., the thermistor resistance will decrease, since the thermistor has a negative temperature coefficient. The resulting waveform at temperatures higher than 25� C. will have decreased duty factor and higher frequency. Thus, the frequency and duty factor will be uniquely related to the ambient temperature. For low power operation, the resistance of the thermistor must be large, ideally 100 kohm at 25� C. If such a large value is not available, it may be necessary to add a series resistor Rs, such that RT=Rth+Rs, where Rth is the thermistor and RT is the total series resistance of Rth and Rs.
Instead of measuring frequency, we measure the system charge and discharge times. This is a time-domain, rather than a frequency-domain measurement. In this scheme, the charge time is given by the following general equation:
and the discharge time is given by
In these equations, A and B are factors dependent on the value of the capacitor C2 and other characteristics of the 555 timer.
For simplicity of design, it is convenient to choose Rs=n*R1, where n is an integer. In addition, it simplifies the design if a thermistor is chosen such that its resistance at its reference temperature is equal to R1. Then, noting that Rth is a temperature-dependent quantity, let Rth=θR1, where θ is a temperature-dependent function whose value is unity when the temperature is equal to the reference temperature of the thermistor. To eliminate the temperature dependencies in the capacitance and the active circuit elements, we form the ratio of tc to td:
We refer to the constant A/B as the cell constant μ.
The ratio is designated by the Greek letter "gamma" and we refer to this function as the sensor equation,
For medical thermistors, the reference temperature is usually 25� C. At this reference temperature, T=T0=25� C., θ=1 and γ=γ0 and the previous equation reduces to γ0=μ[2+n].
For an ideal 555 timer, μ=ln(2)=0.69 as a theoretical value. However, actual integrated circuit versions of the 555 timer, in particular the CMOS timer for low power applications, may not have μ=0.69 exactly, and in order for this method to be highly accurate, the value of μ must be determined. In principle, if we measure the value of tc/td at the reference temperature, 25� C., we can determine the cell constant μ from the equation
as long as the value of the thermistor at its reference temperature is identically equal to R1. In practice, this is easy, because there are several manufacturers of medical grade thermistors whose reference temperature resistances are available in various values with a very narrow tolerance. Also, fixed precision resistors are available whose actual values can be as close as 0.1% to their nominal value.
A more direct method to determine the cell constant very accurately is to substitute a fixed resistor in place of the thermistor. The value of this fixed resistor should be equal to the value of the thermistor at its reference temperature, and the same as the value of R1. This substitution simulates the thermistor resistance at 25� C. When the fixed resistor is substituted for the thermistor, the sensor equation becomes
Thus, the cell constant is equal to the measured value of the td/tc ratio divided by (2+n). Once the cell constant is measured, the fixed resistor is removed and the thermistor is installed. This measurement need only be done once, when the cell is constructed, and this process can be easily automated with the use of a personal computer and a miniature probe set. Once the cell constant is known, it can be stored in memory on board the sensor microcontroller.
For actual temperature measurements, the cell equation can be inverted to provide the thermal function θ(T). The thermal function at a temperature T is the ratio of the thermistor resistance at the temperature T to the thermistor resistance at its reference temperature, 25� C. We have,
In the preferred embodiment of the thermometer, the sensor network is combined with a microcontroller circuit to form the miniature thermometer. The size of this thermometer is made to be as small as possible so that it can fit into an ingestible pill for measuring body core temperature, in a small skin patch for measuring skin temperature, in a capsule that can be placed in a body orifice, such as the ear canal, or implanted elsewhere in a human or animal subject, or in the form of a small transmitter for use in measuring ambient temperature. During the manufacturing process, the circuit is first assembled, and a fixed resistor is fitted in place of the thermistor. An external probe set is used to turn on the sensor and record the tc and td values when the fixed resistor is in place. From these values, an external computer (personal computer) is used to calculate the cell constant. The external PC then programs the value of the cell constant into the microcontroller on board the sensor. When this process is complete, the fixed resistor is removed and the thermistor is installed. From this point on, when the thermometer circuit is activated, the microcontroller measures tc and td and calculates the temperature using the cell constant.
For a thermistor, the thermal function is uniquely related to the temperature via the Steinhart-Hart equation:
whose coefficients a, b, and c are constants and characteristic of the material used to manufacture the thermistor. For highest accuracy, a medical-grade thermistor is used whose coefficients are very accurately known and provided by the supplier of the thermistor.
In actual implementations, it may be possible that the temperature cannot be derived from the thermistor resistance via the Steinhart-Hart equation. This is because the circuit may have thermal characteristics that lead to deviations from the Steinhart-Hart curve fit. It is still possible to obtain a temperature function that relates the thermistor resistance Rth to the temperature T over a wide range of temperatures. By making the definition,
Re is the "effective resistance" of the thermistor, relative to its value at the reference temperature, 25� C. (because Rth(25)=R1). For temperatures greater than 25� C., Re is less than unity. For temperatures less than 25� C., Re is greater than unity. This is because Rth has a negative temperature coefficient. We have found that a polynomial function of the form
is sufficient to relate the temperature to the effective resistance of the thermistor over a wide range of temperatures. Accordingly, we calculate temperature based on this polynomial rather than the Steinhart-Hart equation.
In a practical implementation, the thermometer is able to measure temperature over a 100 C. range, e.g. from −30� C. to +70� C., with a good level of accuracy and resolution.
A block diagram showing the architecture of the electronic components of the transmitter unit of a temperature measurement device in accordance with the second aspect of the invention is shown in FIG. 3. The electronics include a precision thermistor 1 connected as a variable charge element for the multivibrator 2; a microcontroller 3 containing a counter-timer 4, clock oscillator 5, data inputs and outputs 10, a window rejection filter 14, and power control input/outputs 8; an IR sensitive photodetector 7, and an RF transmitter containing a modulator and antenna 6.
The multivibrator may include a 555 timer connected to the thermistor 1 and the capacitor in the manner described with reference to FIG. 1. The output of the multivibrator OUTPUT is connected to the input port of the microcontroller's counter-timer circuitry. The microcontroller timer-counter counts the number of clock cycles during a discharge cycles and the number of clock cycles during an adjacent charge cycle, and stores these two numbers. The count for the discharge cycle is compared to the limits of a window rejection filter. If the count for the discharge cycle is above or below the window filter limits, it is rejected along with the corresponding count for the charge cycle. This rejection filter eliminates spurious counts caused by mistriggering of the timer-counter. If the count for the discharge cycle is within the window filter limits, it is divided by the corresponding count for the charge cycle, and a tally of the number of samples is incremented by one. The ratio of the discharge:charge counts is then stored in memory to start a running total. The process of counting the clock during discharge and charge cycle is repeated a fixed number of times, with each pair of counts being either rejected, or divided and the ratio added to the running total in memory. When the counting process has been completed, the running total of the ratios is divided by the number of samples tally, giving the average ratio of discharge:charge counts for that sample period. The average ratio is collected for several sample periods, and these values are also averaged, resulting in a final ratio of discharge:charge counts that has very little noise. The final ratio value is stored as a digital number in the microcontroller memory until the time it is transmitted.
