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Patent US7640996 - Walking beam and tire system for an earthmoving scraping device - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inPatentsAn earthmoving scraping device has a bowl-shaped frame with walls and a frame floor that define an interior for transporting material and a walking beam system for the rear wheels thereof that includes a suspension arm pivotally connected between the back end of the frame and a beam, the beam having...http://www.google.com/patents/US7640996?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US7640996 - Walking beam and tire system for an earthmoving scraping deviceAdvanced Patent SearchTry the new Google Patents, with machine-classified Google Scholar results, and Japanese and South Korean patents.Publication numberUS7640996 B2Publication typeGrantApplication numberUS 12/234,019Publication dateJan 5, 2010Filing dateSep 19, 2008Priority dateOct 2, 2007Fee statusLapsedAlso published asUS20090095496Publication number12234019, 234019, US 7640996 B2, US 7640996B2, US-B2-7640996, US7640996 B2, US7640996B2InventorsJohn P. MoynaOriginal AssigneeCaterpillar Inc.Export CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (34), Non-Patent Citations (2), Referenced by (5), Classifications (39), Legal Events (4) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetWalking beam and tire system for an earthmoving scraping device
US 7640996 B2Abstract
An earthmoving scraping device has a bowl-shaped frame with walls and a frame floor that define an interior for transporting material and a walking beam system for the rear wheels thereof that includes a suspension arm pivotally connected between the back end of the frame and a beam, the beam having first and second axles on separate sides of the beam. Connected to the axles is a tire system that includes a cylindrical metal rim with an outer surface and a plurality of solid tire segments, each of the tire segments having at least one track that is connected to a mounting plate, the mounting plates being circumferentially positioned adjacent to the outer surface of the rim.
1. An earthmoving scraping device, comprising:
a bowl-shaped frame having a front end, a back end, and opposing first and second side walls extending upwardly from a frame floor, the first side wall, second side wall, and floor defining an interior of the frame for transporting material;
at least one walking beam including:
a suspension arm having a first end and a second end, the first end of the suspension arm pivotally connected to the back end of the frame;
a beam having a front end, a back end, and first and second sides, the second end of the suspension arm being pivotally connected to the beam;
a first axle extending from the first side of the beam and a second axle extending from the second side of the beam; and
a tire system connected to each axle, the tire system including a cylindrical metal rim and a plurality of solid tire segments, the cylindrical metal rim including an outer surface, each tire segment including at least one track connected to a mounting plate, the mounting plates circumferentially positioned adjacent to the outer surface.
2. The scraping device of claim 1, further including a cylinder operatively connected between the back end of the frame and the suspension arm.
3. The scraping device of claim 1, wherein the scraping device includes a first walking beam and a second walking beam, each independently connected to the back end of the frame.
4. The scraping device of claim 3, further including a first cylinder connected between the back end of the frame and the suspension arm of the first walking beam, and a second cylinder connected between the back end of the frame and the suspension arm of the second walking beam.
5. The scraping device of claim 1, wherein the mounting plates include an outer surface connected to the at least one track, and an inner surface having a plurality of studs that extend through aligned openings of the rim.
6. The scraping device of claim 1, wherein the tire system further includes a plurality of fasteners connecting each mounting plate to the rim, each fastener extending through an opening in the rim and an aligned opening in the adjacent mounting plate.
7. The scraping device of claim 1, wherein each tire segment includes a single track, the track having an inner surface conforming in dimension to an outer surface of the mounting plate.
8. The scraping device of claim 1, wherein each tire segment is identical.
9. The scraping device of claim 1, wherein the rim and plates have aligned protrusions and recesses that engage the rim and plate.
10. The scraping device of claim 1, wherein the plates and tracks have aligned protrusions and recesses that engage the plates and tracks.
11. An earthmoving scraping device, comprising:
a bowl-shaped frame having a front end, a back end, and opposing first and second side walls extending upwardly from a frame floor, the first side wall, second side wall, and floor defining an interior of the bowl-shaped frame for transporting material;
a first walking beam and a second walking beam, each independently connected to the back end of the frame, each walking beam including:
a suspension arm having a first end and a second end, the first end of the suspension arm pivotally connected to the frame;
a beam having a front end, a back end, and first and second opposite sides, the second end of the suspension arm being pivotally connected to the beam, the front end of the beam being proximate the back end of the frame;
a first axle extending from the first side at the front end of the beam;
a second axle extending from the second side at the back end of the beam; and
12. The scraping device of claim 11, further including a first cylinder connected between the back end of the frame and the suspension arm of the first walking beam, and a second cylinder connected between the back end of the frame and the suspension arm of the second walking beam.
13. The scraping device of claim 11, wherein the first axle of the first walking beam and the first axle of the second walking beam extend outwardly in opposite directions from a central longitudinal axis of the scraping device.
14. The scraping device of claim 11, the tire system further including a plurality of fasteners connecting each mounting plate to the rim, each fastener extending through an opening in the rim.
15. The scraping device of claim 11, wherein each tire segment is identical.
16. The scraping device of claim 11, wherein the rim and mounting plates have aligned protrusions and recesses that engage the rim and mounting plates.
17. An earthmoving, towed scraping device, comprising:
a tongue extending from the front end of the frame and connected to a hitch;
a beam having a front end, back end, and first and second opposite sides, the second end of the suspension arm being pivotally connected to the beam, the front end of the beam being proximate the back end of the frame;
18. The scraping device of claim 17, each walking beam further including a cylinder connected between the back end of the frame and the suspension arm of the walking beam.
19. The scraping device of claim 17, wherein the first axle of the first walking beam and the first axle of the second walking beam extend outwardly in opposite directions from a central longitudinal axis of the scraping device.
20. The scraping device of claim 17, the tire system further includes a plurality of fasteners connecting each mounting plate to the rim, each fastener extending through an opening in the rim.
This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 12/199,449, filed Aug. 27, 2008, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 11/906,472, filed Oct. 2, 2007, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
The present disclosure relates generally to tire and suspension systems for off-highway machinery, and more particularly, to a combination of a walking beam and tire system for an off-highway machine such as a scraper.
The present invention generally relates to a walking beam system, a tire system and a method for using the walking beam system and the tire system. The walking beam system and the tire system may be attached to an earthmoving scraping device and may allow the earthmoving scraping device to travel over various types of surfaces. The walking beam system, the tire system, and the method for using the walking beam system and the tire system may have a central beam, one or more axles, and two forks having bearings. The central beam may transversely support a load of the earthmoving scraping device. One or more tires may be attached to the axles of the central beam. As a result, the walking beam system may provide stability, may allow the attached earthmoving scraping device to smoothly travel over irregularities in a road, and/or may provide increased ground clearance.
The walking beam system, the tire system and the method for using the walking beam system and tire system may include a rim to which is mounted a plurality of tire segments, each tire segment including a mounting plate and at least one track. The rim may attach to multiple tire segments via the mounting plates, wherein each mounting plate is separated from adjacent mounting plates by a distance. The tire segments may contain one or more tracks which may be connected, mounted, and/or laminated to the mounting plates. The tire segments may be removably attached to the rim, and the rubber tracks may be removably attached to the mounting plates. Each tire segment may be removed and replaced upon being damaged. As a result, quick and/or efficient removal of damaged tires and minimized costs associated with fixing a damaged tire as well as work delay associated with fixing the damaged tire may result.
Earthmoving generally involves breaking up the soil of the construction area. The soil may be used in the existing project and/or hauled away to a remote site. Like other construction projects, highway construction often requires an earthmoving step. To ensure safe and smooth roads, soil must be broken down and removed before paving of a roadway begins.
Highway systems are vital parts of any economy. Highways allow goods to be transported across the country and around the world. Furthermore, the travel of cars, trucks and other vehicles provides economic stimulus to areas they pass through. Given such importance, building roads and maintaining existing ones is undertaken by national governments and local municipalities throughout the world.
Removal of earth materials is performed by several different machines with the decision regarding use of specific machinery determined by the type of project. Several factors to be considered are the type of material to be removed, removal distance and the ultimate plans for the materials. Choosing the proper machine factors significantly into the final costs of the project. Using the wrong equipment for a project results in delays that lead to inefficient expenditure of labor and/or money. As a result, the process of removing earth materials may result in an economic burden to the overall cost of the project. Therefore, construction projects require use of the proper equipment as well as efficient and successful performance of the equipment.
Typically, earthmoving equipment, such as scrapers, may carry large volumes of materials. Scrapers may be towed or self-propelled. One such scraper has a frame shaped like a bowl and a lip that serves as a wall to prevent soil or other materials from leaving the bowl. To aid in removal and containment of materials, the lip may be attached to a cylinder which raises or lowers the lip. A blade is attached near the bottom of the bowl and below the lip. As the scraper is moved across an area of soil to be broken, the blade of the scraper may press into the soil, and the soil may be collected within the bowl. The lip is lowered to prevent the material from exiting the bowl during transport of the bowl to another area. After the soil is transported to a desired location, the collected material may be deposited by raising the lip to provide an open area to allow removal of the material from the scraper.
