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An apparatus for providing dynamic measurements of the grade of a road bed provides correction for accelerations of the carrying vehicle. A tilt transducer, responsive to both the angle and sense of inclination and to accelerations of the vehicle is used to measure the angle of displacement. The time rate of change of velocity signal derived from the motion of the vehicle is used to provide a signal corresponding to the vehicular acceleration. The acceleration signal level is adjusted to cancel acceleration sensed by the transducer, thereby providing an output reflecting the true angular grade reading.
1. Electronic inclination gauge for use in a moving vehicle subject to an acceleration, comprising:
a tilt sensitive transducer for providing an output corresponding to said acceleration and to the angle and direction of said transducer along a reference axis with respect to a gravitational field,
a velocity sensor driven by said vehicle for providing an output signal corresponding to a velocity component of said vehicle along said reference axis,
means coupled to receive said velocity output for deriving a signal representative of a component of said acceleration along said reference axis,
means for algebraically combining said acceleration signal component and said transducer output to provide a signal representative of the inclination of said reference axis with respect to said gravitational field, independent of said component of acceleration, and
means responsive to said combined signal to provide an output indicative of said inclination.
2. The gauge as set forth in claim 1, further comprising:
a housing, longitudinally aligned with said reference axis, whose inclination with respect to said gravitational field is to be measured while said housing is subject to said acceleration,
said transducer comprising a gravity sensing potentiometer mounted on said housing,
circuit means for applying a balanced excitation voltage to said potentiometer, and
means coupled to said potentiometer for deriving said transducer output therefrom, said output having a magnitude and polarity depending on the inclination of said reference axis with respect to said gravitational field.
3. The gauge as set forth in claim 1, wherein:
said velocity sensor comprises means for sensing the velocity of said housing for providing said output signal corresponding to the velocity component of said housing along said reference axis, and
said means for deriving said signal component of acceleration comprises circuit means for differentiating said velocity signal.
4. The gauge as set forth in claim 3, in which said velocity sensor further comprises:
an optical light source for producing a beam of radiation,
light transmissive means for receiving said radiation and providing at least a portion of said radiation, including means for interrupting said beam to provide a cyclical frequency signal corresponding to said velocity component of said housing,
sensing means coupled to said light transmissive means responsive to said cyclical frequency signal for generating a pulsed electrical signal whose frequency corresponds to said cyclical frequency, and
filter means, responsive to said sensing means, to provide a unidirectional current proportional to the repetition rate of said pulsed electrical signal.
5. The gauge as set forth in claim 4 in which said velocity sensor further comprises:
monostable multivibrator means for generating said pulsed electrical signal, said multivibrator means providing an essentially constant pulse width and an essentially constant peak amplitude.
6. The gauge as set forth in claim 5, wherein said filter means comprises circuit means for summing a plurality of pulses from said pulsed electrical signal and said unidirectional current component is proportional to the average value of said sum.
7. The gauge as set forth in claim 4, in which said circuit means for differentiating said velocity signal further comprises:
means coupled to receive said unidirectional current, and
circuit means coupled to said receiving means responsive to the time rate of change of said current.
8. The gauge as set forth in claim 2, said gravity sensing potentiometer comprising:
an arcuate vial having walls defining a chamber elongated in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the vial,
said vial being mounted so that said longitudinal axis and said reference axis lie in common plane,
a liquid defining a bubble being confined within said chamber so that said bubble is free to move in the direction of said longitudinal axis within said chamber according to the inclination of said longitudinal axis with respect to said gravitational field,
said chamber being convex upwardly with respect to said gravitational field, so that when said longitudinal axis is perpendicular to said gravitational field, said bubble will be in a zero inclination positon within said chamber,
said liquid comprised of electrolytic means,
said vial defining first and second ends and a center portion thereof,
said ends and said center portion further defining contact means comprising corresponding first and second electrode segments, respectively, and an arcuate central electrode communicating with said liquid,
said contact means so disposed that said central electrode is always in engagement with said liquid, and said first and second electrodes engage at least a portion of said liquid, so that said first and second electrodes provide equal resistance with respect to said center electrode when said vial is at zero inclination with respect to said gravitational field, and unequal resistances when said vial in inclined with respect to said field, the distribution of liquid between the immersed electrodes depending on inclination.
9. The gauge as set forth in claim 2, in which said circuit means for applying balanced excitation to said potentiometer further comprises:
a stabilized source of reference voltage,
means for deriving a source of pulses from said reference voltage,
means coupled to said source for phase inversion of at least a portion of said pulses,
means for respectively coupling said source of pulses and said phase inverted pulses to respective ones of said first and second electrode segments, and
means for coupling said signal from said central electrode and said source of pulses to said means for deriving said transducer output; thereby providing a bi-polar signal whose amplitude and phase are proportional to the angle and direction of inclination of said vial.
10. The gauge as set forth in claim 9, in which said circuit means further comprises means for demodulating said bipolar signal, responsive to said source of pulses, to provide a unidirectional signal of variable amplitude and polarity.
11. An instrument for continuously indicating the instantaneous grade of a roadbed during operation thereupon of a motor vehicle equipped with a speedometer, comprising:
means coupled to said speedometer for deriving a signal proportional to the speed of said vehicle, said means including an optical light source, a shutter coupled to a drive element of said speedometer for interrupting said light source, an optical sensor coupled to said shutter and responsive to said interrupted light source, said sensor providing a pulsed signal corresponding to the speed of said vehicle, circuit means for receiving said pulsed signal and providing a plurality of unipolar pulses of predetermined pulsewidth and duration, circuit means for integrating said plurality of unipolar pulses to provide a direct current signal whose amplitude is proportional to said speed, circuit means for differentiating said direct current signal with respect to time, thereby to provide a velocity signal representing the rate of change of said speed with respect to time, and first potentiometer means coupled to said velocity signal, for scaling said signal;
circuit means for providing a bipolar excitation signal, including a stabilized source of reference voltage, said source including active voltage divider means adapted to provide balanced positive and negative voltages with respect to a common ground potential, means for deriving a source of bipolar pulses from said reference voltage, including pulse oscillator means coupled to said source, for providing a plurality of pulses of predetermined amplitude, polarity, and duty cycle, and means for deriving a phase inverted pulse of said predetermined amplitude and duty cycle, but of opposing polarity, from said plurality of pulses;
bubble level potentiometer means, coupled to receive said bipolar excitation signal, and having a tilt axis aligned with a longitudinal axis of said vehicle, for providing an output signal whose phase and amplitude is indicative of the inclination of said tilt axis with respect to a gravitational field, said level means providing a null output signal when said axis is aligned in a plane perpendicular to said gravitational field;
synchronous demodulation means coupled to receive said output signal and a reference signal from said pulse oscillator means, said demodulation means biased by said reference signal and including phase sensitive rectifier means, adapted to provide a unidirectional signal of variable amplitude and polarity responsive to said output signal;
second potentiometer means for scaling said unidirectional signal, coupled to receive said scaled velocity signal; and
means for driving an indicator responsive to the algebraic sum of said scaled unidirectional signal and said scaled velocity signal, thereby to provide an output indicative of the inclination of said longitudinal axis of said vehicle with respect to said gravitational field, free from errors induced by accelerations of said vehicle.
12. A circuit for providing a regulated bipolar voltage output from a unipolar power source and for providing an output voltage across first and second terminals, comprising:
a ground bus coupled to one of said first or second terminals,
means for deriving a regulated reference voltage from said power source, said voltage comprising at least a portion of said output voltage, said means coupled to one other than said one of said first and second terminals and to said ground bus,
voltage follower means coupled to receive said reference voltage and to said ground bus, thereby to provide a regulated output voltage with respect to said ground bus representative of said portion of said output voltage, and
means for coupling said regulated output voltage to a signal bus, thereby providing a predetermined regulated potential difference between said ground bus and said signal bus.
13. A circuit as set forth in claim 12, further comprising amplifier means responsive to said predetermined potential and coupled to provide a further regulated output voltage with respect to said power ground, said further voltage having a predetermined potential difference with respect to said signal ground and said power ground.
14. A circuit as set forth in claim 13, wherein said potential between said ground bus and said signal bus is at least a portion of said further regulated output voltage.
15. A circuit as set forth in claim 14, wherein said signal ground potential is substantially midway between said further output voltage and said power ground.
16. A method for compensating an acceleration sensitive inclination gauge mounted in a moving vehicle, comprising:
providing a tilt-sensitive accelerometer, having an output responsive to the acceleration and inclination of said vehicle with respect to a gravitational field,
providing a velocity sensor coupled to said vehicle for deriving an output corresponding to an acceleration component of said vehicle along a tilt axis with respect to said gravitational field,
algebraically combining said outputs to provide a signal representative of the inclination of said vehicle with respect to said gravitational field, and
providing an output indicative of said inclination.
1. Field of the Invention
The invention pertains to the art of electrolytic accelerometers used as tilt sensors and, more particularly, to devices of this type which include means for providing compensation for acceleration errors when used in a moving vehicle.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The invention relates to apparatus for sensing and measuring changes in inclination. Such apparatus has many applications; for example, in one form the apparatus may be used to sense or measure the variations in tilt of a surface from a datum position such as the horizontal. Thus, the invention may be used to measure accurately the grade of a road bed being traversed. Heavily loaded trucks may be unable to negotiate a road beyond a predetermined grade, and hence would find useful a device capable of measuring the grade while in motion and before stopping. Highway departments would find such a device useful for measuring the grades of highway under construction or for surveying roads about to be modernized.
Because a moving vehicle subjects the sensing apparatus to longitudinal accelerations when it accelerates or decelerates in a forward direction, it has been necessary to compensate for the effects of such acceleration in order to obtain an accurate reading of road grade. However, such apparatus used heretofore has been characterized by an inability of the gravity reference sensor to distinguish between actual tilt of the vehicle from a horizontal reference axis and the influence thereon of the horizontal components of acceleration. Because of the frequent accelerations encountered by the vehicle and therefore the sensing equipment, expensive and complex gyroscopic equipment has previously been used for the measurement of instantaneous grades of road beds. This may include a conventional gyroscopic apparatus such as that described by Shigeo Kubo in U.S. Pat. No. 4,219,940, "Angular Accelerometer Stabilized Pendulum", which provided a pendulum capable of maintaining its alignment with the local gravity vector independently of horizontal acceleration. Another accelerometer for use in vertical angle measurements is described by Klas R. Wicklund in U.S. Pat. No. 4,277,895, "Apparatus for Indicating Angular Position in a Vertical Direction" which provided a pendulum driving a coil rotatable in a magnetic field capable of supplying a current output indicative of the degree of rotation of the pendulum with respect to a vertical reference position. However, these devices are complex mechanically, expensive, and lack the robustness required for vehicular service. Another accelerometer of the liquid level type was described by C. G. Buckley, G. A. Bhat and Harold L. Swartz in U.S. Pat. No. 4,028,815, assigned to the assignee of the present invention. While providing a relatively simple and rugged sensor capable of measuring angular displacement, this level is incapable of distinguishing the angular displacement from the longitudinal accelerations.
