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US Patent for Optical platelet counter method Patent (Patent # 9,690,974 issued June 27, 2017) - Justia Patents Search
Justia Patents MicroscopeUS Patent for Optical platelet counter method Patent (Patent # 9,690,974)
Optical platelet counter method
Mar 24, 2014 - 2M Engineering Limited
Latest 2M Engineering Limited Patents:
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The invention is generally in the field of quantification of particles via microscopy.
Blood platelet analysis and quantification play an important role in many medical treatments. A microscope is typically used to take a picture of a fluid layer containing platelets. The fluid is sometimes covered by a transparent plate, usually a thin sheet of glass. In some applications no cover plate is used.
Analysis is performed to detect round shapes within a size range associated with platelets. Platelets appear dark in the image, This pattern is identified against a background of other objects such as red blood cell remnants and dust particles. The microscope focus is precisely determined in order to image the platelets as described above. The microscope objective lens is adapted to account for imperfect spherical aberration of the lens, and to account for the optical distortion produced the cover plate that covers the sample (if there is a cover plate at all).
White blood cells are cells found in the blood that form part of the body's defenses against foreign bodies. They are larger than platelets and red blood cells. There are 5 types of white blood cells of interest differ in size and shape. Altogether, there are approx. 7×109/liter white blood cells in blood.
Neutrophil granulocyte is the most common white blood cell to be found in the human blood (62%). They have a spherical shape when inactivated with a diameter of 10-12 μm and a segmented nucleus.
The Eosinophil granulocyte is less common (2.3%) and will be transparent if not dyed. Its shape is very similar to the neutrophil with its diameter also being around 10-12 μm. Eosinophils together with neutrophils and basophils are granulocytes meaning they have big granules their cytoplasm.
Basophil granulocyte is a white blood cell that is even less common (0.4%). As the name states it is very easily stained. If the cell is not dyed it will appear partly transparent as it is only the nucleus that is clearly visible.
Large granular lymphocytes have a diameter between 12-15 μm. The cell's nucleus occupies most of the cell and is clearly visible. The small granular Lymphocyte has the same shape however a diameter which is smaller (7-8 μm). The percentage of this white blood cell being in an adult's blood is approx. 30%.
Monocytes have a cell diameter between 7.72-9.99 μm and account for approx. 5% of the white blood cells in humans. Monocytes are very diverse in shape and thus can be easily confused for other cells. They can be recognized by their non-circular multi-, di-, tri-lobed nucleus.
Red blood cells are the most abundant cells in the blood stream. They have a disk diameter of approximately 6.2-8.2 μm and a thickness at the thickest point of 2-2.5 μm, with a minimum thickness in the center of 0.8-1 μm. They are bi concave in shape and a normal concentration for humans is approx. 5×106/μl.
The conventional microscopy approach to counting white blood cells and red blood cells in a sample is similar in many respects.
The focus of a microscope is varied through a range of values, and images of a platelet medium are recorded through a covering plate that is thicker than a plate thickness setting for which the microscope objective has been corrected. The covering plate is typically plastic or glass and is deliberately thicker than the plate thickness for which the microscope objective is corrected. Multiple images are taken at different focal depths. Platelets (or other type cells) are detected throughout a range of a liquid sample depth, not just on a settling surface or single plane. An example microscope arrangement is illustrated in FIG. 4.
402 camera
404 lens (microscope objective)
406 cover plate atop sample to analyze
408 mechanism (e.g., cam) to move sample in z plane
The plate thickness, and also possibly the plate material, and selected in relation to the microscope objective correction to deliberately cause the generation of a particular optical pattern as the focus depth is changed. This pattern is exemplified as follows (for increasing focal depth—the reverse is generated for progressively decreasing focal depth): platelets will appear as blurry dark spots that focus into sharp small dark spots 1-6 um in size as the focal depth is progressively increased. Continuing to progressively increase the focal depth will cause the small dark spots to evolve into bright spots with a small dark edge that then increases in size, and blurs out. FIG. 5 shows examples of an evolving optical pattern that may be generated, including examples of “dark”, “spots”, “blurry”, “sharp”, and a “small dark edge”.
502 above focus (blurry black)
504 approaching focus (sharper)
506 focus (sharp black)
508 through focus (white dots with black ring)
510 further through focus (white blurry)
512 detected platelets marked with circles.
Generation and recording of a particular optical pattern indicative of the presence of platelets is thus accomplished, via progression of the focus depth through a preselected range, and due to particular selection of a covering plate thickness (and optionally material) relative to the correction applied to the microscope, to cause said pattern to be generated. The recorded pattern may then be analyzed to quantify/qualify the presence of platelets. Alternatively, analysis may be undertaken during image acquisition at the different focal depths, instead of waiting until all images are acquired.