Many different types of scrapers have been built, including pull-scrapers, motor scrapers, twin-engine scrapers, paddle wheel scrapers, and auger scrapers. Transportation of the loads of these scrapers has always been subject to inefficient delays because many models include rudimentary tire systems that allow road irregularities to impede travel. In addition, commonly known tire systems are prone to damage that necessitates repair before further scraper use. As a result, a need exists for a scraper that also has more efficient and/or consistent scraper operation.
Many scrapers have areas that become worn and are costly for the user to maintain and/or to repair. One of these areas is the axle and tire area. Due to the rough terrain and heavy loads carried by the scraper, the tires and the axles may be subject to extensive wear. Sunken tracks or grooves in the road may form as construction machines travel along unpaved roads. The sunken tracks may inflict tire or axle damage or cause scrapers to get stuck in the channels. It may be difficult to remove the heavy, material-filled scrapers after the same becomes stuck. A stuck scraper may cause efficiency problems because the project is delayed, and construction ceases until the scraper is unloaded and freed from the rut. Furthermore, the unevenness of the roads causes these machines to vibrate. Vibration causes greater stress on the roadways, which further exacerbates the formation of road grooves. Vibration transmitted through rigid tire systems stresses the frame of the machinery which increases the likelihood of structural damage that necessitates repair.
Grooves or channels formed in the roads often results in lower productivity as tire damage becomes a greater possibility. Uneven roads and the channels that form as a result cause cuts, punctures, snags, tears, or complete tire blowouts. Flat or damaged tires can hinder completing a project within budget, particularly if tire damage occurs frequently or at a remote distance construction site.
Therefore, tire selection and maintenance plays an important role because productivity and/or payload unit costs depend on reliable and cost effective performance. Furthermore, improper tire inflation places additional stress on the tire system of the machine, resulting in tire damage. Since large scraper tires are difficult to replace, damaged tires may slow down the progress of any project that may result in project stoppage until a new tire is found or a new machine is secured. In either case, damaged tires often result in slowed work that increases the likelihood of cost over-runs.
The type of topography and/or soil scraped affects the overall performance of scrapers. Scrapers are inefficient in moist, rough, and/or rocky terrain. Rough terrain and bad weather may further strain the tires of the scraper and/or may require additional maintenance. When scraping earth materials in those environments, scrapers often need help from other machines to make full contact with the ground. Furthermore, certain topography and grades of land do not allow for efficient use of the scraper that causes problems related to clearance issues.
A need, therefore, exists for a walking beam system, a tire system and a method for using the walking beam system and the tire system that allow earthmoving equipment to function in a reliable and/or efficient manner in collection and/or removal of materials.
The present invention generally relates to a walking beam system, a tire system and a method for using the walking beam system and the tire system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a walking beam system, a tire system and a method for using the walking beam system and the tire system which may contain a beam system for providing stability and ground clearance. The beam system may have a central beam transversely supporting a load. The central beam may have one or more axles in a parallel spaced relation. The axles may be on opposite sides of the central beam. The axles may connect one or more tires to the central beam. The walking beam system may also have one or more forks with bearings that attach the central beam to the device to be moved.
The present invention relates to a tire system and a method for using the tire system to engage a surface with at least one tire to provide movement for an attached earthmoving machine. The tire system may have a rim with one or more mounted tire segments attached to the rim. The tire segments may be removable and may be connected and/or bolted to the rim by a fastening device. The rim of the tire may be made from a metal material such as, for example, steel.
The tire segments include a mounting plate connected to one or more tracks. Each track may fit to the same dimensions as that of the associated mounting plate. Furthermore, each individual track may have an outer surface forming a determined portion of the total outer circumference of the tire. The tire segments may be separated from each other by a defined distance.
The walking beam system and/or the tire system may be attached to a scraping device containing a frame having a first end and a second end. The scraping device may have a front wall and back wall attached to the frame that may create an open-air, bowl-shaped interior. The scraping device may also have a lip pivotally attached to the first end. An ejecting mechanism may be provided to remove collected materials. The scraper may have a blade attached to the bottom of the frame. As the scraper moves across the ground, the blade may chop the surface and/or may push the materials into the bowl.
In an embodiment of the present invention, a scraping device is provided. The scraping device has a frame having walls defining an interior and further having a length defined between a first end and a second end wherein the second end is in a position opposite to the first end wherein opposing walls of the frame connect the first end to the second end of the frame; and a suspension arm having a first fork wherein the first fork has at least two prongs projecting from the first fork; a beam having a front end, a back end in a position opposite to the front end, a first side, a second side in a position opposite to the first side and a first pivot between the front end and the back end wherein the first pivot is connected to the first fork to allow the beam to rotate relative to the first fork. The scraping device has a first axle attached to the front end of the beam on the first side of the beam; and a second axle attached to the back end of the beam on the second side of the beam wherein the second axle is parallel to the first axle.
In an embodiment, the scraping device has a second fork having at least two prongs projecting from the second fork wherein the first fork attaches to the first side of the beam and the second fork attaches to the second side of the beam.
In an embodiment, the scraping device has a cylinder that connects the suspension arm to the frame wherein the cylinder provides movement of the suspension arm relative to the ground independent of movement of the frame.
In an embodiment, the scraping device has a second pivot that connects the suspension arm to the frame and allows vertical rotation of the suspension arm relative to the frame.
In an embodiment, the scraping device has a blade attached to the frame wherein the blade projects from a bottom of the frame.
In an embodiment, the scraping device has a plurality of tires connected to the frame wherein a first tire of the plurality of tires resides on the first axle and extends in a direction rearward past the second end of the beam and a second tire of the plurality of tires resides on the second axle and extends in a direction forward past the first end of the beam.
In another embodiment, a tire system for moving a scraping device is provided. The tire system has a rim; a plurality of tire segments including mounting plates radially connected to the rim wherein each of the plurality of mounting plates is separated from adjacent ones of the plurality of mounting plates by a defined distance wherein the plurality of mounting plates form a circumference wherein each one of the plurality of mounting plates forms a defined portion of the circumference; a fastener that connects the rim to the mounting plates; and a plurality of tracks is connected to the plurality of mounting plates.
In an embodiment, each one of the plurality of rubber tracks is laminated onto one of the mounting plates.
In an embodiment, the plurality of rubber tracks conforms to sizes of the mounting plates.
In an embodiment, the tire segments and/or mounting plates are identical.
In an embodiment, the defined portion of the circumference is the same for each one of the mounting plates.
In an embodiment, the plurality of tracks is removably connected to the plurality of mounting plates so that one of the plurality of tracks is removable by a user and replaceable with a substitute track.
In an embodiment, each one of the plurality of mounting plates has only one track attached.
In an embodiment, the plurality of mounting plates are removably connected to the rim so one of the plurality of tire segments is removable from the rim and replaceable with a substitute tire segment.
In an embodiment, the tire system has an axle rotatably attached to the rim.
In another embodiment, a method for collecting a material from a ground surface is provided. The method for collecting a material from a ground surface comprises the steps of providing a scraping device having a frame having walls defining an interior wherein the walls have an interior surface and the frame has a length defined between a first end and a second end further wherein a first opening exists at the first end and wherein the scraping device has a lip connected to the first end of the frame which is raised to uncover the opening at the first end; connecting a beam to the scraping device so that the beam vertically rotates with respect to the ground surface; connecting two axles to the beam so that each axle is located on a different side of the beam and further wherein each axle resides adjacent to a different end of the beam; attaching a tire to each axle wherein each tire has a rim and a plurality of tire segments, each tire segment having a mounting plate connected to a track, the mounting plates radially connected to the rim, wherein each one of the mounting plates is separated from an adjacent one of the mounting plates by a defined distance wherein each one of the mounting plates forms a defined portion of a circumference of the tire; and attaching tracks to the plurality of mounting plates.
In an embodiment, a method for collecting a material from a ground surface is provided further comprising the step of attaching a blade to the scraping device.
In an embodiment, a method for collecting a material from a ground surface is provided further comprising the step of moving a plate positioned at the second end of the frame toward the first end of the frame to force the material through the opening in the first end.
In an embodiment, a method for collecting a material from a ground surface is provided further comprising the step of removing one of the rubber tracks from the mounting plates and replacing the one rubber track with a substitute track.
In an embodiment, a method for collecting a material from a ground surface is provided further comprising the step of removing one of the plurality of mounting plates from the rim and replacing the one of the plurality of mounting plates with a substitute plate.
It is, therefore, an advantage of the present invention to provide a walking beam system, a tire system and a method for using the walking beam system and the tire system which may provide an earthmoving device with efficient travel over various topographies, including topographies that have irregularities in the ground surface, reducing the risk of delays associated with damage to the machine and attached tires.
Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a walking beam system, a tire system and a method for using the walking beam system and the tire system which may have one or more axles allowing one or more tires to be connected to the axles which provide movement, support and/or spacing between the tires needed for around clearance.
A further advantage of the present invention is to provide a walking beam system, a tire system and a method for using the walking beam system and the tire system which may have removable fasteners for attaching the mounting plates to the rim.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide a tire that may regain functionality by the replacement of one component rather than replacing the entire tire.
