text:
|Publication number
|Publication type
|Application number
|PCT number
|Publication date
|Oct 8, 2002
|Filing date
|Dec 3, 1998
|Priority date
|Dec 5, 1997
|Fee status
|Also published as
|Publication number
|Patrice Minotti, Gilles Bourbon, Philippe Langlet, Takahisa Masuzawa, Hiroyuki Fujita
|Original Assignee
|Centre National De La Recherche Scientifique
|Export Citation
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Patent Citations (5), Non-Patent Citations (7), Referenced by (19), Classifications (16), Legal Events (5)
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet
This application is based on and claims the benefit of international application PCT/FR98/02613, filed on Dec. 3, 1998 and French application 97 15393, filed Dec. 5, 1997. The entire disclosure of these applications is relied upon and incorporated by reference herein.
The present invention relates to the field of electromechanical microactuators, that is to say the field of microsystems adapted for delivering a controlled mechanical force in response to an electrical excitation.
The document U.S. Pat. No. 5235225 describes a structure in which the basic actuator consists of two parallel stators each furnished with a plurality of electrodes and with a flexible rotor, which is at least partially electrically conductive and disposed between the two aforesaid stators. The displacement of the rotor is effected through sequential control, progressing in space, from an electric voltage applied to the electrodes.
More precisely still, the present invention relates to the field of electrostatic microactuators known as "Scratch Drive Actuators" or "SDAs". Specifically, the present invention relates to an electrostatic microactuator based on distributed elementary SDAs.
A description of these actuators will be found in the documents [1], [2] and [3].
These actuators proposed some years ago, are most particularly intended for the direct driving of micromachines of micrometer dimensions. They have the particular feature of associating a mechanism for transferring mechanical energy by friction with the conventional implementation of an electrostatic force field.
The aforesaid documents may usefully be referred to for a proper understanding of the general structure and the operation of these actuators.
The latter are shown diagrammatically in FIGS. 1A to 1D attached.
In essence, an SDA comprises a plate or beam (10), made for example of polysilicon, furnished at one end with a projecting strut or pad 12, directed toward a substrate 20, made for example of silicon, covered with an insulating layer 22, made for example of Si3N4. A generator 30 is adapted for applying voltage pulses between the plate 10 and the substrate 20.
As may be seen in FIG. 1B, on a rising pulse edge, the plate 10 is drawn toward the substrate 20 by the electrostatic force generated between the latter. The bearing of the strut 12 on the layer 22 imposes a static flexion on the plate 10, which in turn gives rise to an offset of the strut 12.
On the falling edge of the pulse, as may be seen in FIG. 1C, the plate 10 tends to revert to its rest geometry, by virtue of the elastic energy stored up in the plate 10, and has therefore been shifted by a flexion of the plate 10, which in turn gives rise to an offset of the strut 12.
On the falling edge of the pulse, as may be seen in FIG. 1C, the plate 10 tends to revert to its rest geometry, by virtue of the elastic energy stored up in the plate 10, and has therefore been shifted by an amplitude dx with respect to its former position, by reason of the bearing defined between the strut 12 and the layer 22.
Thus, these systems make it possible to convert mechanical oscillations of very small amplitude originating in the static flexion of the thin plate 10, into a rigid body motion of this same plate.
The lower the height of the strut 12 situated under the flexing plate 10, the stronger the electrostatic forces produced at the plate 10/substrate 20 interface, for a given excitation voltage emanating from the generator 30. The height of the strut 12 typically of the order of a micrometer, moreover introduces a high gearing reduction in the energy conversion mechanism at the plate 10/substrate 20 interface. The gearing reduction intrinsic in the very small mechanical deformations involved in energy conversion by friction, contributes to a dual increase in the driving forces generated during the displacement of the plate. SDAs thus have the particular feature of developing sizeable useful forces at low speed, in the absence of any auxiliary speed decrease.
The length of the displacement step depends on the height of the strut 12, on the stiffness of the plate 10 and on the control voltage applied. The displacement step is typically of the order of 25 nanometers for a plate 10 exhibiting a width of the order of 50 micrometers, a thickness of the order of 1 micrometer and a length of the order of 60 micrometers.
The repeating of such cycles makes it possible to accumulate displacement steps and consequently allows a sizeable relative displacement between the plate 10 and the substrate 20.
However, although they are showing themselves to be very promising, to the knowledge of the inventors, SDAs have hitherto remained on the laboratory scale and have not enjoyed industrial development.
This seems to be due in particular to the fact that the force generated by the known SDAs remains limited even if it is sizeable on the micrometer scale. This force, typically of the order of from 50 to 100 micro newtons for an SDA energized at a peak excitation voltage of the order of 100 V, can satisfy only a limited number of applications reserved exclusively for the micromachine scale.
Also, attempts to appreciably intensify this force by increasing the size of the SDAs have not been crowned with success hitherto.
Indeed, on the one hand the electrostatic forces involved in the actuation decrease very rapidly with increasing dimensions of the SDAs. On the other hand, the production processes involved in fabricating SDAs prevent the production of devices having a thickness greater than a few microns, which constitutes an intrinsic limitation to the increasing of the other dimensions of the SDA.
The object of the present invention is now to propose novel means making it possible to implement SDAs industrially.
Contrary to current attempts tending to increase the size of an SDA so as to obtain an acceptable output force, within the framework of the present invention it is proposed to retain SDAs of small size, but to increase their number and to associate them under suitable conditions so as to allow the addition of the forces generated by each of these SDAs, namely by using means adapted for, on the one hand, applying to said SDAs an external mechanical prestress able to allow a superposition of the forces generated by the various SDAs and, on the other hand, communicating to an external load the entire driving force emanating from the collective behavior of these same SDAs.
This mechanical prestress of the SDAs is advantageously obtained with the aid of a bias voltage applied at rest to the set of SDAs.
To allow the entire driving force emanating from the collective behavior of the SDAs to be communicated to an external load, according to an advantageous characteristic of the present invention, the sheet carrying the SDAs is placed in a mechanical clearance at the interface of two solid bodies articulated together.
The inventors have in fact demonstrated that such a prestress, associated with means guaranteeing the communication of the driving force, to the external load, was indispensable for allowing aggregation of the forces generated by the various SDAs.
The cooperation of microactuators has already been utilized in the field of the motorization of micromachines but, to the knowledge of the inventors, only via the development of conveyors of objects by friction in the horizontal plane, so as to profit from the gravity of the displaced object. With such devices, the driving forces communicated to the movable element depend only on the mass of the displaced object, as well as on the coefficient of friction at the object/actuators interface (in accordance with Coulomb's laws of solid friction) . In this case the driving forces communicated to the displaced object are unaffected both by the number and by the driving characteristics of the actuators participating in the motorization. Moreover, these same driving forces depend on the configuration of the machine (or conveyor) in space and in particular on the horizontality of the object transfer plane. It is clear, consequently, that increasing the number of actuators participating in the motorization of one and the same load does not necessarily lead to a matching increase in the useful forces involved in the motorization.
The present invention is distinguished from the previous inventions in that it does not use gravity (or any other solution such as the elastic deformation of a bearing spring, etc.) to calibrate a prestress in the mechanical power transmission procedure. It uses electrostatic attraction forces which are particularly strong in view of the scale of the SDAs, to calibrate an individualized prestress for each actuator involved in the collectivity. This prestress is intrinsic to each actuator insofar as it is unaffected by the parameters of the displaced load, unlike the prior art devices which routinely involve gravity. The application of the prestress, within the framework of the present invention, is moreover natural since the electrostatic attraction does not require recourse to the elastic deformation of an auxiliary bearing spring. In practice, this deformation is obtained with the aid of a bias voltage applied at rest to the set of SDAs, as indicated earlier. Moreover, the electrostatic forces depend only on the relative position of the SDA on its substrate and are unaffected by the posture of the substrate in three-dimensional space.
The proposed invention consequently guarantees, unlike the collective devices of the prior art, effective superposition of the individual forces of each SDA, regardless moreover of the spatial configuration of the colony considered.
The inventors have moreover found that the support lattices proposed hitherto, and capable of associating several SDAs, turn out to be incapable of retaining their mechanical integrity during the transmission of sizeable external forces. These known lattices are generally formed of an assembly of extremely fragile beams having, like the SDAS, a thickness of the order of a micrometer (these being fabricated at the same time as the SDAs, in the course of the same procedure and from a similar material). The fragility of the known lattices is therefore an intrinsic limitation to the transmission of sizeable forces.
Thus, according to another advantageous characteristic of the present invention, contrary to current attempts, the inventors propose that flexible sheets, made for example of polysilicon, comprising a large number of SDAS, be inserted into a mechanical clearance separating two solid bodies articulated with respect to one another. This technical solution in fact allows a very large number of SDAs to be made to cooperate in practice under conditions promoting effective superposition of the driving forces and in such a way that the transmission of mechanical power, which results from the accumulating of the useful forces produced by the collectivity, may not be passed on to the hardware structure connecting the assembly of SDAs.
To this end, within the framework of the present invention, the SDA sheets advantageously consist of a framework, in contact solely with one of the solid bodies involved in the articulation, for example the bedplate. The SDAs are for their part only in exclusive contact with the other solid body involved in the articulation, for example the drive shaft. Such a configuration permits accumulation of force proportional to the number of SDAs involved in the interface. It also and above all guarantees the integrity of the framework (since the latter is reinforced on contact with the bedplate), regardless of the transmission of external mechanical power communicated to the movable element (or drive shaft).
The invention thus contributes, as a whole, to the physical and material (or mechanical) possibility of involving a very large number of SDAs in the driving of one and the same load, unlike in the case of the known prior art solutions.
Typically, a system in accordance with the present invention thus integrates from a few tens to a few thousand SDAs.
Moreover, the present invention proposes specific means for shaping a sheet, made for example of polysilicon, comprising a large number of SDAs, by flexion of bars integral with this sheet.
The present invention also relates to a process for shaping a sheet comprising a large number of SDAs, utilizing such means.
