text:
|Publication number
|Publication type
|Application number
|PCT number
|Publication date
|Nov 3, 2009
|Filing date
|Mar 16, 2004
|Priority date
|Mar 21, 2003
|Fee status
|Also published as
|Publication number
|Aaron R. Reynolds, Bruce J. Van Deman, Martin O'Toole, Paul Waterhouse
|Original Assignee
|Joseph S. Kanfer
|Export Citation
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Patent Citations (64), Referenced by (33), Classifications (16), Legal Events (2)
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/456,794 filed on Mar. 21, 2003 and which is incorporated herein by reference.
This invention relates, in general, to devices that discharge a measured quantity of cleaning material in response to a physical input. Moreover, this invention relates to improvements in the operation of the dispenser to facilitate ease of use.
Dispensers, either wall-mounted or stand-alone, are used to hold a quantity of cleaning material, soap, or other disinfecting material. The dispenser is typically positioned near a source of water which is used with the cleaning material to clean the user's hands. When a user needs a quantity of cleaning material, they actuate a lever or a pump so that a quantity of material is dispensed into their hand. Typically, a predetermined amount is dispensed. This can be adjusted by shortening the pump or stroke so that a lesser amount of material is dispensed.
It will also be appreciated that if not enough material is dispensed, the user may actuate the lever additional times to get the amount needed. Additionally, if the container of material is empty, the user will actuate the lever additional times and exert excessive force in an attempt to "squeeze" out the last bits of cleaning material. This applies unnecessary stresses on the actuating lever and associated linkage and, after a period of time, can cause the dispenser to break.
There are various apparatuses that detect the presence of hands or other objects which need to be cleaned and initiate dispensing of water, but not in particular amounts. Examples of such devices are disclosed in the patents to: Yasuo, U.S. Pat. No. 5,243,717; Blackmon, U.S. Pat. No. 3,576,277; Davies, U.S. Pat. No. 4,606,085; Abert et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,946,070; Van Marcke, U.S. Pat. No. 5,086,526; Van Marcke, U.S. Pat. No. 5,217,035; Shaw, U.S. Pat. No. 5,625,908; Hirsch et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,829,072; and Van Marcke, U.S. Pat. No. 5,943,712. It is also known to provide devices with sensors which detect the hand position as it relates to the faucet and adjusts the temperature of the water accordingly. This is generally taught in the patents to Fait, U.S. Pat. No. 5,855,356; and the patent to Cretu-Petra, U.S. Pat. No. 5,868,311. It is also known to detect the presence of a device and initiate a timing sequence for dispensing materials when multiple users are present, as disclosed in the patent to Gauthier et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,966,753.
Various computer-type control devices may be used in the dispensing of materials such as shown in the patent to Pollack, U.S. Pat. No. 4,563,780, which discloses a programmable device used by various members of the family to store their water temperature preferences when washing their hands.
Although the above described dispensing devices are effective in their stated purpose, it is believed that the mechanisms used to dispense a known quantity of material still exert undue forces on the dispensing mechanism which causes the devices to prematurely wear. Moreover, users who are unfamiliar with the dispensing device may grab or mis-handle the dispensing device looking for a dispensing lever when such does not need to be done. It has been found that most, if not all, automatic dispensing devices do not provide an intuitive indication of where the users are to place their hands or the object to be cleaned so that a dispensed quantity of material may be deposited thereon.
A clear improvement in the aforementioned prior art is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,390,329. This patent discloses a hands-free dispensing device which utilizes a unique gearing mechanism to dispense a measured quantity of fluid material. In particular, the disclosed device utilizes an infrared object sensor which detects the presence of an object. Upon detection of this object a motorized pump actuator mechanism converts a motor shaft's rotatable motion into a linear motion which actuates a dispense mechanism which dispenses a predetermined amount of fluid in a location proximal to the detection zone of the object sensor. Although this device is a clear improvement in the art, it has been found lacking in several regards. First, proper installation of such a device is problematic inasmuch as the infrared sensor, if not properly positioned, will inadvertently actuate the dispensing mechanism and fluid material will accumulate in undesired locations. Additionally, the motorized mechanism does not positively stop at the end of a cycle and as such the gearing contained within the pump actuator mechanism may jam and/or cause the gearing to misalign. Additionally, it has been found that electrical interference between the various components controlling the dispenser and the object sensor may result in misactivation of the pumping mechanism. The device is also lacking in features which facilitate ease of use.
Therefore, it has become apparent that it is desirable to have an apparatus for dispensing a measured quantity of material which provides a positive braking mechanism to ensure proper operation of the dispenser. It is also desirable for this apparatus to be provided with a locating feature to properly install the device so as to preclude inadvertent actuations of the dispensing mechanism. And it is also desirable for the apparatus to be provided with various programming modes to accommodate different types of fluid material carried by refill containers and their associated dispensing mechanisms and also to accommodate for the allowance of multiple dosages to be dispensed in the appropriate environment. It is also desirable for the device to automatically turn-on after proper installation and to automatically shut down if excessive use is detected.
It has been found, therefore, that an apparatus for hands-free dispensing of measured quantities of fluid material can be provided which improves operation of the known hands-free fluid dispensing devices. In particular, initial positioning of the apparatus is facilitated by use of the object sensor such that prior to permanent installation of the apparatus and loading of the fluid material, the sensor indicates that the device is properly positioned for use. In other words, the infrared sensor sends out a test signal and if the apparatus is temporarily positioned in an undesirable location, indicia will turn off to indicate to the installer that this position is not appropriate. Accordingly, the installer will move the device to another position for location testing. If the lights turn on at this time, then the installer knows that this is an appropriate position for the infrared sensor and that installation of the device is proper in the position selected. Upon completion of the installation of the device the apparatus is loaded with a container of fluid material connected to a dispensing mechanism which deposits a measured quantity of material when the presence of an object is detected and without the user having to actuate a push bar or lever.
In the initial setup procedure of the dispensing apparatus, the installer may select among at least three different program modes. In the first program mode the user may activate or deactivate a plurality of LEDs or lighting indicia which instruct the end-user of the device as to the proper positioning of their hand or other object to be in a position to receive a dispensed quantity of fluid material. Accordingly, the installer may select whether to provide this lighting indicia or not. In a second program mode, the end-user may select a dosage size. For example, the installer may select one, two or three cycles of operation depending upon the nature of the installed environment. In a final programming mode, the installer may select the dispenser size for the type of fluid which is to be dispensed. It will be appreciated that the amount of fluid dispensed for lotions is different than the amount of fluid dispensed for soaps and the like. Accordingly, after conclusion of these various modes and installation of the designated fluid, the object sensor is enabled and an associated processor will calculate the amount of usage anticipated for that particular fluid dispensing device. Accordingly, upon reaching a predetermined use level, typically about 95%, an alert signal is generated to indicate to the user that the fluid material needs to be replaced. The calculated amount of usage may be reset upon replacement of the fluid container.
Other operational features of the apparatus include an auto-on sequence and an anti-vandal sequence. The auto-on sequence automatically turns the apparatus on after installation of fresh batteries and passage of a certain period of time. Or, the apparatus automatically turns on a period of time after the apparatus had been turned off. The anti-vandal feature automatically turns the apparatus off if the dispense mechanism is actuated excessively in a short period of time.
It will be appreciated that the apparatus may be provided with additional circuitry features to facilitate its operation. Accordingly, a control circuit with an overload circuit may be provided such that any detection of gear jamming or other malfunctions of the gearing mechanism will generate a signal that is received by a processor to stop operation of a motor that actuates a dispense mechanism and precludes any further damage to the apparatus. Yet another feature that may be provided by the control circuit of the fluid dispenser is a braking circuit which automatically turns the motor off at the end of a dispense cycle to prevent its coasting so as to ensure the proper positioning of the gears and related mechanisms. Still yet another feature of the apparatus is the separation of various components within the control circuit such that the infrared sensor which is used to detect the object is isolated from other circuitry components. Accordingly, this feature substantially minimizes false activations of the dispense mechanism so as to reduce unwanted usage.
Accordingly, use and operation of an apparatus for hands-free dispensing of a measured quantity of material, as described above, becomes the principal object of this invention with other objects thereof becoming more apparent upon a reading of the following brief specification considered and interpreted in view of the accompanying drawings.
A battery compartment, designated generally by the numeral 26, is carried by an interior surface of the housing 14. The battery compartment 26, in the preferred embodiment, carries eight AA batteries. The batteries are employed to operate various features of the dispenser as will become apparent from the discussion below. Of course, other battery sizes and quantities could be employed. Alternatively, an AC power source or the like could be used.