The present invention provides a gauge for compensating the acceleration sensitive response of a liquid level sensor gravity reference by utilizing an independent sensing of velocity and processing the value obtained to compensate the output of the sensor to yield a measurement of road grade free of acceleration effects. Beneficially, this approach eliminates mechanical gears and linkages and substantially reduces the cost, while providing improved effectiveness and accuracy.
The present invention obviates the above-discussed disadvantages of the prior art instruments for measuring road bed inclination in a moving vehicle subject to an acceleration by providing a tilt-sensitive transducer having an output corresponding to the acceleration and to the angle and direction of the transducer along a reference axis with respect to a gravitational field. The apparatus includes a velocity sensor coupled to the vehicle to provide an output corresponding to a velocity component of the vehicle along the reference axis, and a circuit for processing the velocity signal to derive a signal corresponding to the component of acceleration along the reference axis. The acceleration signal is algebraically subtracted from the transducer output signal thereby nulling out the acceleration signal component and providing an output which is representative of the inclination of the reference axis with respect to the gravitational field, independent of the acceleration of the vehicle. The corrected output is then coupled to an output indicator for providing a reading indicative of the inclination of the vehicle and the road bed on which it travels.
In a preferred embodiment, the tilt transducer comprises a liquid level potentiometer symmetrically excited by a bipolar signal source, which provides an output whose phase and amplitude corresponds to the inclination of the level with respect to the gravitational field. The bipolar output is then rectified and provides a unidirectional signal of variable amplitude and polarity corresponding to the tilt of the instrument. A speedometer in the vehicle is coupled to a sensor which provides an output signal responsive to the speed of the vehicle, which output signal is then differentiated to provide an acceleration component in the direction of travel. Since the tilt transducer is also sensitive to the acceleration of the vehicle, by subtracting the acceleration component derived from the speedometer from the transducer output signal a resultant output is provided which is independent of vehicular acceleration and depends only on the tilt of the sensor.
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a vehicle ascending a grade, showing the error introduced by longitudinal acceleration.
FIG. 2 shows how the algebraic combination of the acceleration component due to gravity and the longitudinal component due to vehicular motion produces a resultant tilt error.
FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram showing the system of the present invention.
FIG. 4A is a schematic circuit diagram of a transducer excitation circuit as used in the present invention.
FIG. 4B is a schematic circuit diagram of a demodulation circuit as used in the present invention.
FIG. 4C is a schematic diagram of a velocity sensor and integrator as used in the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a speedometer sensor for providing a velocity output signal.
FIG. 6 is a conceptual view in perspective showing how the elements of the present invention are packaged for a vehicular installation.
As discussed above, prior art systems utilizing accelerometer sensing elements for measuring the angular displacement of a road bed from the horizontal with the instrumentation mounted in a moving vehicle are subject to acceleration errors when the vehicle speeds up or slows down. These errors are caused by reason of the inability of the accelerometer transducer which is used as a gravity reference to distinguish between actual tilt of the vehicle about an axis displaced from the horizontal and the influence thereof of fore and aft components of acceleration when the vehicle accelerates or decelerates in a forward direction. In accordance with the present invention, the improved system includes means for compensating for the error inducing acceleration components so that the tilt indicating instrument responds to an actual vertical gravitational acceleration rather than to an apparent vertical. The means provided herein for compensating for the acceleration error utilizes the motion of the vehicle to provide a velocity signal which is then processed to derive a longitudinal acceleration component. The acceleration component of the vehicle is algebraically subtracted from the acceleration component of the transducer thereby providing an output proportional only to the angular inclination of the road bed from the horizontal and independent of the vehicular acceleration in the direction of travel.
FIG. 1 shows a vehicle 10 traveling along a road bed 12 inclined at a tilt angle α from the horizontal plane 18. It is desired to measure the tilt angle α of the road bed from instrumentation located within the vehicle 10. It may be seen that a gravity reference located within the vehicle will be subject to a total acceleration vector aT which is the vector sum of the earth's gravitational acceleration vector aG and the acceleration vector due to the fore and aft speed changes of the vehicle, aV. Since the tilt sensor measures total acceleration due to its inability to distinguish between the actual tilt of the vehicle as referenced to the gravitational vector aG, and the apparent tilt, it will display a pitch angle error by an amount equal to the angle β. As an example, it may be assumed the vehicle is traveling at 55 mph and reduces its speed to 45 mph over a ten second period. The resultant deceleration is:
a=dV/dt=ΔV/Δt (1)
dV/dt represents the derivative of velocity; and
ΔV/Δt represents the resultant acceleration when measured over a suitably short interval.
Substituting the values provided above for the present example, one obtains: ##EQU1## and the vehicle is seen to be decelerating at a rate of 1.47 ft/sec2. Referring now to FIG. 2, which is not drawn to scale and has been exaggerated for clarity, the indicated error angle β is found from the angle whose tangent is defined as in equation (3) where 1.47 represents the forward deceleration of the vehicle and 32.2 represents the vertical acceleration vector of the earth's gravitational field. The resultant value of 2.60 is equal to an error of approximately 4.6% of grade. Typically, the measuring apparatus would be capable of measuring a change of 10% grade, and the road beds would not exceed 6% grade. Thus, an error of almost 5% of grade has developed simply through a gradual slowing of the vehicle.
Clearly, the output of the gravity reference sensor is influenced by the accelerations thereon to a significant effect. The present invention provides for sensing the longitudinal component of acceleration and compensating for its effect so as to indicate the true grade of the road bed. This is accomplished by providing a tilt transducer comprised of a liquid level of the bubble type including a containing vial, electrodes, and a conductive fluid. The vial is preferably mounted within a housing which is aligned along a reference axis with respect to the gravitational field. The vial is excited by an a.c. source and contains an electrolyte providing a variable impedance with respect to exciting contacts disposed at opposing ends of the vial and a centrally disposed common contact. The transducer thereby acts as a potentiometer when excited by a balanced voltage source, to provide an output responsive in magnitude and phase to the direction and extent of inclination of the transducer, thereby providing an indication of the inclination of the reference axis with respect to the gravitational field. However, the output of the device is subject to the acceleration error previously described and must be corrected therefor. In order to condition the transducer output to a form suitable for correction, the a.c. output is rectified in a suitable demodulator providing a bipolar pulse output and integrated to provide a unidirectional or d.c. output with polarity that is variable in accordance with the inclination of the transducer. Acceleration correction is provided by a velocity signal which may be derived by coupling to a conventional speedometer on the vehicle, and processing the resultant velocity signal through a differentiating circuit, thereby providing an output voltage proportional to the acceleration of the vehicle. This output, suitably scaled in d.c. form, may be subtracted from the integrated transducer output, thereby providing a resultant output indicative of the inclination of the reference axis and independent of the acceleration of the vehicle.
Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown in schematic form a block diagram of the present invention. A conventional astable multivibrator 20 is used to generate a square wave pulse train 22. The period of oscillation is primarily determined by the time constants of associated components, as is described below. The pulse output 22 is used to drive an amplifier 26 which is biased by a voltage regulator 24 to energize a signal bus 25 which is at a positive potential with respect to a power supply return 27. Since both the signal ground and a d.c. supply reference voltage developed by regulator 24 on line 29 are essentially independent of battery supply voltage, the resultant output 28 of amplifier 26 is a highly stable square wave which is substantially independent of supply voltage variations.
The pulse output 28 of amplifier 26 is applied to an end electrode 34 of conventional liquid level sensor 36. The signal 28 is also applied to an inverter 30 which supplies a signal 32, 180� out-of-phase with signal 28, to electrode 38 which is disposed at the opposing end of sensor 36. The sensor output is provided from central electrode 40 and coupled to a phase demodulator 42.
The invention is not limited to the use of electrolytic sensors, and any other type of deflection sensor of the potentiometric type is also suitable. For example, the magnetically coupled pendulous accelerometer described in said U.S. Pat. No. 4,277,895 would be suitable. Other potentiometric sensors with resistive elements, whose resistances varies in magnitude and sense according to the extend and direction of tilt, may also be used.
Since the a.c. source 26 is arranged to provide to sensor 36 two out-of-phase a.c. voltages of equal amplitude with respect to the common signal bus 25, the signal supplied by electrode 40 is dependent in amplitude and phase on the degree and direction of tilt of the sensor 36. The output 22 of oscillator 20 and the sensor output on line 44 are fed to the phase demodulator 42. The demodulator is phase synchronized to signal 22 from oscillator 20 and detects the amplitude of the sensor output from electrode 40 to provide a d.c. voltage, the magnitude of which is proportional to the angle of inclination from the reference and the sense (positive or negative) of which is dependent on the direction of inclination of the sensor 36.
The output voltage of demodulator 42 is coupled to a buffer amplifier 46 and then to a potentiometer 48 for calibrating the sensor 36 to a known angular standard inclination. Amplifier 64 is used to couple the output of potentiometer 48 and an acceleration correction signal, in a manner to be described.
A velocity sensor 50 is provided and may be mounted in a housing in the vehicle. The sensor is coupled to a speedometer or other element linked to the drive train of the vehicle and thus provides an output proportional to the speed of the vehicle to pulse generator 52. A suitable velocity sensor may be constructed by coupling a shutter to the speedometer shaft and using the shutter to interrupt a source of light impinging on a phototransistor. Thus, as the shutter operates to interrupt the light rays from the light source, the output of the phototransistor appears as a corresponding sequence of pulses. Pulse generator 52 is adapted to provide a square wave output of fixed pulse duration and pulse width, whose output frequency corresponds to the input frequency from velocity sensor 50. The output of pulse generator 52 is filtered, applied to amplifier 54, and then to capacitor 56. Capacitor 56 and resistor 58 in combination with amplifier 54 form a simple differentiator circuit which accepts the velocity input from pulse generator 52 and by differentiation provides a voltage proportional to the rate of change of speed or acceleration to inverter 60 as in equation (1). Additional circuitry, shown in FIG. 4C to be described, mateches the transient response of inverter 60 to the corresponding time constant of sensor 36. Thus, when sensor 36 is offset from a preset reference level, thereby providing a d.c. output to amplifier 64, a corresponding acceleration output from inverter 60 is adjusted by means of potentiometer 62 and mixed with the detected sensor output from potentiometer 48 so that it will exactly cancel the acceleration forces sensed by electrolytic sensor 36, thus cancelling any acceleration outputs from sensor 36 and providing d.c. output at terminal 68 that reflects only the angular grade reading, independent of acceleration of the vehicle.
Any suitable d.c. indicator may be used as an output device when calibrated to present a grade reading. For example, this could be a digital voltmeter or an analog voltmeter, scaled to provide a useful range of angle readings, such as 0 to 10 degrees, plus or minus.