According to another advantageous characteristic of the present invention, the system can also comprise means forming a force sensor, for example a torque sensor, comprising at least one beam integrated into the sheet forming the SDAs and adapted to be deformed upon actuation of the system, said beam being associated with means for analyzing its deformation.
Other characteristics, objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent on reading the detailed description which follows and in conjunction with the appended drawings, given by way of nonlimiting examples and in which:
FIGS. 1A to 1D described earlier diagrammatically illustrate the general structure and the operation of a conventional SDA,
FIG. 2 diagrammatically illustrates a procedure for automatically detaching an SDA sheet from its support substrate, in accordance with the present invention,
FIG. 3 diagrammatically shows a procedure for winding an SDA sheet in accordance with the present invention, around a tubular drive shaft,
FIG. 4 diagrammatically shows a mechanical architecture of an elementary cell of SDAs in accordance with the present invention,
FIG. 5 diagrammatically shows an SDA sheet in accordance with the present invention, positioned level with an interface between a rotor and a bedplate,
FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 respectively represent an annular motor in accordance with the present invention, a partial cross-sectional view thereof, associated with its electrical control means and a diagrammatic depiction of a torque sensor integrated with this annular motor,
FIG. 9 represents a perspective diagrammatic view of a microcatheter in accordance with the present invention, implementing a plurality of SDA actuators of the aforesaid type,
FIG. 10 represents a longitudinal sectional view of the same catheter,
FIG. 11 represents a basic module of such a catheter,
FIG. 12 illustrates the deformation of such a module under the effect of an actuator based on a shape memory material, and
FIG. 13 diagrammatically shows the use of such a catheter in accordance with the present invention in a blood vessel.
The known general structure of SDAs will not be described in detail hereinbelow.
Likewise for their fabricating technology. This technology derived from the technology for fabricating integrated circuits is in fact known to the person skilled in the art.
However, an exemplary process for fabricating an SDA sheet according to the present invention will be described hereinbelow.
The nominal dimensions of an SDA are typically of the order of a few tens of micrometers square. Within the framework of the present invention it is thus possible to envisage hundreds or even thousands of SDAs juxtaposed on an area of the order of a mm2.
Preferably, within the framework of the present invention, the SDAs are made by chemical machining of thin sheets of doped polysilicon. Their configuration may form the subject of numerous variants. The same holds for the conditions of connection of the SDAs to the fabric of the sheet, the discretization of the sheet into elementary cells (number of SDAs per unit area) and the area of the sheet.
As indicated earlier within the framework of the present invention, in order to allow addition of the elementary forces generated by each SDA, the latter are subjected to an external mechanical prestress, preferably in the form of a bias voltage at rest, which imposes a permanent controlled flexion on the plate 10 of each SDA.
As indicated earlier, within the framework of the present invention, there is furthermore provision for means adapted for ensuring that the entire driving force emanating from the collective behavior of the SDAs is communicated to the external load.
To do this, the SDA sheet is preferably placed in the mechanical clearance between two solid bodies articulated together.
The SDA sheet can thus be placed between the substrate on which said SDA sheet has been made, and an attached solid body.
However, within the framework of the present invention, the SDA sheet is preferably separated firstly from its support substrate, then inserted into the aforesaid mechanical clearance existing between two solid bodies articulated together.
The polysilicon sheets comprising a colony of SDAs, in accordance with the present invention, exhibit high flexibility once they are detached from the silicon substrate on which they were chemically machined.
It is therefore possible to provide various solutions for transferring these sheets to their site of use.
According to one particularly advantageous implementation of the present invention, illustrated in FIG. 2, the detaching of the sheet comprising the SDAs, from its support substrate, is effected by virtue of flexion bars distributed at the periphery of the sheet.
Of course, as a variant, such flexion bars may be provided at another location on the sheet, for example within its mass, and not only at its periphery.
FIG. 2 thus depicts a flexible polysilicon sheet 100 comprising a large number of distributed elementary SDAs 110. This sheet 100 rests on the silicon substrate 150 on which said sheet 100 has been machined.
This sheet 100 comprises two parallel flexion bars 120 disposed respectively along two opposite edges of the sheet 100. The flexion bars 120 are separated over their length, from the mass of the sheet 100 by virtue of longitudinal cutouts 122 formed between said bars 120 and the central body of the sheet 100. The flexion bars 120 are thus machined from the mass of the sheet 100. However, the flexion bars 120 remain secured, via one of their ends, to this central body of the sheet 100.
When the first rows of SDAs, transverse to the aforesaid lateral edges and to the flexion bars 120 as well as opposite the zones of connection of said bars 120 to the sheet 100, are activated, the sheet loo advances in the direction illustrated by the arrow referenced D in FIG. 2. To do this, a voltage can be applied between the plates 10 of the SDAs 110 concerned and an electrode buried in the substrate 150.
Thus, if the flexion bars 120 are conversely held in position with respect to the substrate 150 at least over part of their length, the displacement of the sheet 100 gives rise to a flexion of the bars 120 in a direction orthogonal to the plane of the substrate 150.
Also, as may be seen in FIG. 2, this flexion of the bars 120 causes the detaching of the sheet 100 from the substrate 150.
The holding of the bars 120 with respect to the substrate 150 can be achieved by numerous means. Preferably within the framework of the present invention this holding is itself achieved by virtue of electrostatic forces. To do this, preferably, as may be seen in FIG. 2, specific electrodes 160 are provided on the substrate 150, facing the bars 120. The application of an excitation voltage between these electrodes 160 and the bars 120, by means of a generator 132, thus makes it possible to push the bars 120 flat against the electrodes 160.
More precisely still, according to the preferred embodiment illustrated in the appended FIG. 2, several discrete electrodes 160 distributed facing the bars 120 are provided. Also, each of these electrodes 160 can be energized selectively by the generator 132, by way of a gang of respective switches 134. Thus, the selective closing of a chosen one or of several switches 134 makes it possible to select the energized electrode or electrodes 160 and consequently to control the zone of the bars 120 which is held on the substrate 150.
The inventors have shown that with this technique radii of curvature of a few tens of microns can be obtained on polysilicon sheets 100.
The sheet 100 comprising the SDAs 110 can thus be relocated to any desired site of use.
Illustrated in FIG. 3 is the relocating of a sheet 100 onto a movable motor element in the form of a drive shaft 200 which forms a support for the sheet 100.
This shaft 200 can itself form the subject of numerous embodiments. According to the particular and nonlimiting embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, it involves a tubular shaft whose external envelope is a cylinder of revolution.
To ensure the transfer of the sheet 100 onto the shaft 200, the latter is placed on the substrate 150 level with the detached end of the sheet 100. The shaft 200 is then displaced under the sheet 100 as the latter is detached, as illustrated by the arrow illustrated F in FIG. 3. Simultaneously, preferably, the shaft 200 is accorded a rotational motion about its axis (as shown diagrammatically by the arrow R in FIG. 3) so that the shaft 200 will brace the sheet 100 as it detaches, without relative displacement between the surface of the shaft 200 and the sheet 100. Thus the sheet is progressively transferred, with no risk of damage, to the shaft 200.
The winding of the sheet 100 onto the shaft 200 is made easier if one simultaneously utilizes electrostatic attraction toward the drive shaft 200 itself.
To do this, the polysilicon sheet 100 can be subjected to a potential of the order of from 100 to 200 V peak while the drive shaft is grounded (or vice versa). Of course, an electrically insulating layer must be provided between the sheet 100 and the shaft 200. To this end, the shaft 200 can be made for example from a surface-oxidized electrically conductive material.
The present invention is in no way limited to the embodiment of a tubular motor as described in conjunction with FIG. 3. It can find application in a large number of configurations, such as for example in linear motors.
Moreover, depending on the orientation given to the SDAs, over the rows and columns of one and the same sheet, it is possible to make motors with several degrees of freedom.
Thus, for example, by utilizing two series of SDAs possessing orthogonal orientations, it is possible to make X-Y type plane translators. It is also possible to make motors of the latch type associating a rotational degree of freedom with a translational degree of freedom.
The insertion of the sheet 100 comprising the SDAs 110 at the interface between the drive shaft 200 and an associated external bedplate, can be achieved in various ways.
Preferably, in a first phase, the sheet 100 is subjected to a potential of the order of 100 V while the drive shaft 200 is grounded. The sheet 100 is therefore secured to the drive shaft 200, thus affording it the necessary rigidity for subsequently resisting the forces of insertion of the drive shaft into the bedplate.
The insertion of the drive shaft into its housing is then carried out.
Next, in a subsequent phase, the sheet 100 is locked with respect to the aforesaid housing so as to permit the relative motion of the drive shaft 200 with respect to the bedplate. To satisfy this locking the bedplate of the motor is in turn grounded with the aim of attracting the framework of the SDA sheet 100.
The rotational locking of the sheet 100 is therefore guaranteed by an electrostatic force field at the sheet 100/bedplate interface, as well as by the dry friction induced by the contact of the sheet 100 on the bedplate. The sheet 100 must be dimensioned (in terms of thickness in particular) so that the framework of the sheet 100 is attracted naturally by the bedplate, while the SDAs 110 remain attracted by the drive shaft 200.
To do this, each plate 10 forming an SDA is supported elastically in a framework 14 created in the sheet 100. For example as illustrated in FIG. 4, each plate 10 forming an SDA is supported by a framework 14 created in the sheet 100 by way of two parallel suspension bars 16. The latter join a respective longitudinal edge of the plate 10, opposite the strut 12, and the framework 14. The suspension bars extend perpendicularly to the direction of the strut 12.
In FIG. 5, the bedplate of the motor which surrounds the drive shaft 200 is referenced 210. Here again an electrically insulating layer must be provided between the electrically conductive bedplate 210 and the frameworks 14. This insulating layer can be obtained by oxidation of the internal surface of the bedplate 210.
Once it has been fixed in this way to the bedplate 210, the sheet 100 plays the role of stator.