During the calibration process, a precision resistor is used in place of the thermistor Rth. The average ratio of discharge:charge counts is determined by the same procedure described in the previous paragraph and is stored in the microcontroller memory as a calibration value.
During manufacture, a unique serial number is also stored in the microcontroller memory.
To avoid cross-talk with nearby devices, the microcontroller uses a pseudo-random algorithm to determine when the next transmission will be. Future time is divided into 1 minute tick marks consisting of a 48 second 'active' interval, and a 12 second 'guard' interval. The 12 second guard interval buffers each active interval, providing time-lapse between consecutive transmissions. Each 48 second active interval is divided into 256 transmission slots, with each slot being defined by a specific time point. Within the 48 second active interval, a specific time point is calculated based on a pseudo-random number generation (PNG) function. The PNG function is based on a polynomial of form p(x)=X24+x4+x3+x+1. The random number is generated by a program loop that constructs an array of 1s and 0s based on the polynomial p(x), the seed value, the number of elapsed tick marks and the number of bits used for the time point (eight in the case of this example, where there are 256 transmission slots). The initial seed value is different for each device, and a new seed value is produced along with the random bits for each passing tick mark. The result is that the successive transmissions take place in a predictable, random series of transmission slots.
Referring back to FIG. 3, a clock oscillator 5 integrated in the microcontroller provides the pseudo-random algorithm with a reference time. The time point from the pseudo-random algorithm is used to calculate the value of the reference clock when the next transmission is to occur.
Just prior to the time of the next transmission, the microcontroller activates the multivibrator temperature measurement routine. After the measurement, the microcontroller deactivates the multivibrator and constructs a data word 9 consisting of: the transmission time point; the serial number of the device previously stored in memory during the manufacturing process; the digital number from the multivibrator; and an error detection byte. The serial number of the device contains a sensor identifier indicating that it is a temperature sensor. The sensor identifier distinguishes whether the sensor is a thermometer or another physiological sensor (such as a heart rate sensor), or a sensor of another parameter or condition, as described above. The error detection byte is calculated using a cyclic redundancy code (CRC) algorithm and is based on the digital number, the serial number of the device, and the transmission time point and the calibration value. The data word is encoded 10 by interleaving a 4b/8b bitstuff table to balance the number of 1's and 0's sent to the RF Transmitter 6. The encoder also attaches a preamble 12 and a synchronization word 11 to the front of the data packet. The receiving unit uses the preamble to lock onto the carrier frequency.
Once the data packet has been constructed, the microcontroller activates the RF transmitter. FIG. 4 shows a schematic of the RF transmitter.
The transmitter is a Pierce oscillator configuration (U.S. Pat. No. 1,789,496) with X1, D1, C3 being the resonator and Q1, L1, and C2 being the amplifier. The applicants have chosen a fundamental crystal for X1 to stabilize the carrier of the transmitter to �100 ppm. The inductor L1 acts as the antenna. Capacitor C2 forms a tank circuit with L1, boosting the output power from the transmitter. Resistor R2 provides additional phase shift to ensure stable oscillations and isolate the tank circuit from the resonator. Data from the microcontroller frequency modulates the carrier by altering the voltage on the varactor D1, which in turn varies the resonant frequency of the resonator. The result is a frequency-shift keyed carrier. Alternate embodiments could directly alter the voltage on the base or collector of Q1, resulting in amplitude-shift keying or on-off keying. The topology of the RF transmitter lends itself to operation from either 1.5V or 3V battery V1.
Referring to FIG. 3, to allow the device to be shelved for an extended period before use, an IR-sensitive photodetector 7 is used as an activation switch. The applicants have chosen a phototransistor as the photodetector, although alternative embodiments could use a photodiode. The phototransistor is connected to the reset pin and one of the input ports of the microcontroller, which controls power to the multivibrator, and the RF transmitter. During activation, the device capsule is lodged in a cavity on the receiving unit where it is in close proximity to an IR LED. When the phototransistor senses enough light, it triggers the reset of the microcontroller, activating the clock 5, and initiating a wake-up routine. The microcontroller then waits for a predetermined message from the receiving unit sent via the IR link. If the message is not received within a pre-allotted time, the microcontroller re-enters sleep mode. If the message is received, the RF transmitter is activated, and the calibration value stored in the microcontroller memory, the device serial number, and the current clock count are sent via the RF transmitter. In this way, the receiving unit and the temperature measurement device are synchronized, and contain the same seed value. The receiving unit can use the seed value and the device clock as inputs to the PNG function to determine the expected time of the next transmission even when RF communication has been lost. The device completes the activation process by transmitting a sample data packet with a predetermined temperature number, and beginning the measurement routine.
If any of the communication during the activation process, including the sample data packet, is missing or corrupted, the receiving unit displays a warning to the user indicating the device is not operating and a possible course of action.
FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of the receiving unit's functions. The microcontroller 14 activates the superheterodyne radio 1, which receives the signal from the temperature measurement device and demodulates the data. Once the complete data packet is received and stored in memory, the receiver radio 1 is de-activated by the microcontroller 14. The microcontroller uses the synchronization word in the data packet as a start indicator, then removes the interleaved bits from the data word 3. The error detection byte is then checked to ensure the data word is valid. Invalid data words are rejected. An ID mask function 2 compares the serial numbers from valid transmissions to a list of the serial numbers of devices initialized by the receiver. Sensor data streams with serial numbers that do not match are ignored. The multivibrator digital numbers of sensor data streams with matching serial numbers are used to calculate values of effective resistance using the calibration value stored during initialization and the effective resistance is converted to temperature values based on the polynomial function for T(Re). The temperature is stored in memory 6 along with a time stamp from the real-time clock 4. Whenever available, the new temperature data is displayed on the LCD 8. The keypad 16 is used to change device options, perform initialization, enter user data, and execute other system functions. The temperature data can be retrieved from memory later using the serial interface 7 and a PC, or transmitted to a remote station via a direct connection or a secondary radio frequency link.
The PNG sequencer 10 uses the microcontroller clock 17 to track the transmission intervals for several individual sensing devices, which may be temperature sensitive devices but may alternatively be sensitive to other parameters. The same pseudo-random algorithm programmed into each sensing device is programmed into the PNG sequencer. Using the pseudo-random algorithm, and the seed values transferred from the sensing devices, the PNG sequencer can predict when the next transmission will be, and which sensing device will be transmitting. Just prior to the next expected transmission, the receiver radio 1 is activated by the microcontroller.