A still further advantage of the present invention is to provide a walking beam system, a tire system and a method for using the walking beam system and the tire system that provides stability to an earthmoving device relative to an attachment between a frame and a tire.
Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a walking beam system, a tire system and a method for using the walking beam system and the tire system that allows an earth moving device to have increased ground clearance so that heightened areas in a road do not interrupt travel of the device.
Further, an advantage of the present invention is to provide a walking beam system, a tire system and a method for using the walking beam system and the tire system which may have one or more tires containing multiple, removable mounting plates attached to a rim providing a system for an airless tire which eliminates the possibility of a flat tire.
FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of the earth moving scraping device in an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the earth moving scraping device in an embodiment of the invention.
FIG, 3A illustrates a perspective view of the walking beam system in an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3B illustrates an overhead view of the walking beam system in an embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate side views of the walking beam system in an embodiment of the present invention that includes a suspension arm.
FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C illustrate side views of the walking beam system in an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 illustrates an overhead view of an earth moving scraping device that includes two beam systems and multiple tires attached in an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of the tire system in an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an earthmoving scraping device of one embodiment shown with a combination of a walking beam and tire system.
FIG. 9 illustrates a partially exploded view of one embodiment of a tire system in accordance with the disclosure.
FIG. 10 illustrates a partially exploded view of another embodiment of a tire system in accordance with the disclosure.
FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a mounting plate for a tire system in accordance with the disclosure.
FIG. 12 illustrates a partially exploded view of another embodiment of a tire system in accordance with the disclosure.
FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-section of another embodiment of a tire system having interlocking rims and mounting plates.
The present invention generally relates to a walking beam system, a tire system and a method for using the walking beam system and the tire system. The walking beam system 100 may have a central beam 102 having a first end 103 and a second end 104. The central beam 102 may transversely support a load of an earthmoving scraping device 1. A first axle 106 may be attached to the central beam 102 at the first end 103 and a second axle 107 may be attached to the central beam 102 at the second end 104.
Referring now to the drawings wherein like numerals refer to like parts, FIG. 1 illustrates a scraping device 1 for which the walking beam system 100 and the tire system 200 may provide movement and/or stability. The scraping device 1 may have a bowl-shaped frame 2 having a floor 17 and walls 13 defining an interior 3 into which materials may be collected and/or transported. A blade 10, which may allow soil to be broken apart by the scraping device 1, may be attached to the frame 2 at front end 22 along an edge of floor 17. Adjacent to the blade 10 may be a router bit 82 which may assist in cutting into materials and may prevent the materials from causing wear to the scraping device 1.
FIG. 2 illustrates an elevated view of the frame 2. A lip 20 may be attached to the frame 2 at a front end 22 of the frame 2. The size of the lip 20 may prevent materials within the frame 2 from falling from an opening (not shown) at the end 22 of the frame 2. The lip 20 may be pivotally connected to the frame 2 at points 29 a, 29 b on the sides 28, 30, respectively, of the lip 20. Cylinders 24, 26 may be attached to the lip 20 on the sides 28, 30 at points 63 a, 63 b. The cylinders 24, 26 may be partially shielded by flaps 55 that may be attached to the lip 20. The cylinders 24, 26 may be attached to the frame 2 at the front end 22 of the frame 2.
An ejector plate 36 may be positioned at a back end 38 of the frame 2. In addition, a guard 7 may be attached to, or integrally formed with, the ejector plate 36. The guard 7 may be a planar wall and may extend vertically from the ejector plate 36. Further, the guard 7 may prevent materials accumulated within the frame 2 from falling behind the ejector plate 36. The ejector plate 36 may move toward, or away from, the lip 20. As the ejector plate 36 moves forward, the materials within the frame 2 may be pushed by the ejector plate 36 through the opening within the frame 2.
The frame 2 may be connected to a hitch 4 by a tongue 57. The hitch 4 may allow the scraping device 1 to be connected to a tractor (not shown) or other vehicle. The tractor may pull the scraping device 1 along an area, such as, for example, an area of grass or soil to be broken and/or collected. Tires 80 may be associated with the scraping device 1 to enable the scraping device 1 to be transported.
As illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the walking beam system 100 may have a central beam 102 with a first end 103 and a second end 104. The central beam 102 may be connected to an earthmoving scraping device 1 to transversely support a load of the device 1. A first axle 106 may attach to the first end 103 of the central beam 102. A second axle 107 may attach to the second end 104 of the central beam 102 so that the pivot 115 may be located between the first axle 106 and the second axle 107. The first axle 106 may attach to a first side 116 of the central beam 102. The second axle 107 may attach to a second side 117 of the central beam 102 opposite in position to the first side 116 of the central beam 102. The first axle 106 may be separated from the second axle 107 by a distance 111. Multiple axles may be attached to the central beam 102 and may allow multiple tires (not shown) to connect to the central beam 102. At the pivot 115, a first pivot shaft 118 and a second pivot shaft 120 may extend from the central beam 102.
As illustrated in FIG. 4A, a suspension arm 150 may connect the central beam 102 to the scraping device 1. The suspension arm may have a first (front) end 158 that is pivotally connected at second pivot 152 to rear end 38 of frame 2, and a second (back) end 160 that is pivotally connected to the beam 102. As shown, the suspension arm 150 may provide a non-linear connection between pivot point 152 and pivot 115. For example, as shown, the suspension arm 150 may have a first portion 168 connected to the rear end of the frame 38 and a second portion 170 that extends downward from the first portion 168, forming an angle 166. The first portion 168 and second portion 170 of the suspension arm may be disposed perpendicular to each other, wherein angle 166, as shown, is a 90 degree angle.
A first tire 109 may be rotatably connected to the central beam 102 via the first axle 106, and a second tire 110 may be rotatably connected to the central beam 102 via the second axle 107. The suspension arm 150 may have a first fork 112 and/or a second fork (not shown). The first fork 112 and/or the second fork 113 may contain bearings (not shown). The first fork 112 and the second fork may connect to the central beam 102 at a first pivot 115 on the central beam 102. The first fork 112 may connect to the central beam 102 on the first side 116 of the central beam 102, and the second fork may connect to the central beam 102 on the second side 117 of the central beam 102. The first pivot shaft 118 may project from the first side 116 of the central beam 102 and may insert between prongs 119 of the first fork 112, and the second pivot shaft 120 may project from the second side 117 of the central beam 102 and may insert between prongs of the second fork. The second fork may be parallel to the first fork 112, and the forks may be perpendicular to the axles 106, 107. Alternatively, only one fork may be used to connect the central beam 102 to the frame 2 of the scraping device 1.
Referring again to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the distance 111 between the first axle 106 and the second axle 107 may be small relative to the size of the tires 109, 110. The first tire 109 may extend rearward toward the second end 104 of the central beam 102 past the first pivot 115. The second tire 110 may extend forward toward the first end 104 of the central beam 102 past the first pivot 115. Preferably, the distance 11 may be such that the first tire 109 extends rearward to a point past the second end 104 of the central beam 102, and the second tire 110 extends forward to a point past the first end 103 of the central beam 102. In a preferred embodiment, the distance 111 between the first axle 106 and the second axle 107 is approximately one foot. However, the distance 111 may be from approximately one inch to approximately four feet.
As illustrated in FIG. 4A, the suspension arm 150 may be connected to back end 38 of frame 2 of the scraping device 1 by a cylinder 151. A first end 162 of the cylinder being connected to the back end 38 of the frame, and a second end 164 of the cylinder being connected to the suspension arm 150. In one embodiment, the second end of 164 of the cylinder may be connected to a pivot disposed on an upper surface 174 of the first portion 168 of the suspension arm 150. If the central beam 102 moves, such as, for example, during travel over irregularities in a road, the cylinder 151 may allow the suspension arm 150 to move without transmitting vibrations from the suspension arm 150 to the frame 2 of the scraping device 1. Because the cylinder 151 may lessen vibrations of the frame 2 of the scraping device 1, the cylinder 151 may provide smooth travel. By keeping the frame 2 of the scraping device 1 at a consistent position relative to the ground, the angle of the blade 10 of the scraping device 1 may be maintained at a consistent angle.
The suspension arm 150 may rotate vertically relative to the ground. In a preferred embodiment, the suspension arm 150 may be rotatably attached to back end 38 of frame 2 of the scraping device 1 at a second pivot 152. For example, the suspension arm 150 may rotate in a position upward in response to upward movement of the central beam 102 that may be caused by a road irregularity, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B. The rotation of the suspension arm 150 in response to the upward movement of the central beam 102 may preclude vertical movement from being transmitted to the frame 2. The cylinder 151 may further absorb vertical movement if the suspension arm 150 rotates. Therefore, the suspension arm 150 of the walking beam system 102 may maintain the scraping device 1 at a consistent position relative to the ground and may provide smooth travel for the scraping device 1.
The central beam 102 may rotate vertically relative to the ground at the first pivot 115 while the pivot shafts 118, 120 are held between the first fork 112 and the second fork (not shown). For example, the central beam 102 may rotate in response to irregularities in the road that may cause vertical movement of the first tire 9 upwards and vertical movement of the second tire 10 in a direction downward. If the central beam 102 is connected to the frame 2 of the scraping device 1, the rotation of the central beam 102 in response to the road irregularities may preclude vertical movement being transmitted from the tires 109, 110 to the frame 2 of the scraping device 1. Therefore, the walking beam system 2 may maintain the scraping device 100 at a generally consistent height despite road irregularities, such as bumps or divots. As a result, smooth travel is provided by maintaining clearance below the device and/or by maintaining an angle of the blade 10.