Moreover, the aforesaid suspension bars 16 are preferably adapted so as to allow a sizeable radial displacement of the SDAs in relation to the framework 14 and thus to make it possible to compensate for the uncertainty relating to the inevitable mechanical clearance at the drive shaft 200/bedplate 210 interface.
Indeed, the standardized mechanical fabricating tolerances of macroscopic devices guarantee at best a mechanical clearance with an uncertainty of the order of some ten microns for a coupling 1 mm in diameter, i.e. an uncertainty which is far greater than twice the thickness of the SDA sheet 100.
The suspension bars 16 thus allow radial accommodation of the sheet 100 in the bedplate 210, so that the frameworks 14 are locked against the bedplate 210, while the struts 12 of the SDAs bear on the drive shaft 200.
The potential applications of the present invention are numerous. They relate in particular to the motorization of micromachines from the micrometer scale up to the millimeter scale.
It will be noted that the SDA sheets 100 can be inserted naturally into surface mechanical links exhibiting an operating clearance.
Thus, the SDA sheets 100 occupy a zero volume from the point of view of effective bulk. The present invention consequently makes it possible to make motors exhibiting a much greater volume/power factor than any existing system.
Moreover, insofar as the SDA sheets occupy a zero effective volume, it is possible to integrate them readily into mechanical links of a mechanism without affecting its mechanical architecture.
Likewise, the SDA sheets 100 in accordance with the present invention can be integrated into mechanical architectures of a traditional articulation, without additional bulk, and thus give rise to the infrastructure of a motor. The mechanical links then produce mechanical energy, whereas traditionally they have always dissipated it by reason of the dry friction at the interface of the solid bodies.
Represented in FIGS. 6 to 8 is a variant according to which the motor is of the annular type, that is to say it comprises a plane sheet 100 comprising a large number of SDAs 110, in the shape of a disk transverse to its axis of rotation O.
Such a motor is thus of two-dimensional type as opposed to the motor described earlier of three-dimensional type.
The sheet 100 which constitutes a rotor comprises a large number of SDAs 110 arranged radially from a central hub 102.
Typically but not limitingly, the rotor 100 can thus comprise 36 SDAs equidistributed about the axis of rotation O. The struts 12 of each of the plates 10 in the shape of a ring sector, extend along a longitudinal edge of these plates, along a radius pitched from the axis of rotation O, and preferably over only a part of the radial extension of these ring sectors, as may be seen in particular in FIGS. 6 and 7.
The rotation of the rotor about the axis O is achieved by virtue of a continuation of deformation of the plates 10, in accordance with the principle described earlier in conjunction with FIGS. 1, by virtue of pulses applied by a generator 130 between the plates 10 and an electrode 154 integrated into the support 150 forming a stator on which the rotor is disposed.
Furthermore, the motor illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 8 comprises a rotational torque sensor 180. The latter is arranged at the center of the sheet 100.
This sensor 180 comprises at least one inwardly curved beam 182, centered about the axis of rotation O, one end 181 of which is secured to the sheet 100, while the other end 183 of the beam 182 is free with respect to said sheet 100.
According to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the sensor 180 comprises three beams 182 equidistributed about the axis of rotation O of the rotor.
The beams 182 extend in the direction of rotation from the end 181 linked to the sheet 100.
They are preferably formed by chemical machining in the mass of the sheet 100 and of circular general shape, in the form of a ring sector.
When no force is exerted on the beams 182, the latter are contained in the plane of the sheet 100 and consequently no external braking torque is applied to the rotor 100.
However, if the free end 183 of the beams 182 is pushed flat against the support 150 of the rotor which forms a stator, the beams 182 are subjected to a force which causes them to bend, as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 8. Also, the amplitude of this bending depends directly on the driving torque generated by the SDAs. Thus, measurement of the amplitude of the deformation of the beams 182 makes it possible to measure the driving torque of the SDAs directly.
The beams 182 can thus be pushed flat onto the support 150 by electrostatic forces resulting from the application of a suitable voltage applied by a generator 136 between each beam 182 and electrodes 152 formed on the support 150 facing the displacement path of the beams 182.
Illustrated under the reference 154 in FIG. 6 is an annular electrode formed on the support 150, facing the displacement path of the struts 12. This electrode 154 serves as a driving electrode and allows the application of an excitation voltage between this electrode 154 and the plates 10 of the SDAs, with the aid of the generator 130.
The structure illustrated in FIG. 6 allows the construction of motors having for example a diameter of the order of 500 micrometers and a total height of a few micrometers.
An exemplary process for fabricating an SDA sheet in accordance with the present invention will now be described.
A 20 Ωcm n-type silicon wafer is prepared by cleaning in a buffered hydrofluoric acid solution. After rinsing with water and drying under N2, the wafer is thermally oxidized at 1100� C. under O2. A silicon oxide layer of the order of 0.35 micrometers thick is thus formed at the surface of the wafer. A polysilicon layer of the order of 0.5 micrometers thick is then deposited at 600� C. by LPCVD (Low Pressure Chemical Vapor Deposition). In order to reduce the resistivity of the polysilicon, phosphorus is implanted with a dose of 5�1015 cm−2 under an acceleration voltage of the order of 50 keV. After a first lithography step, the polysilicon layer is etched by SF6 plasma so as to obtain a screen. A silicon-rich silicon nitride layer, of the order of 0.3 micrometers thick, is then deposited over the entire surface of the wafer at 800� C. by LPCVD. This layer protects the silicon oxide layer from etching by hydrofluoric acid in the course of a final sacrificial etching step.
A silicon oxide layer of the order of 2 micrometers thick is then deposited as sacrificial material at 600� C. by LPCVD.
After a second lithography step, strut molds are fashioned by reactive ion etching (RIE) with a CHF3 +O2 plasma. Of course, the depth of the strut molds previously constructed determines the height of the struts which will be formed. By controlling the etching time, a strut depth of the order of 1.5 micrometers can be obtained. Thus, a layer of the order of 0.5 micrometers is preserved between the nitride layer and the struts.
A third lithography step intended for making the contacts is then implemented. The LPCVD silicon oxide and the silicon nitride are removed by RIE under CHF3+O2 plasma, so that a polysilicon layer deposited subsequently can locally contact the buried screen layer.
A polysilicon layer of the order of 1.0 micrometer thick intended thereafter to be fashioned as the main component is then deposited on the surface of the wafer at 600� C. by LPCVD. The SDA thickness is determined by the thickness of polysilicon. The structural polysilicon layer is doped by phosphorus implantation (5�1015 cm−2 under an acceleration voltage of the order of 150 keV) and is thereafter fashioned by RIE under SF6+SiCl4 plasma in the course of a fourth lithography step.
In order to relieve the residual stresses in the polysilicon, the wafer is heated in a neutral N2 atmosphere at 1100� C. for 60 min, after deposition of a thin layer of silicon oxide by LPCVD. This silicon oxide layer serves to protect the polysilicon surface from nitrogen. Simultaneously, a diffusion and an activation of phosphorus in the polysilicon are carried out.
Finally, the wafer is immersed in a 50% HF bath so as to completely dissolve the sacrificial silicon oxide.
The wafer is then rinsed in a suitable solution (for example water+isopropyl alcohol) and dried under neutral atmosphere (for example nitrogen).
The SDA-based microactuator described above can find application in a large number of fields.
A nonlimiting exemplary application of this microactuator will now be described hereinbelow, in the embodiment of an active three-dimensional microcatheter, in conjunction with the appended FIGS. 9 to 13.
Thus, the appended FIGS. 9 to 13 illustrate an active catheter 300 of very small diameter (typically of the order of 1 mm), which, in a flexible envelope tube 310, comprises a series of modules 320 juxtaposed over the length of the tube 310.
The tube 310 can be formed for example from a polymer.
Each module 320 comprises a tubular electrostatic motor 340, an elastic rotor 350 and a shape memory actuator 360.
The electrostatic motor 340 can comply overall with the arrangements described earlier in conjunction with FIG. 5. Thus, the motor 340 preferably comprises an SDA sheet 100 placed in the mechanical clearance between the rotor 350 (which corresponds to the drive shaft 200 of FIG. 5) and a tubular bedplate 210.
The tubular bedplate 210 is furnished with longitudinal grooves 212 over its outer periphery, so as to allow the passage of insulated electrical supply wires 214 required for energizing the modules 320 situated downstream.
The rotor 350 can form the subject of numerous embodiments. According to the nonlimiting embodiment represented in FIGS. 9 to 13, the rotor 350 comprises two tubular end spans 352, 356 joined together by a longitudinal linking arm 354. The two tubular spans 352 and 356 have identical diameters. The linking arm 354 is preferably formed by machining a tube defining said spans 352 and 356 at its ends. Thus, the linking arm 354 preferably consists of a longitudinal bar which is straight at rest, in the shape of a sector of a cylinder whose radius of curvature corresponds to that of the spans 352 and 354. The span 352 of the rotor has a length substantially identical to the length of the bedplate 210, and said span 352 is introduced into this bedplate 210, so that the linking arm 354 and the second span 356 emerge out of the bedplate 210.
The rotor 350 at least at the level of the span 352 must be made from an electrically conductive material so as to allow the application of electrostatic forces to the SDA sheet 100. However, the external surface of the span 352 must be electrically insulating, for example by oxidation.
As indicated earlier, the rotor 350 must be sufficiently flexible to accept flexions under the effect of the control of the shape memory actuator 360.
As may be seen in FIG. 11, the linking arm 354 may as appropriate be furnished with a series of transverse notches 355 distributed over its length, between the two spans 352 and 356, and opening out onto its two longitudinal edges, or with any equivalent means, to obtain the appropriate flexibility.
The shape memory actuator 360 can also form the subject of numerous embodiments. According to the preferred embodiment illustrated in the appended figures, the actuator 360 is formed of a pin 362 centered on the rotor 350 and whose ends 364, 366 are respectively engaged in the spans 356 and 352 of the rotor.
The pin 362 can be formed for example from NiTi.