A push button, which may be part of the keypad 16, begins the activation of a new temperature measurement device (or other sensing device). During the activation routine, the microcontroller sends a message to the temperature measurement device via the IR LED 9. After a short delay, the microcontroller 14 requests the calibration value and serial number of the device using the same IR LED. The radio 1 is activated, and receives the transmitted message from the temperature measurement device. The PNG sequencer 10 uses the serial number to calculate a unique seed value, and outputs the seed to the temperature measurement device via the IR LED. The device responds with a predetermined data packet. The receiving unit verifies the validity of the data packet. The validity (or invalidity) of the data packet is displayed on the LCD 8.
A power switch 12, which may have an actuation element on the keypad 16, allows the main battery 13 to be preserved when the receiving unit is shelved. A back-up battery 15 preserves the real-time clock setting and data volatile memory while the main battery 13 is exchanged.
In summary, a preferred embodiment of the second aspect of the invention is a thermometer for the purpose of measuring body temperature or other physiological parameters, behavioral parameters, environmental conditions, etc. The thermometer consists of a microcontroller-based temperature measurement device which acquires and transmits body temperature data, and a receiving unit which may be worn by the subject and interprets the data and displays the temperature.
The measurement device contains three electrical subsystems: a thermistor-controlled multivibrator sensor circuit, a low-power microcontroller, and a modulated VHF transmitter. The electronics operates from two silver-oxide batteries, and is small enough to fit within an ingestible biocompatible shell. The transmissions from the device are periodic, and follow a specific pattern to reduce cross-talk between individual devices.
The receiving unit demodulates the data from the measurement device, and converts it to temperature data using a specific calibration value. The temperature is displayed digitally on an LCD display and is stored in memory.
The thermometer includes an activation mechanism which allows the device to be shelved for long periods without draining the battery. The receiving unit contains an infrared (IR) light emitting diode (LED) and a cavity for holding the measurement device. The measurement device contains an IR sensitive phototransistor which is activated by the IR LED on the receiving unit when placed in the cavity. A message from the receiving unit initiates the microcontroller in the measurement device, and activates the multivibrator sensor circuit.
It will be appreciated that the invention is not restricted to the particular embodiment that has been described, and that variations may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims and equivalents thereof. Unless the context indicates otherwise, a reference in a claim to the number of instances of an element, be it a reference to one instance or more than one instance, requires at least the stated number of instances of the element but is not intended to exclude from the scope of the claim a structure or method having more instances of that element than stated.
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Training video
During one of our training courses we followed our students with the Firecam. A compilation of these images has resulted in this video. Check it out!
CFBT Katwijk
In week 16 2012 the fire department of Katwijk was in Sweden for their Compartment Fire Behavior Training. You can find a report and photo's from this training in our portfolio.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Video: Talk to the head
Read more: Click here to read a longer version of this story
THE spooky robotic head was watching me. As I passed by, it followed me with its eyes and slowly craned in my direction. Then it spoke, its animated lips moving realistically as it promoted an imminent crowdfunding campaign. When I stood still, it looked me over: its sensors examined my face and counted up my wrinkles. Then, rather annoyingly, it correctly guessed my age.
I was interacting with SociBot-Mini, a 60-centimetre-high robot built by Will Jackson and his colleagues at Engineered Arts in Penryn, UK. The model is one of their first generation of robots, already on sale. The company bills it as a futuristic information terminal that people could interact with in a mall, airport or bank, say. And if the Kickstarter campaign is successful, a cheaper, slimmed-down version will follow for home use, as a kind of personal assistant.
"Today's computer interfaces have moved on very little from the typewriter," says Jackson. "We have social software and a social internet, but we don't have social hardware."
SociBot-Mini uses a depth-sensing camera – similar to Microsoft's Kinect system – to capture and recognise gestures. It can also capture facial expressions using a webcam. Computer vision software lets it perform tricks like recognising people, working out someone's mood from their grimaces and smiles – and guessing their age. It also has some understanding of speech and comes with chatbot software based on Rosette, which in 2011 won the Loebner prize, awarded for a computer's ability to hold simple conversations. The idea is to build a system that people enjoy working closely with. "It'll become a butler who knows you inside out," says Jackson.
Its transparent plastic face has contours for a nose, mouth and eyes, and is backlit with a digital projector. It can display a generic face like the one that sized me up, or create one based on a headshot of a friend or colleague to add telepresence to voice calls.
"It's as spooky as all hell," says Jackson. "We've tried it with a couple of our telecommuting colleagues in meetings and when it suddenly turns and joins in the conversation as our colleague Dan, and with his face, it is quite amazing. But you get used to it quickly."
I ran into SociBot-Mini at the Human-Robot Interaction conference in Bielefield, Germany, earlier this month. It isn't the only one of its kind. At the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden, Samer Al Moubayed is developing an animated head called Furhat to which 3D-printed faces can be attached. The idea is to take infrared scans of someone's friends and print their faces, so that the appropriate one can be used just before the person calls them.
It sounds like a palaver, but Al Moubayed says being able to animate the 3D printed face of a real person lends extra authenticity to the telepresence experience. Skype is interested in the project, and will team up with the group developing Furhat to bring animated delegates to the Interspeech conference in Singapore in September.
This article appeared in print under the headline "Talk to the head"
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Loxon® Block Surfacer
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Prices do not include taxes or other fees as applicable.
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Killer Hogs The BBQ Rub brings out the natural flavors in meat and builds a beautiful, mahogany bark on pork, beef, and poultry. Killer Hogs - The BBQ Rub was developed as a competition BBQ rub by the Killer Hogs Championship BBQ Team. This rub allows you to turn out BBQ like a professional pitmaster. The Killer Hogs Championship BBQ Team spent years perfecting their BBQ dry rub and now you get a chance to experience the flavor.
The BBQ Rub brings out the best in everything you cook. The BBQ Rub is balanced with a special blend of sugar, salt, heat and other spices. Combining for an amazing flavor that'll have your mouth watering before it even goes on the meat. After your done cooking, shake some on the finished product, t's even better!
Brown sugar, sugar, salt. paprika, spices, including chili pepper, evaporated cane juice, dehydrated garlic and orange peel, onion powder, MSG, mustard flour, extractives of paprika(color), dill weed, tumeric (color) and natural flavor.
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text:
Reasons to Have Pride in 2012, Part 4
BY Advocate Contributors
May 18 2012 5:00 AM ET
Because we get the last laugh
The former president of Buena Vista Motion Pictures Group, Nina Jacobson was notoriously fired over the phone in 2006 while in the hospital where her wife was giving birth to their son, William, and her father was in the ICU. But the former Disney chief — long called the most powerful lesbian in Hollywood — started her own production company, Color Force, and this spring released a little movie called The Hunger Games. Now she's laughing all the way to the bank.
Tags: Reasons for Pride