Referring now to FIG. 4A, which shows the detailed circuitry for applying excitation pulses to the sensor 36, the square wave oscillator 20 is supplied power from a single d.c. source which may be a twelve-volt vehicular battery. Oscillator 20 is comprised of an astable multivibrator such as a digital integrated circuit, type CD 4047. The period of the square wave produced at the output 70 is a function of the external components R1 and C1. This circuit provides a 50% duty cycle with good frequency stability operable over a wide temperature range. A frequency of 500 HZ is suitable for this application but other frequencies may also be chosen. The circuit shown provides essentially a twelve volt peak output with respect to d.c. ground to the base of transistor amplifier 72, which drives amplifier circuit 26. Amplifier 72 may be a conventional transistor type amplifier such as type 2N2432. Amplifier 72 is coupled to oscillator 70 by resistor R2 and biased from a precision voltage regulator 24 through resistor R3.
Voltage regulator 24 is comprised of a reference zener diode 76 which is preferably temperature compensated and here selected to provide an output of 6.4 volts d.c. Resistor R4 couples diode 76 to the 12 volt power supply. The d.c. return of diode 76 is applied to a bus 27 which constitutes the d.c. return or power ground. A voltage follower 80, which may be comprised of a conventional integrated circuit operational amplifier, such as type LM148, provides a low impedance 6.4 volt output which is applied to signal ground bus 25. This creates a signal ground approximately midway between the 0 volt and +12 volt potentials of the input power supply source and permits driving the circuitry associated with the system by plus and minus voltages referenced to the signal ground bus 25. Capacitor C2 filters this supply in a conventional manner. The voltage regulator circuit 24 thus provides positive and negative supply voltages with respect to signal ground from a single 12-volt power supply.
The +6.4 volt output from amplifier 80 is applied through voltage divider R5, R6 in combination with series connected resistor R8 to a negative (-) input of operational amplifier 84. This d.c. level is also coupled through voltage divider R7, R9 to the positive (+) differential input. Resistor R10 controls the gain of amplifier 84. Amplifier 84 has a gain adjusted to provide about +9 volts with respect to power ground 27, on line 74, which thereby provides a voltage reference of approximately 2.6 volts with respect to the signal ground 25. Since both the potential applied to signal ground 25 and the voltage reference term on 74 are derived from the regulated 6.4 volt source 80, the difference voltage which is applied to amplifer 72 is now essentially independent of variations in the +12 volt d.c. battery source. This of of particular significance in an automative vehicle wherein battery voltage may vary within relatively wide limits depending on the ambient temperature and engine speed conditions. Amplifier 84 may be a conventional operational amplifier, such as type LM11.
Amplifier circuit 26 is further comprised of a second stage operational amplifier 86, with one input driven by amplifier 72 through series resistor R1, and a second input connected to ground through resistor R12, in a conventional manner. Resistor R13 is adjusted to provide a suitable gain factor so that the output of amplifier 86 appears as a square wave pulse of approximately 2.6 volts peak-to-peak across capacitor C3 from where it is coupled to electrode 34 of transducer 36. The output of amplifier 86 is also coupled to inverter 88 through resistor 14 and is biased by resistors R15 and R16 to provide an output voltage across capacitor C4 which is equal to amplitude but 180� degrees out of phase with the voltage across capacitor C3. Capacitor C4 is coupled to electrode 38. Thus, electrodes 34 and 38 are biased by square wave signals of equal voltage but opposing polarity.
Referring now to FIG. 4B, with continued reference to 4A, it may be seen that the signal outputs from reference oscillator 20 and sensor 36 on lines a and b, respectively, are coupled to demodulator circuit 42. Transistors 90 and 92, which may be type 2N2945 and 2N2432, respectively, are bipolar transistors of the p-n-p and n-p-n type, respectively. The transistors are connected in a grounded collector configuration, and operate in a saturated switching mode. The square wave reference line a from oscillator 20 is coupled through resistors R18 and R20, respectively, to the base of an associated transistor 90,92. Similarly, the signal output from the transducer 36 is coupled through resistor R17 to the emitter of transistor 90, and through resistor R19 to the emitter of transistor 92. Resistor R21 and resistor R22 couple emitters of transistor 90 and transistor 92, respectively to the dual inputs of a differential amplifier 94. A feedback resistor R24 coupled across amplifier 94 determines the amplifier gain.
The output of amplifier 94 is applied to filter R25, C5, R26. The output waveform of amplifier 94 is a pulse train of negative or positive polarity with respect to reference a, corresponding to the sense of the angle of inclination of transducer 36, and an amplitude corresponding to the deviation of the transducer from the reference axis. The pulse train is filtered by R25, C5, R26 and the d.c. voltage derived therefrom applied to current driver 46. The output of driver 46 represents a current or voltage corresponding to the direction and magnitude of the inclination of transducer 36 from the reference axis. This signal is then applied to potentiometer 48 to permit calibration against a standard of angular deviation. In one embodiment, the calibration was established at 0.175 V/DEG, corresponding to 0.1 V/% Grade. The output of potentiometer 48 is coupled through resistor 27 to the input of operational amplifier 96 whose function is to combine the signal component representing angular displacement within an acceleration component whose derivation is described below. A feedback network C6, R28 is applied to amplifier 96 so as to control the gain and transient response to be compatible with the response of sensor 36.
The circuit of FIG. 4C comprises the elements necessary to derive an acceleration voltage correction component. Circuit 50 comprises a velocity sensor for deriving a voltage proportional to the speed of the vehicle. A light source 100, which may be an LED, is coupled through limiting resistor R 30 to a suitable source of power. A light sensitive device such as a phototransistor 104 is mounted in proximity to the light source 100. Interposed between the light source and the phototransistor is a shutter 102 which may be comprised of a circular plate having radially extending fins therefrom, for interrupting the light path. Shutter 102 is coupled to a drive shaft of the vehicle or the speedometer cable. As the vehicle moves, the shutter is correspondingly caused to rotate, thereby interrupting the light source periodically at a frequency proportional to the speed of the vehicle. Other suitable sensors such as a magnetically responsive pickup operating in cooperation with a rotating magnetic member are also suitable, and are well known in the art. Photodiode 104 is biased through resistor R31 from the vehicle power source so as to produce an output current when energized by light source 100. The output is applied to resistor R32 and coupled to amplifier 106 to provide a signal of variable pulsewidth and pulse repetition rate, responsive to the speed of the vehicle. Operational amplifier 106 is biased by resistors R33, R34 to provide an output pulse train to oscillator circuit 52 with an average value of approximately 1 V/DC that is never driven negative. Oscillator 108 is a monostable multivibrator which outputs a pulse of predetermined duration and amplitude and a repetition rate proportional to the velocity of the vehicle. Resistor R35 and capacitor C7 determine the pulsewidth and duration in a conventional manner. The output of oscillator 108 is filtered by network R36, R37, C8 and coupled to amplifier 110. Network R40, C9 determines the gain and transient response of amplifier 110 and provides additional filtering. Thus, the output of amplifier 110 is an analog voltage proportional to the speed of the vehicle. In the embodiment shown herein the circuit constants were chosen to provide approximately 0.175 V/MPH. The analog speed output is coupled through series connected resistor R41 and capacitor C10 to operational amplifier 112. Series capacitor C 10 and shunt resistor R42 in combination with amplifier 112 provide a differentiating function so that the input to resistor R43 represents a voltage proportional to the rate of change of speed, or acceleration. Amplifier 114, whose gain is controlled by resistors R44 and R45, inverts the signal applied from resistor R43. Capacitor C12 is used to adjust the time contant of response of amplifier 114 so that it matches the transient response of transducer 36. The purpose of this correction is to avoid under-correction or over-correction of the resultant acceleration voltage applied to the buffer amplifier 96. The output voltage from inverter 114 is applied to potentiometer R46. R46 is adjusted to calibrate the acceleration voltage applied to amplifier 96 on line c. The acceleration correction voltage is suitably polarized so that when combined with the angular voltage component at amplifier 96 it will provide a resultant voltage indicative of the sense and angular deviation of transducer 36 from a reference axis aligned with the vehicle. This output will be independent of the vehicular acceleration along the line of measurement.
FIG. 5 shows a conceptual mechanical implementation of velocity sensor 50. A cylindrical housing 120 has a shaft 122 concentrically mounted therein on suitable support bearings, not shown. A first end 124 of the shaft is coupled to a transmission member which drives a speedometer cable. An output coupling 126 may be used to drive the speedometer when the sensor 50 is interposed between the existing speedometer and speedometer cable. Mounted on shaft 122 is a wheel 128 having a plurality of regular pheripheral slots 129. Mounted within the housing and illuminating the slotted wheel is a light source 130 powered by the vehicular battery through cable 136. Also mounted within the housing and aligned with the light source 130 and slotted wheel 128 is a block 132 having mounted thereon a phototransistor. When shaft 122 is driven by the action of the moving vehicle, wheel 128 will periodically interrupt a beam of light from light source 130, thereby energizing phototransistor block 132 in a periodic manner. The resultant pulse output is provided to the external electronic circuit of FIG. 4C on cable 134 for processing and readout.
A suitable system configuration is shown in FIG. 6. The speed sensor 141 is provided with a mechanical input from the drive shaft and in turn may be coupled to provide an output to drive the speedometer cable. Power for the system is furnished by the vehicular battery, although a dedicated supply is also suitable. A tilt transducer 140 is comprised of a suitable housing which may be mounted and aligned with the vehicle frame with respect to a predetermined reference axis. Transducer 140 has contained therein a suitable tilt transducer such as sensor 36, as shown in FIG. 4A. The sensor output signals are conveyed on a cable 142 to the enclosure 144, which contains the electronic circuitry of FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C, except for the circuitry associated with sensor 141. Velocity signals from speed sensor 141 are coupled to enclosure 144 by means of cable 146. Enclosure 144 also contains a suitable readout for providing a visual indication of the measured grade.
In operation, the tilt transducer 36, which is responsive both to angular inclination and acceleration, is coupled to a source of pulses 26 and a source of phase inverted pulses 30 derived from a stabilized source of reference voltage 20. When inclined with respect to a reference axis, a differential voltage is developed across electrodes 34-40 and 38-40 of the transducer, due to the unequal areas of the electrodes in contact with the electrolyte, and an output signal at electrode 40 is derived from the transducer which represents by its polarity and amplitude the angle and direction of inclination of the transducer with respect to the reference axis. The resultant output is also responsive to a longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle. A phase demodulator 42 receives the output signal from the transducer and a reference signal 22 from the pulse source 20, which is rectified to provide a bipolar signal whose amplitude and phase are porportional to the angle and direction of inclination of the transducer. A sensor 141 mounted in a vehicle is coupled to a drive shaft or speedometer cable so as to provide a pulse signal output to amplifier 54 representative of the longitudinal velocity of the vehicle in which the apparatus is mounted. The velocity signal is differentiated at amplifier 54 to provide a signal representative of the longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle. The demodulated signal from the transducer 36 and the acceleration signal from amplifier 54 are algebraically combined after sutable buffering so as to cancel the acceleration component in the transducer signal output. The resultant output at terminal 68 is indicative of the inclination of the reference axis of the vehicle with respect to the gravitational field and free from any error induced by accelerations of the vehicle. Absolute readings may be obtained by suitable calibration of the acceleration and angular displacement components.
While the invention has been described in its preferred embodiments it is to be understood that the words which have been used are words of description rather than limitation and that changes may be made within the purview of the appended claims without departing from the true scope and spirit of the invention in its broader aspects.
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Reviewed by 1 customer
Best Uses
Comments about 2-1/4 in. to 1-1/4 in. Turbo III Vacuum Adaptor:
One would logically assume that with the name "Fein Turbo III" in the title, it might actually fit on the end of a Fein Turbo III vacuum hose. Sadly, this is not the case. It requires the soft rubber extension to fit as the end is the exact same diameter as the end of the hose. Likewise, the other end should fit to a 2-14" dust port but that to is a false expectation. It requires yet another adaptor to fit. All in all a great disappointment. $14 including shipping was a complete waste of money.