For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, as the scraping device 1 travels over an irregularity 145 in the road, such as a bump or mound of material, the first tire 109 may rotate vertically upward relative to the frame 2 to traverse the irregularity. As a result, the first end 103 of the central beam 102 may also rotate vertically upward relative to the frame 2, as illustrated in 4A and 4B. Correspondingly, the second tire 110 and the second end 104 of the central beam 102 may rotate in a direction vertically downward relative to the frame 2. As the first tire 109 traverses the heightened irregularity 145, the first tire 109 and the first end 103 of the beam may rotate in a direction vertically downward relative to the frame 2. Because the tires 109, 110 may move vertically in response to the bump without moving the frame 2 of the scraping device 1, the scraping device 1 may maintain a generally consistent distance 140 from the road and/or may smoothly travel the road without transfer of stress and/or vibration.
If the scraping device 1 travels across a depression 146 in the road, such as a divot or a pothole, the first tire 109 may rotate in a direction vertically downward relative to the frame 2 to traverse the road depression. As a result, the first end 103 of the central beam 102 may rotate in a direction vertically downward relative to the frame 2, as illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5C. Correspondingly, the second tire 110 and the second end 6 of the central beam may rotate vertically upward relative to the frame 2. As the first tire 109 traverses the depression 146 in the road, the first tire 109 and the first end 103 of the beam may rotate in a direction vertically upward relative to the frame 2. Because the tires 109, 110 may move in a direction vertically in response to the depression 146, the scraping device 1 may maintain the generally consistent distance 140 from the road and thus traverse irregularities in the road.
In addition, vertical movement of the first tire 109 and/or the second tire 110 may cause the suspension arm 150 to rotate at the second pivot 152, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Rotation of the suspension arm 150 may further prevent vertical movement of the tires 109, 110 from being transmitted to the frame 2 of the scraping device 1. The cylinder 151 may absorb shock and may allow the suspension arm 150 to rotate without transfer of the movement of the suspension arm 150 to the frame 2 of the scraping device 1. Because the suspension arm 150 may move vertically in response to the road, the scraping device 1 may travel the road without transfer of stress and/or vibration to the frame 2.
In a preferred embodiment, two walking beam systems 100, 101 may be utilized, as illustrated in FIG. 6. The walking beam systems 100, 101 may be attached to a scraping device 1 so that the walking beam systems 100, 101 are adjacent one another. For example, the frame 2 of the scraping device 1 may have a left side 154 and a right side 156. A first walking beam system 100 may reside near the left side 154 of the frame 2, and a second walking beam system 101 may reside near the right side 156 of the frame 2. The walking beams 100,101 may be disposed on opposing sides of longitudinal axis 15, the first (front) axles 106 disposed at the first (front) end of the beam being proximate the back end 38 of the frame 2 and extending outwardly from the longitudinal axis 15 in opposite directions. Accordingly, rear (second) axles 107 extend inwardly, towards axis 15.
As shown, the walking beam systems 100, 101 are independently connected to the back end 38 of the frame 2 via their respective pivot points 152 such that the walking beams 100,101 may move independently of each other for a more level and smooth ride over adverse terrain.
FIGS. 7 and 9 illustrate one example of the disclosed tire system 200. The tire system 200 may be used to move earthmoving equipment and/or may be connected to the walking beam system 100 as shown in FIG. 8. The tire system 200 generally includes a cylindrical rim 202 and detachable tire segments 203 a-203 h having mounting plates 204 a-204 h and tracks 208 a-208 h. Rim 202 is generally cylindrical, having an outer surface 216 bounded by inner 218 and outer 220 circumferential edges, relative to the position of the axle, and having a radius 222 from wheel axis 224. The rim 202 may be rotatably attached to an axle hub 214 (FIG. 8) via, for example, circumferentially disposed openings 212.
The mounting plates 204 a-204 h may be attached, connected and/or bolted to the rim 202 by fasteners 206. The rim 202 may include a plurality of spaced openings 226 that are aligned with corresponding plate openings 228 (FIG. 11) for receiving fasteners 206. In an alternative embodiment (FIG. 9), mounting plates 204 a-204 h may include a plurality of threaded studs 228 extending from inner surface 230. Fasteners 206 and/or studs 228 may include a threaded end for receiving corresponding nuts for tightening the mounting plates 204 a-204 h to the rim 202. Alternative methods of fastening the mounting plates 204 a-204 h to the rim 202, for example, via clamps, or bolts that engage radially extending portions of either the mounting plates or rim (not shown), should be appreciated by those of skill in the art.
In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 10, the rim 202 may include a retaining and/or protective portion 232 that extends radially outward from one or both of edges 218, 220. As shown, portion 232 may be a circumferential lip that extends over a portion of tire segments 203 a-h, including mounting plates 204 and/or at least a portion of tracks 208. In one embodiment, portion 232 extends over a portion of sidewall 234 of the tire, providing protection and/or support to the tracks 208 and, in particular, the junction between the mounting plates 204 and tracks 208. In an alternative embodiment, retaining portion 232 may include alternately positioned and/or shaped flanges or tabs that extend from outer surface 216 and/or edges 218,220. For example, spaced apart arcuate lips may be positioned about the circumference of the rim 202. Other configurations should be apparent to those of skill in the art.
Tire damage commonly occurs at the sidewalls 234 during off-highway operations, and portion 232 may provide additional tire protection, increasing the life of the tire segments 203 and decreasing machine downtime. Lip 232, or other configured portion 232, may also provide support against lateral forces moving against the tire segments 234 that may dislodge the tire segments 234, tracks 208, and/or damage fasteners 206 or studs 228.
In an alternative embodiment, shown in FIG. 11, mounting plate 204 may include one or more retaining portions 248, 250. As shown, the arcuate mounting plate 204 includes first and second side edges 252, 254. Retaining portions 248 may extend radially outward, providing retention and/or protection for the tracks 208. Retaining portions 250 may be provided on first and/or second side edge 252, 254 to engage outer and/or inner edges 218, 220 of the rim. These inwardly extending retaining portions 250 may also serve as a guide for installation, making it easier to align the openings 228 with rim openings 226, and partially securing the mounting plates 204 while the fasteners 206 are placed and secured.
In yet another embodiment, shown in FIG. 12, the rim 202 and mounting plates 204 a-h may be provided with mating recesses (grooves) 256 and protrusions 258 that serve to guide positioning and/or resist movement of the tire segments 203 during machine operation. This may relieve some of the loads applied to the fasteners during operation and decrease the possibility of tire segments 203 becoming misaligned or dislodged. As shown, the protrusions 258 may be in the form of transversely disposed ridges that extend between the edges 218, 220 of the rim, with corresponding transversely disposed grooves 256 on the inner surface 230 of mounting plates 204. Alternatively, the protrusions 258 may be disposed on the mounting plates 204, with corresponding grooves 256 disposed on the rim 202. Numerous other forms of protrusions 258, such as bumps, cylindrical or other shaped extensions, in numerous orientations, angled, offset, and like, may also be employed. Other embodiments (FIG. 13) may include protrusions 258 that interlock with the corresponding surface, such as where the protrusions 258 include a first radial portion 260 with an interlocking portion 262 positioned perpendicular thereto. The mounting plate 204 would then be positioned on the rim 202 by sliding the tire segment 203 into position along the grooves 256, and then, optionally, fastened into place. Similar protrusions/recesses 264,266 may be disposed between the tracks 208 and mounting plates 204 (FIG. 12).
Tracks 208 a-208 h may be connected, such as by lamination, adhesives, bonding, fasteners, or a combination thereof, to the mounting plates 204 a-204 h. Tracks 208 may include sidewalls 234 and an outer surface 236 that typically includes a tread 238 having conventional lugs 240 and grooves 242. As shown in FIG. 7, the tread 238 may consist of transversely oriented, spaced lugs 240. An alternative embodiment for off-highway earthmoving machinery is shown in FIGS. 8-10, and 12. Numerous configurations of treads may be made available that are suitable for a wide range of operating conditions and are well known in the art. For example, in heavy or wet clays, relatively open, deep treads may be preferable. Alternatively, in drier (low moisture) or sandy conditions, relatively thin treads may be preferable. In rocky, hard, uneven terrain, the thickness of the tire may be reduced to provide less sidewall that may be damaged. However, this may be balanced against the need for thicker, more resilient treads to absorb greater shock loads. The composition of the treads may also vary, typically being made of rubber, metals and composites. These and other considerations are well known in the art of tire and tread design. In fact, it is contemplated that tire segments of differing characteristics can be provided in connection with the disclosed tire system to suit specific or changing applications for more efficient machine operation.