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There's nothing like a stroll through the halls of Annapolis to make you wonder how we've managed to survive this long.
Legislativus horribilis is a creature with no backbone or vision. It is most often seen with a single moistened digit extended skyward to check for wind patterns. Often found running in circles or huddled in groups, it emits an unpleasant whining sound that ceases only at midnight on the 90th day of its lifecycle.


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text:
Wairau Cove Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc (2010) Review
Price: £10 per bottle
Availability: Supermarket
The grape of England's summer this year (if you can really classify a couple of sunny days between the rain as a summer) is undoubtedly Sauvignon Blanc. It has replaced the ubiquitous Pinot Grigio (and before that fat oaky Chardonnay – remember that?) as the de facto drink of choice for vivacious young things who have decided that they like their wine as lively and refreshing possible. Oh, and it has to be from New Zealand, a couple of decidedly slick advertising campaigns and numerous supermarket promotions have helped here, but French Sauvignon Blanc is so stuffy anyway and besides, Mum and Dad still drink that.
With the increase of popularity of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc though, has come an increase in production and with an increase in production some less than optimal vineyard sites have been planted with a resultant increase in the number of decidedly curiously tasting offerings that one can find hailing from New Zealand's shores. It used to be the case that a "Marlborough" Sauvignon Blanc was covered by an aura of higher quality – something that was reflected in the price (an average per bottle price of around £6.50 by comparison to a UK average bottle price of around £5), but now prices have begun to fall away as supply of Sauvignon Blanc has begun to outstrip demand and as further supermarket deals have driven prices down.
This "Wairau Cove" Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is one such example of a supermarket wine that sees regular discounting. Despite a list price of £9.99 on the supermarket website, online forums are full of discussions surrounding 3 for £10 offers on this "Wairau Cove" Sauvignon Blanc and even walking away with 6 bottles of "Wairau Cove" Sauvignon Blanc for just £17 (you get an extra 5% off the original price if you take 6) which works out at just £2.83 a bottle. Personally I am sceptical of such offers, rarely does it seem like the wine that you end up with is worth even the reduced price, let alone the full retail price (supermarkets do have to make money!) but setting that cynicism aside, it is time to see whether this "Wairau Cove" Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is a good bottle that represents a genuine bargain, or whether it is a bottle best left on the shelf (even at a reduced price)!
At first glance, the signs are not necessarily encouraging for this "Wairau Cove" Sauvignon Blanc. Normally wine will have a name and maker listed, for example: "Villa Maria" (maker) may produce a "Private Bin Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc" (name) - reviewed here in case you were wondering! This "Wairau Cove" Sauvignon Blanc does not list a maker, but instead carries a tag which shows it was grown in New Zealand, but is bottled in the UK. This smacks of this "Wairau Cove" Sauvignon Blanc being a mass produced, volume wine produced on an industrial scale. Whilst this doesn't necessarily mean that this "Wairau Cove" Sauvignon Blanc will be a bad wine, wine produced in this way does tend to taste more of a contrived "generic" flavour of a particular grape, rather than showcasing the flavours of a unique vineyard or special location.
Speaking of location, I can't find a "Wairau Cove" that exists anywhere in Marlborough. (The Wairau Valley is a well known sub-region, but there is no "Wairau Cove" here either). This raises another interesting question, why name your wine after a place that does not exist?
Name and provenance aside, the bottle of this "Wairau Cove" Sauvignon Blanc itself is neither particularly striking nor offensive. A low shouldered, Burgundy style bottle is sealed with a screw cap (much like nearly every other bottle of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc out there) and is adorned with a plain looking white and black label with the "Wairau Cove" name picked out.
In the glass, this "Wairau Cove" Sauvingon Blanc is again fairly typical New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc – a light to dilute gooseberry colour. Not particularly intense, the legs of this "Wairau Cove" Sauvignon Blanc are hard to pick out due to the paleness of the wine's colour but an alcoholic content of 13.5% is more or less average for a New Zealand Sauvignon, even if weightier examples do exist.
On the nose though, "typical" New Zealand Sauvignon starts to go out of the window with this "Wairau Cove" Sauvignon Blanc. Rather than exhibiting lime, cut grass and herbs as we have come to expect from Marlborough Sauvignon, I detect more European green apples and pears. Unusual and a little too much bitter green apple skin leaves a bitter note at the top of your nose which is not altogether pleasant.
This unusual flavour profile is carried through to the taste of this "Wairau Cove" Sauvignon Blanc. Whilst a lump of limey tropical fruit does feature at the start of the taste, this is drowned out by a medley of Granny Smith's and hard, under-ripe pears picked too early from the tree. This "Wairau Cove" Sauvignon Blanc actually reminds me very much of a "curiously flavoured" Bordeaux Sauvignon Blanc that used to get handed out at events when I was at university – students will drink anything!
In all, this "Wairau Cove" Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is something of a curious experience. Seemingly named after a place that doesn't exist, the wine lacks a sense of identity in its flavours that make it difficult to place this Wairau Cove as a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc at all. On one level unusual and on another, not altogether pleasant, whilst a heavy discount may sell the first few bottles you are left to wonder whether anyone would make a repeat purchase of this wine. I wouldn't.
Wairau Cove Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc (2010)
Score: 63/100 – Neither like a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc nor particularly pleasant.
Value for Money: 3/10 – Cheap but not very cheerful!
Other Sauvignon Blanc Reviewed to Date:
Errazuriz Estate Sauvignon Blanc
Michel Girard & Fils Sancerre
Villa Maria "Private Bin" Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Off Piste "Marlborough Springs" Sauvignon Blanc
Wairau Cove Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc


text:
rabbittransit takes its role of providing mobility seriously. We recognize that passengers may face barriers that require them to bring an escort when they travel. Escorts must provide assistance to the person traveling. Passengers using Paratransit services requiring an escort are required to have their physician complete the necessary documentation. Once this form is completed and filed with rabbittransit, passengers will be permitted to bring one (1) escort on board with them. An escort trip must be noted at the time the passenger makes a reservation. Failure to note the need for an escort will prevent the escort from being able to board.
You may bring someone with you as an escort at no cost to you in the following situations:
Download and print an Escort Form: PDF I Word


text:
February 19, 2013
Among those participating in the Feb. 15 recognition of Warrensburg's bicenntennial, were town citizens and officials (left to right): deputy town clerks Gail Olden and Kathy Rounds, town Historian Sandi Parisi, Peggy Knowles, Ruth Fruda, Town Clerk Donna Combs, Warrensburg Chamber President Lynn Smith, Warrensburg Supervisor Kevin Geraghty, Town Councilman Bryan Rounds, town Beautification Committee founder Teresa Whalen, and town Deputy Supervisor John Alexander.
Stories this photo appears in:
Warren County leaders hail Warrensburg's 200th
The 200th anniversary of Warrensburg's existence was commemorated Feb. 15 as Warren County Supervisors held a ceremony honoring the town's bicentennial.
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text:
Album Rating: 4.0You are going to die after a double team of Kvert and Dillinger
Digging: Wil Wagner - Laika
Album Rating: 4.0 | Sound OffRules hard m/
Album Rating: 4.5Lol, my body's already sore from Dillinger. Lets see if I can walk after Kvelertak
Album Rating: 3.5 | Sound Off"When I lost my bet" is pretty much the definition of a grower. It is utterly unimpressive on first listen and just sounds like hackneyed attempt at recapturing what made CI stand out. Then it worms itself into your brain.
Album Rating: 4.0 | Sound Off^^^
SO fucking hard, couldn't agree more.
Album Rating: 4.0Thought WILMB was the most average dillinger song I had ever heard when it came out. Rules hard now
i need to listen to this again bc i thought the whole album was pretty average save a couple tracks
Album Rating: 4.0 | Sound OffMaximus is trve
Album Rating: 4.0seeing them on sunday gonna be tight
Album Rating: 4.0 | Sound OffSeeing them in 2 weeks so yea man :D
Album Rating: 4.5Have a hell of a ride to you both. So much fucking energy and awesomeness on stage
still haven't seen these guys. definitely high up on my to do list
Album Rating: 4.0Sooooo good live. Insane energy. Just don't bring an epileptic friend. So many strobe lights.
Album Rating: 4.0I liked Option more but this still rules.
Album Rating: 4.0 | Sound OffPrancer
Farewell, Mona Lisa
Milk Lizard
Panasonic Youth
Room Full of Eyes
Black Bubblegum
Fix Your Face
Gold Teeth on a Bum
Hero of the Soviet Union
Nothing's Funny
One of Us Is the Killer
Dead as History
Good Neighbor
When I Lost My Bet
Come to Daddy
(Aphex Twin cover) (Incomplete)
Sunshine the Werewolf
43% Burnt
Look at that setlist holy shit.
"(Aphex Twin cover) (Incomplete)"
uhh what?
Fucking sweet though
Album Rating: 4.0 | Sound OffIts Come to Daddy dude
yeah I get that lol
why does it say Incomplete though
Album Rating: 4.0 | Sound OffCos they don't usually play the whole thing, its like the interlude for when they come back onstage for the encore
Bands: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z


text:
Minimum hire: 4 hours
Charter Boat Capacity: up to 30 passengers
Sydney's ultimate head-turner, this exquisite 87′ Warren super yacht evokes a sense of James Bond with its elegant lines, state-of-the-art gadgets and huge open-plan sundrenched saloon. Ghost is Sydney Harbour's ultimate luxury boat accommodating up to 30 passengers with high comfort levels for all passengers. Boasting 4 staterooms, 2 lounge rooms, an opulent dining room and 2 outdoor areas, Ghost is available for all social or corporate events, both on Sydney Harbour and around the East Coast of Australia.
Please click to download menus Buffet Menu Canapé Menu Beverage Packages
Specifications & Features
- Available on the East Coast of Australia
- Accommodates up to 30 passengers (cocktail) 20 (formal dining) 8 (overnight)
- 5 Star catering including canapé, formal dining, buffet menus & premium beverage service
- Lounge area on main deck with dining table
- Large flat screen TVs with Foxtel
- State of the art sound system throughout
- Retractable sun roof on main deck
- Four bedrooms with flat screen TVs
- Main bedroom with King bed, ensuite and lounge
- Overnight stays available for up to 8 guests


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- Adult Adventure
- Some Body Parts
- Tools and Tapers
- Accessories
- Straight Barbells
- Curved Barbells
- Replacement Parts
- Captive Bead Rings
- Earlets & Tunnels
- 14k Gold Only
- Ear Plugs
- Segment & Seamless Rings
- Spirals & Claws
- Organics
- Hide Your Piercing
- Charms
- Genuine Diamond Jewelry
- Circular Barbells
- Screwball Rings
- Fixed Bead Rings
Ultra Ryder is made of polished stainless steel so it's smooth, durable and sturdy. This dildo is made for deep and intense penetration. It offers 9 inches of insertable length, with a 1.5 inch wide shaft and 2 inch wide head. This elegant toy is specially designed to hit all the right spots. The slight curve ensures targeted stimulation and perfect comfort. The dildo has a 4 inch grooved handle for the best grip.
The Toys listed on our site are for use by consenting adults only as either a Novelty Items, Fashion Accessories, or Sexual Toys.
The Toys listed on our site are for use by consenting adults only as either a Novelty Items, Fashion Accessories, or Sexual Toys.
We assume no responsibility for Unsafe, Improper, or Illegal use of these items.
Please be Safe, Consensual, and always use Common Sense!
You may also be interested in the following product(s)
Rooter Dildo
Solid Dildo
Eleven Dildo
Customer Reviews
- Almost perfect ;) Review by Jenna James
Beutiful and quite enjoyable once warmed up under hot running tap water ;) my only complaint is that it appears hollow I was anticipating a one piece solid metal item for the weight but it's still hella groovey ;)
(Posted on 4/13/14)