A dispense mechanism, which is generally designated by the numeral 28, is carried by a plate 29, The hinge 20 carries the plate 29 such that when the front shell 18 is opened, the dispense mechanism 28 remains supported by the plate 29. The dispense mechanism 28 may be one commonly available in the art or, in the preferred embodiment, is like the one disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/397,314 filed on Sep. 16, 1999, and which is assigned to the Assignee of the present invention and which is incorporated herein by reference. The dispense mechanism 28 incorporates a pump dome valve 32 which, when pressed, dispenses a measured quantity of fluid material carried by a fluid material container 36. Of course, other valve mechanisms could be used to dispense fluid. The dispense mechanism 28 is coupled to the container 36 via a connector 37. The container 36 is a replaceable unit as is well known in the art. When the pump dome valve 32 is actuated, the material is dispensed via a nozzle 34 through an opening 38 in a bottom portion of the front shell 18 into the user's hand, as will be described in detail below. The fluid material container 36 may contain soap, disinfectant, or other fluid material that is dispensable through the pump mechanism 28. Ideally, the container 36 will carry 1,000 mL of fluid material product. The dispense mechanism 28 typically deposits or dispenses 1.5 mL of product per cycle. Of course, the container 36 may be different sizes. And the dispense mechanism may dispense different quantities.
A pump actuator mechanism, which is generally shown in
The pump actuator mechanism 40 is carried in an assembly housing 46 which is replaceably mounted to the interior of the front shell 18 such that when the front shell is hingedly opened, the assembly housing 46 moves in a like manner. Carried in the assembly housing 46 is a motor 48 which is powered by the batteries carried in the battery compartment 26. The motor has a rotatable shaft 50 extending therefrom with a worm gear 52 at one end. The worm gear 52 operatively drives a differential gear assembly 54 in a manner well known in the art. Briefly, the purpose of the differential gear assembly is to significantly reduce the speed of the motor output so that the dispensing of the material can be easily controlled. Alternatives for imparting a force to the differential gear assembly could be provided by a piston or solenoid configuration.
The differential gear assembly 54 converts the initial high-speed rotation of the motor shaft to a more manageable rotational speed that can then be converted into a linear motion that repeatably engages the dispense mechanism 30. The differential gear assembly 54 includes three spur gears 56, 58, and 60. The worm gear 52 contacts a plurality of outer teeth 62 of the first spur gear 56. The spur gear 56 also includes a plurality of inner teeth 64 that mesh with a plurality of outer teeth 66 extending from the periphery of the second spur gear 58. In a like manner, a plurality of inner teeth 68 of the spur gear 58 engage a plurality of outer teeth 70 of the spur gear 60. As those skilled in the art will appreciate the rotational velocity of the spur gear 60 is significantly reduced by the interconnecting gears 56 and 58.
As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 3-6, the spur gear 60 includes a plate 74 with radially disposed slots 76 extending therethrough and positioned in about 1200 increments. It will be appreciated that the number of slots and their position can be varied as needed. Extending from the plate 74 in one direction is a hub 80 from which further extends a nub 82. The nub 82 is received in an indentation 83 in one side of the assembly housing 46 so as to rotatably receive and align the gear 60. This assists in the uniform and efficient rotation of the gear 60 which, in turn, ensures the effective operation of the mechanism 40.
An axial stem 86 may concentrically extend from a bottom surface of the hub 80 toward the plate 74. Disposed between an interior wall of the hub 80 and the axial stem 86 is a hub cam, generally designated by the numeral 90. The hub cam 90 is concentrically disposed around the stem 86.
The hub cam 90 includes a plurality of hub ramps 92, wherein each hub ramp is provided with an alphabetic suffix designation (a, b, or c in the drawings). Although three hub ramps 92 are shown, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that one, two, or more ramps may be provided, depending upon the desired pumping action. The hub ramps 92 are essentially identical in construction and their various features are also provided with a corresponding alphabetic designation. Each hub ramp 92 includes an outer wall 94 which is concentrically adjacent the interior wall of the hub 80, and an inner wall 96 which is concentrically adjacent the axial stem 86. The outer walls may be integral with the interior hub wall, or they may be spaced apart from the wall, as shown. Likewise, the inner walls may be spaced apart from the axial stem, or they may be integral, as shown. The outer wall 94 and the inner wall 96 are connected at one end by a trailing wall 98 and at the opposite end by a leading wall 100. Each of these walls—94, 96, 98, and 100—are connected by a cam surface 102 which angularly extends from the trailing wall 98 to the leading wall 100. The leading wall 100 is of minimal height at the bottom of the hub. The cam surface 102 rises up from the leading wall 100 and extends to the trailing wall 98. The top of the trailing is at about a mid-point position between the bottom of the hub 80 and the plate 74.
In order to convert the rotational motion of the motor shaft 50, an actuator gear, generally designated by the numeral 110, is slidably received within the hub 80. The actuator gear 110 is also slidably captured within the housing 46, as seen in
The actuator gear 110, as best seen in
Initially, the actuator gear 110 is primarily received within the hub 80. Accordingly, the trailing walls 98 align with the leading walls 136 in a resting position. When the sensor 42 detects an object and initiates the pump actuator mechanism 40, the gear 60 rotates and the camming action upon the actuator gear 110 is initiated. As this happens, the rim 124 moves axially outwardly from the plate 74 and compresses the dome valve 32. This continues until the trailing walls 98 are aligned with the trailing walls 138. At which time, due to the resiliency of the pump dome valve 32, the actuator gear 110 falls back into the hub and the rim 124 returns to its original position. Alternatively, instead of relying on the resiliency of the dome, the actuator gear could be returned to its initial position by use of additional gearing or by spring biasing. In any event, reciprocating motion of the actuator gear 110 cycles the dispense mechanism 30.
In order to maintain alignment and to hold the actuator gear 110 within the housing, the sleeve 116 includes a pair of opposed flats 144. Each flat 144 extends from the rim 122 to a stop plate 146. The housing 46 has a rounded-slot 148 that slidably receives a portion of the actuator gear 110. In particular, the flats 144 extend through the slot 148, while the interior of the housing 46 bears against the stop plates 146 when the gear 110 is fully extended. This precludes the actuator gear 110 from falling out of the housing and ensures that the actuator gear 110 remains in place and is returnable to a starting position to initiate additional operating cycles.
A sensor 151 is provided in the assembly housing 46 and is alignable with the slots 76 and the plate 74. Accordingly, as the sensor 151 detects the passing of the slot 76, the sensor instructs the motor to stop rotation. This ensures that only one actuating of the dispensing mechanism occurs for each detection of a hand or object to be cleaned underneath the sensor 42. Of course, the sensor 151 could be situated or programmed to allow for passage of two or more slots 76 to allow for multiple cycling of the dispense mechanism 30. The sensor 151 could be an infrared type that detects interruption of an infrared beam. A magnetic proximity switch or a monitored timer could also be used to detect gear position.
The pump actuator mechanism 40 includes a control circuit 152 which utilizes the power generated from the batteries to illuminate a series of light emitting diodes 156, 158, and 160 that are viewable through a panel 162 on the front shell 16. The panel, as seen in
Also provided in an area near the LEDs is a "smart" or hidden switch 168. Location of this switch is typically only known by housekeeping personnel and is depressed so as to disable the sensor 42 for a predetermined time period, e.g., one minute. This allows the housekeeping personnel to clean underneath the dispenser without activating the dispensing mechanism during that time. Opening of the front shell 18 also removes the coupling between the pump actuator mechanism 40 and the dispense mechanism 28. In this position, actuation of the sensor 42 will not cause inadvertent dispensing of material.
Other features which may be added to the dispenser are timing mechanisms which emit an audible tone when the dispenser is cycled. A 20-second timer then emits another tone to indicate that a washing event may be completed. Also, the dispenser may be provided with an AC adapter so as to eliminate the need for battery power. Yet another feature of the present invention is that a malfunctioning pump actuator mechanism or dispense mechanism may be easily replaced by opening the front shell and removing the appropriate fasteners and then installing a new unit.
Referring now to
At step 210, prior to loading a container of fluid, the installer positions the housing 14 in a preferred location. Typically this location will be near a sink if the dispenser is used to dispense soap. However, the dispenser may be positioned elsewhere in convenient locations such as in a restaurant, hospital or other facility where sanitizing lotions are to be dispensed or, in the alternative, where moisturizing lotions are to be dispensed. In any event, the positioning of the housing 210 is critical inasmuch as the sensor needs to be positioned in an area where it is not inadvertently triggered. If such an event were to occur, the fluid contained within the dispenser would be dispensed without anyone to collect the dispensed material. Accordingly, if the infrared sensor falsely detects the presence of an object when in fact no object is present its material may be automatically dispensed resulting in waste and a mess. When the infrared sensor is placed in a preliminary position and if the infrared sensor detects an object when in fact the installer knows that object is not a proper object to actuate the dispenser, then the plurality of LEDs, such as the LEDs 156, 158 and 160, will stop flashing repeatedly at step 212. If this occurs, the installer will then know to re-position the housing at step 210. This repositioning step is repeated until the LEDs flash repeatedly. When the LEDs flash repeatedly the sensor is in a position to detect an object that is specifically placed in the zone of receiving a dispensed fluid. At step 214, the installer permanently secures the housing in a position where the LEDs are flashing.
Various operational features may be implemented upon installation of the dispensing device. In order to implement these operational features, the smart or hidden button 168 is actuated at step 216. The control circuit then monitors the smart button to determine if it is held or released at step 218. If the button is held, then the process continues with the program procedure 204. If the button is released, then the process continues with the replacement procedure designated generally by step 219.