subset: commoncrawl


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|164 posts found
Novice Member
Joined: 2/20/12
Originally posted by Wickedjelly
in a way it is the games fault as you can complete majority of the games content and not even need to know how the combo system works at all. But in stuff like harder dungeons and PVP these things are very noticabe when a player doesn't understand them and ones that do. I think my main thing when people call the combat shallow and such just because it limits you to 10 skills per weapon set is how much you can actually do with just those skills and how most have numerous effects on a single skill and multiple uses and usually more uses when traited.. The main enjoyment I get is how much I can tweak and completely change my playstyle. My mesmer can do melee, can do ranged, can do burst, can do conditions, can do heavy support, stealth focused specs you just have so many ways to play and I find this refreshing compared to other games where you may have a ton of abilities but basically most play out the exact same. I had this issue with TSW you get a TON of skills to play with but once in combat most combinations played out the exact same way since the game is all built around builders and finishers.
I angered the clerk in a clothing shop today. She asked me what size I was and I said actual, because I am not to scale. I like vending machines 'cause snacks are better when they fall. If I buy a candy bar at a store, oftentimes, I will drop it... so that it achieves its maximum flavor potential. --Mitch Hedberg
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Novice Member
Joined: 2/14/13
i totally forgot about this thread, thanks to those who defended me and agreed with me. :D
my intention wasn't to troll or cause any argument it was only to express myself, wasn't expecting much responses initially.
i stopped playing for awhile and just recently went back a few days ago and tried to play the game again and it was still the same for me.. i just found no mental stimulation or interest and couldn't continue and had to uninstall.
too each their own, this game just didn't satisfy my desires or keep me stimulated/interested in the end.
i might try age of wushu as recommended at some point but i'm not feeling the china/martial arts theme right now, i'm more looking at wildstar (or final fantasy) as my next game.. it looks fairly creative and has me intrigued.
anyway, thanks for all the responses and such.. there's really no need to keep the thread going past this point.
if you're enjoying guild wars 2, i'm happy for you and if you're not i wish you luck in finding a new game that you do enjoy.
Hard Core Member
Joined: 12/17/10
Originally posted by Zekiah
And yet WvW is the only thing not getting additional content. It's unfortunate seeing that the biggest update coming to WvW is just major balancing.
MMORPG.COM Staff
Joined: 6/21/12
Please do not necro old threads.


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|Police Department
|**UPDATE** Person of Interest in Series of Fires in East Anaheim and Yorba Linda
ANAHEIM, CA - (August 20, 2013) - On Monday, August 19, 2013, between approximately 12:00PM and 3:45PM, a series of fires were intentionally set in the East Anaheim and Yorba Linda areas. In two of these three fires, a person of interest was seen in proximity to the fires. As investigators worked through the night, family of the person of interest contacted the Anaheim Police Department. After speaking with this individual, he is no longer considered a person of interest and at this time is not a suspect in this series of fires.
If you have any information on these fires please contact Orange County Crime Stoppers: 855-TIP-OCCS / www.occrimestoppers.org / text OCCS and your tip to CRIMES (274637). You may remain anonymous.
Media Contact: Ruth Ruiz 714.765.5060 more city news
ABOUT ANAHEIM – The City of Anaheim, founded in 1857, is one of the nation's premier municipalities and is one of California's most populous cities. Anaheim covers 50 square miles with more than 343,000 residents and more than 2,950 City employees. The municipal corporation's annual budget is $1.5 billion. Anaheim supports a thriving business community with companies such as Carl Karcher Enterprises, Inc., L-3 Communications, Pacific Sunwear, and Disneyland Resort. Successful sports franchises call Anaheim home, including Angels Baseball, Anaheim Ducks, the U.S. Men's National Volleyball Team, the 2012 Olympic Games Silver Medal winning U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team, and the Professional Arena Soccer League Anaheim Bolts. Anaheim also boasts world-class meeting and entertainment venues with the Anaheim Convention Center, LEED-certified and the largest on the west coast, Honda Center, City National Grove of Anaheim, Anaheim GardenWalk, and Angel Stadium of Anaheim. In addition, Anaheim embraces its vibrant cultural arts community, including the world-renowned Anaheim Ballet. Annually, Anaheim welcomes millions of visitors to the city, truly making it where the world comes to live, work and play. For more information, please visit www.anaheim.net.
ABOUT ANAHEIM POLICE DEPARTMENT The Anaheim Police Department provides a full-time Public Information Officer (PIO) to coordinate the release of information to the public via the media. It is our goal to provide prompt and accurate release of information. Media inquiries should be directed to Sergeant Bob Dunn at (714) 765-1521 or via email at email@example.com.
|Disability & Civil Rights Program Translate All contents © 2015 City of Anaheim | Privacy Policy | Browser | Contact Us | News & Media Center