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American Idol
Whoa! Did Stefano Langone Reveal a Former Romance With _______?
American Idol Season 10 alum Stefano Langone, who finished seventh in last year's competition, recently spilled a few juicy tidbits about his post-Idol experiences in a candid interview.
Speaking to Phoenix, Arizona radio hosts Johnjay and Rich, Stefano used air quotes when he talked about the day Pia Toscano was eliminated over him. "I was 'close' to Pia at the time," he said. That little hand gesture prompted a ton of reaction questions from the audience, which he responded to with, "It is in the past" and "It is what it is." Not to worry though, Stefano isn't harboring any hard feelings. The suave singer is rumored to be romancing fellow Season 10 contestant Haley Reinhart.
The subject of his paycheck for the Idol summer tour also came up during the chat. When the hosts asked whether the contestants were given the rumored $175,000 payout for the tour, Stefano guffawed and said, "I wish! No, not even close."
He explained that concert promoters AEG lost a lot of money on the Season 9 Idol tour, prompting them to cut pay for the Season 10 tour. Ironically, Stefano and crew sold out most venues during the 2011 summer performances.
"I'm not going to give a number... because I can't, actually, in the contract. But it was so bad that a lot of us were really, really upset about it because of how much we were working... and we were just being like drained and selling out shows and didn't get much at all."
Stefano did joke that the success of the Season 10 contestants' summer tour probably paved the way for a better payday for this year's crop. There's always a tiny silver lining!
Watch the interview below (note: there are four parts total!):
Source: Johnjay and Rich via YouTube
Need your daily dose of American Idol? Like us on our Facebook page at facebook.com/AmericanIdolFansite, or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/IdolWetpaint!


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Blackboard Vista/in-class roll-call registration
1. Click on the i>clicker icon in the i>clicker folder on your hard drive.
2. Choose the course for which you would like to register your i>clicker. Click on 'My Settings' from the screen that appears
3. From the settings tabs, select CMS/Registration. Under Course management system, select Blackboard Vista and 'Set for course.'


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Your home'sexposure with theExposure Engine™
How long you plan to live in the home.If you purchase a home and get a job transfer or decide to move after only a short time, you may end up paying money in order to sell it. The value of your home may not have appreciated enough to cover the costs that you paid to buy the home and the costs that it would take you to sell your home.
The length of time that it will take to cover those costs depends on various economic factors in the area of the home. Most parts of the country have an average of 5% appreciation per year. In this case, you should plan to stay in your home at least 3-4 years to cover buying and selling costs. If the area you buy your home in experiences an economic up turn, the length of the time to cover these costs could be shortened, and the opposite is also true.
How long the home will meet your needs.What features do you require in a home to satisfy your lifestyle now? Five years from now? Depending on how long you plan to stay in your home, you'll need to ensure that the home has the amenities that you'll need. For example, a two-bedroom dwelling may be perfect for a young couple with no children. However, if they start a family, they could quickly outgrow the space. Therefore, they should consider a home with room to grow. Could the basement be turned into a den and extra bedrooms? Could the attic be turned into a master suite? Having an idea of what you'll need will help you find a home that will satisfy you for years to come.
Your financial health - your credit and home affordability.Is now the right time financially for you to buy a home? Would you rate your financial picture as healthy? Is your credit good? While you can always find a lender to lend you money, solid lenders are more skeptical if your credit history is not good. Generally, a couple of blemishes on a credit report will make you a good credit risk and could qualify you for the lowest interest rates. If you have more than a couple of blemishes on your report, lenders like Quicken Loans may still provide you with a loan, but you may just have to pay a higher interest rate and fees.
Some say that you should refrain from borrowing as much as you qualify for because it is wiser not to stretch your financial boundaries. The other school of thought says you should stretch to buy as much home as you can afford, because with regular pay raises and increased earning potential, the big payment today will seem like less of a payment tomorrow. This is a decision only you can make. Are you in a position where you expect to make more money soon? Would you rather be conservative and fairly certain that you can make your payment without stretching financially? Make sure that whatever you do, it's within your comfort zone.
To determine how much home you can afford, talk to a lender or go online and use a "home affordability" calculator. Good calculators will give you a range of what you may qualify for. Then call a lender. While some may say that the "28/36" rule applies, in today's home mortgage market, lenders are making loans customized to a particular person's situation. The "28/36" rule means that your monthly housing costs can't exceed 28 percent of your income and your total debt load can't exceed 36 percent of your total monthly income. Depending on your assets, credit history, job potential and other factors, lenders can push the ratios up to 40-60% or higher. While we're not advocating you purchase a home utilizing the higher ratios, its important for you to know your options.
Where the money for the transaction will come from.Typically homebuyers will need some money for a down payment and closing costs. However, with today's broad range of loan options, having a lot of money saved for a down payment is not always necessary - if you can prove that you are a good financial risk to a lender. If your credit isn't stellar but you have managed to save 10-20% for a down payment, you will still appear to be a very good financial risk to a lender.
The ongoing costs of home ownership.Maintenance, improvements, taxes and insurance are all costs that are added to a monthly house payment. If you buy a condominium, townhouse or in certain communities, a monthly homeowner's association fee might be required. If these additional costs are a concern, you can make choices to lower or avoid these fees. Be sure to make your realtor and your lender aware of your desire to limit these costs.
If you are still unsure if you should buy a home after making these considerations, you may want to consult with an accountant or financial planner to help you assess how a home purchase fits into your overall financial goals.
©2007 Sharon Fletcher, ASP Staging Realtor®Privacy | For Agents | SiteMap
Stephanie RoehmRealtor®((330) 753-9293 Fax
Sharon FletcherASP Staging Realtor®(330) 802-8938 Cell(330) 753-9293 Fax
Carroll County Ohio Real Estate Listings - Homes & Condos for SaleMagnola real estate | Malvern real estate | Minerva real estate | Seven Hills real estate
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This site is provided as a public service and does not constitute an agency relationship between Keller Williams® Realty Greater Cleveland Southwest or its Realtors® with members of the public. All property information is subject to change in sale terms, prior sale, or withdrawal without prior notice. The information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
Point2 website customization | nancy golliday | first coast designs