In the program procedure 204, at step 224 the installer may select from three program modes. These modes are preferably selected by pushing and holding the button on. But the control circuit could be configured so that other button inputs could be used to enter into the three program modes directly.
In a first mode, at step 226, the installer is allowed to select dosage sizes of one, two or three cycles at step 228. This is done by repeatedly pressing the smart button once until the number of cycles (1, 2 or 3) is selected. An indication of the number of cycles may be provided by lighting the LEDs in a predetermined pattern. This could also be done by displaying a number indicia or by a verbal annunciation generated by a speaker connected to the control circuit. This allows the installer to properly size the amount of fluid to be dispensed depending upon the location of the unit. For example, a preschool installation would only require a one cycle dispensing to take place. In contrast, a garage or factory setting would typically require a three cycle dispensing operation to take place in view of the large amount of soap typically required to clean hands in such an environment. An in-between two cycle selection may also be provided. Although only three cycles of operation are allowed for selection in the preferred embodiment it will be appreciated that any number of dispensing cycles may be programmed. Upon completion of step 228 the process may continue to the exit program mode at step 238, but it is preferred that the program sequence continue by pushing and holding the smart button again so as to enter mode 2.
If mode 2 is selected, at step 230, the installer is allowed to select the dispenser size at step 232. The dispenser size 232 is associated with the type of material to be installed in the dispensing unit. Typically 1.0 ml of fluid is dispensed if the fluid is a moisturizer. Alternatively, 1.25 ml may be dispensed if the fluid is a sanitizer. And, 1.5 ml of fluid is dispensed if the fluid is a soap. The dispenser size is selected by repeatedly pressing and releasing the smart button. Upon selection of the dispenser size the program may continue to the exit program mode at step 238, but it is preferred the program sequence continue by pushing and holding the smart button so as to enter mode 3.
In mode 3, performed at step 234, the installer will select whether to turn on or off the directional LEDs at step 236. This is done by repeatedly pressing the smart button once until the illumination mode is selected—flashing drops or not—. As with the other modes, visual or audible communications could be used to confirm the lighting mode. The directional LEDs are utilized to indicate to the end-user where to place their hand or other object which is to receive the dispensed fluid. Accordingly, if it is desired to extend battery life by not illuminating the directional LEDs, they may be turned off. Or, if the end-user desires to have the LEDs turned on, for example, in a preschool environment to ensure that the dispensing device is properly used, then the LEDs may be turned on. Upon completion of step 236, the program proceeds to the exit program step at step 238.
If at step 218 the installer selects the replacement sequence 219, the control circuit proceeds to step 240. At step 240, the control circuit is momentarily placed in the off condition when the button is released and a timer is activated. The timer is set for a predetermined period of time such as five minutes although other time periods could be utilized. Next, at step 241, the control circuit awaits actuation and holding of the button for a predetermined period of time such as five seconds, which could be longer or shorter, and then awaits the release of the smart button. Once the button is released, the process proceeds to step 242 and the infrared sensor is disabled. At step 244 the installer is allowed to open the container and remove the depleted refill container if one is needed to be emptied and has the appropriate time to install a new refill container. The housing is then closed and then at step 245 the controller awaits actuation of the smart button or elapsing of the timer. If the timer has not expired the control circuit repeats step 245 until such time the smart button is actuated or the timer is expired. Once either of these events occurs then the process continues to step 246 and the sensor is enabled. Next, at step 247, an estimated number of cycles is calculated based upon the dose cycle selected at step 228 and the dispenser size selected at step 232. It will be appreciated that the dispenser is shipped with default settings for one cycle and 1.25 milliliter output. It will further be appreciated that if the settings are changed at any time that the amount of usage needed to deplete the container is updated accordingly. Also at this time at step 248 the refill indicator is reset so as to not be illuminated and then at step 249 the control circuit continuously monitors the usage and illuminates the refill indicator at the time of five percent remaining material based upon the calculated usage. Of course, other alert signals could be incorporated so as to make final warnings at one percent usage remaining or at other appropriate values. Use of the timer ensures that the device is enabled in the event that the installer forgets to press the smart button after replacement of the refill container. Or if the installer does not complete the replacement steps or in the event the smart button is accidentally actuated without entering the program mode or the refill replacement mode.
Referring now to
Referring now to
The system circuit 302 includes the smart/hidden switch 168, the light emitting diodes 156-165, an overload circuit 304 and a processor 306. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the processor 306 includes the necessary timers, hardware, software and memory required to implement the aforementioned programming procedures and generally operate the components associated with the dispenser 10. Both the sensor circuit 300 and the overload circuit 304 include a respective backplane shield 310 and backplane shield 312 as indicated so as to isolate any radio frequency signals that may inadvertently activate the infrared sensor 42. In other words, it has been determined that the dispenser operates much more efficiently by separating out the circuit components associated with the sensor 42 from the other components associated with the control circuit 152. Although the sensor circuit 300 still communicates with the processor 306 for operational implementation it is isolated as much as possible to preclude interference from the system circuit 302 that may adversely trigger actuation of the sensor and thus cause an unwanted dispensing event. An audio device 320 and a liquid crystal display (LCD) 322 or other equivalent display may also be connected to the processor 306 for the purpose of displaying or announcing information related to the programming and operational status of the apparatus.
The system circuit 302 includes an overload circuit 304 which requires a logic level pulse to start the operation of the motor contained within the pump actuator 40. When the motor is running, diodes D10A and D10B measure the voltage drop across the driving MOSFET Q3. If the voltage drop exceeds a predetermined value such as 0.5 volt, an overload signal is generated by turning transistor Q16 on. In the present instance, the overload signal is operatively received by the processor 306. Once the processor 306 detects the overload signal, the processor generates a signal to turn the pump actuator 40 and thus the dispense mechanism 28 off and alerts the end-user by flashing a red light emitting diode selected from one of the LEDs 156-165. Accordingly, the overload circuit functions to detect jamming or other problems associated with the pump actuator or dispense mechanism and provides for indicating such problems to the processor which relays a system problem to the end-user. Accordingly, fluid is not dispensed and problems associated therewith are averted.
Yet another feature of the control circuit 152 is the utilization of a brake circuit which quickly stops the rotation of the electric motor shaft provided by the pump actuator 40. It will be appreciated that upon normal actuation of the motor it cycles through an operation and although an enabling signal is withdrawn from the motor, the motor shaft may continue to rotate a minimal amount. Over a period of time these additional movements of the motor shaft may cause gears within the pump actuator 40 to jam and cause related problems. Additionally, these over rotations may increase the number of dispense cycles and result in a miscalculation of the number of dispensing cycles which in turn causes the low level indicator to activate prematurely. Alternatively, output from the sensor 151, which is preferably an opto-isolator may be used to initiate brake input. In any event, the brake circuit is intended to quickly stop and prevent the over-rotation of the electric motor shaft. In order to initiate the braking process a logic level pulse on the brake input line associated with the ground of MOSFET Q2 is utilized. When this input is received, the MOSFET Q2 is activated initiating the brake by connecting the motor drive and brake output terminal to ground, effectively braking the motor to a stop. Accordingly, upon receipt of the braking signal the motor is positively stopped at a precise location so as to preclude jamming or other problems associated with over-rotation of the motor shaft.
It is apparent then from the above description of the structure and operation of the dispenser 10 that the problems and shortcomings associated with previous dispensing mechanisms have been overcome. In particular, the dispenser 10 now provides a device which provides programming features that facilitate the dispensing of different types of fluids and allows for different dosage of fluids to be dispensed. Additionally, the control circuit 152 has been improved to preclude unwanted activations of the dispensing device. Further misactivations are prevented by isolating the infrared sensor from most all other circuitry associated with the device. The device is also provided with an anti-vandal feature that prevents an excessive number of uses in a short period of time. An auto-on feature is also provided to turn the device on if it is accidentally turned-off. Additionally, the present invention provides for an installation procedure which indicates to the installer a preferred location of the dispensing mechanism so as to preclude inadvertent dispensing events. Circuitry improvements are also disclosed which facilitate the effective operation of the dispensing mechanism.
While a full and complete description of the invention has been set forth in accordance with the dictates of the Patent Statutes, it should be understood that modifications can be resorted to without departing from the spirit hereof or the scope of the appended claims.
For example, the invention has been described in the context of a dispensing mechanism for cleaning hands. However, it is apparent that the structure and operational methods of the apparatus could easily be adapted for dispensing any type of fluid material that is initiated or cycled by actuation of a touchless sensor.