The rubber tracks 208 a-208 h may conform to sizes and/or shapes of the mounting plates 204 a-204 h. That is, the tracks 208 may have an inner surface 244 that has substantially the same defining dimensions as outer surface 246 of mounting plates 204. As shown in FIGS. 7, 9, 10, and 11, one rubber track may be connected to the mounting plates 204 a-204 h. However, it is contemplated that multiple tracks, of the same or varying size and/or type, may be connected to a single plate 204. For example, two or more tracks could be positioned circumferentially and adjacent one another on the same mounting plate.
The mounting plates 204 a-204 h may be separated from each other by defined distances 210 a-210 h. In an embodiment, the defined distances 210 a-210 h may each be less than one inch. In another embodiment, the defined distances 210 a-210 h may be equal. In a preferred embodiment, the defined distances 210 a-210 h may each be approximately ⅛ of one inch.
The mounting plates 204 a-204 h may form a circumference. In a preferred embodiment, the circumference is circular. Each of the mounting plates 204 a-204 h may form a portion of the circumference. In an embodiment, each of the mounting plates 204 a-204 h may form an equal portion of the circumference. For example, an embodiment having five mounting plates (not shown) may have the mounting plates 204 a-204 h that are each about 20% of the circumference. In an alternative embodiment, mounting plates 204 of differing size or configuration may be disposed on the same rim 202. For example, plates 204 of alternating length 268 may be provided.
The tire system 200 may allow an attached scraping device 1 to travel the road by contacting the road with the rubber tracks 208 a-208 h. As the rim 202 rotates, each of the rubber tracks 208 a-208 h successively contacts the road. For example, as the rim 202 rotates, a first rubber track 208 a may contact the road, subsequently a second rubber track 208 b may contact the road, and so on, to allow the rotation of the tire system 200 and/or to provide movement to the scraping device 1.
In operation, the scraping device 1 (FIG. 8) may be employed in earthmoving operations. In the event that one or more of the tire segments 203 become worn or damaged, or the environmental or soil conditions change, it may be desirable to change out one or more of the tire segments 203. In conventional tire replacement operations, this may require bulky hoists or other tire replacement machinery that may not be available at the worksite, and significant machine downtime. In the currently disclosed system, the machine may be moved to a position where the tire segment 203 to be replaced is at an accessible position, the fasteners 206 released, and the new tire segment 203 put into position. In one embodiment, the overall dimensions and weight of the tire segments 203 may be selected to optimize this process. For example, the dimensions of the tire segments 203 may be selected to allow a single operator to lift, remove and position the tire segments 203 with greater efficiency, and without bulky or specialized equipment.
The tire system 200 may be used with the walking beam system 100 and the scraping device 1 to provide stability, ground clearance, and movement to the scraping device 1. Movement may be provided by the tire system 200 which may be the first tire 109 and/or the second tire 110 that may be mounted in the walking beam system 100. One purpose of conventional tires is to provide a flexible cushion between the machine 1 and operating surface. The walking beam system 100 is designed to provide a smoother ride over adverse terrain, which allows for a wider range of tracks 208 to be selected which may not have the cushioning capacity of traditional air-filled tires.
Patent CitationsCited PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS2078501Nov 27, 1935Apr 27, 1937Heil CoRoad scraperUS2131947Nov 26, 1935Oct 4, 1938Los Angeles Steel Casting CompSheep foot tamperUS2312471Aug 3, 1940Mar 2, 1943Low John JSheep foot tamperUS3040638Feb 18, 1959Jun 26, 1962Atkinson Guy F CoSheep's foot tamperUS3099191Jan 25, 1960Jul 30, 1963Perry Averette ThomasSheep foot tamperUS3358569Jul 30, 1965Dec 19, 1967James R TweedySheep foot tamperUS3474550Dec 27, 1966Oct 28, 1969Deere & CoCarrying-type scraper with horizontally movable apronUS3962804Mar 3, 1975Jun 15, 1976Westinghouse Air Brake CompanyScraper having forwardly swingable apron and full width pivoted strikerUS4217962Oct 5, 1978Aug 19, 1980Schaefer Michael JHydraulically operated grade scraperUS4446902Aug 26, 1982May 8, 1984Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements MichelinTires for drive wheels of agricultural tractors or similar vehiclesUS4490929Mar 1, 1983Jan 1, 1985Geoffrey LucasGrading apparatus and framework thereforUS4723870Jan 16, 1986Feb 9, 1988Martinez Morris PWheel assembly for soil compactor devicesUS4823421Jul 1, 1987Apr 25, 1989Eriks Holding N.V.Hydraulic lip actuator for dock levelerUS4950102Jan 27, 1988Aug 21, 1990Zeitz James HWheel compaction unitUS5452489Sep 21, 1993Sep 26, 1995Systems, Inc.Dock leveler with automatic end barrierUS5460460Mar 1, 1994Oct 24, 1995The Serco CorporationScissors lift dock levelerUS5501058Aug 31, 1994Mar 26, 1996Kawasaki Steel CorporationCoil packing line equipped with independently reciprocating carriagesUS5531283Aug 29, 1994Jul 2, 1996Bush Hog CorporationDrivetrain and load bearing swivel hitch assemby and combine incorporating sameUS5728327Jul 8, 1994Mar 17, 1998Borcoman; Mirce AMethod, barrel subunits and units, service installations and assembly structures for the fabrication of moldable products, particularly based on concreteUS6016856Feb 26, 1998Jan 25, 2000Hynes; JohnTraction device for tiresUS6021829Jul 18, 1996Feb 8, 2000The Goodyear Tire & Rubber CompanyAll-terrain-vehicle tireUS6041528 *Sep 23, 1998Mar 28, 2000Harvey Mfg. Corp.High performance ejector scraperUS6328115Aug 22, 2000Dec 11, 2001Jimmy Carter, Jr.Stabilizer for dirt scraperUS6347670Mar 17, 2000Feb 19, 2002Richard B. MiskinEarth moving scraperUS6360393Sep 14, 2000Mar 26, 2002Kelley Company, Inc.Method for converting a dock leveler to a dock leveler operated with an inflatable member and a dock leveler produced by the sameUS6615929Mar 20, 2001Sep 9, 2003Savannah Smooth Roads, LlcMethod and apparatus for high speed gradingUS6910289Feb 27, 2003Jun 28, 2005Cj Moyna + Sons, Inc.Scraping device and a system and a method for collecting materialsUS7044070 *Feb 5, 2004May 16, 2006Kasco Manufacturing Company, Inc.Seed drill with walking beam assemblyUS7117953May 31, 2005Oct 10, 2006Moyna John PScraping device and a system and a method for collecting materialsUS7316252Nov 19, 2001Jan 8, 2008Nathaniel HeardModular tireUS20020056556Oct 18, 2001May 16, 2002Deere & Company, A Delaware CorporationTowed implementUS20060123674Feb 13, 2006Jun 15, 2006Moyna John PScraping device and a system and a method for collecting materialsUS20070039212Oct 27, 2006Feb 22, 2007Moyna John PScraping device and a system and a method for collecting materialsWO1983003785A1Apr 30, 1982Nov 10, 1983Koyo Chuki Co., LtdMolten metal filling table in molding machine* Cited by examinerNon-Patent CitationsReference1U.S. Appl. No. 11/906,472, filed Oct. 2, 2007, "Walking Beam System, Tire System and Method for Using the Walking Beam System and the Tire System," pp. 1-22, figs 1-7.2U.S. Appl. No. 12/199,449, filed Aug. 27, 2008, "A Walking Beam System for a Scraping Device," pp. 1-20, figs 1-7.Referenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS7980282 *Sep 18, 2008Jul 19, 2011Caterpillar Inc.Tire system for an off-highway machineUS20090095389 *Sep 18, 2008Apr 16, 2009Caterpillar Inc.Tire system for an off-highway machineUS20140124226 *Jun 14, 2011May 8, 2014Jose Leoncio Valdez HernandezScraper including a dual discharge mechanism comprising a pivoting tray and an ejectorWO2015143301A3 *Mar 20, 2015Nov 12, 2015Murtha Donald JExcavatorWO2016109882A1 *Dec 21, 2015Jul 14, 2016Ashley SawatskySplit walking beams for raising and lowering respective sides of a vehicle or implement frame to control a tilt angle or height thereof* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification172/799.5, 37/381International ClassificationE02F3/76, A01B15/00Cooperative ClassificationB60B11/00, B60C7/08, B60G2300/04, B62D63/06, B62D53/06, B60B2360/50, B60G2204/128, B60B19/00, B60B2360/102, E02F3/65, B60G2206/122, B60G2204/148, B62D61/00, B60G2204/143, E02F3/652, B60B2310/305, B60C11/00, E02F3/6481, B60G5/02, B60B2900/212, B60G2300/09, B60Y2200/20, B60G2200/318, B60G2204/129European ClassificationB60B11/00, E02F3/65D, E02F3/64T6, B60C11/00, B60B19/00, B62D63/06, B60C7/08, B62D61/00, B62D53/06, E02F3/65, B60G5/02Legal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionDec 18, 2008ASAssignmentOwner name: CATERPILLAR INC., ILLINOISFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:MOYNA, JOHN P.;REEL/FRAME:022048/0997Effective date: 20081217Aug 16, 2013REMIMaintenance fee reminder mailedJan 5, 2014LAPSLapse for failure to pay maintenance feesFeb 25, 2014FPExpired due to failure to pay maintenance feeEffective date: 20140105RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services

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Parental smoking during pregnancy and its association with low birth weight, small for gestational age, and preterm birth offspring: a birth cohort... - PubMed - NCBI
1 selected item: 23850094
Pediatr Neonatol. 2014 Feb;55(1):20-7. doi: 10.1016/j.pedneo.2013.05.005. Epub 2013 Jul 12.