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DUBUQUE, Iowa The Spanish Embassy in the United States is praising a program in Dubuque. It calls the innovative foreign language program at Dubuque's Holy Family Catholic schools one of the best in the nation.
Like many Spanish Immersion schools, administrators at Our Lady of Guadalupe hired native Spanish speakers to teach all subjects strictly in Spanish. That elementary school has now been open for 13 years and teachers say they're really starting to see the results.
In Mr. Garcia's 5th grade class, you'll hear all kinds of chatter. But one thing you won't hear is a word of English.
O. L. G Principal Lori Apel said, The children do not translate the language. They think in the target language because the process is so natural.
Teachers say O.L.G. 5th graders can have in-depth conversions in Spanish because they started speaking at such an early age.
In Kindergarten and 1st Grade its full immersion. All of the content areas are instructed in Spanish, said Apel.
Aleece Duggan, a Wahlert High School Junior, is a members of Catholic school system's first class to study Spanish for their entire education. She thinks her Spanish skills will come in handy later in life.
If I go into the medical field, I am hoping to help people who speak Spanish, said Duggan.
Longtime Wahlert Catholic High School Spanish teacher Becky Varley says there's a big difference between teaching students who came from an English speaking elementary school and those from Our Lady of Guadalupe.
They have experience with lots of native speakers. They have to build on the skills that they've developed and take them forward said Varley.
l Comments: (563) 583-9999; firstname.lastname@example.com


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The Movies
site has information on The Movies band and a schedule of performances. After many years of performing together The Movies
took a break a few years back. In the fall of 2006 we reformed the original band. We hope you enjoy this site and visit often.
The Movies Testing


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We decided that it would be an excellent idea to go on a ghost tour that took us to several bars along Second Avenue. This was not one of our better decisions (but at least we won some shot glasses).
We decided that it would be an excellent idea to go on a ghost tour that took us to several bars along Second Avenue. This was not one of our better decisions (but at least we won some shot glasses).
Part two of our two part 8 Off 8th preview. We're making sure Mercy Lounge is extra haunted for your partying pleasure.
You may be sick of hearing about our 8 Off 8th but we're determined to force you into going, whether you like it or not. Enjoy these song previews by bands who will be playing the occasion.
We're pathetic and refuse to enter haunted houses. But we're not too pathetic to scoff at their ultra low-budget YouTube commercials!
Good news, true believers! Rapture guy says we're totally going to get raptured today. For real this time. Feel free to throw another rapture party.
Ever wanted to throw your own legit screening of Rocky Horror? Veteran RHCP MC Kassi Thomas has some tips on why you shouldn't buy booze for your cast.
Pop quiz, hotshot. What do you do when you're surrounded by free food, free booze, and a guy in a bear costume doing the running man to a Steely Dan song? Don't panic, we're here to help.
Spotted in the wilds of Music Row, Squidly Diddly and his spectral buddy are tucked away somewhere between 17th Avenue and Pizza Perfect.
Celebrate the careers of Michael Stipe and the dudes who aren't Michael Stipe with an all R.E.M. tribute at Mercy Lounge's 8 Off 8th.
Grimey's and The Basement present yet another Americana themed backyard party: Americanarama IV.
A Grave Look at Our Near Drinking Future: 'Barcraft'
25 Aug 2011
Neverending Happy Hour: Dino's
03 Jan 2011
Neverending Happy Hour: A Saga of Sorrows… and Four Loko
16 Feb 2011
'Secret' Mutemath Show in Undisclosed Location Tonight [Updated]
06 Sep 2011
Nashville Episode of "Drinking Made Easy" Airs Wednesday
9 January 2012
Where to Party on New Year's Eve
30 December 2011
Urban Art Crawl: Anarchists Invade the Village
28 December 2011
Free Chick-Fil-A Tomorrow, Wednesday in Nashville West
13 December 2011
Listen, if we can't hate on a company that's actively trying..
Harold Melvin
u're just a hatin bitch..
Jessica Ramsay
"The 30 x 80' mural was commissioned in 2007 and was complet..
Hide from Black Friday in The Basement with Nikki Lane - Dixie Downturn
[...] Tyler now. When he's not playing with Lambchop, ..


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Bring it on in this Cheerleader Teen Costume complete with classic high school color dress, matching pom pom and iron-on monograms. Black and red colors suggest you may be cheering on the devils this Halloween.
Team spirit lasts long beyond the grave in this Dead Cheerleader tween costume! The shockingly chic outfit comes with a midnight black and blood red dress, fishnet shorts, and pom poms--the perfect uniform to pep up the undead.
Great for a Viking costume or monster costume, these furry black boot covers will turn you into a real party animal! A fun Halloween accessory that fits right over your shoes. Made of acrylic and polyester. One size fits most.
Leave yourself in stitches with these white Halloween pantyhose. A great accessory for a skeleton costume, zombie costume, witch costume, and many more these 100% nylon garments are a sure bet for the holiday.


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How Much is 22kt Gold Worth
With our specially designed 'How Much Is Gold Worth' calculator, you can quickly and easily figure out how much 22 karat gold is worth. Given the incredible rise in gold prices, the question 'How Much is 22kt Gold Worth' is the buzz word of the day if not the year! Gold investors have been piling into 22 karat gold bullion and taking profits accordingly. Top investors have made over 500% in the last decade and further rises are expected in the years to come.
Instant 'How Much Is 22 Karat Gold Worth' Calculator
How to Use The 'How Much is 22kt Gold Worth' Calculator
Simply enter the weight of gold in Troy Ounces or Grams. Be careful to choose the right unit otherwise you may be selling yourself short!
Next, look at the 'Current Price of Gold' box on the right hand side of the screen and enter the gold price into the form. Now just hit the 'How Much Is Gold Worth' button and get your instant quote.
If for example, you wish to calculate:
- How much is 1g of 22kt gold worth
Select 'Grams' & Enter '1' in the 'Quantity' field.
- How much is 10g of 22kt gold worth
Select 'Grams' & Enter '10' in the 'Quantity' field.
- How much is 100g of 22kt gold worth
Select 'Grams' & Enter '100' in the 'Quantity' field.
- How much is 1kg of 22kt gold worth
Select 'Grams' & Enter '1000' in the 'Quantity' field.
- How much is 1oz of 22kt gold worth
Select 'Troy Ounces' & Enter '1' in the 'Quantity' field.
How to Calculate How Much 22 Karat Gold is Worth
In order to calculate how much 22 karat gold is worth, one must know:
- The weight of the gold bullion
- The purity of the gold bullion
Weight can be measured in grams but because precious metal prices are quoted in Troy Ounces, it is generally easier to work in these units of mass. 1 Troy Ounce is equal to 31.1034768 grams. Therefore:
To convert grams to Troy Ounces, use the formula:
Troy Ounces = Grams / 31.1034768
Purity is measured in Karats or Millesimal Fineness. Karats are a measure of gold purity where 24 karats represents 22 out of 24 parts gold. Thus 22 karat gold is 22/24 which equals .916 or 91.6% pure gold. Millesimal Fineness is a more accurate measurement of purity which is based on parts out of 1000. Thus 91.6% gold is a Millesimal Fineness purity of '916′.
Therefore, the formula to calculate how much 22 karat gold is worth is
(Spot Price of Gold * Weight of Gold (Troy Ounces)) * (100/100)
22 Karat Gold Bullion
22 karat gold is 91.6% pure gold. Except for 24 karat gold, it is one of the purest forms of gold available. In most countries including the US, jewelry is rarely made from 22kt gold as it is too soft and not generally suitable for the purpose of everyday usage.
22 karat gold is generally used in the manufacture of gold bullion coins. Examples of these are the American Gold Eagle and the South African Krugerrand.
Such bullion may be marked 22 karat or '916' which is a value based on the millesimal fineness scale and indicates 916 parts gold out of a 1000 i.e. 91.6%.