One of the ends of the pin 362 is fixed to one of the spans of the rotor, while the other end of the pin 362 is preferably fitted to the other span of the rotor, with freedom of longitudinal displacement with respect to the latter, so as to permit flexion of the pin 362 and of the rotor 350. By way of example, as illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 13, the end 364 of the pin 362 can thus be fixed to the tubular span 356 by a transverse stud 363. The other end 366 of the pin 362 is engaged in the central channel of a ball joint 367 positioned in the span 352.
As a variant, the pin 362 made from a shape memory material can be replaced with any equivalent structure, for example a wire or a helical spring.
The end span 356 of the rotor of a given module 320 is preferably joined to the bedplate 210 of the downstream module, both translationally and rotationally, by any suitable means shown diagrammatically under the reference 380 in the appended figures.
This microcatheter essentially operates as follows.
The shape memory actuator 360 makes it possible to control the bending of the drive shaft 350 with which it is associated, in a deformation plane previously defined by the geometric parameters of the elastic rotor 350, as is illustrated in FIG. 12.
The tubular motor 340 is for its part adapted for controlling the bending plane of the shape memory actuator 360.
This system is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 13 in a blood vessel 400.
The overall device obtained with the aid of the series association of several elementary modules 320 each combining an SDA actuator 340 and a shape memory actuator 360, makes it possible to cope with a large number of two-or three-dimensional configurations (plane curvatures with multiple, helical points of inflection, etc.), despite extremely simple connector engineering.
Thus, the modules 320 in accordance with the present invention combining an SDA actuator 340 and a shape memory actuator 360 can find numerous applications apart from the aforesaid microcatheter.
Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments just described, but extends to all variants in accordance with the spirit thereof.
[1]"Controlled stepwise motion in polysilicon microstructures", T. Akiyama and K. Shono, J. MEMS, Vol. 2 No3, pp 106-110, 1993;
[2]"Scratch drive actuator with mechanical links for self-assembly of three dimensional MEMS", T. Akiyama, D. Collard and H. Fujita, J. MEMS, Vol. 26 No1, pp 10-17, 1997;
[3]"Self-assembled microactuated XYZ stages for Optical Scanning and Alignment", L. Fan, M. C. Wu, K. D. Choquette and M. H. Crawford, Transducers'97, International Conference on Solid-State Sensors and Actuators, pp319-322, Chicago, 1997.
|Cited Patent
|Filing date
|Publication date
|Aug 31, 1990
|Aug 10, 1993
|Northwestern University
|Linear electrostatic actuator with means for concatenation
|Jun 7, 1993
|Oct 8, 1996
|Rennex; Brian G.
|Sep 25, 1995
|Jun 30, 1998
|Regents Of The University Of California
|Micromachined actuators/sensors for intratubular positioning/steering
|Jul 22, 1997
|Oct 13, 1998
|Regents Of The University Of California
|Jan 30, 1996
|Jan 11, 2000
|Centre National De La Recherche Scientifique
|Intracavitary echographic imaging catheter
|Akiyama et al.; Controlled Stepwise Motion in Polysilicon Microstructures; J. Microelec. Sys., vol. 3, No. 3, pp. 105-110 (1993).
|Akiyama et al.; Scratch Drive Actuator with Mechanical Links for Self-Assembly of Three-Dimensional MEMS; J. Microelec. Sys., vol. 6, No. 1, pp. 10-17 (1997).
|Fujita et al.; Group Work of Distributed Microactuators; Robotica, vol. 14, pp. 487-492 (1996).
|Fukuda et al.; Giant Magnetostrictive Alloy (GMA) Applications to Micro Mobile Robot as a Micro Actator without Power Supply Cables; Proceedings of the workshop on micro electro mechanical systems investigation of micro structures, sensor, actuators, machines and robots; NARA JP Workshop 4 pp. 210-215 (1991).
|Furuhata et al.; Array-Driven Ultrasonic Microactuators; Transducers, Conf. 6, pp. 1056-1059 (1991); Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
|Ming et al.; Self-Assembled Microactuated XYZ Stages for Optical Scanning and Alignment; 66-147D Engineering IV, Los Angeles, CA, Sandia National laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
|Search reports from the PCT (PCT/FR98/02613) and French (97 15393) priority applications.
|Citing Patent
|Filing date
|Publication date
|Mar 11, 2002
|Feb 1, 2005
|Klocke Nanotechnik
|Positioning unit and positioning apparatus with at least two positioning units
|Nov 21, 2003
|Apr 12, 2005
|Zyvex Corporation
|Electro-thermal scratch drive actuator
|Nov 26, 2003
|Apr 25, 2006
|Pentax Corporation
|Photothermal actuator and apparatus comprising photothermal actuator
|Nov 12, 2003
|Dec 26, 2006
|Honeywell International, Inc.
|Robotic member
|Feb 1, 2011
|University Of Washington
|Catheter tip displacement mechanism
|May 31, 2011
|University Of Washington
|High resolution optical coherence tomography based imaging for intraluminal and interstitial use implemented with a reduced form factor
|Dec 4, 2006
|Jan 17, 2012
|University Of Washington Through Its Center For Commercialization
|Flexible endoscope tip bending mechanism using optical fiber as compression member
|Jan 27, 2006
|Feb 26, 2013
|University Of Washington
|Catheterscope 3D guidance and interface system
|May 1, 2009
|Mar 12, 2013
|University Of Washington
|Integrated optical scanning image acquisition and display
|Nov 23, 2005
|Sep 17, 2013
|University Of Washington
|Scanning beam with variable sequential framing using interrupted scanning resonance
|Apr 2, 2007
|Sep 23, 2014
|University Of Washington
|Catheter with imaging capability acts as guidewire for cannula tools
|Sep 7, 2007
|Oct 20, 2015
|University Of Washington
|Monitoring disposition of tethered capsule endoscope in esophagus
|Jan 16, 2013
|Jan 5, 2016
|University Of Washington
|Catheterscope 3D guidance and interface system
|Nov 26, 2003
|Jun 3, 2004
|Pentax Corporation
|Photothermal actuator and apparatus comprising photothermal actuator
|Nov 12, 2003
|May 12, 2005
|Ohnstein Thomas R.
|Robotic member
|Dec 4, 2006
|Jun 5, 2008
|University Of Washington
|Flexible endoscope tip bending mechanism using optical fiber as compression member
|Dec 13, 2006
|Jun 19, 2008
|University Of Washington
|Catheter tip displacement mechanism
|Jun 19, 2007
|Nov 13, 2008
|Sunonwealth Electric Machine Industry Co., Ltd.
|Bounce drive actuator and micromotor
|Feb 19, 2008
|Aug 20, 2009
|University Of Washington
|Efficient automated urothelial imaging using an endoscope with tip bending
|U.S. Classification
|International Classification
|Cooperative Classification
|European Classification
|Jul 28, 2000
Owner name: CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE (CNRS
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:MINOTTI, PATRICE;BOURBON, GILLES;LANGLET, PHILIPPE;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:011012/0303;SIGNING DATES FROM 20000606 TO 20000613
|Dec 17, 2002
|Certificate of correction
|Apr 26, 2006
|Maintenance fee reminder mailed
|Oct 10, 2006
|Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees
|Dec 5, 2006
|Expired due to failure to pay maintenance fee
Effective date: 20061008


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text: Home > Lifestyle > Ageing well > News 09 May 2012 Teen discovers tree pulp has anti-ageing benefits An Ontario teenager who recently moved from Singapore to Canada won a national science award for her groundbreaking work on the anti-ageing properties of tree pulp, officials said. 0 Sign up for the newsletter » Quiz How long will you live? » Ask DietDoc » Ask CyberDoc » An Ontario teenager who recently moved from Singapore to Canada won a national science award for her groundbreaking work on the anti-ageing properties of tree pulp, officials said. Janelle Tam, 16, won the R39, 000 award in the 2012 Sanofi BioGENEius Challenge Canada for showing that cellulose, the woody material found in trees that enables them to stand, also acts as a potent anti-oxidant. "Her super anti-oxidant compound could one day help improve health and anti-ageing products by neutralizing more of the harmful free-radicals found in the body," Bioscience Education Canada said. Nano-crystalline cellulose is non-toxic Tam's work involved tiny particles in the tree pulp known as nano-crystalline cellulose (NCC), which is flexible, durable, and also stronger than steel. "NCC is non-toxic, stable, soluble in water and renewable, since it comes from trees," said Tam, a student at Waterloo Collegiate Institute. She chemically bound NCC to a well-known nano-particle called a buckminster fullerene, or buckyballs, which are already used in cosmetic and anti-ageing products. "The new NCC-buckyball combination acted like a 'nano-vacuum,' sucking up free radicals and neutralising them," said Bioscience Education Canada. "The results were really exciting," Tam said, adding that since cellulose is already used as filler and stabilizer in many vitamin products, one day she hopes NCC will make those products into super-charged free radical neutralizers. NCC superior to vitamin C NCC may also be "superior to Vitamin C or E because it is more stable and its effectiveness won't diminish as quickly," Tam said. Canada's national forest research institute, FPInnovations, has predicted a R1, 9 billion dollar market in the coming decade for NCC. A pulp and paper mill that opened in Quebec now serves as the world's first large-scale NCC production plant. "When we founded the Sanofi BioGENEius Challenge Canada 19 years ago we believed then, as we do now, in the potential of our youth to develop the next big breakthrough in science," said Sanofi Pasteur Canada President Mark Lievonen, who presented the first place prize. (Sapa, May 2012) Read more: New advances in anti-ageing Anti-ageing news More in Lifestyle ACOS – the little known syndrome asthma sufferers need to know about More: Ageing wellNews advertisement Read Health24's Comments Policy Comment on this story 0 comments Comments have been closed for this article. Logout Comment 0 characters remaining Share on Facebook Loading comments... Other news Sex What switches our sex drive on and off? Medical How older people can prevent harmful drug interactions Lifestyle Healthy diet protects teens against later weight gain Parenting Childhood gardening may encourage fruit and veg consumption Fitness Working out in the concrete jungle Lifestyle How long has your doctor been on duty? From our sponsors How to still have a good life with diabetes Eye-Q: R50 off! Lose weight Otrivin Menthol relieves sinus congestion Live healthier Love coffee? Your heart may too » What to eat for white teeth Bad foods for teeth-whitening Do any of these drinks cause your teeth to hurt? Savour your coffee – with a bright smile Here's how to stop coffee from staining your teeth while enjoying all its health benefits. Get your groove back! » Get your move on! Morning run? 5 exercises to start your summer fitness regime 6 easy ways to make your workout fun again Some inspiration to make sure your workout routine don't become tedious.