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Press Releases
Carroll Community College Offers Volunteer Mediation Training
Release Date: 2/24/2011
CONTACT: Sylvia Blair
Executive Assistant to the President
Carroll Community College
Carroll Community College Offers Volunteer Mediation Training
Westminster, Md., If you are considering a volunteer opportunity in your community, become a volunteer mediator through the Carroll County Community Mediation Center (CCCMC), under the auspices of Carroll Community College.
CCCMC is accepting applications for the next volunteer mediation training to teach volunteers to conduct free mediation services to county residents, businesses, and organizations. Using experiential learning and role-play, this training produces high-quality mediators with the concrete skills needed to mediate real-world conflict.
County Course Number: PDE-891-A3
Saturday and Sunday, March 26 - April 10, 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.;
(6 sessions)
Cost: $30 (MD Senior Adults: $30)
The CCCMC provides high-quality conflict resolution services to the Carroll County community at convenient times and locations at no cost. This is possible because community members from all over the county volunteer their time, experience, and skills to help people resolve disputes and conflicts.
"The CCCMC has seen a steady increase in requests for services from community members, organizations, agencies, and businesses over the past two years. We conduct mediation and conflict resolution services in Mt. Airy, Sykesville, Eldersburg, Finksburg, Westminster, Hampstead, Manchester, New Windsor, and Taneytown and would love to have volunteers from these communities to insure the CCCMC can continue to meet the growing needs of Carroll County," said Patricia Ryan, Director of the CCCMC.
Volunteers receive basic mediation training, an apprenticeship opportunity, on-going continuing education, advanced trainings, and evaluations. The CCCMC asks volunteers to commit to co-mediating two mediations a month. There are additional ways volunteers can help, such as completing follow-up surveys with mediation participants, conducting outreach in the community to increase community awareness of alternative dispute resolution, developing new partnerships, and general clerical duties.
Call CCCMC at 410-848-1764 to have a volunteer application mailed to you, schedule an interview, and receive dates for the required volunteer orientation. Training is provided by Community Mediation Maryland (CMM) and exceeds the requirements of Maryland Rule 17-106.


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Daily RFT Picks for Twitter Follow Friday [The Arts Edition]
Categories: Twitter
There are several St. Louis arts organizations that use Twitter to drop news and promote events. I thought I would take the opportunity of this weeks Follow Friday picks to recommend a few you might follow.
Follow City Museum @CityMuseum
The Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis Twitters here.
The Missouri History Museum St. Louis Twitters under the cryptic handle @mohistorymuseum.
And the Rep St. Louis is one of the most active St. Louis arts Twitterers. Follow them @reptstl
The Fabulous Fox Twitters usfull info about shows, and events follow them @foxtheatrestl
You can keep up with happenings at the Missouri Botanical Gardens by following @mobotnews
Of course this is not a complete list. If you know of any others, please let us know in the comments.
Sponsor Content


text: Healthy Recipes Macque Choux Recipe E-mail recipe Print recipe To save this recipe, register now! Quick Info: Servings Quick Meal Vegetarian Heart-Healthy Nutritional Info (Per serving): Calories: 105, Saturated Fat: 0g, Sodium: 209mg, Dietary Fiber: 3g, Total Fat: 3g, Carbs: 18g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Protein: 3g Carb Choices: 1 Recipe Source: Prep Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 10 mins Total Time: 20 mins Ingredients 1 tablespoon oil, olive, extra-virgin 1 small onion(s), diced 1/2 medium pepper(s), red, bell, diced 2 clove(s) garlic, minced 4 ear(s) corn, kernels cut from cob 1/4 cup(s) water 1 medium tomato(es), chopped 3 whole scallion(s) (green onions), sliced 1/2 teaspoon thyme, fresh, finely chopped (or 1/4 teaspoon dried) 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper, cayenne, or to taste Preparation 1. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. 2. Add onion and cook, stirring, until starting to soften, about 2 minutes. 3. Add bell pepper and garlic and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes more. 4. Add corn kernels and water and cook, stirring, until tender-crisp, about 5 minutes more. 5.Remove from heat and stir in tomato, scallions, thyme, paprika, salt and cayenne. E-mail recipe Print recipe To save this recipe, register now!


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Updated: 08/14/2014 5:49 PM
Created: 08/14/2014 4:00 PM KSTP.com
By: Cassie Hart
Lawyers released the file of another Minnesota priest Thursday as part of the civil lawsuit against the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.
The documents, released by Jeff Anderson and Associates, show Fr. Thomas Stitts admitting he abused boys in every parish he worked in.
He also admitted to having a sexual relationship with two boys.
Before he died in 1985, the file says Stitts wrote a letter, outlining his sexual activity in the archdiocese; as well as other priests' behavior.
The priests named in the letter, begged the archdiocese to keep it secret.
Eventually the letter was destroyed.
The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis released a statement saying in part, "Thomas Stitts was one of the former clergy included in our initial disclosure of names of credibly accused priests on December 2, 2013...We ask for forgiveness from, and pray for hope and healing for, all victims and survivors of sexual abuse, their families and their friends."