In some embodiments, a deliberate choice of a covering plate thickness that does not match the microscope objective is made; in other embodiments, it is not required to deliberately mismatch the objective and cover plate. A lower cost, lower quality microscope objectives with poor spherical aberration may be employed with a matching cover plate, and/or a wide viewing field, causing poor spherical aberration correction and thus generating the desired optical pattern.
Conventional optical microscopy techniques match the numerical aperture (NA) of the illumination with the NA of the objective lens. In contrast, in the disclosed technique the optical path of the platelet counter contains an illumination with a very low NA: the illumination light beams are (almost) parallel. The sample is, for example, illuminated from below by a parallel or close-to-parallel beam formed by using an illumination source at a large distance (relative to the sample depth), for instance >10 cm.
Under these illumination conditions, images of the platelets (or other cells) in the sample are recorded in focus, and out of focus, both nearer to the objective lens and further away from the objective lens. This results in the bright/dark transitions that are processed in specific ways to detect the specific particles of interest.
Certain desired optical transitions in the set of recorded images may be obtained by deliberate selection of one or both of 91) an insufficient spherical aberration correction in the microscope objective for the covering plate, and (2) a deliberately low NA illumination in relation to the NA of the lens.
FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a process to analyze for platelets in a fixed (very low fluid dynamic) fluid sample.
FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a process to analyze for platelets in a moving (fluid dynamics within an acceptable range) fluid sample.
FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a process combining aspects of the processes illustrated in FIGS. 1 & 2.
FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a microscope arrangement to facilitate the procedures described herein.
FIG. 5 illustrates an example of an evolving optical pattern for detecting platelets in blood as described herein.
The term “approximately” refers to a value within 20% of the stated value.
“Logic” refers to machine memory circuits, machine readable media, and/or circuitry which by way of its material and/or material-energy configuration comprises control and/or procedural signals, and/or settings and values (such as resistance, impedance, capacitance, inductance, current/voltage ratings, etc.), that may be applied to influence the operation of a device. Magnetic media, electronic circuits, electrical and optical memory (both volatile and nonvolatile), and firmware are examples of logic.
As the focus of a microscope is varied through a z range under (or over) a sample utilizing a cover plate, the image brightness in the center of a given platelet will first go from neutral dark, then go bright and then return back to dark (or reverse of this if the focal depth is progressively decreased). A characteristic pattern will result that is a function of focal depth. Correlation analysis may be performed to reject a major part of the background noise, while detecting the pattern. During transition of the microscope through a range of focus depths, as described above, background features not indicative of platelets may not vary as much with changes in the focal depth as do platelet features. These background features include dust in the optical system and on the camera lens.
Correlations may be determined that provide individual peak results at various focal depths. Even when the exact focal depth is unknown, the correlation analysis over multiple depths may nonetheless result in a correct analysis and quantification/qualification of platelets in the sample.
The described technique may thus yield an improved discrimination against unwanted signals over conventional methods (see Background). Furthermore, the described technique enables the use of lower cost cover plates and lower cost microscope objectives.
Discrimination analysis may begin with collection of a number of images at different Z (focus) positions throughout a range. An intensity difference is determined between images separated by a distance z_delta where z_delta is the distance difference for which typically a large black/white contrast is expected for the pictures. For each image pair separated by z_delta, the processed image with the intensity difference is used to determine the number of platelet particles in the image, and to record their locations. An embodiment of this process, which may be carried out, for example, in logic coupled with the microscope, is illustrated in FIG. 1.
102 process begins z=z0 where z0 is the start of the z range
104 capture and store image
106 decision—has the entire z range been traversed?
108 if no, change (increment or decrement) the z position by z_delta
110 if yes, set z=z0
112 retrieve images at z1=z and z2=z+z_delta where z_delta is the z step size
114 process into an image with intensity per pixel of the difference in corresponding pixels at z1 and z2
116 analyze image from 114 for particles
118 decision—z range done?
120 no—change the z position by z_delta
The detection of platelets in an image may for instance be implemented based on template recognition as available in many image analysis products. In the difference picture a platelet may for instance have a shape that is bright in the center and has a dark edge. This shape is incorporated into the template recognition algorithm. Alternately the template recognition logic is input a known positive result of a platelet and compares a set of positions in the image with this known positive result. Applying the difference operation enhances the signature of particles to be detected while at the same time suppressing most other unwanted artifacts such as dust in the microscope or larger structures that affect the intensity distribution in the image.