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Hearing aids in Lovettsville, VA
We found 27 hearing clinics with 215 reviews within 47.6 miles of Lovettsville, VA.
Featured hearing professionals near you
Karen Woolman, AuD, CCC-A
Dr. Karen Woolman brings a wealth of clinical and diagnostic experience to Blue Ridge Speech and (read more)
Lori Alessi, M.S., CCC-A
Licensed audiologist Lori Alessi has years of experience helping people hear better. She holds (read more)
Mary Graham, AuD, CCC-A
Dr. Mary Graham is the owner of Audiology Hearing Care Services and is one of the licensed (read more)
Michelle Garrett, AuD, CCC-A
Michelle received her Doctor of Audiology degree from West Virginia University. She is a caring (read more)
Jennifer Campbell, Au.D., CCC-A, FAAA
Jennifer Campbell has been with the Hearing Care Center since 1999. She earned her Masters degree (read more)
Bhama Pathak, MA, CCC-A, FAAA
Bhama Pathak holds her Master degree, Certificate of Clinical Competence - Audiology and is a Fellow (read more)
Hannah Kim, Au.D.
Dr. Hannah Kim joined Reston Ear, Nose and Throat in 2011 after relocating from her hometown of (read more)
Dr. Karen Hamilton, Au.D., Doctor of Audiology
Dr. Hamilton earned her Doctorate of Audiology degree from Arizona School of Health Sciences. She (read more)
Diane Boyd, M.S., CCC-A, FAAA
Diane received her B.S. from Montclair State College and her M.S. in Audiology from Columbia (read more)
Theresa Bell, M.S., CCC-A, FAAA
Theresa Bell is the Audiologist on staff at Mountain View ENT. She has her Doctorate degree in (read more)
Martha Artz-Cain, BC-HIS
Martha Artz-Cain is the President of Hearing Aid Service and has been licensed in Virginia since (read more)
Audiology and Hearing Aid Center
Diane Badua, AuD, MA
Dr. Diane Badua earned her Doctor of Audiology degree from the University of Florida and her Masters (read more)
Gina Crovato, AuD, FAAA
Dr. Crovato has been an audiologist since 2001, earning her Master's Degree in audiology at the (read more)
Alice Wilson, AuD, CCC-A, FAAA
Dr. Alice Wilson is a licensed audiologist providing hearing services to the patients at ENT & (read more)
Gena Marino, AuD, CCC-A, FAAA
Dr. Marino is the director of Audiology at the Fairfax Hearing Center. She moved to Northern VA in (read more)
Lauren Dickstein, AuD, CCC-A
Dr. Lauren Dickstein is an audiologist licensed in the District of Columbia. She has been the Senior (read more)
Joseph Donohoe, BC-HIS, ACA
Mr. Donohoe entered the hearing aid field in June of 1979 and spent his first 7 years functioning (read more)
Michael Massa, Au.D., CCC-A
Dr. Michael V. Massa has been in private practice here in Northern Virginia for 26 years and (read more)
Michael Massa, Au.D., CCC-A
Dr. Michael V. Massa earned his Masters Degree in Clinical Audiology from the University of Virginia (read more)
Additional professionals near you
Leesburg Family Hearing
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The Family Hearing Center
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Auditory Services, Inc - Potomac
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Ear Nose and Throat Associates - Gai…
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Ascent Audiology & Hearing
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Fauquier Hearing Services, PLLC
View Clinic Details
Georgetown University Hospital- Divi…
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Doctors Hearing Services
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Browsing by Title
Now showing items 17962-17981 of 37801
Information theoretic methods in distributed compression and visual quality assessment (2012-05)Distributed compression and quality assessment (QA) are essential ingredients in the design and analysis of networked signal processing systems with voluminous data. Distributed source coding techniques enable the efficient ...
Information triage : dual-process theory in credibility judgments of web-based resources (2010-05)This dissertation describes the credibility judgment process using social psychological theories of dual-processing, which state that information processing outcomes are the result of an interaction "between a fast, ...
Information visualization : working with screens of experience (2012-05)Information visualizations have become increasingly popular in the last decade. Viewing data visually has proved helpful in communicating or revealing information in many fields ranging from science to journalism to art. ...
Informational masking of multi talker babble in English vowel identification for Spanish-English bilinguals (2016-05)Speech perception studies with bilinguals have demonstrated that bilinguals perform comparably to native speakers in listening conditions during quiet conditions. However, when the listening conditions included different ...
Informations sur les recherches contre le SIDA (Reseau Documentaire International Sur la Region de Grands Lacs Africains, 2004-02-01)
Informativo campanha salarial : dois anos de luta : Governo pretendia oferecer reajuste zero aos Auditores-Fiscais, mas mobilização obrigo o Planalto a negociar (ANFIP Associação Nacional dos Auditores-Fiscais da Receita Federal do Brasil, 2013)
The Infrared Colors Of The Sun (2012-12)Solar infrared colors provide powerful constraints on the stellar effective temperature scale, but they must be measured with both accuracy and precision in order to do so. We fulfill this requirement by using line-depth ...
Infrared nano-spectroscopy via molecular expansion force detection (2015-12)Mid-infrared absorption spectroscopy in the "molecular fingerprint" region (λ = 2.5–15 μm) is widely used for in situ analysis of chemical and biological samples. Due to the diffraction limit, traditional far-field techniques ...
Infrared Studies Of Pre-Main-Sequence Intermediate-Mass Stars - Lkh-Alpha-198 (1992-06)Far-infrared scans of LkH-alpha 198 at 50 and 100-mu-m along several directions reveal an extended, roughly spherical source with an average FWHM of 33" or 2 x 10(4) AU at 100-mu-m and up to 18" or 1.5 x 10(4) AU at 50-mu-m. ...
Infrastructure Tolls in Texas: Evidence from the Borderplex (Bureau of Business Research, The University of Texas at Austin, 2009-04)Do changes in tolls rates affect pedestrian, car, and truck traffic across the bridges between El Paso and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico? As more and more attention is paid to the use of tolls as funding mechanisms for new road ...
"Ingamba z'Igihugu zo Kurwanya Ubukene" (Reseau Documentaire International Sur la Region de Grands Lacs Africains, 2003-03-01)
Ingérence: Position commune de Pax Christi et de Justice et Paix (Reseau Documentaire International Sur la Region de Grands Lacs Africains, 2002-04-15)


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|5 Reviews
|Property type
We offer a romantic attic-studio on the top floor in a historic canal house in Amsterdam, built in 1607. Because of its nice location close to the Oudezijds Achterburgwal, the attic studio offers a romantic view over the namesake canal and over the roofs of Amsterdam. From the 2 room apartment you can look out over the canal as well, and over the historical canal houses with the typical back garden. In the same house you will find a guest's room as well, equipped for 2 or 3 persons with a private bathroom available.
Arrival by airplane/train:: From the airport Schiphol by NS regional train to the 'Central Station'. From there it is an approximately 10 minute walk, or 1 stop by metro to 'Nieuwmarkt'.
Arrival by car, parking: Unfortunately, there are only chargeable parking in Amsterdam.
Our recommendation:
The low prices park+ride parking lot Zeeburg, 6 EUR per 24 h, including a tram ticket for the return to the centre (subject to change).
Do you have questions? We will be happy to help!: We, a friendly agency with 2 persons in Berlin, convey chosen, well-kept private accommodations in the large metropolises in Europe for 17 years.
Amsterdam is one of our personal favourites. We recommend the attic-studio in the canal house '1607' especially because of its central location in the middle of the historic old town, its romantic view through the spacious glass façade, the flair of a canal house and its reasonable price.
The friendly host from Amsterdam speaks good German and very good English and will be on site to answer all your questions!
We offer a comfortable attic studio on the 3rd floor in a historic canal house in Amsterdam, year of construction 1607. Because of its nice location close to the Oudezijds Achterburgwal, the attic studio offers a romantic view over the namesake canal, from the other bedrooms you could see the canal houses with the typical back patio.
The studio consists of 2 bedrooms with 2 double beds each one (that can be turned into 2 single beds on request) as well as an additional sofa bed. It offers up to 6 sleeps. In the middle, between both rooms and accessible from both rooms is the kitchen with an equipped kitchen unit and a large dinning table with chairs. Modern mini-bathroom with shower, sink and WC are accessible from both rooms as well. The studio is suitable for families or small tourist party, as well as for couples, that need separate bedrooms.
When I first booked this apartment, I was slightly apprehensive as it was so reasonable, but I needed not worry!!
The apartment is fantastic, perfect for 2 couples or friends! The apartment was very clean, tidy and had everything we could of needed! The TV was pretty modern and had a few English channels. There is a separate bedroom with access to the bathroom, a kitchen between with a table, fridge/freezer, cooker and then a living room with beds in the corner, coffee table and sofa. The bathroom is accessible from both rooms, you just have to use the hallway! The apartment is on the 3rd floor, so some stairs to negotiate, but nothing unmanageable! The apartment is also smoking friendly, which was a must for us! The apartment is not ultra modern, but as a base for sleeping, eating and resting our feet, we couldn't of asked for more!
Now the location is AMAZING!! I was worried about how noisy it would be at night, being so close to the Red Light District but it wasn't too bad. We were also there over the weekend and Kings Day celebrations so expected it to be noisy and busy. We were sleeping in the room which looks over on to the street, so we expected some noise!