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|Evan L. Hopkins
|Digital inclinometer
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|Automatic soap dispensing device
|Feb 20, 1998
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|Aerosol dispenser
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|Aerosol dispensing device
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|Heiner Ophardt
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|Fluid dispenser
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|Automatic soap dispenser
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|Dispensing control system
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|Dropping control mechanism for soap feeding device
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|May 21, 2002
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|Apparatus for hands-free dispensing of a measured quantity of material
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|Fluid dispensers
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|DC supplying arrangement for soap feeding device
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|Siemens Ag
|Vorrichtung zur dosierten Abgabe von fl�ssigen oder pastosen Massen
|Title not available
|Title not available
|Title not available
|Apr 17, 1989
|Nov 1, 1990
|Fender Franklin D
|Soap dispenser
|Citing Patent
|Filing date
|Publication date
|Sep 22, 2009
|Mar 22, 2011
|Joseph S. Kanfer
|Apparatus for hands-free dispensing of a measured quantity of material
|Mar 21, 2008
|Sep 20, 2011
|Vandendries Robert H
|Hand washing timing system
|Oct 11, 2010
|Jan 15, 2013
|Konrad Landauer
|Automatic dispenser for hand-sanitizer lotion
|May 25, 2010
|Mar 12, 2013
|Ecolab Usa Inc.
|Hand hygiene compliance monitoring
|May 31, 2012
|Mar 19, 2013
|Gotohti.Com Inc.
|Dispenser with palm reader
|May 25, 2010
|Aug 6, 2013
|Ecolab Usa Inc.
|Hand hygiene compliance monitoring
|Feb 8, 2012
|Jan 28, 2014
|Ecolab Usa Inc.
|Validated healthcare cleaning and sanitizing practices
|Nov 12, 2009
|Feb 11, 2014
|Gojo Industries, Inc.
|Methods for resetting stalled pumps in electronically controlled dispensing systems
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|Feb 18, 2014
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|Methods for resetting stalled pumps in electronically controlled dispensing systems
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|May 13, 2014
|Vm Products Inc.
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|Aug 26, 2014
|Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products Lp
|Systems and methods involving product dispensers
|Apr 24, 2013
|Oct 7, 2014
|Ecolab Usa Inc.
|Fluid dispensers with adjustable dosing
|Jan 24, 2013
|Dec 9, 2014
|Dispensing Dynamics International
|Dispenser apparatus for dispensing liquid soap, lotion or other liquid
|Apr 29, 2009
|Mar 24, 2015
|Ecolab Inc.
|Validated healthcare cleaning and sanitizing practices
|Feb 15, 2013
|Mar 31, 2015
|Ecolab Usa Inc.
|Fluid dispensers with increased mechanical advantage
|Aug 1, 2013
|Dec 29, 2015
|Rubbermaid Commercial Products, Llc
|Foam dispensing pump with decompression feature
|Apr 23, 2013
|May 17, 2016
|Ecolab Usa Inc.
|Dispenser with lockable pushbutton
|Feb 25, 2015
|Aug 9, 2016
|Ecolab Usa Inc.
|Fluid dispensers with increased mechanical advantage
|Jul 31, 2009
|Dec 27, 2016
|Seaquistperfect Dispensing L.L.C.
|Touchless dispenser
|Dec 14, 2015
|Mar 7, 2017
|Gojo Industries, Inc.
|Anti-ligature dispenser
|Sep 22, 2009
|Jan 14, 2010
|Joseph S. Kanfer
|Apparatus for hands-free dispensing of a measured quantity of material
|Feb 23, 2010
|Sep 23, 2010
|Gojo Industries, Inc.
|Wirelessly-powered dispenser system
|Jan 29, 2008
|Jan 27, 2011
|Fedor Kadiks
|Automatic Dispenser
|Jul 31, 2009
|Feb 3, 2011
|Walters Peter J
|Touchless dispenser
|Feb 26, 2010
|Apr 21, 2011
|Enoitalia S.P.A.
|Container for drinks, in particular wine, of the "bag in box " type
|Nov 5, 2010
|Apr 28, 2011
|Hans Georg Hagleitner
|Nov 12, 2009
|May 12, 2011
|Wegelin Jackson W
|Methods for resetting stalled pumps in electronically controlled dispensing systems
|Jul 29, 2011
|Nov 17, 2011
|Gojo Industries, Inc.
|Methods for resetting stalled pumps in electronically controlled dispensing systems
|May 31, 2012
|Sep 20, 2012
|Dispenser with palm reader
|Jul 14, 2011
|Jan 17, 2013
|Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products Lp
|Systems and Methods Involving Product Dispensers
|Mar 15, 2013
|Sep 18, 2014
|Gojo Industries, Inc.
|Shape memory alloy actuated dispenser
|Dec 14, 2015
|Jun 23, 2016
|Gojo Industries, Inc.
|Anti-ligature dispenser
|Feb 10, 2010
|Sep 18, 2012
|Larry Covington
|Bait station
|U.S. Classification
|222/1, 222/52, 222/25, 222/181.3, 222/638, 222/333, 222/639, 222/63
|International Classification
|Cooperative Classification
|European Classification
|Aug 14, 2006
Owner name: JOSEPH S KANFER, OHIO
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:REYNOLDS, AARON R.;VAN DEMAN, BRUCE J.;O TOOLE, MARTIN;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:018116/0118;SIGNING DATES FROM 20050915 TO 20051031
|May 1, 2013
|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 4


text:
translated by Brett Larner
On Dec. 1 the Meiji Seika corporation announced that on Nov. 30 it had terminated its sponsorship of Bejing Olympics men's marathon gold medalist Samuel Wanjiru (23). In November last year Wanjiru signed a lucrative one-year contract with Meiji Seika to endorse the Savas sports supplement, but this year the company declined to renew the contract. A spokesperson for Meiji Seika cited "a change in our marketing plans" in explaining the move. The company is also cancelling the official team registration of its Team Sam.
Wanjiru was born in Kenya, coming to Japan as a teenager to attend Sendai Ikuei H.S. where he became a nationally-known face on the ekiden circuit. After graduating he joined Team Toyota Kyushu but quit last summer shortly before the Beijing Olympics. Wanjiru holds the half-marathon world record and set his marathon PB of 2:05:10 at last April's London Marathon, a course record. At October's Chicago Marathon he set another new course record of 2:05:41.
Translator's note: Meiji Seika's move came a day after Wanjiru finished 4th in the Great Australian Run 15 km. As far as I am aware Wanjiru never actually appeared in any advertisements for Savas or raced wearing their uniform.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Earn 50 Birchbox points for every friend that purchases a subscription.
Create a free account to check out faster, store multiple shipping addresses, view and track your orders in your account, and much more.
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If you're prone to mixing martinis, opt for the more specialized Quench Products Martini Master.
Availability: Out of stock
Rouse your inner bartender with this 10-in-1 multitool, which channels our favorite spies (Bond and MacGyver) with its supersleek design and martini-making abilities. After all, the only thing better than a well-stocked bar is one that fits in your pocket.
Made from stainless steel and vintage oak, this compact device is packed with ten essential tools, including a knife, strainer, two-sided jigger (with ½ oz. and 1 oz. measurements), corkscrew, and bottle opener. There's also a channel knife, zester, reamer, muddler, and stirrer for crafting more specialized cocktails.
This product is currently unavailable. Please take a look at our current best sellers.


text:
SAP expands partner program for application development
SAP has broadened its partner program for companies that want to develop applications using its technology and then sell them through the SAP online store.
SAP has broadened its partner program for companies that want to develop applications using its technology and then sell them through the SAP online store.
SAP's pending return to a single CEO structure is the right move at the right time, according to co-founder and Chairman Hasso Plattner and co-CEO Jim Hagemann Snabe, who is planning to leave his post next May and join the company's Supervisory Board...
Sixteen of the top 25 companies offering a good work-life balance are technology companies, according to a new ranking from the job site Glassdoor, with the SAS Institute and National Instruments leading the pack.
The computer hardware and software graphics market will grow in the coming years as applications become visually demanding, and employment opportunities in the field will expand, according to a study released on Tuesday.
Apple's third-quarter earnings will be disclosed in an Apple financial results conference call on 23 July.
From around the end of August, European Union telecoms providers and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) will have to comply with new rules to ensure that customers in all E.U. countries receive the same information if their personal data is lost, stol...
Data encryption could help enterprises protect their sensitive information against mass surveillance by governments, as well as guard against unauthorized access by ill-intended third parties, but the correct implementation and use of data encryption...
Security concerns and productivity loss are the top reasons businesses restrict access to social tools, according to a new study commissioned by Microsoft.
Apple pays a fair share of the taxes it owes the U.S. and other nations, its CEO said Tuesday, despite criticism from U.S. senators that the company is ducking taxes by shifting profits to subsidiaries that the company does not consider tax residents...
Apple has set up three foreign subsidiaries that the company claims are not resident in any nation for taxing purposes, in an effort to avoid paying tens of billions of dollars in taxes to the U.S. and other countries, according to a new report from ...
After Ernest von Simson's book, "The Limits of Strategy: Lessons in Leadership from the Computer Industry," was published three years ago, he watched major shifts occur at the IT companies he had focused on, notably the slide of Hewlett-Packard at th...
SAP has expanded its foray into corporate sustainability with the release of a carpooling application called TwoGo.
Ken Segall, a former Apple employee who worked for the company for more than a decade during the Steve Jobs era, reveals what he thinks Apple needs to do to progress in the future.
Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak has said that he is confident that Apple will launch new products that will "surprise and shock us all," and help boost the company's "disappointing" share price higher than the 16-month low it fell to last week.
Microsoft hoped recent updates to its Dynamics AX 2012 ERP (enterprise-resource-planning) software would help it grab enterprise-level deals that would ordinarily be won by the likes of Oracle and SAP, and to some degree the strategy appears to be cl...
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HP OfficeJet Pro 8730
A smarter way to print for busy small business owners, combining speedy printing with scanning and copying, making it easier to produce high quality documents and images at a touch of a button.
HP OfficeJet Pro 8730
I've had a multifunction printer in the office going on 10 years now. It was a neat bit of kit back in the day -- print, copy, scan, fax -- when printing over WiFi felt a bit like magic. It's seen better days though and an upgrade's well overdue. This HP OfficeJet Pro 8730 looks like it ticks all the same boxes: print, copy, scan, and fax. (Really? Does anyone fax anything any more? I guess it's good to know the facility's there, just in case.) Printing over WiFi is more-or- less standard these days.
HP OfficeJet Pro 8730
As a freelance writer who is always on the go, I like my technology to be both efficient and effective so I can do my job well. The HP OfficeJet Pro 8730 Inkjet Printer ticks all the boxes in terms of form factor, performance and user interface.
Windows 10 for Business / Dell XPS 13
I'd happily recommend this touchscreen laptop and Windows 10 as a great way to get serious work done at a desk or on the road.
Windows 10 / HP Spectre x360
Ultimately, I think the Windows 10 environment is excellent for me as it caters for so many different uses. The inclusion of the Xbox app is also great for when you need some downtime too!
Windows 10 / Lenovo Yoga 910
For me, the Xbox Play Anywhere is a great new feature as it allows you to play your current Xbox games with higher resolutions and better graphics without forking out extra cash for another copy. Although available titles are still scarce, but I'm sure it will grow in time.


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Just Slate Oval Serving Tray With Gold Handles
Retail Price: £36.00
Special Price £28.50
Product Code: JS0062
Oval shaped marble serving tray with gold finish handles.
Warm the heart of your table setting with the Just Slate Oval Serving Tray With Gold Handles.
Hand crafted in Scotland, this sophisticated oval shaped serving tray is ideal for serving and presenting food in style.
Sculpted from hand-cut premium slate, the tray's oval appearance channels a rustic character and rich depth at the table.
Then, serving is made easy with two arched brass gold finish handles which create a welcome embellishment.
A fine contrast of materials, the tray creates a welcome focal point which is sure to impress your discerning guests in style.
Searching for the perfect present?
This luxury slate serving tray is presented in a bespoke Just Slate presentation box making it the perfect designer gift for the design connoisseur you know.
Please note: Handmade to order, each tray is unique every time making this a bespoke serveware and luxury home decor accessory for the heart of your home interior space.
About The Brand
Founded in Scotland in 1992, Kirkcaldy-based Slate experts, The Just Slate Company, combine the heritage of Scottish slate with chic, contemporary design. Handcrafted from their workshop in Fife, every piece of slate is handcut from an individual piece of slate using traditional manufacturing techniques. Now offering a host of gift products from coasters and place mats to cheese boards and serving bowls, the collection has expanded from luxury slate serveware to include Sheesham wood products with accents of hammered copper and monochrome enamelled finishes.
Why shop with Houseology
Houseology is not only the UK's premier online interior design store - it is an emporium of design ideas, advice & inspiration and a platform of tools & technology designed to make your interior design decisions and calculations easy.


text: This lovely Caribbean island owes its slightly alarming name to the fact it was used as a secret storehouse for military explosives in the 19th century. Today, it's a rather more tranqil place, offering a vast array of accommodation (including a former military barracks). Beautiful features such as a Japanese garden, orchard and waterfall litter the island, and it has has full electricity and water services. Price on request, Private Islands Online.


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Mary's Gone Crackers, Organic, Herb Crackers, 6.5 oz (184 g)
Mary's Gone Crackers, Organic, Herb Crackers, 6.5 oz (184 g)
- You earn loyalty credit for every order you place at iHerb!
- Loyalty credit is equal to 5% of the value of your order, excluding shipping charges.
- Your loyalty credit will be applied towards your next order as soon as your current order has shipped.
- Your loyalty credits are valid for up to 60 days from the date of your last purchase.
Expiration Date:?Jan 2018Expiration Date
The length of time for the expiration date or "best used before" date depends on the type of product, as well as the brand.
Perishable items (such as flax oils or certain probiotics) generally have shorter expiration dates. Although our warehouse is fully air-conditioned, these more fragile items are put in cold storage (freezer or refrigeration unit) for maximum freshness.
Our receiving department does its best to verify and then enter the correct expiration dates for all incoming products. However, discrepancies do occur from time to time. This being said, the exceptionally high turnover at iHerb ensures that our inventory is among the freshest in the industry.
Shipping Weight:?0.59 lbsSwitch to Metric units
- Product Code: MGC-00013
- UPC Code: 897580000137
- Package Quantity: 6.5 oz (184 g)
2 x 5.5 x 6.1 in, 0.5 lbsSwitch to Metric units
|Combo Discount:
|- $4.12
- Gluten Free
- Whole Grain
- Vegan
- Non GMO Project Verified
- USDA Organic
- Wheat Free
- Dairy Free
- Kosher
- Peanut-Nut Free
- 450 mg Omega-3 Fatty Acids Per Serving
- 0 g Trans Fat
- Made with Love
- Conscious Eating
- 100% Whole Grain 18 g or Per Serving
- Certified Vegan
- Certified Gluten-Free
Eating whole, real food is joyful, generous and true. It awakens your connection to your body and to the earth. It makes you feel good. It feeds your life while respecting every living thing. And it's why people get passionate about Mary's Gone Crackers.
I choose to use ingredients that are certified organic and ethically produced. It's how we do things, because it's the right choice for us, our growers, our customers and for the planet we share.
Caring comes in many forms: crackers, pretzels, cookies, and more on the way! Every baked good we offer is authentic as the first cracker from my kitchen oven made with love to nourish your truest, most vital self. Every bite of our food is an invitation to be healthy, happy and whole again. If truth has a taste, it's abundant, pure and delicious. See if you agree!
"From small choices comes great change; from ancient ingredients comes a healthier future; from a forgotten garden come a rediscovery of what we've celebrated all along: ...a delicious life!"
Mary Waldner
Authenticity cannot be imitated
Other Ingredients
Organic whole grain brown rice, organic whole grain quinoa, organic brown flax seeds, organic brown sesame seeds, filtered water, organic garlic, organic herbs, sea salt, organic wheat free tamari (water, whole organic soybeans, salt, organic alcohol or organic vinegar).
Contains: Soy.
Manufactured in our own dedicated gluten free, dairy free and nut free (except coconuts) facility. Saturated fat in our crackers occurs naturally from whole sesame seeds, flax seeds and quinoa.
|Supplement Facts
|Serving Size: 13 Crackers (30g)
|Serving Per Container: about 6
|Amount Per Serving
|%Daily Value*
|Calories from Fat
|Total Fat
|5 g
|Saturated Fat
|0.5 g
|Polyunsaturated Fat
|2.5 g
|Monounsaturated Fat
|1.5 g
|Trans Fat
|0 g
|0 mg
|180 mg
|170 mg
|Total Carbohydrate
|21 g
|Dietary Fiber
|3 g
|0 g
|3 g
|Vitamin A
|Vitamin C
|*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs:
|Total Fat
|Less than
|65 g
|80 g
|Sat Fat
|Less than
|20 g
|25 g
|Less than
|300 mg
|300 mg
|Less than
|2,400 mg
|2,400 mg
|3,500 mg
|3,500 mg
|Total Carbohydrate
|300 g
|375 g
|Dietary Fiber
|25 g
|30 g
Verified Purchase
Crunchy. No salt. Really healthy.
nice and crunchy :)
Posted by Reviewer2821103 on Apr 19, 2017 | Verified Purchase
very crunchy and tasty
Great snack...low carb too!
Posted by 5465600598412337824 on Apr 11, 2017 | Verified Purchase
So yummy and so healthy!
Best crackers ever.
Posted by 4707202333326206077 on Apr 01, 2017 | Verified Purchase
Delicious and crunchy. My favorite munching food.
Crispy and delicious
Posted by 4934758516511020971 on Jan 26, 2017 | Verified Purchase
These crackers definitely deliver on flavour. They're vegan and wonderfully crunchy. You can eat them alone or with dip. There are several other flavours available on iHerb. We've tried three others and they're all good but these herb ones are my favourite. Also the price that you'll pay on iHerb is about $2.50 cheaper than in health/specialty food stores in Australia.
Posted by 5212781773985055538 on Dec 01, 2016 | Verified Purchase
loved the flavour


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202 pages, b/w & col illus
This thesis focuses on the simulation of spatial patterns in aquatic ecosystems. Various modelling approaches are explored to reveal processes and factors contributing to the spatial pattern development at various scales.