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A drill bit is designed to achieve optimum performance in a specified drilling application defined by the drilling system, the formation to be drilled and the configuration of the bore hole. A depth of cut versus predicted torque for a basic bit configuration is evaluated for different configurations of the drill bit. A computer modeling program is used to obtain the predicted torque for the basic bit configuration, and its modifications. Features of the bit design are changed to achieve the lowest predicted torque for an optimum depth of cut. Presenting the computer analysis as depth of cut versus predicted torque for the bit design simplifies the design selection process. The formation being drilled may be evaluated by comparing actual torque with predicted torque for a given rate of penetration. The evaluation can be used to conform the computer model and determine formation properties.
1. A method for improving a drill bit assembly design for drilling a well bore section, comprising:
determining a range of operating parameter values for a drilling system to be employed to drill said well bore section,
determining characteristics of the formation along a trajectory through which said well bore section is to be drilled,
calculating a first rate of penetration through said well bore section for a first drill bit assembly design to be employed with said drilling system for drilling said well bore section, said calculated rate of penetration being determined as a function of calculating with operating parameter values within said range of operating parameter values,
modifying a depth of cut parameter of said first drill bit assembly design to provide a subsequent drill bit assembly design,
calculating a second rate of penetration through said well bore section for said subsequent drill bit assembly design to be employed with said drilling system for drilling said well bore section, said second rate of penetration for said subsequent drill bit assembly being determined as a function of applying operating parameters within said range of operating parameters, and
selecting a selected drill bit assembly design from said first and subsequent drill bit assembly designs having the calculated rate of penetration.
2. A method for improving a drill bit assembly design as defined in
3. A method as defined in
4. A method as defined in
5. A method as defined in
6. A method as defined in
7. A method as defined in
8. A method as defined in
9. A method as defined in
10. A method as defined in
determining a depth of cut verses predicted torque relationship for said selected drill bit assembly design using said computer modeling program, and
drilling said well bore section with a drilling bit assembly having said selected drill bit assembly design.
11. A method as defined in
12. A method as defined in
13. A method as defined in
14. A method as defined in
15. A method as defined in
16. A method as defined in
17. A method for matching a drilling bit assembly to a specific drilling application, comprising:
determining a range of system operating parameters for a drilling system to be employed to drill a well bore section through a selected medium,
selecting a basic drilling bit assembly design having a first set of bit characteristics,
using a computer modeling program to determine a first set of torque characteristics of a bit of the basic drilling bit assembly design going through the selected medium, said computer modeling program evaluating reaction torque in a bit of the basic drilling bit assembly design as a function of the characteristics of the selected medium, the weight on a bit of the basic drilling bit assembly design, the rate of rotation of a bit of the basic drilling bit assembly design and/or the rate of penetration of a bit of the basic drilling bit assembly design through the selected medium,
modifying a depth of cut characteristic of the basic drilling bit assembly design to produce a modified drilling bit assembly design with a greater depth of cut than the basic drilling bit assembly design, said modified bit assembly design being operable within said range of system operating parameters for said drilling system,
using said computer modeling program to determine a second set of torque characteristics of the modified bit assembly design,
expressing representations of depth of cut verses torque values for said basic drilling bit assembly design and said modified drilling bit assembly design, and
selecting a drilling bit assembly design using information from the expression of the depth of cut verses torque values.
18. A method as defined in
19. In method as defined in
20. A method as defined in
21. A method as defined in
22. A method as defined in
23. A method for optimizing the drilling of a well bore section, comprising:
determining a range of available operating capabilities including applied torque, speed of rotation and weight on bit for the drilling system to be used to drill said well bore section,
determining the physical characteristics of the formation through which said well bore section is to be drilled,
selecting a first basic bit design for use with said drilling system,
calculating the torque required to move a bit of said first basic bit design against said formation,
calculating the rate of penetration through said formation of a bit having said first basic bit design,
determining a depth of cut verse torque relationship for a bit having said first basic bit design penetrating said formation,
modifying a feature of said first basic bit design to provide a second bit design,
calculating the torque required to move a bit of said second bit design against said formation,
determining a depth of cut verses torque relationship for a bit of said second bit design, and
selecting from said depth of cut verses torque relationships for bits of said first and second bit designs, a bit design for use with said drilling system.
24. A method for optimizing the drilling of a well bore as defined in
25. A method for optimizing the drilling of a well bore as defined in
26. A method for optimizing the drilling of a well bore as defined in
27. A method for optimizing the drilling of a well bore as defined in
28. A method for optimizing the drilling of a well bore as defined in
repeatedly modifying a feature to provide multiple bits of multiple bit designs,
repeatedly determining the torque required to move said bit of said multiple bit designs against said formation,
repeatedly determining a depth of cut verses torque relationship for said multiple bit designs, and
selecting a preferred bit design from said depth of cut verses torque relationships for said multiple bit designs for use with said drilling system.
29. A method as defined in
30. A method as defined in
31. A method as defined in
32. A method as defined in
33. A method as defined in
This application is related to and claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/163,227 filed Nov. 3, 1999.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the design of bits used for drilling bores through earthen formations. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for optimizing the creation of a well bore using a bit designed to operate with a specified drilling system, formation structure and well bore trajectory.
2. Setting of the Invention
The prior art monitors real-time drilling conditions to optimize drilling effectiveness. Generally, the prior art method for optimizing drilling performance has not gone as far as designing an optimum bit for the given drilling system and formation requirements. The prior art has not attempted to optimize the performance of a bit by designing the bit to be most effective operating within the specific drilling parameters of a particular well. In the inventor's experience, prior art bit selection processes have not taken into account information about the drilling system and the formation of the drilling application and then proceeded to design a bit to work optimally within the parameters of the application. A comprehensive technical approach to handling bit selection is not generally taken. Bit selection for a particular application is generally done intuitively based on general rules of thumb, but not on a scientific or technical basis.
For example, in selecting a bit design for a directional application, the bit may be selected based on the general knowledge that small cutters perform better in a directional application. The specific details as to the reasons for, or extent of, the improved performance are not generally considered. It is generally known that certain bit profiles steer better; it is known that certain cutter shapes steer better; and it is known that back rake can affect steering performance.
Generally speaking, when a bit selection is made, the selection is based on a combination of these intuitive reactions as well as empirical data that is obtained in the past from using certain bits in these environments. In selecting a bit, certain parameters regarding the drilling system and formation are also generally known, such as the motor torque requirements and performance, the motor RPM the range of compressive strength in the formation, and the range of ROP for a particular bit design. Using these parameters, an intuitive analysis is made where, for example, the number of blades needed is determined, the cutter sizes are determined, and the bit profile is determined. The approach has generally been purely intuitive. With the current bit selection process, twenty different bit designers may come up with twenty different combinations in a bit to achieve the final design.
In most drilling situations, it is usually desirable for the bit to achieve the maximum possible rate of penetration (ROP) through the formation. The rate at which the drill bit penetrates the formation is determined primarily by the formation characteristics, the design of the drill bit, and the characteristics of the drilling system used to drive the bit.
Some drilling systems, such as, for example, those that are employed to drill directional wells, drive the bit with a subsurface motor. The speed of rotation and the torque output of the motor are examples of operating characteristics of the motor itself that affect the drill bit ROP.
When the reaction torque of the bit against the formation exceeds the output torque capability of the motor, the bit will cease rotation. A number of factors affect the reaction torque value. These include the hardness, or compressive strength of the formation, the configuration of the engaging interface between the bit and the formation, and the magnitude of the forces driving the bit into the base of the bore hole. Of these factors, the weight on bit (WOB), which supplies the primary force driving the bit against the base of the well bore, is one of the most easily measured forces affecting the drilling process, and it is a force that can be conveniently monitored at the well surface during the drilling process.
With the bit off the bottom of the well bore, a condition in which there is essentially no weight on the bit, the reaction torque of the rotating drill bit is very small. As weight is applied to the bit, the reaction torque increases until the weight exceeds a value at which the speed of rotation and torque output begin to decrease. The relationship between the torque output of the bit and the WOB can be established for a given drill bit size and bit design operating in a specified formation.
In practice, the torque versus WOB curve for a specific bit is the most frequently employed guide to determine the operating conditions for the bit. Thus, where the maximum torque output from the bit is desired, the WOB is maintained at the level indicated by the curve to produce this maximum torque. Generally, maintaining maximum torque output at the bit produces the best ROP. This is not, however, always the case, and maintaining the maximum allowable weight on the bit does not necessarily produce the maximum torque in the bit.
The practice of using WOB to determine torque is only indirectly related to the primary objective of optimizing ROP. Maintaining an optimum output torque on the bit of a particular bit design does not necessarily produce the optimum ROP capable of being attained with the drilling system and well formation of the application.
A superior approach for optimizing the rate of penetration or effective directional drilling through a particular formation using a selected drilling system is to design a bit that will operate within the parameters of the drilling system and formation to provide the optimum ROP for all of the drilling applications. The ROP is a function of the depth of cut (DOC) and the rate of rotation, revolutions per minute, or RPM, of the drill bit. In designing, or selecting, a bit, the DOC of the bit is the preferred characteristic to evaluate when selecting the cutters, cutter placement, cutter rake, bit blade design, bit profile, and other bit features.
The present invention directs the initial effort in optimizing the ROP of a bit through a given formation with a given drilling system to the selection of the bit. The preferred bit is one in which the DOC is evaluated for optimum performance in the drilling system, drilling a specific well bore configuration in a specified formation.
In the process of designing the bit, a "basic" bit design is selected, and a curve showing the relationship between the predicted torque applied to the bit and the depth of cut is created for a formation having the applicable compressive strength. The curve is determined with the assistance of a computer modeling program. Curves may also be created for the bit showing the relationship between the DOC and the rate of rotation. By reference to the torque versus depth of cut chart, the torque value expected from a given depth of cut in a selected formation can be determined.
It may thus be appreciated that the method of the invention redirects the drilling process to the design of an optimum bit with the regulation of torque, WOB, and RPM within the limitations of the drilling system to produce the optimum ROP for a given formation type and/or drilling path.
A feature of the described process of the present invention is that the formation compressive strength may be estimated by monitoring the torque experienced during the actual drilling of the bore hole. If the actual torque encountered during the drilling matches the predicted torque on the torque versus depth of cut curve, the validity of the computer model is confirmed. The computer model may then be employed to estimate the compressive strength of the formation. This technique provides an alternative to the geomechanical method for determining compressive strength and also dispenses with the requirement for performing subsurface measurements to determine compressive strength.
In practicing the method, the first step is to gather the information regarding the application for the drill bit. This information includes the drilling system limitations or parameters such as torque output capacity of the downhole motor, speed of rotation or RPM of the motor, weight on bit limitations of the drilling assembly, and information regarding the expected formation compressive strength. Given the expected compressive strength of the formation and the expected rate of penetration of a basic bit, the depth of cut of the bit with a given bit RPM can be calculated using the computer modeling program.
A depth of cut versus RPM/ROP curve can be created for the expected RPM range and ROP range to determine a DOC range.
From these curves, a depth of cut versus torque curve can be created for the basic bit design.
In the computer modeling, changes can be made in the cutter size, shape, placement, composition, number of blades, bit profile, cone angle, etc., to evaluate the effect of these changes on the torque versus DOC curve.
A bit is selected using this process with a cutter and a blade design or profile that optimizes the bit performance within the given formation and within operating limitations of the drilling system.
During the actual drilling of the well bore, the torque encountered by the bit while attaining the calculated ROP may be compared with that predicted from the computer model. If the actual values correlate with the predicted values, the computer model can be validated and employed to predict other aspects of the formation, including compressive strength.
The object of the present invention is to set forth objective criteria for determining the optimum bit design for a specified application.
A feature of the invention is the manner of presenting the information for if selection by the bit designer. Displaying the relationship of torque versus depth of cut permits a simple presentation that facilitates bit design selection.
The process of the present invention begins by defining the parameters of the application. This entails primarily determining what the drilling system characteristics or features and formation characteristics and features. Information about the drilling system and formation may be obtained from actual drilling applications in which drilling systems were operated in similar formations. The drilling system is defined as a function of its operating characteristics and capabilities. These include range of bit rotation speed (RPM), range of WOB, range of subsurface motor torque, and range of rig torque in a rotary rig. The present invention permits design of a bit having an optimum torque curve based on the torque and other parameters of the drilling system and formations in which the bit is to be used. A torque curve is selected as the curve for evaluation because the torque is the typical limitation in monitoring a drilling application.
The objective of the invention in straight-hole drilling applications is to have a bit that can respond to the maximum torque available from the system and produce the maximum rate of penetration for the formation. Where directional drilling is required, the same bit must achieve or exhibit desired steering characteristics. Subsurface drilling motors used in directional drilling applications require a bit that can adequately deal with tool face fluctuations. In these directional applications, the bit must exhibit a smooth torque response, as well as provide the optimum ROP. The bit selection must take into account the application of the bit since the same bit may be used for drilling directionally, straight, and through different structures within the formation.
Maximum torque is not always the optimum torque to be applied to the bit in some situations. At some point in time in the drilling of the well, ROP may be a primary concern, and directional capabilities can be sacrificed in order to achieve the desired ROP. At other times, the primary consideration is the directional goal, and rate of penetration can beneficially be sacrificed.
Since it is common to employ the same bit to achieve both the directional and ROP requirements, the optimum bit will exhibit a balance of all of the different required characteristics, such as steerability, ROP, torque output, and other factors to achieve the desired objective. The bit design is a give-and-take process, and the design should be based on the best compromise of technically measured variables rather than being the result of a subjective, intuitive selection process.
Given that the limitations of the drilling system are known and the formation within which we are to drill is generally known, the next step in the process of the invention is similar to the first step normally taken in the prior art process of bit selection. A "basic" bit design is selected based on experience, general rules of thumb, and intuition.
The basic bit design selected for this example is an 8˝-inch Security DBS FS 2645 polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) bit. Design modifications are compared against this basic bit. In selecting a basic bit, variables can be selected using rules of thumb, such as starting with a bit having a selected number of blades, a certain bit profile, specific cutter sizes, and a specific back rake scheme. A computer modeling program is then used to obtain the relationship between a bit having these features and the torque curves resulting from use of the bit under certain conditions. A torque versus depth of cut relationship can be established from the computer model. New values for each variable can be inserted into the model to determine how the torque curve is affected. Visual evaluation of the effect of the changes can be quickly and directly made from the torque versus depth of cut curves.
The torque versus depth of cut curve is indirectly derived from the output of a computer model using the Amoco force balance program. The Amoco program is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,042,596, incorporated herein for all purposes. In the method of the present invention, RPM, ROP, and rock strength values, based on the anticipated application, are input to the program, and the Amoco program calculates the expected torque (force imbalance) effect on the bit. RPM and ROP used in the model are used to determine DOC. The Amoco program is a force modeling program and was not designed specifically to provide a torque versus depth of cut curve. As a part of the present invention, the output from the Amoco program is used to calculate the torque versus depth of cut curve for use in the bit design.
The family of curves in
The compressive strength curve for the formation to be drilled (
In the laboratory test, a known strength rock and a known bit design (8˝ inch FS 2645) were run with known parameters. All parameter values and the torque values were recorded. This specific bit design was run, and the laboratory instruments reported the torque, RPM and ROP. The compressive strength of the rock sample was one of the known parameters. From the ROP and the RPM, depth of cut was calculated and plotted versus torque, as illustrated in FIG. 2.
To optimize the bit design, where, for example, our application was for a 3000 psi compressive strength formation, we would generate a predicted torque versus depth of cut curve in a 3000 psi formation. This would produce a curve that would serve as the base design curve. For example, with reference to
In a preferred application of the process, the different variables in the bit design are selectively changed to produce multiple curves within a range of compressive strengths. The objective is to have the slope of the torque versus depth of cut curve as small or as flat as possible so that the greatest depth of cut with the least application of torque may be obtained. The goal is to get the maximum depth of cut with the least amount of torque generated, which, in subsurface motor drives, optimizes the motor torque. This approach also provides a smoother torque response as the curve becomes flatter. The importance of this feature may be seen from the following example. Assuming a very high compressive strength—for example, 15,000 psi as shown on the steepest slope curve in FIG. 2—at a depth of cut of 0.1 inch, the torque is about 3200 foot-pounds. At a depth of cut of 0.2 inch, the torque rises to almost 6,500 foot-pounds. A 0.10 inch increase in depth of cut doubles the torque. This is significant because the subsurface motor would be stalled at a very small increase in depth of cut. Accordingly, the design selection is one that tends to flatten the curve as much as possible to optimize the bit in this application. The variable could be number of blades, bit profile, cutter rake, etc.
With regard to these variable design changes, each change is entered in the computer model, and the corresponding torque versus depth of cut result is evaluated. With each modified design the Amoco model is employed to determine output torque versus the value of the parameters being examined. The resulting curves can be evaluated based on the changes in the design.
In the application of this system, depth of cut and weight on bit are directly proportional. Correlation between the predicted slope and the actual torque curve in
It will be appreciated that various modifications can be made in the design, construction and operation of the present inventions without departing from the spirit or scope of such inventions. Thus, while the principal preferred construction and mode of operation of the inventions have been explained in what is now considered to represent their best embodiments, which have been illustrated and described herein, it will be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the inventions may be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described.
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By Air Force Staff Sgt. Sara Keller86th Airlift Wing
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany, June 2, 2014 Seventy years ago, young men from the 37th Troop Carrier Squadron at RAF Cottesmore, England, prepared their aircraft and themselves for what soon would be known as one of the most significant and meaningful days in the history of the world: D-Day.
Today, airmen of the 37th Airlift Squadron are preparing for the June 6 anniversary of that day. But this time, they'll be flying to honor and remember those brave men who took part in the Normandy invasion during World War II.
On Memorial Day, May 26, the 37th Airlift Squadron welcomed the Douglas C-47 Skytrain known as Whiskey 7, allowing them to experience a piece of their squadron's rich history.
The C-47s were the first aircraft the 37th Troop Carrier Squadron flew when it was formed in 1942. When the squadron was re-designated as the 37th Airlift Squadron and based in Germany, it flew C-130s. Today, it flies the C-130J Super Hercules.
"It was a few years ago we found out that the National Warplane Museum in Geneseo, New York, had the last airworthy C-47 from the original 37th TCS," said Air Force Capt. Andrew Richter, a 37th Airlift Squadron pilot. "About two years ago, we really started working with the museum to help in any way we could to bring the C-47 to Ramstein and the 70th anniversary."
After two years of intense fund raising and coordination, a team of volunteers from the museum made the 3,600-mile trip to Germany and flew with the C-130J from the 37th Airlift Squadron for the first time.
"We have such a rich history here at the 37th, and it's amazing to see our squadron's heritage first-person," Richter said. "The C-47 is the first aircraft our squadron flew, and it means so much to us to have the opportunity to fly with a piece of our history and participate in the French 70th anniversary of D-Day [observance]."
It has taken thousands of hours, about $250,000 and hundreds of people to get Whiskey 7 to Ramstein, and it's not just the airmen of the 37th Airlift Squadron who felt the need for the historically significant journey to happen.
"The biggest reason we brought Whiskey 7 to Europe for the D-Day anniversary is because that airplane is a symbol of what those men did 70 years ago for the entire world," said Christopher Polhemus, Whiskey 7 lead pilot. "Our crew chief really put it into perspective. He said, 'Those men came as liberators, not as conquerors.' The entire European continent was under the tyranny of Nazi control. They were not free."
Polhemus said airmen from the 37th Airlift Squadron were extremely helpful, and that he's thankful for all of the time and effort they put into bringing Whiskey 7 here.
"We learn about our history as soon as we walk in the door. We see it on the walls around us. … It's ingrained in us," Richter said. "To bring W7 here, fly next to it and parking it right in front of our squadron, it's just surreal."