Ko TJ1, Tsai LY2, Chu LC3, Yeh SJ4, Leung C4, Chen CY5, Chou HC5, Tsao PN5, Chen PC6, Hsieh WS7.
Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University, College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Pediatrics, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, Panchiao, Taiwan.
Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University, College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Pediatrics, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, National Taiwan University, College of Public Health, Taipei, Taiwan.
Department of Pediatrics, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, Panchiao, Taiwan.
Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University, College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, National Taiwan University, College of Public Health, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Public Health, National Taiwan University, College of Public Health, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University, College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University, College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan. Electronic address: hsiehws@ntu.edu.tw.
Our study population was acquired from the Taiwan Birth Cohort Study. Between June 2005 and July 2006, 21,248 postpartum women were interviewed 6 months after their deliveries by a structured questionnaire. The parents were divided into four groups according to the amount of smoking during preconception, the first trimester, and the second and third trimesters. The relationships of parental smoking with gestational age and birth weight during the different pregnancy stages were assessed using multivariate linear regression. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals of preterm delivery, LBW, and SGA infants during the different parental smoking status and the different pregnancy stages.
After adjusting for the physical and socioeconomic status of the parents and for paternal smoking during the same period, we found that maternal smoking decreased birth weight. Compared with the nonsmoking groups, all the maternal smoking groups had higher incidences of LBW, SGA, and preterm birth infants, especially when the mothers smoked >20 cigarettes/day. The association of paternal smoking with LBW, SGA, and preterm birth infants was insignificant.
Maternal smoking is responsible for increased incidences of LBW and preterm delivery of babies, and therefore, smoking cessation/reduction should be advised to pregnant women to reduce morbidities in their neonates. Further studies are needed to clarify the correlation of fetal health with passive smoking, including exposure to environmental tobacco smoke and to other smokers in the family.
birth cohort; low birth weight; preterm; smoking
Low birth weight, preterm births, and intrauterine growth retardation in relation to parental smoking during pregnancy. [Pediatr Neonatol. 2014]
23850094
10.1016/j.pedneo.2013.05.005

type: global

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Patent US7009508 - Method and apparatus for determining a brake overheating condition - Google Patents
A vehicle includes at least one wheel and an associated brake. Especially if the vehicle is traveling down an incline, the brake may overheat from prolonged use. The present invention provides an operator warning device which alerts the operator to a possible or actual brake overheat condition, based...http://www.google.com/patents/US7009508?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US7009508 - Method and apparatus for determining a brake overheating condition
Publication number US7009508 B2
Application number US 10/217,071
Also published as DE10331831A1, US20040036592
Publication number 10217071, 217071, US 7009508 B2, US 7009508B2, US-B2-7009508, US7009508 B2, US7009508B2
Inventors Daniel P. Vertenten
Patent Citations (30), Referenced by (5), Classifications (10), Legal Events (5)
Method and apparatus for determining a brake overheating condition
US 7009508 B2
Optionally, the logic of FIG. 2 b is applied between blocks 202 and 206 of FIG. 2 a, in order to bring in the incline factor of the brake overheat warning system 120. Should the incline option be included, control leaves FIG. 2 a at point A. I is read at sixth control block 214. At first decision block 204, I is compared to Icrit, a predetermined value of the minimum incline, or a range of acceptable inclines, for which the brake overheat warning system 120 is operational. If I is greater than (for a fixed Icrit value) or falls outside (for an Icrit range) Icrit, then control returns to the logic of FIG. 2 a at point B; otherwise, control returns to first control block 200 in FIG. 2 a.
At third control block 206, a calculated brake overheat value Eval is determined from V, P, and D. Eval represents the likelihood that the brake 110 has overheated or will do so shortly, depending upon the warning type chosen by the user. The warning type (imminent or actual overheat event) may be factory-preset or chosen by an operator or owner. The precise nature of Eval may be an equation or summing of signals, an example of which is shown in FIG. 2 a, a lookup table, or any other suitable means of combining and/or weighting V, P, and D in a desired manner. Historical V, P, and D values may also be taken into account when calculating Eval. The relationship of V, P, and D which produces Eval is specific to the vehicle and may be readily determined by one skilled in the art. Once Eval is determined in the chosen manner, control passes to second decision block 208.
If the vehicle 100 has stopped, control passes from first decision block 300 to first control block 302, where the WSD value is obtained. The WSD value is predetermined from a lookup table, equation, clock, or other suitable source and indicates a duration for the actuation of the operator warning device 118. The WSD is then sent to the operator warning device 118 at second control block 304. At the expiration of the WSD period, the operator warning device 118 is automatically deactivated or otherwise indicates to the operator that the vehicle 100 has been stopped for long enough that the brake should have cooled sufficiently to avoid the overheat event. The WSD value may also or instead be based on a sensed temperature of the axle or brake 110. From second control block 304, control then passes back to point D of FIG. 2 a.
US4569600 Mar 24, 1983 Feb 11, 1986 Allied Corporation Brake temperature sensor
US5812053 Feb 21, 1997 Sep 22, 1998 Kovack; Gary A. Brake heat gauge
US6112859 Apr 18, 1997 Sep 5, 2000 Shuck; Robert Brake system warning device
US6119059 Mar 26, 1998 Sep 12, 2000 Institute Of Occupational Safety And Health, Council Of Labor Affairs, Executive Yuan Advanced warning device for monitoring the working conditions of hydraulic brakes system of motor vehicles
US6334655 Mar 12, 2001 Jan 1, 2002 Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha Braking control apparatus for vehicles
US9598058 * Apr 14, 2015 Mar 21, 2017 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Air-guiding device for cooling the brakes in a motor vehicle
US20150217734 * Apr 14, 2015 Aug 6, 2015 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Air-Guiding Device for Cooling the Brakes in a Motor Vehicle
U.S. Classification 340/453, 340/449, 340/454
International Classification B60Q1/00, F16D66/00, B60T17/22
Cooperative Classification F16D2066/001, F16D2066/006, B60T17/221
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:VERTENTEN, DANIEL P.;REEL/FRAME:013191/0051


text:
59% Off Oil Changes and Tire Rotation in Covina - Our King Auto Repair | Groupon
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Improved tire life allows wheels to accomplish all the items on their bucket lists, like bouncing with the bulls in Spain and volunteering post-retirement as a swing. Cultivate your car's quality of life with today's Groupon: for $25, you get two oil changes and a tire rotation, plus 15% off additional services, at Our King Auto Repair in Covina (a $60.50 value).
Our King Auto Repair's technicians are certified to perform every service from the speediest oil transfusion to the most in-depth radiator transplant, ensuring capable hands perform each service. Technicians begin by draining defiled fluids from the engine and replacing the filter before adding up to five quarts of clean, golden oil, allowing motor parts to move properly and preventing fried eggs from sticking to the engine. Meanwhile, tire rotations rearrange wheel shoes to ensure they wear evenly and live long, functional lives. The two oil changes can be redeemed on separate occasions, or both can be used at once on an auto-maintenance outing between friends or an attempt to woo the local meter maid. While engines are pampered, owners can savor a custom cup from the Keurig coffeemaker in the shop's 1950s-themed lobby or take advantage of complimentary shuttle service.
Dan Adema smiles when he sees an engine light lit up. The pieces to this puzzling statement begin to fall into place when you learn he's an ASE-certified master technician who specializes in diagnostics. He showcases his talents each day at Our King Auto Repair, a AAA-approved automotive maintenance and repair facility. Adema and his team of technicians augment their work by offering a drop-off service and a free shuttle, as well as a two-year, 24,000-mile warranty. If the service is minor, customers can wait in the facility's '50s-themed lobby, with retro couches, automotive antiques, and complimentary coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, depending on whether the Keurig machine's grumpy, contemplative, or overjoyed. Customer Reviews
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Weight Watchers Weight Loss That Lasts: Break Through the 10 Big Diet Myths by Rippe, Weight Watchers |, Paperback | Barnes & Noble®
by Rippe, Weight WatchersRippe
Break through the 10 big diet myths!In this book, renowned expert Dr. James Rippe and Weight Watchers give you the scientific knowledge you need to break through the myths, get off the dieting roller coaster, and shed those pounds for keeps.Believers Beware!MYTH #1 You can't lose weight and keep it offMYTH #2 A few extra pounds don't matterMYTH #3
Weight Watchers Weight Loss That Lasts: Break Through the 10 Big Diet Myths available in
Break through the 10 big diet myths!In this book, renowned expert Dr. James Rippe and Weight Watchers give you the scientific knowledge you need to break through the myths, get off the dieting roller coaster, and shed those pounds for keeps.Believers Beware!MYTH #1 You can't lose weight and keep it offMYTH #2 A few extra pounds don't matterMYTH #3 Willpower is the key to successful weight lossMYTH #4 You can lose weight with exercise aloneMYTH #5 Calories don't matteravoid fats or carbs to lose weight successfullyMYTH #6 You can't lose weight if you have the wrong metabolism or genesMYTH #7 You can boost your metabolism by what, how, and when you eatMYTH #8 It doesn't matter how you take the weight off; you can think about keeping it off laterMYTH #9There is only one right approach to losing weightMYTH #10 Your weight is your problem, and you need to solve it on your own"Incisive and refreshing. James Rippe and Weight Watchers expose a series of ten myths pervasive in the weight-loss industry, revealing both the kernels of truth they contain and how they have been misinterpreted and distorted."Claude Bouchard, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University
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JAMES M. RIPPE, M.D., is Associate Professor of Medicine at the Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston. He is the founder and Director of the Rippe Lifestyle Institute in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, one of the largest nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle medicine research organizations in the United States. KAREN MILLER-KOVACH is Chief Scientific Officer of Weight Watchers International, Inc. Weight Watchers meetings provide the coaching and tools to help people make positive changes for lasting weight loss.