There are currently no reviews for this product. Be the first to review this product!


text:
You Won't Believe This Gabfest Edition
The Gabfest panelists have much to talk about this weekend: the recent Supreme Court ruling involving Hobby Lobby, a review of the new clickbait website ClickHole, and a look at the new television show The Leftovers.
On this week's episode of Gabfest Radio, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss the Supreme Court's Hobby Lobby decision and the impasse over immigration reform.
Then, Culture Gabfest critics Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and John Swansburg discuss They Came Together, a new film from the creators of Wet Hot American Summer, starring Amy Poehler and Paul Rudd. It's a broad parody of romantic comedies, a genre already replete with self-parody. Next, the gabbers turn to The Leftovers, an HBO adaptation of Tom Perrotta's 2011 novel, which envisions something like the Rapture—and its bleak suburban aftermath. And finally, the critics turn to ClickHole, the Onion's new site lampooning clickbait-driven Web culture.
You'll find links to some of the items mentioned in this episode on the Political Gabfest and Culture Gabfest show pages. You can also join the Gabfest discussion all week long at the Political Gabfest Facebook page and the Culture Gabfest Facebook page.


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1.32 acres in Flathead County, Montana
Prime Commercial Frontage off of Pleasant Valley Road in Marion. This location is central to Marion's main corridor . This lot offers community water, power, telephone, & internet are in place and the lot has septic approval. Come take a look. See documents for building requirements. Call Doryce Hawkins at 406-249-7556 or your real estate professional for more information!
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Other Land for Sale in Flathead County
NOTE: The information contained herein is provided as general information only and has been obtained from sources deemed reliable. It is provided without any guaranty, warranty or representation, expressed or implied, made by Lands of America, or any related entity, as to the accuracy or completeness of the information. The information is presented subject to errors, omissions, change of price or conditions, prior sale or withdrawal without notice. Prospective purchasers should make their own investigations, projections and conclusions concerning the information.


text:
UK Travel Deals & Discounts Hand Picked for you Daily FREE on App StoreOpen
Ibiza has taken off like a rocket as the number one attraction for European visitors. In just the past two years, the number of passengers arriving at Ibiza airport has risen by nearly twelve percent, with over 5.5 million visitors. IBZ (Ibiza airport) is the main artery between the two Balearic Islands, Formentera and Ibiza itself, offering year-round domestic flights to and from the mainland airports of Madrid and Barcelona.
There are a large number of airline carriers that offer their services to the Ibiza airport, but the majority of International flights are offered seasonally. Ibiza's tourist season lasts from May to October. Airlines that use Ibiza airport as their hub for the Balearic Islands include the budget carriers, Rayanair and Vueling, Thomas Cook Airlines, Thompson Airlines, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Niki, Neos, British Airways, TUIfly, Iberia Express, Jet2.com, Monarch, Luxair, Air Europa, Bmibaby, Germanwings and Condor Flugdienst. When planning your holiday, be sure to check with your carrier as to whether its offers are seasonal or year-round, as schedules may vary.
Londoners planning a visit to Ibiza will check into the Heathrow/Gatwick Airport. Accept that you will probably be leaving at a very odd hour as most of the flights are red-eye; leaving at 23:00 or later, with early flights leaving at 6:00.
Flights leaving to Ibiza are more expensive over the weekend, and return flights to London most expensive on Mondays. While you can save money on budget carriers, their luggage and weight allowances are limited. If you are travelling heavy, the cost of your flight could be the same as with using a more expensive carrier like British Airways, which allows more liberal standards luggage weight and carry-on baggage.
Most airlines will allow passengers to check in online through their web sites prior to travelling to the airport. You will receive your boarding pass when checking in, allowing you to proceed directly to the security check points, provided you are carrying only hand-held luggage. Passengers accessing the boarding area must pass through a metal detector arch and anything they are carrying, including baggage, jackets, mobile phones, etc., must undergo an X-ray inspection.
Before going through the security checkpoint, passengers will be asked for their boarding passes. Be sure to print off all your travel documents for a safe, uncomplicated flight. Flight time can run between five to nineteen hours, depending on whether it's a direct flight or one that involves transfers.
Initially, IBZ was established as a military airport during the Spanish Civil War, which took place between 1936-1939. After the war, it continued to be used as an emergency transport hub, but closed down in 1951. However, when the Balearic Islands began to acquire interest among international travellers as a desirable tourist location, the airport was redesigned as a commercial facility and opened to business on April 1, 1958.
Growing demand for its services has caused the airport to expand and redevelop its services several times. It's now an attractive service area with one terminal and a number of transport options for arriving at Ibiza's centre. Car rental desks can be found in the terminal at level 0. Rental services include Avis, Europcar, Hertz and National Atesa. Offices are open from 7:00 until 23:00.
Line 10 busses operate a shuttle service between the airport and the bus station. Bus stops are located next to the terminal. Busses run every fifteen minutes during the peak season of July and August and every twenty minutes during the rest of the summer season. Winter busses run every thirty minutes.
The airport is located 7.5 km from Ibiza town. Taxis are always available. The minimum fare for a taxi is EUR 3.25, with an average fare costing around EUR 15.00.
Tour operators are available at IBZ during the high season from May to October. They help travellers with orientation and a number of tour offers. Tour operators can be found at the arrivals hall.
The IBZ airport is a wonderful place to relax before or after your flight. Dining is available at the Ars, located at the airport and serving a variety of sandwiches, pastries, filled rolls, coffee and soft drinks. To get that special buzz going, you can settle back with your favourite coffee blend at the Espression Lavazza.
Take advantage of some of the best prices in town at the airport's duty free shops. Shopping includes food products, pharmaceutical supplies, clothing and gifts for the home.
Ibiza is very conscientious about its environment, and this includes its airport policies. The airport contains its own power plant, which transform high-voltage energy into low voltage through ten sub-stations located throughout the facility. Water is supplied through wells and distributed through four networks that are used separately for drinking, fire fighting, flush valves, and irrigation. Drinking water is purified in an inverse osmosis plant. The airport encourages the use of recycling to reduce the amount of waste eliminated at dumping sites. It uses a system of birds of prey to keep wildlife reduced within the airport grounds naturally.


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I was living in the US for 10 years and moved back to Singapore in 2014. At that time, I had a one month old, a 1.5 year old and a 4 year old. Because I worked full time and intend to work full time here, we began in earnest to look for a school even before we moved. In the US, they went to a high quality daycare on my husband's company campus. We were used to very high standards of care, teachers who love their charges and a warm caring environment. Our relocation consultant took us to numerous pre-schools, child/infant care facilities including a number of "prestigious" pre-schools. We eventually decided to send all our kids to Agape Little Uni at Orange Grove because nowhere else did we experience such commitment from the teachers, administrators, the focus on learning through experiencing, the creativity with which the teachers impart new knowledge. Also, I wanted my kids to grow up humble, grounded and I was fearful of them developing a sense of entitlement. With Agape at Orange Grove, my fears were allayed. The teachers and learning environment, the focus on independence made them more mature.
Over the past 2 years, the kids have learnt so much, they picked up Mandarin quickly, made great friends, started to build their Singapore identity, interacted well with the diverse student community. My husband and I could not be happier with the choice of school. It is with much sadness that we are packing up to leave Singapore again because of my husband's job. I am glad however, that Agape@OG has made the two years here very special and enriching for my kids. Just want to share with fellow parents before I leave.
Agape Little Uni @ Orange Grove
Discuss specific Playgroups, Infant Care, Child Care & Pre-school service providers here.


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Popular property highlights
Comfort Inn East is located 2.9 mi (4.7 km) from Eastland Mall and within a 10-minute drive of Swonder Ice Arena. This hotel has 108 rooms and welcomes guests with conveniences like free breakfast, an outdoor pool, and free in-room WiFi. Angel Mounds State Historic Site is also nearby.
Start your day off right with a free buffet breakfast. At the end of the day, the bar/lounge is a great place to grab a drink.
All of Comfort Inn East's 108 rooms are air-conditioned and have an array of amenities, including microwaves, refrigerators, and coffee makers. Guests can expect to find free WiFi and plasma TVs with cable channels. Beds sport premium bedding and bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries. Free local calls, ironing boards, and desks are also available.
Property features
At Comfort Inn East, guests enjoy features like an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and free WiFi in public areas. Free parking is available if you drive. The 24-hour front desk has staff standing by to help with dry cleaning/laundry and securing valuables. Additional amenities include a meeting room, a 24-hour business center, and a seasonal outdoor pool.
- Free buffet breakfast
- Free WiFi in rooms and public areas
- Free parking
- Bar/lounge
HighlightsInformation missing or incorrect? Tell us!Opens in a new window
Comfort Inn East
Hotel Amenities
Hotel Amenities
Comfort Inn East features an outdoor pool and a fitness center. A bar/lounge is on site where guests can unwind with a drink. A complimentary breakfast is offered. Public areas are equipped with complimentary wireless Internet access.