The difference operation may be implemented as an anti-correlation. Platelets will manifest as bright spots at one z location (focus) and dark at another. The location of bright spots and dark spots may then be correlated at different z positions. Template recognition may be employed both for bright spots and dark spots at each one of the images recorded at each Z position. This results in a number of bright and dark spot positions in each image. These positions are correlated such that for each dark spot at a location for focus z, a bright spot at focus z+z_delta must be identified at that same location. Doing so confirms the anti-correlation of image intensity at that location between focus z and focus z_z_delta. This greatly suppresses false detection due to artifacts. FIG. 2 illustrates an example of this process.
214 determine location of bright and dark spots respectively in corresponding locations in z1 and z2
216 correlate bright and dark spots and store locations of positive particle matches
This process described in conjunction with FIG. 2 may handle platelet displacements due to moving platelet fluid medium while the microscope is stepped through its z (focus) range to record the images. Fluid displacement may cause the exact location of correlated dark and bright spots at different focus positions to differ at the time the images at the different microscope focus depths are recorded. Assume dark spots have been identified, and associated bright spots must now be identified at a different focal depth to determine that the spots correspond to platelets. A defined area around the original dark spot may be analyzed, which accounts for a predictable amount of fluid displacement.
The technique described in conjunction with FIG. 1 relies on image intensity difference calculation, so that a small platelet displacement on the order of magnitude of the platelet dimensions themselves will render the difference picture less useful or useless for analysis. Thus this technique may be best applied after the fluid medium for the particles has settled or has been fixed. However the technique described in conjunction with FIG. 2 tolerates limited fluid motion and may for instance be applied even before a fluid has not fully settled.
The methods described in conjunction with FIGS. 1 and 2 may be combined. The correlation between bright spots and dark spots may determine platelet candidate locations. These candidates are likely true platelets but may also include false detections. A location difference is determined between the originating bright and dark spots in their images at the two different z locations. The two images (or at least the part of the images that contains the candidate) are shifted such that the bright spot and the dark spots overlap. A difference image is generated and on the difference image a template match is undertaken. The difference image enhances wanted particle information and suppresses unwanted artifacts, simplifying the detection of platelets. FIG. 3 illustrates an example of this combined process (e.g., action 216 of FIG. 2).
304 determine correlation between bright spots and dark spots and store locations candidates found
306 compute location difference between bright and dark particle candidate
308 shift image for focus z1 to make locations match
310 compute picture with intensity per pixel equal to difference of pixels in images at z1 and z2
312 detect particles in computed picture and store locations of particles found
In one implementation, the slides are 100 micrometers deep while the z range is 320 micrometers. Another example implementation uses a z range of 1 to 2 mm Three frames per second are collected, making the time between frames 0.333 seconds. The z delta is 8 micrometers resulting in 40 frames collected. Another example uses a z delta of 6 micrometers.
In one advantageous mode, the illumination source is a blue LED source (wavelength 470 nm) placed at a distance of around 140 mm under a liquid sample (conventional liquid media for such samples) with platelets. No condenser lens is deployed between the LED and the liquid.
The specimen of liquid with platelets may be contained by an approximately 100 micrometer high chamber between a transparent plastic ground plate and a transparent plastic covering plate. An Olympus Plan N 10×/0.25 ∞/−/FN22 UIS 2 objective lens is utilized with no correction value for “cover glass thickness”. Spherical aberration is thus introduced for any cover plate thickness. A glass ground plate and a glass covering plate may also be used, or a combination of plastic and ground plates.
Approximately 40 images may be taken at different z depths in the sample, at a rate of three images per second. As a starting point, the objective lens is focused at 100 micrometers above the sample chamber. For each next image, the focus of the objective lens is lowered 8 micrometers. The last image is focused 112 micrometers below the sample chamber. The z range for image acquisition is thus 100 um (above chamber)+100 um (chamber height)+112 (below chamber), for about 312 um of total range.
For detecting platelets near the top of the chamber images that focus above the chamber may be used. Platelets at the top are stuck to the upper (glass or plastic) window. For detecting platelets near the bottom of the chamber images that focus below the chamber may be used. Platelets at the bottom are stuck at the bottom surface. This is typically the only plane at which conventional approaches detect the platelets.
In an image where the objective lens focuses above the object, the object must match with a first template to be a candidate for a positive match to a platelet. This template represents the optical appearance of a platelet below the image focal plane: a dark ring around a bright center. Thus at some z position “z_first” an image must be found that matches what is expected for focus above the object.
In an image where the objective lens focuses at or near the object, the object must match with the second template. This template represents the optical appearance of a platelet in or near the focal plane: a dark circular shape. This means at some z position z_second an image must be found that matches what is expected for focus at the object where z_first is larger than z_second.
In an image where the objective lens focuses below the object, the object must match with a third template. This template represents the optical appearance of a platelet below the image plane: white center with dark ring. Thus at some z position z_third an image must be found that matches what is expected for focus below the object were z_third must be larger than z_second.