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TEHRAN, Iran – Iran said this weekend it has uncovered spy rings organized by the United States and its Western allies, claiming on state-run television that the espionage networks were made up of "infiltrating elements from the Iraqi occupiers."
The allegations Saturday come just two days before ambassadors of the US and Iran are to sit down in Baghdad to discuss ways to ease the Iraq crisis. It remains unclear how the announcement will impact those talks, although it reflects a toughening of Iran's stand.
Iran's Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki echoed that note, saying Saturday that the Baghdad talks can bear fruit only if Washington takes a "realistic approach."
"The two sides can be hopeful about the outcome of the negotiations, if America develops a realistic view toward Monday's talks, admits its wrong policies in Iraq, decides to change them and accepts its responsibilities," Mottaki said.
The Baghdad talks will offer a very rare one-on-one forum between the two countries since they broke off formal relations after Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution. The agenda is expected to be limited to Iraqi affairs, without spilling over into the nuclear impasse between Iran and the West.
U.S. authorities said the five were members of Iran's elite Quds Force, accused of arming and training Iraqi militants. Tehran has claimed they were part of a government liaison office and has demanded their release.
Haleh Esfandiari, director of the Middle East Program at the Washington-based Woodrow Wilson Center for Scholars, has been held at Tehran's notorious Evin Prison since early May and charged with seeking to topple the government in Tehran. She traveled to Iran in December to visit her 93-year-old mother but was stopped when she headed to the airport to leave on Dec. 30 by knife-wielding men in masks.
Ali Shakeri, a founding board member at the University of California, Irvine's Center for Citizen Peacebuilding, and Kian Tajbakhsh, consultant working for George Soros' Open Society Institute, are two other Iranian-Americans who have been prevented from leaving Iran.
Another American, former FBI agent Robert Levinson, disappeared in March after going to Iran's resort island of Kish, and his whereabouts are unknown.
Saturday's Iranian statement followed reports that U.S. President George W. Bush has authorized the Central Intelligence Agency to launch a new covert action to destabilize the Iranian government.
Iranian officials have repeatedly raised concerns that Washington could incite members of Iran's many ethnic and religious minorities against the Shiite-led government in Tehran.
Fierce clashes broke out last May between Iranian police and Azeris in the northwestern city of Tabriz, after a cartoon in a state-run newspaper suggested the Turkic Azeris -- Iran's largest minority, making up about a quarter of Iran's 70 million people -- were stupid.
A series of bomb attacks in the past two years in Khuzestan, the center of Iran's Arab minority, killed several people. The Iranian government blamed the bombings on Britain and United States, which denied any involvement.

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http%3A%2F%2Fsamples.audible.com%2Fbk%2Fbkot%2F001061%2Fbk_bkot_001061_sample.mp3+flashcontent1YW0XRK0Q7EHD4PVEZ290 Physics of the Impossible: A Scientific Exploration
4.10 (623 ratings) One hundred years ago, scientists would have said that lasers, televisions, and the atomic bomb were beyond the realm of physical possibility. In Physics of the Impossible, the renowned physicist Michio Kaku explores to what extent the technologies and devices of science fiction that are deemed equally impossible today might well become commonplace in the future.
Overall(476)Performance(201)Story(202)

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Jacky Durand (born 10 February 1967 in Laval, Mayenne) is a retired French professional road bicycle racer. Durand had an attacking style,[1] winning the Tour of Flanders in 1992 after a 217 kilometres (135 mi) breakaway, and three stages in the Tour de France.
2 Lone breaks
4 Doping and disqualification
Lone breaks[edit]
Durand became celebrated for long, lone attacks which sometimes succeeded but usually didn't. The French magazine, Vélo, printed a monthly Jackymètre to log the kilometres ridden at the head of races during the course of the season. Durand said: "Fortunately, in cycling, it's not always the best who wins, otherwise we wouldn't win so often."[4]
Durand won the Ronde van Vlaanderen, or Tour of Flanders, in 1992, 36 years after the last French winner, Jean Forestier, in 1956. He broke away from the field with Thomas Wegmüller after a quarter of the race, with 217 km still to ride.[8] His success as an outsider, and after such a long lone ride, stayed in the memory of Belgian fans. Years later, Durand was stopped for speeding. The Belgian policeman who came to his car said, "Vous avez gagné le Tour des Flandres en nonante-deux" ("You won the Tour of Flanders in '92") - and let him drive on.
Doping and disqualification[edit]
On 25 November 2017, Durand's 80-year-old father, Henri Durand, was reported missing by his wife, Colette, after he went out for his usual bicycle ride and never returned. His body was found in a lake on 2 January 2018, in between Ballots and Saint-Michel-de-la-Roë. An autopsy confirmed he had died from drowning.[15][16]
^ "Durand calls it a day". cyclingnews.com. 16 December 2004. Archived from the original on 9 June 2010. Retrieved 9 June 2010.
^ L'Équipe, 14 July 2000
^ Vélomania, France, February 2005
^ L'Équipe, 9 January 1997
^ L'Équipe, France, 21 July 2002
^ lecourrierdelamayenne.fr. "Corps repêché à Ballots : la victime identifiée - Le Courrier de la Mayenne". www.lecourrierdelamayenne.fr (in French). Retrieved 2018-01-23.
^ "Sud-Mayenne: le corps repêché est bien celui d'Henri Durand". Ouest-France.fr (in French). Retrieved 2018-01-23.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jacky_Durand&oldid=842909235"
This page was last edited on 25 May 2018, at 14:14 (UTC).

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Babis Spur - Wikipedia
Babis Spur (82°13′S 163°3′E / 82.217°S 163.050°E / -82.217; 163.050) is a rocky spur in the southern part of the Nash Range, about 6 nautical miles (11 km) west of Cape Wilson. It was mapped by the United States Geological Survey from tellurometer surveys and from Navy air photos, 1960–62, and named by the Advisory Committee on Antarctic Names for William A. Babis, a United States Antarctic Research Program oceanographer on the USCGC Eastwind, 1962–63, and on the USS Burton Island, 1963–64.[1]
^ "Babis Spur". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 2011-05-16. This article incorporates public domain material from the United States Geological Survey document "Babis Spur" (content from the Geographic Names Information System).
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Babis_Spur&oldid=782217664"	Categories: Ridges of the Ross DependencyShackleton CoastShackleton Coast geography stubsHidden categories: Wikipedia articles incorporating text from the USGS Geographic Names Information SystemAll stub articles	Navigation menu
Deutsch	Edit links	This page was last edited on 25 May 2017, at 16:03.


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Top 10 Hotels in Kassel, Germany | Hotels.comEnglish (United States)Book online or call 800-246-8357This call is free. 24 hours a day; 7 days a week.Hotel DealsPackages & FlightsGroupsGift CardsHelpWebsite feedbackSign in & AccountSign inCreate an accountYour bookingsTrip PlannerReview a hotelHotels.com® RewardsYour bookings21 properties in KasselEnter your datesHotelsHotels in GermanyKassel HotelsHotels in Kassel, GermanySearch & Compare Kassel HotelsCity, landmark, hotel name, address or zip codeCheck inCheck out Rooms123456789+Room 1:Adults12345678Aged 18+Children01230-17Age at check in:Child 1:-?-<11234567891011121314151617Show dealsGet Secret Prices on select hotelsThese prices aren’t available to everyone.Unlock nowRecently bookedH4 Hotel Kassel4 starsfrom $132Wyndham Garden Kasselfrom $88Premiere Classe Kassel3 starsfrom $57Schlosshotel Bad Wilhelmshöhe4 starsfrom $183ibis Kassel2.5 starsfrom $59Pay now or later on most roomsFree cancellation on most roomsPrice GuaranteeMap of Kassel hotelsBest hotels in KasselWith hotels.com we help you find the best hotels in Kassel, Germany.