The apartment is easy to find, and the guy that lives downstairs that greeted us, Rob, was very friendly and helpful!! They even provided a map which they had marked off the ATM's and supermarkets, again SUPER helpful! Petra who I booked with, was also very helpful!
Perfect place, perfect location and perfect price :) Already looking to book for my birthday in October this year! TOTALLY RECOMMEND!!
Stayed here during gay pride last year with my big sister, partner and his friend. The man who lives in the bottom floor of the house is so welcoming. He was helpful and also polite. The apartment itself is lovely and comfortable. we stayed on the third floor. It had one bedroom, a living room with tv, which also has a USB port so you can watch movies from a usb, a large kitchen and also a shared toilet which was lockable from the apartment. its In an AMAZING location with a view right over the river, spent may mornings sitting the the chairs watchuing the world go by below us. Would love to stay here again and thinking of book it soon.
It was a pleasant stay with my family, the person who was responsible for my stay was very kind and helpful , the location is very great and near to the shops , attractions and city center . The apartment is very clean . In spit of the hard stairs , everything was awesome . I would like to repeat this again.
My friends and I stayed at the apartment for fuor nights. The building is nice from the outside but as soon as you go inside, you literally have to climb the stairs in order to get to your room which we did not find extremely claen. However, what made me regret booking it was the disloyal and unprofessional attitude of those who work there. We were asked to pay a sum of money as a deposit for each room key that would have been given back to us at the end of our trip. Nobody ever gave us our money back, saying we were out of our mind and a bunch of liars.
Amsterdam is a wonderful city, I'm sure you will find a convenient place where to stay and honest people to deal with, but you should do your research somewhere else because you won't find it at this one.
Very confortable apartment in great location. At one end of the red district,
2 minute walk from the Dam and 10 from Centraal Station. Mark was very kind and helpful. Stairs are very narrow (very common in Amsterdam), and the apartment is on the third floor, so not convenient for heavy baggage.
Thanks to the very central location, you can discover Amsterdam easily on foot or by bike. To the Amsterdam Main Station, the 'Central Station,' you just have to walk about 10 minutes. The connections for the public transportation are very good (tram, bus, subway, regional train). The Oudezijds Achterburgwal is one of the oldest canals (waterway) in Amsterdam. The Northern part of this canal is located in the lively red light district 'de Wallen', in the Southern, quieter part there is e.g. the Amsterdam university, the listed monument Binnengasthuis and the romantic Oudemanhuispoort (book market). The accommodation is located in the middle of the canal, exactly at that spot where the lively red light district and the quieter, Southern part with the university district meet.
|Rate Period
|Weekend Night
Dec 1 2015 - Feb 28 2017
1 night minimum stay
|Notes: Rates are based on 2 guests; add $23 per night, per additional guest
My Standard Rate
1 night minimum stay
|Notes: Rates are based on 2 guests; add $23 per night, per additional guest
|pro Person einmalig
Der Übernachtungspreis von 129 EUR pro Nacht gilt bei Belegung durch 1 oder 2 Personen. Bei Belegung durch mehr als 2 Personen berechnen wir für jede weitere Person einen Aufpreis von 20 EUR pro Nacht. Alle Preise zzgl. einer einmaligen Gebühr in Höhe von 18 EUR pro erwachsener Person für die Abwicklung der Reservierungsformalitäten durch unsere Vermittlungsagentur (Kinder bis 17 Jahre 9 EUR). Über Wochenenden nehmen wir in der Regel nur Buchungen für mindestens 3 Nächte entgegen. In Ausnahmefällen ist eine 2-Nächte-Buchung möglich gegen einen einmaligen Aufpreis in Höhe von 74,50 EUR.
Fuer die Reservierung benötigen wir:
* Ihre Adresse und mobile Telefonnummer
* Ihre ungefähre Ankunftszeit am Anreisetag
* eine Anzahlung in Höhe von 20% der Unterkunftsmiete zzgl. Reservierungsgebühren (1 x 18 EUR pro Person) per Überweisung oder via paypal. Die Restmiete zahlen Sie dann bitte bei der Anreise bei den Gastgebern in Amsterdam in bar.
Für Fragen stehen wir gerne zur Verfügung!


text:
From Vira's perspecive, Russia is bargaining for the lifting of sanctions, the sister of the Ukrainian pilot told Censor.NET reporter.
Vira says that she is currently concerned most about Nadiia's health and her intention to go on a dry hunger strike. "I'm against it, it scares me. I will visit her tomorrow - I have got the permission - and ask how I should proceed, for asking her not to do it is senseless," Vira Savchenko said.
According to Vira Savchenko, Nadiia is emaciated. She went on a hunger strike on Dec. 17. Savchenko does not eat food, but is injected a solution of nutrients and vitamins. "A healthy person can survive 10 days of dry hunger strike, but I do not know how long Nadiia will," Vira Savchenko said.
According to her, the judges did not permit Nadiia to deliver her last plea today and postponed the hearing for March 9 to have an opportunity to bargain.
"The judges obviously knew about March 9. Their speech on postponement sounded as prepared beforehand. And then they may also postpone the verdict announcement. They are buying time as they have not received an order from Moscow to dismiss the case. The bargaining is underway. Russia is just an ordinary profiteer. They are now bargaining for sanctions. They are bargaining not with Ukraine, but with the world for sanctions," Vira Savchenko said.
"I support humanism but oppose indulging recidivists," - Avakov calls to immediately amend 'Savchenko law'(0)
"Pukach may be released under Savchenko law," - lawyer(0)
Protesters near Presidential Administration demand faster Ukrainian prisoners swap. PHOTOS+VIDEO(0)
Savchenko goes on hunger strike to protest against authorities' nonfeasance in releasing Ukrainian prisoners(0)


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Barack Obama claimed that the same groups that attacked the U.S. on September 11, 2001, were "plotting to do so again," that the eight-year conquest and occupation of Afghanistan were a "necessity," and that free-spending congressional legislators were conspiring with the military-industrial complex to weaken national security with "exotic" defense projects.NY Times and Yahoo NewsThe White House shut down an email tip box intended to receive reports of "fishy" claims about Obama's health-care reform effort.Politico via DrudgeAfghanistan's Interior Ministry was trying to determine whether it was terrorists, robbers, or thieves that attacked a bank in Kabul, and international forces in Ghazni province mistakenly killed four Afghan policemen. Both Hamid Karzai and Abdullah Abdullah claimed victory in Afghanistan's presidential election.BBC NewsNY TimesIsraeli housing officials denied that a construction freeze was in effect in the West Bank,NY Timesand a senior U.S. State Department official said that the government was considering Muammar Qaddafi's request to pitch a large Bedouin tent in New York City's Central Park.Newsweek and Turkish WeeklyEgyptian President Hosni Mubarak said that Barack Obama's speech last June in Cairo "removed all doubts about the United States in the Muslim world."NY TimesAngry Turks took to the streets of Ankara to protest a ban on smoking in bars and restaurants,BBC NewsVenezuelan president Hugo Chavez was prosecuting "media crimes,"CNNand Robert Novak, the Prince of Darkness, died.AP In Malaysia a thirty-two-year-old female fashion model was convicted of drinking beer in public and was sentenced to be caned,CNNIsrael's foreign minister accused Sweden of blood libel,BBC Newsand predatory bee-eating hornets were terrorizing the French.Telegraph via DrudgeA majority of New Zealanders think children should be smacked.BBC News
President Obama announced that the "cash for clunkers" program would be shut down, a victim of its own success,NY Timesand members of his administration expressed surprise that liberal Democrats had made the health-care debate their "Waterloo."Washington PostAn unidentified man brought an assault weapon to an Arizona speech by the president.CNN via DrudgeDr. Delos Cosgrove, chief executive of the Cleveland Clinic, called for fat people to be banned from medical work. "Why is [that] unfair?" Delos asked. "Has anyone ever shown the law of conservation of matter doesn't apply?"NY TimesBritish parents were exposing their children to "eye sun danger,"BBC Newsand researchers in Washington, D.C., continued in their quest to cure cellulite.CNNA metastudy by several U. S. universities applied the Tightwad-Spendthrift scale to romantic relationships and determined that cheap and profligate people can love each other.NY TimesCapuchin monkeys prefer human beings who act like monkeys.Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Representative Barney Frank (D., Mass.) refused to speak to a woman at a town hall meeting because she reminded him of a dining-room table.Myfox BostonShaved eyebrows were now trendy, as, among the men of New York City, were potbellies, also known as Kramdens.Elliotwave.comNY TimesBernie Madoff has a small penis.NY Daily NewsOenological investigators concluded that five Italian vintners had passed off unauthorized grapes as authentic brunello di Montalcino of the 2003 to 2007 vintages.NY TimesAmerican housewives were getting drunk in greater numbers. "The boredom, the stress," said one woman. "I just decided one day I'd start sipping on wine at four when Oprah came on."NY TimesU.S. officials admitted that the CIA had outsourced the assassination of top Al Qaeda operatives during the Iraq War,NY Timesand David Copperfield denied charges that he sexually assaulted a 22-year old model who was his guest on his private island in the Bahamas.BBC NewsElderly American athletes were under suspicion of using performance-enhancing drugs. Frank Levine, who in June set the national record in the 400-meter dash for men ages 95 to 99, confirmed that he regularly used Viagra. "I need it," he said.NY TimesSouth African teenager Caster Semenya, who is undergoing gender verification to prove that she is a woman, won a gold medal in the 800-meter at the World Track and Field Championships in Berlin,SFGate.comand Hindu transvestites in India were worshipping Krishna while dressed as Radha, the female consort of the svayam bhagavan, or Supreme Being. "I can't put it into words properly," said V. K. Saxena, a 72-year-old retired railway worker in New Delhi, "but I feel more holy dressed as a woman."Scanner
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Weekly Review — June 22, 2010, 12:00 am
Weekly Review — May 4, 2010, 12:00 am
Weekly Review — February 9, 2010, 12:00 am
Flor Arely Sánchez had been in bed with a fever and pains throughout her body for three days when a July thunderstorm broke over the mountainside. She got nervous when bolts of light flashed in the sky. Lightning strikes the San Julián region of western El Salvador several times a year, and her neighbors fear storms more than they fear the march of diseases — first dengue, then chikungunya, now Zika. Flor worried about a lot of things, since she was pregnant.