This hotel offers access to a 24-hour business center and a meeting room. This business-friendly hotel also offers gift shops/newsstands, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and laundry facilities. Onsite self parking is complimentary.
Comfort Inn East is a smoke-free property.
- 24-hour front desk
- Total number of rooms - 108
- Bar/lounge
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Free newspapers in lobby
- Free breakfast
- Fitness facilities
- Gift shops or newsstand
- Laundry facilities
- One meeting room
- RV, bus, truck parking
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- 24-hour business center
- Free self parking
- Smoke-free property
- Outdoor pool
- Outdoor seasonal pool
- Free WiFi
Family Friendly Amenities
- Family Hotel
- Outdoor pool
- Free Wi-Fi
- Laundry facilities
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi
Free self parking, RV, bus, truck parking
Room Amenities
Comfort Inn East offers 108 air-conditioned accommodations with coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. Beds feature premium bedding. Plasma televisions come with premium cable channels. Guests can make use of the in-room refrigerators and microwaves.
This Evansville hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks along with free local calls (restrictions may apply). Additionally, rooms include irons/ironing boards and complimentary toiletries. Housekeeping is provided daily.
- Premium TV channels
- Air conditioning
- Premium bedding
- In-room climate control (air conditioning)
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Daily housekeeping
- Free toiletries
- Desk
- Cable TV service
- Coffee/tea maker
- Free local calls
- Hair dryer
- Iron/ironing board
- Plasma TV
- Connecting/adjoining rooms available
- Cribs/infant beds (surcharge)
- Rollaway/extra beds (surcharge)
- Free WiFi
Where to Eat
Guests are offered a complimentary buffet breakfast.
Nearby Things to Do
Recreational amenities at the hotel include an outdoor pool and a fitness center.
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please note them at check-out when you book your room.
- Accessible bathroom
- Roll-in shower
- In-room accessibility
Hotel Policies
Check-in time ends at 3 PM
Check-in time starts at 3 PM
Check-out time is noon
Payment types
Children and extra beds
- Children are welcome.
- Kids stay free! Children 18 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.
- Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 10 per stay.
- Cribs (infant beds) are available for USD 0.00 per stay.
- Pets allowed for an extra charge of USD 20.00 per pet, per night
- 2 per room
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy.
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges.
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.
Optional extras
- Pet fee: USD 20.00 per pet, per night
- Crib (infant bed) fee: USD 0.00 per stay
- Rollaway bed fee: USD 10 per stay
Hotel Name
- Comfort Inn East
- Comfort Inn East Evansville
- Comfort Inn East Hotel
- Comfort Inn East Hotel Evansville
- Evansville Comfort Inn
- Comfort Inn Evansville
We should mention
Children 18 years old and younger stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding. The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation.


text:
Last Minute Goodbyes
It's almost time to depart again
Voices shouting through my mind
And when I leave, I want you to know
My heart was never blind.
Dreaded day comes before my eyes
I always wish we had more time
But the day will soon come again
That I find my piece of mind.
Together, days seem to breeze right by
There ain't enough hours in a day
Falling sand in the hourglass
Will never sit the same way.
Don't wanna look back on this time we had
Inside my shell facing regret
Instead, I wanna take a Polaroid
Freeze time to make best of it.


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OTC Offers New 30-Ton King Pin Pusher Set
The tool uses hydraulic force to assist technicians when changing king pins and brake anchor pins on heavy-duty vehicles.
The Website Forum on www.schoolbusfleet.com/forum called Professional Garage has recently been hit with questions from various individuals about the differences between hub-piloted and stud-piloted wheels. There seems to be some confusion about these two types of wheels, their application and the number of visible hand holes or valve stem access holes in the disc wheel assembly.
At best, it has been very difficult to advise people as to these differences in the short amount of space allowed in the Forum pages. Subsequently, this article is intended to address these differences in a more detailed manner in hopes of answering these questions.
Clearing the confusion
There are many different types and sizes of wheels on school buses today. Many, such as multi-piece wheels and demountable rims, were manufactured years ago and are still in use today, mostly in aging fleets. For the purposes of this article, I will focus on tubeless disc type wheels that are in use today on Type C and D buses. Safety and training information about all types of wheels is available from Accuride Corp. on their Website at www.accuride.corp.com.
All wheels are stamped with identification numbers and letters. This is required by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 120. These stamps indicate several different things like wheel size, type, where the wheel was manufactured and that it was manufactured to meet U.S. Department of Transportation specifications. Wheel identification numbers also include the load and inflation rating allowable for the wheel.
There are not, however, any stampings that designate specifically whether a wheel is hub-piloted or stud-piloted. Identification between these two types of wheels is usually made by the visible differences in the wheels such as the stud bolt hole diameter and lack or existence of a chamfer around the stud bolt hole. Also, the center diameter of the large hole, which fits over the axle hub, will be slightly smaller on the hub-piloted wheels.
It is very important not to mix stud-piloted wheels (chamfered bolt holes) and hub-piloted wheels (smaller diameter bolt holes with no chamfer) for an application. Your tire people need to be trained to distinguish the two types of wheels and hub assemblies. The type that comes off must go back on, assuming the correct wheels were installed to begin with. It is especially important that one of each does not get installed in the dual position side by side because the inner wheel cannot be seen in the assembly. Mixing of wheel types will allow one wheel to be off center, and nuts will not properly secure the wheels to the hub. This is a safety issue that requires very close attention.
Setting up configurations
The proper mounting of dual hub-piloted wheels involves both wheels being in contact with the hub at their centers, and the proper two-piece flange nut being used (see Figure 1 on pg. 50). The improper method has one hub-piloted wheel on the inner position and a stud-piloted wheel on the outer position (see Figure 2 on pg. 50).
One way to determine if the inner wheel is being used correctly is by the stud size. Wheel studs for stud-piloted wheels in the dual position are three-fourths of an inch in diameter with 16 threads per inch in the left- and right-hand thread configuration. Hub-piloted studs are 22 millimeters in diameter in both single and dual positions, and therefore the inner nut of a stud-piloted system would be too small to fit on the 22-millimeter stud.
The second way to determine correct usage is by looking closely for a space between the inner and outer wheel mating surfaces (see Figure 2). Such a space is due to the inner nut not having a chamfer to seat against on the inner wheel. Also, the inner and outer nuts may appear to be bottomed against each other, which causes improper wheel clamping force of the outer wheel. This would be a very dangerous mounting combination.
A hub-piloted assembly with stud-piloted wheels is evident by looking at two locations: One, the chamfered larger stud holes on both wheels and two, clearance between the hub flange and the center pilot hole of the wheels. With a two-piece flange nut, one can identify a hub-piloted assembly with incorrect wheels attached (see Figure 3). Remember, stud-piloted wheels use an inner and outer tapered nut for fastening. These configurations, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, will cause the wheel/hub assemblies to fail. Nothing is holding the wheel centered on the hub or stud, and clamping force is minimized in both.
Two-hand vs. five-hand
I contacted Bill Noll, technical engineer for Accuride Corp., with some questions about bus wheels. I asked Noll if there was a reason behind the availability of two-hand hole or five-hand hole wheels. He responded by telling me that the original tubeless wheels in the industry were all welded under the drop center of the rim. When radial tires came out in the trucking industry in the early 1970s, they caused cracking of the rims at the attachment weld. At this time, all standard heavy truck wheels were five-hand holes.
Then a new design of tubeless wheel came out, which was approved for radial tires. To make sure everyone could tell the difference, they were made with two-hand holes. Now all wheels, two- and five-hand hole, are approved for radial tires, and the old wheels are out of service. Therefore, two-hand hole and five-hand hole wheels can be used interchangeably. Many fleets have stayed with the two-hand hole wheels because they don't want the mixed appearance in their fleets. Theoretically, the two-hand hole would be stronger because it has fewer holes, but all wheels are capable of supporting their load rating regardless of the number of hand holes. Again theoretically, you would get more air circulation with a five-hand hole wheel, though testing does not support this claim because the difference is probably too small.
History of the market
I asked Noll what reasons were behind production of hub-piloted wheels. To my surprise, he said that this system has been around since the 1930s. The advantages for the system were better alignment on the hub (better run-out) and less nut chamfer distortion and wear. The hub-piloted system became the standard in Europe in the 1980s, but in the U.S., the truckers still liked the interlocking of the inner wheel separately from the outer wheel in the double cap nut stud piloted system.
In the early 1990s, the popularity of the hub-piloted system grew in the U.S. Two things helped this growth. The first was the non-continuous center pilot for the wheels, as seen in the photo above. Note the four ears protruding from the center of the wheel. Originally, these did not exist, but the hub had a continuous ring. A similar configuration exists on the rear axle hub. This helped eliminate the wheel sticking problem.
The advance in the design of the two-piece flange nut also helped the hub-piloted system gain popularity. The two-piece flange nut (see below) eliminated bolt hole chamfer wear and improved nut torque retention. But early two-piece flange nuts had some cracking problems in the nut flange. Confidence in this system grew, and it is the most popular today.