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It's just whatever you want it to be really. I feel most comfortable coding in Java, so my psuedocode basically looks like Java but leaves out a lot of the more complicated stuff (less strict with type safety, leaving out ; in places, ...).
Psuedocode should just be readable, and you should be able to create real code from psuedocode so it shouldn't be too concise. Just enough to make people understand what it does no matter what language they code in.


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Bletilla is a temperate, terrestrial genus of orchids containing 9 species distributed through China, Japan and Taiwan and Vietnam. The name is actually a diminutive of Bletia because of the resemblance between the two genera even though Bletia is a New World genus. The genera Jimensia Raf. and Polytoma Lour. ex Gomes are generally included into Bletilla. This genus is abbreviated Ble in trade journals.
The pseudobulbs resemble spreading corms which usually sit at ground level. Each pseudobulb generally bears several pleated leaves around 40cm long. The racemes of flowers emerge from the center of the years new growth before it is mature, during spring and early summer. The flowers vary in colour from white to purple, and all species have four pollinia. The tubers resemble a horn or claw. They are grayish-white or yellowish-white in appearance, with concentric rings and brown rootlets. They have a hard texture and do not break easily.
Bletilla species are generally hardy, though some need protection from severe frost. It is better to keep them in pots of well drained media so that water does not sit around the roots during winter when the plants are not actively growing. They should also be watered sparingly at the start of the growing season as the new shoots emerge, as new roots often do not follow for around four weeks afterwards.
Bletilla striata is the most common form found in the nursery trade and is often labeled simply as 'Hardy Orchid' or 'Chinese Ground Orchid' and is quite inexpensive. This beautiful and hardy deciduous orchid has the distinction of being one of the first orchids in cultivation in England dating from around 1794. The very flat knob-like tuberous root system is typically sympodial, expansive and each shoot is of annual duration only. On established plants, almost every new growth shoot has a flower spike before leaves fully develop. Each shoot can have up to fourteen beautiful rose-mauve flowers with a ruffled lip about 30mm diameter, scentless and looking something like a miniature Cattleya orchid flower. An established clump can have literally dozens of flower spikes flowering in the late Spring and the clumps only increase in beauty with time. They rarely exceed two feet in height.
The flowers and leaves are at the mercy of late frosts, which are to be avoided if at all possible with coverings of a sheet or newspapers. Resist the temptation to remove the mulch layer even if the new growths are raising up the mulch due to an early Spring, unless no more frosts are likely. Unlike most tropical orchids, B. striata has attractive foliage even when not flowering. The pleated, tapered foliage looks very similar to the juvenile leaves of many palm species. A well established clump of these in flower is quite beautiful and they are surprisingly hardy even into USDA Zone 5 with a heavy mulch. They easily succeed in USDA Zone 6 with only a moderate mulch of straw or leaves. These hardiness ratings only apply to plants in the ground with the idea of preventing the actual root system from being frozen. If potted, they should be placed in a frost-free location if winter temperatures go below freezing. The plant is generally considered hardy without a mulch if minimum winter temperatures do not go below 25°F.
They have a great reputation of being the absolute easiest orchid for a beginner to grow. Unlike most tropical epiphytic orchids, this plant comes from somewhat temperate zones and grows in soil rather than on trees and require no extraordinary care to grow successfully. They prefer well drained evenly moist soils that are high in organic material and that never dry out nor remain sodden. They are sympodial growers and will form handsome clumps in only a few years. Other species and hybrids are occasionally available, the most common being B. striata var. alba, a white variation of the rose-mauve B. striata. Bletilla ochracea, a somewhat rare species from Japan has unusual flowers with yellow sepals and petals with a red-marked white lip and is becoming more available to collectors. Bletilla Penway Dragon (formosana X szetschuaunica) is one of the exciting new hybrids that promises to become popular with collectors as it becomes more available.
Bletilla is used in Herbal Medicine (bai ji). When employed in herbal remedies, the tuber is peeled and dried in the sun, then cut into slices or ground into a powder.
Bletilla is associated with the Lung, Stomach and Liver meridians in traditional Chinese medicine, and has a bitter taste and cool properties. Its main functions are to reduce swelling and stop bleeding in the lungs and stomach. It is often used with gelatin, donkey glue and cuttlefish bone as part of a larger herbal formula.
Among the modern uses for bletilla are treatment of sores, ulcers and chapped skin. Because of its astringent properties, Bletilla is often used to stop bleeding caused by traumatic injuries, heal wounds, reduce swelling, and promote regeneration of tissue. When used with other herbs, bletilla can help treat coughs and phlegmy obstructions.
The typical dose of Bletilla depends on the condition being treated. Usually, practitioners recommend between 3 and 15 grams of bletilla, taken as a powder. Larger amounts can be applied to the skin, usually mixed with sesame oil.
Whole, dried Bletilla root is sold at many herbal shops, Asian markets and specialty stores. Bletilla powder is widely available, as are some decoctions that contain Bletilla.
Bletilla is incompatible with aconite root, and therefore should not be taken with aconite root or any formulas that contain it. As of this writing, there are no known drug interactions with bletilla. As always, make sure to consult with a licensed health care provider before taking bletilla or any other herbal remedy or dietary supplement.