Late in the afternoon, when the pains had somewhat eased, Flor thought she might go to a dammed-up bit of the river near her house to bathe. She is thirty-five and has lived in the same place all her life, where wrinkled hills are planted with corn, beans, and fruit trees. She took a towel and soap and walked out into the rain. Halfway to the river, the pains returned and overcame her. The next thing Flor remembers, she was in a room she didn't recognize, unable to move. As she soon discovered, she was in a hospital, her ankle cuffed to the bed, and she was being investigated for abortion.
Amount of laundry an average American family of four washes in a year (in tons):
Procter & Gamble (Cincinnati)
A study of female Finnish twins found that relative preference for masculine faces is largely heritable.
It was reported that visits from Buddhist priests could be purchased through Amazon in Japan, and the London Philharmonic Orchestra began streaming performances through virtual-reality headsets.
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"Matt was happy enough to sustain himself on the detritus of a world he saw as careening toward self-destruction, and equally happy to scam a government he despised. 'I'm glad everyone's so wasteful,' he told me. 'It supports my lifestyle.'"


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Top Definition
a nerd that washes up shore using his broom to cast majic in the far lands of time. what a loser tyler dains plays with boys.
whoah man your being a tyler dains right now.
bob gaffet tərəfindən 02 Avqust 2011
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About & Welcome
Please, stay awhile. Pluck a story from the Tree and stroll along with me down the storyteller's path. Enjoy the stories within, tales of what once was, never was or, who knows, may yet be.
R. A. Keenan
Ich bin ein Brooklyner who survived the Age of Aquarius despite my best efforts to the contrary. Yes, indeed, Guardian Angels do exist.
The stories within are short, mostly fiction, a few creative non-fiction, all published in small press journals or anthologies (see links/menu button.) Your comments on the stories are welcome. Emails, too.
If you like, start with Tale of Two, a mere one-hundred-fifty words, though so few, they say much about the art of writing, not to mention the travails every beginning author faces.


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text: Sang both my new songs live last night, full venue, about 60 or so audience. A bit noisy for a video to be able to go on my facebook page, which is disapointing. Hope to get a few still photos to download to facebook though. Lucky me given some lovely flowers and a small bottle of wine from a fan! Lovely evening.


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Matthew Bransetter, Nolan Wickham, Get 3 Years Prison Time For Anti-Semitic Assault
Two Rancho Santa Margarita men were sentenced to three years in state prison Dec. 2 for an assault earlier this year in a Coto de Caza park. On the evening of April 6, 2011, Matthew Gregory Bransetter, 19, and Nolan John Wickham, 20, approached a 23-year-old man whose identity has not been revealed by police or prosecutors, and demanded money from him. The man, who was eating at a picnic table, said he didn't have any cash handy. As the Weekly reported at the time, the two assailants then began uttering anti-Semitic slurs before they assaulted him and stole his cell phone and jacket.
The victim went home and called 911 before heading to the hospital with a broken nose and jaw, fractured eye socket, cracked ribs and bruises on his face and body. Fortunately, the victim was able to fully recover from his injuries, but unfortunately for the attackers, he was an acquaintance of Bransetter, so it wasn't too difficult for sheriff's deputies to arrest both him and Wickham that night. Both men pleaded guilty to one felony count each of aggravated assault with sentencing enhancements for committing a hate crime and causing great bodily injury.
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Don Don
State Library of Victoria
A big player in Melbourne's achievement of being named Unesco City of Literature in 2008, the State Library has been the forefront of...
Wheeler Centre
This centre is a celebration of Unesco's 2008 acknowledgment of Melbourne as an international City of Literature, with a variety of...
2 Pocket Fairtrade
Tucked below street level on Little Lonsdale is this part cafe, part fair-trade store. Sip on the weekly rotating single-origin coffee...
198 Little Lonsdale St · interesting places nearby
Don Don information
Due to its popularity, Don Don had to move digs to a bigger space, yet it still fills up fast. Grab a big bowl or bento box full of Japanese goodness and wolf it down indoors, or join the masses eating it on the State Library's lawns.


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Anyway I thought I'd write a little about my experience travelling through Dover and Calais. For those that haven't used the ferries or Channel Tunnel you undergo all border formalities before you board. So in Dover you pass UK then French border controls before boarding the ferry and returning from Calais you pass French controls then UK controls.
Previously at Dover our coach has joined the line for French checks, but has been waved through as it was a closed tour and the French were busy searching the Megabus scheduled services, however since then there have been several terror attacks in France so this time I was expecting more through checks. This seemed to be the case as we were pulled in for a UK exit check. This was carried out by port staff and all they did was scan the passports of everyone on board. The French as usual weren't interested in our tour coach and we were waved through their checkpoint and in to the lines for the next ferry.
|By Gast32 (Own work) [GFDL or CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Of course within mainland Europe there are no routine checks at the border crossings, just a sign saying Belgium, Netherlands or Germany. However random checks can take place so it's a good idea to have your passport to hand
On the way back I knew there will always be a full check at the UK border in Calais, where everybody has to get off the coach and go through passport control on foot. Previously I hadn't had any issue with UK Border Force but this time they seemed to take issue with the fact I wear a wig. I was asked if I had any ID with my "current look" on it. Unfortunately I'd left my female driving licence in my bag on the coach (in hindsight my licence is in my real name rather then my old one like my passport, that would have probably caused a bigger problem). I was then asked if I'd be ok to lift my wig in public or if I wanted to go somewhere private to do so. I wasn't too fussed (most of the people on the coach had seen me without when I needed to use the camp showers) so just lifted it a bit and the guard said that was OK and waved me through.
So all in all not as smooth as before but nothing too major. I think my main advice would be to have secondary ID if your passport contains an old photo. While removing my wig was potentially embarrassing, it was good that they did offer to use alternative ID, a private room and only have me lift it the bare minimum. I'd suggest updating your passport photo if you wish to reduce the likelihood of this happening.
Do any of my trans readers have any good or bad experiences of travel? (I'll admit I've yet to try air travel while presenting female), Let me know in the comments below.


text: Benefits Small-Business Workers Least Likely To Be Insured November 1, 2012 (PLANSPONSOR.com) – The number of U.S. workers in small businesses who were offered, eligible for and covered by health insurance through their jobs has declined over the past decade. By Kristen Heinzinger firstname.lastname@example.com | November 01, 2012 Page 1 of 2 View Full Article During this time, the number of people younger than age 65 covered by employer plans has fallen from 68% to 57%, according to a report by The Commonwealth Fund. Less than half (49%) of workers in companies with fewer than 50 employees were both offered and eligible for health insurance through their jobs in 2010, down from 58% in 2003. In contrast, about 90% of workers in companies with 100 or more employees were offered and eligible for their employer's health plans in both 2003 and 2010 and approximately seven of 10 were covered by their companies' health plan in both years. Workers in the smallest firms—and those with the lowest wages—continue to be less likely to get coverage from their employers and more likely to be uninsured than workers in larger firms or with higher wages.According to a 2006 analysis, small businesses, on average, pay nearly 18% more for the same benefits than large firms. These higher rates are the result of a number of factors: the ability of insurance carriers in many states to charge small firms higher premiums based on the health, age, and gender of their work forces, as well as the type of business it is, and because of higher per-employee administrative costs, including broker commissions.Among workers in firms with fewer than 50 employees, only one-third (34%) of those earning less than $15 an hour were offered and eligible for health benefits at their job in 2010 and only 18% were covered by their companies' health plans. In contrast, 70% of workers in small firms who earn $15 or more per hour were offered and eligible for health benefits and half (53%) were enrolled in health plans. Prev1 2Next View Full Article Tagged: Healthcare related articles related research most e-mailed Total BenefitsReining In Health Benefit Costs From plansponsor.com DOL Reaches Settlement With Company Over ACA ViolationsHSAs Can Help Employers Rein In Medical CostsCourt Rejects Wellness Program Sponsor's Motion to DismissEmployees Confused and Stressed About Selecting Health Benefits What the Election Outcome Could Mean for Employee BenefitsHR360 Releases Customizable Templates for Open Enrollment Total BenefitsReining In Health Benefit Costs From plansponsor.com 2016 Third–Party Administrator Buyer's Guide2016 PLANSPONSOR Stock Plan Administration Buyer's Guide2016 PLANSPONSOR THIRD-PARTY ADMINISTRATOR SURVEY2016 Recordkeeping Survey2016 Participant Survey2016 PLANSPONSOR Health Savings Account Buyer's Guide Total BenefitsReining In Health Benefit Costs From plansponsor.com Costly Actuarial Errors Alleged in New Provider LawsuitFixed-Fee Recordkeeping Arrangements Now the MajorityIRS Extends Nondiscrimination Relief for Closed DBsTransamerica Launches Higher Education Multiple Employer 403b PlanEmployees Confused and Stressed About Selecting Health Benefits go to news topic


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SpringHill Suites Virginia Beach Oceanfront
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How has this hotel rated in the past?
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Historical Traveler Reviews SpringHill Suites Virginia Beach Oceanfront
7th Floor Oceanfront "Great"
I can say this is a great hotel right on the beach with all oceanfront rooms. One bedroom suite with flat screen, sofa bed, chair, computer desk, wet bar and fridge with microwave. Very nice queen bed in next room great for sleeping with deck door open listening to the ocean. There is no door between the two rooms. Internet works great. " Loved our stay"
Séptimo piso del Oceanfront- "Maravilloso"
Puedo decir que este hotel es fant�stico, directamente en la playa y cada habitaci�n tiene una vista del oc�ano. Tuvimos una habitaci�n/suite con un televisor de pantalla plana, sof�-cama, silla, escritorio, mini-bar y nevera con microondas. Una buena cama queen en el dormitorio, fant�stico para dormir con la puerta del balc�n abierta escuchando el ruido del oc�ano. No hay puerta entre los cuartos. La conexi�n a Internet funcionaba muy bien. A nosotros nos encant� nuestra estad�a.