Noll says that the reasons for the market moving from stud-piloted wheels are simple: One, the system uses fewer components, and you do not have to worry about left-hand and right-hand nuts and studs, and two, because of the better alignment as stated above.
Torque, lubrication issues
I have heard the term clamping force used more with hub-piloted wheels than any other system. Clamping force is exactly what it implies, and a higher, more uniform clamping force is obtained with hub-piloted wheel/hub assemblies. Says Noll, "The original standard stud in the stud piloted system was grade five." One hub manufacturer, he says, stated that only grade five studs should be used because they stretch and give better nut torque retention.
One problem with stud-piloted wheels was that if the torque levels got too high, the stud would break. The literature always specifies nut torque (dry) for stud-piloted wheels to prevent excessive nut torque. Lubricating the nuts and studs eliminates friction, which is exactly what nut torque measures (resistance to rotation). However, lubricating the stud can cause high clamping force that can break a grade five stud. With the hub-piloted system, nuts and studs can be lubricated.
Excessive lubrication on the nut or stud will affect cosmetics of the wheel (oil streaks from the bolt holes). However, it is not recommended to lubricate the mounting surface of the wheel. This will affect the clamping force in the wheel. With the two-piece nut system, more of the clamping force is going into the wheel because it uses lubricated threads and lubricated rotating surfaces. Essentially, less torque is lost in friction.
Therefore, more clamping force is generated into the wheel. This is the reason that one nut can hold both of the wheels of a dual assembly on the rear axles. Prior to installing the two-piece nut, place a couple of drops of oil between the nut hex and the flange. This will help lubricate the two mating surfaces and help prevent corrosion from forming there.
I noticed after looking at the make-up of the two types of fastening systems that the improved clamping force of the new two-piece hub-piloted nut is obvious. Hold the two types in your hand and look at the contact area of the nuts. The stud-piloted nuts have a small chamfered area that contacts the wheel. This places force not only toward the hub for clamping force but also outward away from the hub. So in effect, a portion of the clamping force is used for centering the wheel to the hub, whereas the total contact surface of the hub-piloted nut is pressing the wheel to the hub.
Hub diameters
In my observations of the two types of wheel systems, I noticed that the hub-centering pilot diameter appeared to be the same in late-model stud-piloted and hub-piloted configurations. When I mentioned this to Noll, he said that many hubs are made to be used with both. "However, there are many hubs that have different pilot diameters to fit specifically a hub-piloted or stud-piloted wheel," he said.
The hub-piloted bore diameter of the wheel is 8.66 inches. On the stud-piloted system, it's 8.72 inches. The difference of 0.06 inch is not easily determined by the eye. This is why you must know the other means of identifying the differences between these two wheel systems.
Cleaning up corrosion
Many have commented that they have periodic problems removing the wheels from the hub due to corrosion. Suggestions have been made in the Website Forums of a few different methods of handling this situation. My suggestion is this: When the wheel is off, clean all corrosion from the hub centering pilots and center bore of the wheel by using emery paper or a Scotch Brite pad. A light coat of rust-inhibitive paint should be applied, allowing time to dry. Then apply a few drops of oil or similar lubricant to the centering pilots on the hub.
I prefer using disc brake caliper rail grease, which contains an anti-corrosive lubricant. Rail grease is heavier than anti-seize and does not fling off as easily. These lubricants may get washed off over time, and if removal is still difficult, you might have to invest in a wheel puller specifically made to do the job. Several are available on the market specifically for this purpose. One I know of is the Kiene Wheel Grabber, stock #84453, which is available through Myer's Tires Supply, or you can contact Kiene Diesel Accessories directly at (800) 264-5950. Attachments are available for just about any axle configuration on a school bus.
Studs, nuts and rims
A few of the buses in my fleet came with an odd set up of studs and nuts on the steering axle. This occurred at about the time of the transition period between stud-piloted and hub-piloted wheels. They had a hub-piloted hub and a stud-piloted wheel. The mounting studs were smaller than those normally found on either system, and the nuts were of the tapered stud-piloted design with a small-diameter threaded hole for the small stud. I assumed I could place hub-piloted wheels on these front axles if I replaced the mounting studs and used the hub-piloted mounting nuts.
When I mentioned this to Noll, he told me that there was an attempt to make a universal hub during this industry changeover period. However, I also may have been seeing some other variations, he said. "What you probably have is a 3/4-16 stud on the front, instead of the more common 11/8-16 stud. Some vehicle manufacturers such as Volvo preferred this arrangement," he told me. "You might also be seeing the metric stud that is 22 millimeters and not as large as the standard 1 1/8-16 stud."
Demountable rims, or Dayton-style rims, have been around for a long time. Demountable rims do not have a permanently attached center. They are mostly used nowadays in school bus configurations and semi-trailers. My recommendation is to stay away from them, if at all possible. If you have them in your fleet, I recommend phasing them out as soon as possible. When you buy new vehicles, specify disc- style hub-mounted tubeless rims.
In summary, training is the key to understanding wheel and rim differences, care and safety. Contact Accuride Corp. and they will help you follow the proper safety and training routines at no cost. Follow their simple training plan, and refer to the available wheel charts to match wheel components.
Brad Barker has been a school bus mechanic for 30 years and is currently shop supervisor for Park City (Utah) School District.
Related Topics: school bus specs, tires/wheels
I would love to be able to see the pictures referred to in the article. Where could I find them?
The tool uses hydraulic force to assist technicians when changing king pins and brake anchor pins on heavy-duty vehicles.
The Driver Alert Message Sign is designed to help reduce illegal passing of school buses by improving direct line of sight visibility for oncoming drivers.
According to the Virginia DOE, as many as 4,000 buses may be missing the state-required device, which prevents the parking brake from accidentally disengaging.
The school bus contractor is using an analytics platform from ByteCurve to enhance data analysis at its operations.
The engine manufacturer officially endorses and recommends two Power Service products: Diesel Kleen and Diesel Fuel Supplement.
The school bus manufacturer's new site incorporates a dynamic design and a news service feed, along with product-related offerings.
Thomas Built Buses is now offering a feature called Diesel Particulate Filter Temperature Stabilization, aka "Stay Warm," on its buses with Cummins diesel engines.
Teresa Stroble, a driver for District Five Schools of Spartanburg County (S.C.), is hailed for quickly evacuating 56 students when they noticed smoke.
Lee's Summit's purchase of Thomas Built C2 CNG buses continues the district's conversion of its fleet to compressed natural gas.
The Guidanz app enables customers to read prioritized engine fault codes and other key engine information wherever they are operating.
Congress' new appropriations bill for fiscal year 2017 includes $60 million for EPA's clean diesel grant program.
The school bus manufacturer is now offering Allison Transmission's FuelSense 2.0 for new buses with Allison transmissions ordered on or after May 1.
Humble ISD and San Antonio ISD in Texas are ranked in this year's edition of the list, which recognizes exemplary fleet performance.
Dossier 6.6 features new inspection integration tools for business systems and expanded telematics.
The school bus company is honored with an award for its maintenance program in Spokane, Washington, and receives a 100% score on an inspection of one of its Minnesota fleets.
Get the latest news and most popular articles from SBF delivered straight to your inbox. Stay on top of the school bus industry and don't miss a thing!


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Expanding Warzone 2100
The release of the new version 2.2 of the realtime strategy game Warzone 2100 comes with improvements in graphics and game-balance.
The GPL variant is based on the Eidos Interactive commercial game of the same name. Problems with mini-maps and map previews have been fixed and the fog mode can be set to user preferences.
Developers have improved weapons-systems and changed the rules to allow a more balanced game. For example, double experience points are no longer possible in campaign mode, and Ripple Rockets won't autoupgrade to Archangel.
Translations have been revamped and a mod/music directory for the use of custom music has been added. More changes include an increase of savegame slots to 36 and user-defined video volume. A complete Changelog can be found here.
After experiencing routing problems, the official domain wz20100.net now appears to be back on line. The download section has Windows and Fedora Core versions of the game, with the source code also available.
Issue 199/2017
Buy this issue as a PDF
Red Hat Announces OpenShift.io
Red Hat takes its IDE online.
Microsoft Bakes Linux into Windows Server
Microsoft is slowly becoming a Linux vendor.
Fearless Coyote, Linux Kernel 4.11 is Out
The new kernel makes swap implementation more scalable, which will help cloud providers.
Docker Appoints Steve Singh CEO
The new CEO comes from a very strong SaaS background.
Docker Announces Linux Kit and Moby Project
Both projects help organizations build their own containerized systems.
Ubuntu Returns to Gnome as Its Mobile Plans Shatter
Mark Shuttleworth has resumed the position of CEO of Canonical.
Microsoft is Shutting Down CodePlex
Microsoft's open source code hosting platform CodePlex will come to an end after a more than 10-year stint.
Fedora 26 Alpha Released
Comes with Gnome 3.24
Old Linux Kernel Bug Discovered
The bug was introduced back in 2009 and has been lurking around all this time.
OpenSSH 7.5 Released
The new release deprecates the sshd_config UsePrivilegeSeparation option.