text: Enthusiast with a family 5pts A few observations:Has anyone noticed the YTD sum of the Korean twins as 335,588 units? Amazing since these are relatively older designs of a car company that could hardly be taken seriously just a handful of years ago....Ditto on the Mazda6 sentiments, can't help but feel sorry for them. They deserve better.How's that new Passat working out for ya VW? I guess it will take another year to take over the segment.As far as bitching about fleet sales, this isn't always a desperate sales strategy. I understand the idea of separating these units, but doing so paints an entirely inaccurate account. Potentially lower margins due to fleet discounts and/or retail incentives are all part of the game and hardly negate sales. No doubt margin erosion occurs, but don't be so naive to think that fleet sales aren't important to the individual automakers and the entire industry. If Honda chooses to stay out of this bonanza, that's their strategy. Toyota, GM & Ford sell many, many times more vehicles than Honda and obviously use these volumes to their advantage in design, procurement, manufacturing and sales.


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"If it isn't, it ain't."
Kate visits Rafe, Justin lectures EJ, and Brady bickers with Eric.
Recall the problems caused by another of the Donovan girls in Soaps.com's Throwback Thursday DOOL Poll: Eve And Nick. And don't miss the trailer for the new season of Homeland.
Follow Soaps.com on Twitter @soapoperafan and Soaps.com on Facebook.
Header Photo Credit: NBC
- Matt Purvis


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Lanvin Fall/Winter 2014By Editor in Fashion on April 8th, 2014 | Please Comment !! »
Check out a very chic, modern Fall/Winter 2014 menswear collection from yet another iconic French brand — Lanvin. The collection is really a great mix of classic yet modern pieces with an all plaid look, a sweater with thick, shiny stripes, and a few Missoni-like sweaters. Check it out after the click.


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Tag Archives: Ms Marmite Lover
The Tastiest Top Ten Food Bloggers
A technophobe, I've been dragged kicking and screaming into the digital world.
Assisting me in what began as a painful process but one that is fast reaping its happy rewards is my young social media mentor Melissa Leithwood. In fact, with her ongoing help, I now find myself tweeting, blogging, surfing the 'Net and, in particular, seeking out other blogs specializing in my passion of almost 40 years: food.
Posted in Food Blogs, Foodies, Top Ten Also tagged amanda hesser, canadian food, Chocolate & Zucchini, Eat Like A Girl, Food 52, food magazine, food revolution, foodies, Good Food Revolution, gorgeous photos, Honest Cooking, irish woman, jolley, lively mix, media mentor, montreal bagels, Oh She Glows, Orangette, pizza restaurant, plum cake, recipe source, relative merits, Serious Eats, Smitten Kitchen, talented chef, taste tests, technophobe, word photos 7 Comments
Ms Marmite Lover is London's most influential foodie
It was Sheila Dillon — longtime host of The Food Programme on BBC 4 — who recommended I get in touch with Kerstin Rodgers on my recent two-week visit to my favourite city and childhood home: London, England.
Posted in Foodies Also tagged London, Marmite Lover, Supper Club 1 Comment


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Martini Glass
LibbeyZ Stem Martini
Set Of 4Rs. 1,980.00
Luigi BormioliBach martini Glass 260ml.
Set Of 4Rs. 2,800.00
BorgonovoCalice Martini 25cl
Set Of 6Rs. 1,380.00
DuroborCANCUN UNI
Set Of 6Rs. 1,300.00
ArcorocCometa Cocktail 350ml
Set Of 4Rs. 1,615.00
Ego AlterConfetti Stemless Cocktail 33cl
Set Of 6
Was Rs. 2,228.00
Now Rs. 1,650.00
LibbeyCool Cabana Martini
Set Of 6Rs. 2,900.00
Ego AlterDiva stemless cocktail 330 ml
Set Of 6Rs. 1,615.00
OceanDuchess Martini 210ml
Set Of 6Rs. 1,071.00
Luigi BormioliElegante Martini 300ml.
Set Of 6Rs. 2,502.00
DuroborGlam 250ml
Set Of 6Rs. 2,734.00
OceanMadison Cocktail 285ml.
Set Of 6Rs. 1,150.00
LibbeyMucho Colors 4-pc. Martini Glass Set
Set Of 4Rs. 3,780.00
Ego AlterVolubilis Stemless Cocktail 330ml
Set Of 6
Was Rs. 1,615.00
Now Rs. 1,450.00
BorgonovoCalice Martini 100 ml
Set Of 6Rs. 1,000.00
Sold Out
Bond likes his shaken not stirred. How do you like yours, shaken or stirred?
However you like your martini, urbandazzle has got the perfect martini glass to serve it up in. Our wide range of martini glasses is ideal for home bars, cocktail parties and cocktail bars, offering professional quality glassware.
Martini cocktail glasses can be used to serve up a variety of cocktails, including cosmopolitan cocktails and Manhattan cocktails. Our selection of martini glasses includes stem less martini glasses, stemmed martini glasses and coloured martini glasses to suit your cocktail party.
A lot has been written and said about the famous drink of martini and it has been called one of the best-known mixed alcoholic beverages. American journalist H. L. Mencken called the martini the only American invention as perfect as the sonnet and the famous author E. B. White called it "the elixir of quietude".
And if gin, vermouth with an olive is not your thing, the martini glass can also be used to serve up other cocktails and mocktails like appletini, peach martini, chocolate martini and espresso martini.