A Gem!
We used to frequent Virginia Beach years ago. When we were researching hotels, we found that our usual haunts no longer seemed desirable as per this site. We found Spring Hill Suites by Marrriott on Atlantic and 5th. It is a brand new property having only opened earlier this month. What a gem. We were so glad to find this new property. The location was towards the end of the strip but the amenities were well worth the extra walk/drive/trolley rides. The room was beautiful. An ocean view with a terrace which allowed you to watch the sunrise, see what was happening on the boardwalk, or watch the volleyball tournament on the beach! Breakfast was included in our stay. Normally buffets are not that good. However, this one was hot, tasty, and convenient. The pools (both indoor and outdoor) were clean and very well staffed. The hotel staff was very friendly and accomodating. I think the only thing that could improve this property was to add an in house restaurant. Perhaps that is a future enhancement as there was some sort of construction in progress in the back of the hotel on the boardwalk side. Our return to Virginia Beach (this time with our children) was wonderful. We would recommend this property to others - especially families. I think you would be very pleased with what this property has to offer!
2ND Floor "Terrace" was Great!
My overal experience would have been "Excellent" except that we had an issue with the "complimentary valet", however the Hotel Staff went out of their way to personnaly see that EVERYTHING was taken care of. They gave us free nights to take care of the car issue and checked on us frequently. We stayed in both a 1 BR unit and a normal Suite on the 2nd Floor. If you can get a room on the 2nd Floor - GO FOR IT, I had to keep telling my daughter to call it a "Terrace" not a balcony. HUge Huge Huge, you could have a small party out there.
The tiki -Bar is now fully open by the outside pool. When we checked in, they were only serving beer and sodas'etc. Later that night I had the pleasure of being served the first "Real Drink"- Grey Goose and Cran...
Loved the "newness" of the hotel, the decorating, flat screen TV etc. The wireless in the room was Free and very simple to sign on. They do have computers in the lobby, but the kids seemed to always be on those. They served a FULL breakfast, lines were only long during peak times- get there early and you will have no problem. Loved my stay at the hotel. Went up to "Catch 31(at the Hilton) all 3 nights for dinner- on 31st and the Ocean... need I say more about this resturant? Be prepared to wait for a table on Fri and Sat nights, get there early and relax outside with a drink. The "nightclub" on the top floor of the Hilton is worth it, just to see it!! I will put this on my "favorites" list of Hotels at Va Beach
Nice new hotel
Stayed there 8/5 to 8/8. Would recommend to others w/ caveats.
great location right on beach
new, clean
bright decor
has an indoor and an outdoor pool
fridge, microwave in every room
beds were very comfortable!!
a/c worked great
rooms were quiet, couldn't hear any hall noise
lines for breakfast bar were LONG, lack of trays and food was subpar
inexperienced staff - gave WRONG answers to basic questions (how much does it cost to rent chairs/umbrella on beach? said $12 but it is $36. How do I get to nearest grocery store? directions were completely wrong and took us miles out of our way. Are USA Todays delivered to rooms? said yes but answer is no, you get them in lobby)
LONG lines for valet parking - easier to find out where your car is and get it yourself
balconies are pretty small - get a 2nd floor room, they have large balconies with 4 chairs and a table.
Schönes, neues Hotel
War hier vom 5.8. bis 8.8. Kann es andern mit Einschr�nkungen weiterempfehlen. Pluspunkte:
- tolle Lage direkt am Strand
- neu und sauber
- ein helles Dekor
- die Klimaanlage funktionierte prima
- die Zimmer waren ruhig, konnte nichts aus dem Flur h�ren
- ein Innen- und ein Au�enpool
- jedes Zimmer verf�gt �ber einen K�hlschrank und eine Mikrowelle
- die Betten waren sehr bequem!
Die Schlangen an der Fr�hst�cks-Bar waren lang, zu wenig Tabletts und das Essen war unterdurchschnittlich. Unerfahrene Angestellte - gaben FALSCHE Antworten auf einfache Fragen (was kostet es St�hle/Sonnenschirme am Strand zu leihen?) Sie sagten 12$, aber es sind 36$. Wie komme ich zum n�chsten Lebensmittelladen? Die Wegbeschreibung war total falsch und wir mussten einen kilometerlangen Umweg machen. Wird die USA Todays zum Zimmer gebracht? Sie sagten ja, aber die Antwort ist nein, man bekommt sie in der Lobby). LANGE Schlangen beim Parkservice - es ist einfacher sein Auto selbst zu finden und es selbst herauszufahren. Die Balkone sind ziemlich klein - nehmen Sie ein Zimmer im 2.Stockwerk, sie haben gro�e Balkone mit 4 St�hlen und einem Tisch.
What a great place!!!!
This hotel just opened a few days before our stay. I was nervous about there being some opening week glitches, but for the most part everything about this place was fantastic. The rooms were spacious - we had a double-double 1 bedroom. Plenty of space for everyone to spread out. The decor is modern, bright and cheerful, although I overhead some older guests saying that they thought the color choices were "garish". We found it perfect for an oceanfront hotel - very beachy. The lobby is large, bright and full of comfortable seating and a large screen TV. Of course the view is perfect - I think all rooms are oceanfront. There is an indoor pool and large spa, an outdoor pool and hot tub too. These were well used, but never over-crowded. This hotel is very family-friendly and family oriented. It is therefore a bit noisy, but not in a bad way. The outdoor tiki-bar resturant was not open, although every day we were there they promised it would "open tommorrow". (It never did.) The beach in front of the hotel was VERY crowded the entire 5 days we were there, but this was not just at this hotel. There are lots of things to do in VA beach, great resturants and shopping. We enjoyed watching the pirate ship go by our hotel several times a day. We also saw lots of dolphins right off the beach. Breakfast (included in price) was served every day with lots of choices - typical cereal, fake eggs (yuk), biscuits, bagels, sausage, fruit, toast, pasteries, and make your own waffles (yum). A bit crowded at peak times (9:00-10:00), but a great amenity overall.
I would definately reccommend this hotel for families or those who need extra space. We will be back!
Very nice new hotel
Very nice all brand new. Friendly staff, clean of course. Pools were great and not over crowded. Breakfast was very good, not just fruit and rolls.
Muy buen hotel nuevo
Muy bueno y completamente nuevo. Personal amable y hotel limpio, por supuesto. Las piscinas eran fant�sticas y no estaban muy llenas. El desayuno era muy bueno, no solo fruta y bollos.
Already Planning to Stay Next Year!
Just got back from a 4 day trip at the Springhill Suites, Virginia Beach Oceanfront. The hotel is brand new so it was great to have everything so clean. The hotel features all ocean front queen suite rooms. Ours had 2 queen beds, 2 tvs (1 which was a plasma screen), microwave, coffee pot, and refrigerator. There was a sofa bed in the room also. Each room has a private balcony with a fabulous view of the ocean and boardwalk. The hotel has a great complimentary breakfast buffet. The buffet has eggs, waffles, cereal, oatmeal, sausage, bagels, fresh fruit yogurt, milk, juice, etc. It is open everyday from 7 am -11 am. This hotel has an outdoor pool which serves poolside food--chicken fingers, nachos, wraps and the like. There is also an indoor pool. It was a very nice area of the beach...very family oriented. The hotel offers complimentary valet service and has it's own convenient parking garage. We had no problems with the hotel. Staff was friendly and courteous. We will definitely stay here again.
TripAdvisor Reviews SpringHill Suites Virginia Beach Oceanfront
Travel Blogs from Virginia Beach
The nice end of town
... There is still a very strong northeaster. We are staying in an Inn facing Pamlico Sound - much more protected than facing the ocean.
Her view of events:
We started the day with a visit to the hotel laundry. Taking the time to do the washing is an evil necessity when on the road for an extended period. As we did not have far to go, the late start did not matter. Brian was keen to visit the Wright Brothers Memorial - at the site where ...
Last Drinks in Norfolk
... have met many Latinos and African Americans but no one from Asia or the Middle East. For that matter, few Europeans. A very closed shop!
Political discussion is all over the TV. Donald Trump is now sagging in the polls with Carly Fiorina and Ben Carson closing in on him following the Republican debates. Scary to hear their evangelical talk on topics like ISIS, Iran, Iraq, abortion and the right to bear arms. Still a long way to go before ...
Cheers to the upgrade
... V6 and full time 4WD. At the time of booking it was about 60% more, so happiness prevails. But, perhaps that is because the desk clerk welcomed me as a visiting NATO Officer, but subsequently lost interest after the revelation that I was merely an ageing Australian retiree. There are lots of brand name hotels in downtown Norfolk, but we (meaning I) felt the need to be ON the beach. Well we are at Norfolk Beach RIGHT on the water, but the place has ...
Our day begins....
1 shower, 4 people....share and play nicely with others. Is this hotel room getting smaller? Nope! It's just fine. Very comfortable. 1:00pm- we are at the Roanoke park area. About to watch a "worth-it" short film on the history. We saw an Indian settlement, toured the museum, boarded a replica of a European exploration ship and learned about the lost colony. 5:00pm- we just crossed the Chesapeake and are driving north through the Eastern shore of VA. Sunny and ...
Go Karts with the Grandkids
Eric, Justin and I started the day with lunch at Tucanos Brazillian Grill. It was a great meal with a huge salad bar called the Salad Festival. After getting your salads, servers deliver prepared meats to your table. We feasted on Chicken, Bacon wrapped Turkey, Steak, Pork and Fish. We also were served grilled vegetables and grilled pineapple. Everything was delicious and of course we all ate way too much. ...