You can compare all of our Kassel hotel rooms including the major Kassel hotel chains using our genuine Hotels.com guest reviews as well as TripAdvisor Kassel hotel reviews to help find the perfect hotel room when booking your accommodation in Kassel. We also feature Expedia Kassel hotels and reviews.
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Browns CB Haden returns to practice, leg betterCleveland Browns1312dThe Browns will be down at least one starter on Sunday, and maybe two others.
+ NFC South roundtable: Position battles to watch during OTAsOutsiders: Biggest weaknesses for NFC North teamsOutsiders: Biggest weaknesses for AFC East teamsBrowns CB Joe Haden back at practice10/21/2011 - NFL Scott Fujita Joe Haden Peyton Hillis Montario Hardesty Chris Ogbonnaya Colt McCoy Cleveland Browns Oakland Raiders + more0 SharesEmailComment
Associated Press 0 SharesEmailPrintCommentBEREA, Ohio -- The Browns will be down at least one starter on Sunday, and maybe two others.Strongside linebacker Scott Fujita will miss this week's game against Seattle because of a concussion he sustained last week in a loss at Oakland. Fujita was sent home three straight days before practice because he was still bothered by post-concussion symptoms. The 10-year veteran is second on the team with 26 tackles.Meanwhile, the status of cornerback Joe Haden and running Peyton Hillis remains uncertain. Both were listed as questionable -- a 50 percent chance to playing -- on the week's final injury report.Haden practiced Friday for the first time since spraining his left knee in an Oct. 2 game. Haden tested his knee by running at full speed and making cuts on the turf inside the Browns' indoor facility. Afterward, Haden said his knee responded well and the decision on whether he plays will depend on how he feels before the game.Haden missed last week's game against the Raiders and wants to play. But he will be cautious."I'm not going to go out there with a chance to hurt it again," he said. "It's one game. If I don't play Sunday, then the week after I'll definitely be ready. But I want to make sure I'm out there -- 100 percent. I don't want to hurt it again or hurt the team."Coach Pat Shurmur thought Haden looked "great" during practice. He said if Haden can play, he will start."If Joe (can) go, he'll be available the whole game, and we'll play him as much as we need him," said Shurmur, whose answers following practice were short and direct.Hillis missed his third practice in a row and wasn't seen by reporters at the team's training facility all week. Shurmur said Hillis, whose contract issue and a sickness that caused him to miss a game last month has been a distraction, was getting treatment with the team's trainers.If Hillis can't play, Montario Hardesty will start and Chris Ogbonnaya, signed off Houston's practice squad earlier this week, could be the third-down back.The Browns (2-3) haven't won since beating Miami on Sept. 25, and Shurmur seemed a little edgy during the portion of practice open to the media. He yelled at Cleveland's offense and was clearly irritated by what he was seeing.Hardesty has dropped six Colt McCoy passes in the past two games, and after he let one over the middle slip through his hands early in practice, Shurmur hollered "get a new running back in there," and Ogbonnaya took Hardesty's spot."He dropped the ball and we don't want him to drop the ball," Shurmur said when asked about the move. "We work on catching. You get what you emphasize and we've worked on him catching the football, that's what's going on."

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pom pom baby blanket | eBay
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We spent a lovely couple of nights with Gail and... - Review of Kauri Point - TripAdvisor
“The room we had was huge with a well equiped...”
“Thank you Gail and Robert for providing such...”
“Totally reccomend Gail and Robs place as a place...”
“The breakfast just speaks for itself”
“Spacious room, excellent hosts were kind enough...”
“Best place we stayed during our 6 weeks in NZ”
“Many thanks for making our holiday special”
We spent a lovely couple of nights with Gail and... - Review of Kauri Point
and 9 more sites! Kauri Point Bed and Breakfast
See the most recent reviews Global1975
5 helpful votes “Great property and lovely hosts”
We spent a lovely couple of nights with Gail and Robert and 'the boys', including sharing a delicious meal with them and their delightful friends. This was the relaxing part of our holiday and the generous, well appointed room with its own sitting area was the perfect spot to sit and read or take in the views. Gail and Robert understand what makes a great B&B, and the purpose built property has just the right mix of private and common areas. We loved that it is such a quiet and peaceful spot and yet only minutes from town. We'll definitely be back.
Helpful? Thank Global1975 Report Ask Global1975 about Kauri Point
Chinese (Simplified) first Dutch first English first French first German first Italian first Japanese first Spanish first Any Vanessa F
We had an amazing time staying at Kauri Point. Not only were Gail and Robert fabulous hosts. Their knowlege of local eateries made eating out easy! Gail has perfected poaching eggs and breakfast every morning was simply the best. Our room was large, comfortable and clean, the decor modern and cosy much nicer than any of the hotels on the main strip with the added bonus of excellent friendly hosts! The house itself was beautiful with stunning views of the country side and less than a 10 minute drive into town! We really couldn't have asked for a better place to stay and have been highly recommending Kauri Point to all our friends since returning home. Gail and Robert made us feel totally at home and we look forward to returning to Kauri Point next time we decide to come up to Taupo!
Room Tip: Rooms with access onto the deck are large and sunny
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23 helpful votes “A wonderful place to stay.”
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here with the most perfect hosts Rob and Gail. We had endless fun with "Busten and Arnie". We were made to feel very much at home here. Rob and Gail made us feel very welcome and we really enjoyed their company when we shared a meal with them and bottle or two? of wine. This is a perfect place to stay. The rooms are most comfortable the bed is king size and the shower room is excellent. Our stay here really was "the jewel in the crown" of our holiday. We cannot wait to return.
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16 helpful votes “Personable welcome to a quiet hideaway.”
We were welcomed at the door by Gail who made us extremely welcome with offerings of wine. Our room was large and well appointed with super king sized bed, TV, lounge chairs and plenty of room in the bathroom. Gail's local knowledge was extensive and helpful. Away from the noise of Taupo's hotel strip, a busy road at the best of times, we were able to enjoy an excellent night's sleep. Breakfast was excellent with a choice of pretty much whatever one could wish for including fresh fruit, and a selection of cereals followed by a choice of cooked options very nicely cooked and presented.The commercial espresso machine will certainly please coffee aficionados.
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10 helpful votes “At home with Gail and Robert”
We arrived at Kauri Point and were immediately welcomed by Gail and Robert, who gave us cocktails and introduced us to their other guests out on the deck. The evening was delightful, with Robert providing a magnificent barbecue feast and a great group discussion round the table. Taupo was one of our favourite locations in New Zealand and with a beautiful room and a fantastic location and there could not be a better place to stay than at Kauri Point.
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1 helpful vote “Home from home accommodation”
We very much enjoyed our stay with Gail and Rob at Kauri Point - our room was comfortable and spacious and the shower was the best we have had in NZ!! Gail and Rob made us feel part of their family and we enjoyed the breakfasts chatting to our hosts and meeting their friends. Upon arrival we were made to feel completely welcome with a couple of glasses of wine on the decking. The rooms were self contained with everything provided and a small kitchenette for communal use on the landing. A fridge for our wine was very important to us! Kauri Point is a short drive to Taupo where there are numerous places to eat and Gail will advise and book for you. The Tongariro crossing was on our list and although bad weather was forecast Gail and Rob encouraged us to go anyway and do a short walk - it turned out to be a lovely day and we did the majority of the walk because of their enthusiasm.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. wiinniesydney
My wife and I and another couple recently stayed with Robert and Gail at Kauri point for three nights. We were travelling from Russell in the Bay of Islands so the trip to Taupo was long and tiring. Because of this we decided to ask Gail if she would mind cooking up something for our dinner the first night and she came up with a magnificent three course dinner which any good restaurant would find hard to match. Smoked trout mousse for starters, quiche and salad for main course and a magnificent and unusual pavlova for dessert. What more could four hungry Australians want? We provided a couple of bottles of Central Otago wine which served to wash down the meal beautifully!I understand from Gail that some guests have complained that the location of the B&B is too far out of town. This, in my opinion, is not a problem as it only takes 5-7 minutes to drive from the B&B into Taupo on an excellent road. Sure you cannot see Lake Taupo, but you can see Mount Tauhara, a dormant volcano in all its glory. As well there is something to be said for being away from the noise of a busy highway.The B&B itself is excellent and well laid out. All the guest rooms open onto an expansive patio area which overlooks a lovely garden stretching towards the mountain. The guest rooms are large and all have separate en-suites. Breakfast were excellent with Gail being prepared to cook anything you wanted. I even had the rest of the pavlova for breakfast!All in all an excellent B&B well worth the cost. If you want quality, then this is it!
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Explore similar hotels Hilton Lake Taupo2,020 ReviewsShow Prices 3.1 miles Gables Lakefront Motel683 ReviewsShow Prices 4.1 miles Millennium Hotel and Resort Manuels Taupo563 ReviewsShow Prices 3.5 miles See all Taupo hotels Browse nearby

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Markus R. - Bay Area Anything Active (Berkeley, CA) | Meetup
Markus R. https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/member/1/3/b/c/member_110945052.jpeg https://www.meetup.com/anythingactive/members/88496652/
Mountain biking, sailing, hiking
Hi, I am Markus and moved to California a few weeks ago from Germany. I am keen on meeting new people doing what I love most: being active outdoors.
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