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Lottery cash for East Herts and Uttlesford for Citizens Advice Bureaux
Posted: May 14, 2013|
CITIZENS Advice Bureaux in East Herts and Uttlesford are to share more than £350,000 thanks to grants from the Big Lottery Fund (BIG).
Dharmendra Kanani, Big Lottery Fund director for England said: "Getting the right advice at the right time can be a lifeline for people and communities most in need.
"Current services are struggling to keep up with increasing demand and the greater complexity in the types of problems people are facing.
"This timely funding demonstrates the enormous value that BIG can bring by offering support to help local partnerships of advice providers to come together to develop new ways of working fit for the 21st century.
"Times are tough for advice providers and for people at the thin end of the wedge. This is a chance to invest in a much needed transformation of services so that they can adapt, respond to need and survive."
East Herts CAB, which operates in Stortford, Sawbridgeworth, Hertford, Buntingford and Ware is to get £249,924 while Uttlesford's offices in Dunmow, Stansted, Thaxted and Walden will share £107,876 as part of a multi-million pound support package from BIG and the Cabinet Office, which is contributing half of the funding.
Nick Hurd, the minister for civil society said: "At a time of great change, it is important that people can continue to access high quality local advice. This partnership fund is designed to help local providers come together and deliver a better coordinated and more sustainable service"


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|Embassy Suites Cypress properties are listed below. Search for cheap and discount Embassy Suites hotel rooms in Cypress, CA for your upcoming meeting or individual travels. We list the best Embassy Suites Cypress venues so you can review the Cypress Embassy Suites hotel list below to find the perfect place.
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text:
Melton customers cash in
Posted: March 15, 2014|
A building society has raised interest rates for savers after reporting a 150 per cent surge in annual profits.
Melton Building Society said it made a pre-tax profit for the year to December 31 of £1 million, up from £400,000 in 2012.
As a result, the society has increased interest rates paid on its Instant Access ISA and 0216 Young Persons savings accounts.
The Melton, with branches in Melton, Oakham and Grantham, issued £50 million of new mortgages during the year, with loans and advances totalling £296 million, an increase of 2.5 per cent on 2012. Mortgage arrears reduced by 17 per cent to £340,000.
The Melton's capital and reserves increased by £900,000 to £32 million in the year. It is the UK's 24th largest building society, with four other societies based in the county.
Chief executive Martin Reason said: "Lending growth has been pleasing considering the highly competitive mortgage market and reflects our commitment to providing mortgages for local customers and first-time buyers.
"Our strategy for 2014 is to build upon our success, focussing our promotional efforts on raising the society's profile."


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Welcome to the WDWMAGIC.COM Forums!
Please take a look around, and feel free to sign up and join the community.You can use your Twitter or Facebook account to sign up, or register directly.
Renewing Annual Passes at Magic Kingdom?
Discussion in 'WDW Trip Planning' started by Star Command, Mar 14, 2006.


text:
Resource Guide for Hypertension
Address: National Center 7272 Greenville Avenue Dallas, TX 75231
Phone: 1-800-242-8721 (1-800-AHA-USA1)
Internet Address: http://heart.org
Description of services provided: The American Heart Association provides educational materials about hypertension and other heart disease risk factors. This national voluntary health agency's mission is to reduce disability and death from cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
Address: 7272 Greenville Avenue Dallas, TX 75231
Phone: 1-888-478-7653 (1-888-4-STROKE)
Internet Address: http://www.strokeassociation.org
Description of services provided: The American Stroke Association is a division of the American Heart Association. The website provides general information about stroke, including educational information, news, research, health programs, and dietary information.
Address: Building 31, Room 5A52 31 Center Drive MSC 2486 Bethesda, MD 20892
Phone: 301-592-8573
Internet address: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov
Description of services provided: The NHLBI is a part of the National Institutes of Health. The site provides information about cholesterol, heart disease risk factors, and various heart conditions. The institute conducts and supports research related to the causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of heart, blood vessel, lung, and blood diseases as well as sleep disorders.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: Michael J. Fucci, DO
- Review Date: 09/2014 -
- Update Date: 09/17/2014 -
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © EBSCO Publishing
All rights reserved.
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text:
SyncForce, FileForce, and PB SyncForce
File SyncForce is a state-of-the-art program that performs file synchronization between PCs, FTP, hard drives, client/server networks, mobile devices, and laptops (dozens of hours of online videos). It has the capability of performing automatic scheduled syncs and backup operations while you are running other programs. Protect your vital corporate data while easing local development and minimizing network traffic!
Now get the $10 File SyncForce free, hoping you'll upgrade to Pro later.
Intro and Uses of File SyncForce
File Syncforce now supports FTP, Powerbuilder, and Zip - Download it now
File SyncForce is now free via Adware. Enjoy and buy if you can.
File SyncForce now supports file storing - versioning via SourceForce (video), a simple yet powerful file-based source control versioning system - a differencing system which saves only the differences between file versions, saving lots of disk space. Also, you can zip up the these difference files, to lower the number of files on your system, keeping your directory organized, while yet saving more disk space via differencing and zip compression - very powerful. Thus far, updates are free for life.
File SyncForce automatically detects which files in a directory have changed, synchronizes those changes to a destination directory, and then logs which files have been synchronized.
Question answers and additional help (instructional videos) to the help file.
FileForce is a the built-in engine guiding File SyncForce, forming the Dynamic Duo of File Synchronization. Check out the online video Features of FileForce, built into File SyncForce.
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*Dozens of hours of Online Video Help for detailed examples
and explanation.


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Kansas City, Mo. -- The Missouri Southern women's basketball team has been picked to finish tied for ninth with Lincoln in the coaches and thirteenth in the media MIAA preseason basketball polls, the league announced today.
The Lions return only two players and one starter from last year's squad that finished the year 8-18 overall, while going 4-16 in the MIAA. After qualifying for ten consecutive MIAA conference tournaments, the Lions will look to rebound and get back to their winning ways this season.
The lone senior on the squad for the Lions this year will be forward Erin Rice. A third-team All-MIAA performer last year, Rice started all 26 games while leading the team in scoring and rebounding with 14.9 ppg and 5.3 rpg. The other returner for the Lions will be junior guard Shatara Stone, who played in all 26 games averaging 5.5 ppg and 4.3 rpg a year ago.
The Lions welcome in 11 newcomers to the lineup that includes three freshman, four junior college transfers and four four-year transfers. Junior center Shonte Clay, junior guard Samantha Soyez, sophomore center Bria Venson and sophomore guard Nicole Hartzog bring a combined six years of Division I or II college basketball experience with them to Southern.
Fans will get a chance to get their first look at the 2012-13 Lions this Thursday evening at Meet the Lions night at the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center. The Lions have a pair of exhibition games hosting Livin' The Dream on Saturday at 1 pm and at the University of San Francisco on November 2. They open up the regular season at the Pitt State Tip Off Classic on November 9 against Mary (ND) University.
The complete MIAA polls are listed below.
2012-13 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Washburn (8) 189
2. Pittsburg State (6) 178
3. Emporia State (1) 171
4. Northeastern State 154
5. Fort Hays State 139
6. Central Missouri 135
7. Truman 112
8. Central Oklahoma 110
T9. Lincoln 65
T9. Missouri Southern 65
11. Missouri Western 64
T12. Lindenwood 62
T12. Southwest Baptist 62
14. Northwest Missouri 51
15. Nebraska-Kearney 18
2012-13 MIAA Preseason Media Poll
1. Washburn (8) 257
2. Pittsburg State (8) 254
3. Emporia State (2) 235
4. Northeastern State 204
5. Fort Hays State 193
6. Central Missouri 183
7. Central Oklahoma 156
8. Truman 152
9. Lindenwood 117
10. Southwest Baptist 93
11. Lincoln 87
12. Missouri Western 69
13. Missouri Southern 65
14. Northwest Missouri 60
15. Nebraska-Kearney 35


text: BSD buddies: I want to give a half hour presentation on OpenBSD to a college student audience, who are familiar with computers, and the internet, but are not familiar with different flavours of unix. I would like to emphasise on security. and ease of server maintenance, and robustness. Do you slides (best), material (better) for this kinda talk. Dinesh On Thu, Oct 07, 1999 at 02:56:08PM +0530, P.R. Subramanya wrote: > Dear Dinesh, > Here is a nice opportunity to talk about OpenBSD. Showcase has a slot > for a talk on System Administration. You fit the bill to give this talk. > The two hour slot is all yours. You can talk on anything pertaining > to System Administration. > > Please consider this and for more details contact saurabh_(_at_)_csa_(_dot_)_ > > warm regards, > subbu


text: On 01/01/12 13:26, haithem rahmani wrote: > Hi, > > I think a good way in which DirectFB should start this new year is to update its banner :) (attached the patch) Thank you very much and a happy new year to all of you! > Better if we 'll have the first 1.6.x release. Correct, we've been too busy with other things, but this month we should see 1.6.0 :) -- Best regards, Denis Oliver Kropp .------------------------------------------. | DirectFB - Hardware accelerated graphics | | http://www.directfb.org/ | "------------------------------------------"