In the z (vertical) direction, the matches for the first and second templates may be at most nine images apart. In the perpendicular x and y directions, the matches for the first and second templates can be at most seven pixels apart, to compensate for object motion in the x-y plane. Each pixel covers 0.63 micrometers in the x direction and 0.63 micrometers in the y direction (these are all examples that may vary in other implementations). Applying these values, it is possible to compensate for a movement of 0.63*7=4.41 um. in the x direction and in the y direction. Thus in this example the object matches at z_first and z_second must be within 4.41 um in either x or y direction.
The platelet count becomes inaccurate when the motion exceeds a limit. For example, when more than 15% of the matching objects move in the range 2.8 to 4.1 micrometers, the overall count may be adversely affected. Overall (for all detected platelets) no more than 15% may move in the 2.8-4.1 um range, in this example, or else the count may be unreliable.
An increase in the allowed number of pixels between the matches of the first and second templates will increase the probability of an erroneous match between neighboring platelets.
A similar motion compensation may be applied for the object matches in the second and third templates. Thus the image matches at z_second and z_third must be within 4.41 um in either x or y direction.
A count of white or red blood cells may be obtained utilizing similar mechanics as for platelets, i.e., similar focus scanning through the same type(s) of slide and similar mismatch of objective aberration correction and slide, or NA and illumination. The “mechanics” means the mechanical implementation and the camera, illumination and microscope objective. The mechanics are similar, but the optical effects and templates are different for white blood cells and red blood cells.
Unlike platelets, where the optical pattern changes over a small number of frames, changes associated with white blood cells require most of the 40 frames to become apparent. Three different optical patterns indicative of white cells may be apparent.
The first pattern has a black ring surrounding a white core. The white core becomes smaller and completely black with a white ring surrounding it as the z position for focus is varies.
The second pattern is similar to the first pattern however it has a more greyish core at first in comparison to the white core in the first pattern. The white ring around the black core is also present.
The third pattern is less visible as it is completely grey circle in the beginning. It then turns into a black circle and finally into a white core surrounded by a grey circle as the focus the z-position is varied.
The red blood cells begin (out of focus) as grey outside ring surrounding a white center. With increasing depth, the center turned grey and the outside ring was a darker grey. They then went to a smaller white center surrounded by a dark grey/black ring. Finally, they turned into a dark grey center surrounded by a large grey outside ring. Again as we change the z-position the above occurs.
1. An optical organic particle counting method, comprising:
adjusting a microscope focal depth of a microscope through a range of values of the microscope focal depth, the microscope having a microscope focal arrangement adapted to form a plurality of blurry images of organic particles in a z plane of a fluid sample at different ones of the range of values of the microscope focal depth, wherein the different ones of the range of values of the microscope focal depth comprises at least one focal plane above the z plane of the organic particles and at least one focal plane below the z plane of the organic particles;
recording the plurality of blurry images of the organic particles at the different ones of the range of values of the microscope focal depth, wherein coordinates of the organic particles overlap on the plurality of blurry images, thus causing the generation of a specific light-dark pattern across the plurality of blurry images indicative of the organic particles; and
analyzing the plurality of blurry images for the specific light-dark pattern across the plurality of blurry images to identify and classify the organic particles.
the range of values of the microscope focal depth being approximately 320 micrometers and a slide depth of approximately 100 micrometers.
the plurality of blurry images being at least 40 images recorded at three images per second.
the microscope focal arrangement comprising a blue LED illumination source having a wavelength of approximately 470 nm placed at a distance of approximately 140 mm under the fluid sample.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising the specific light-dark pattern across the plurality of blurry images comprising, in forward or reverse order:
(a) a dark ring around a bright center;
(b) a dark circular shape; and
(c) a white center with dark ring.
6. The method of claim 1, the specific light-dark pattern across the plurality of blurry images comprising, in forward or reverse order:
(a) a black ring surrounding a white core; and
(b) the white core growing smaller and turning black, with a white ring surrounding it.
7. The method of claim 1, the specific light-dark pattern across the plurality of blurry images comprising, in forward or reverse order:
(a) a black ring surrounding a greyish core; and
(b) the greyish core growing smaller and turning black, with a white ring surrounding it.
8. The method of claim 1, the specific light-dark pattern across the plurality of blurry images comprising, in forward or reverse order:
(a) a grey center and an outside ring of a darker grey;
(b) a smaller white center surrounded by a dark grey or black ring; and
(c) a dark grey center surrounded by a large grey outside ring.
9. The method of claim 1, the specific light-dark pattern across the plurality of blurry images comprising, in forward or reverse order:
(a) a completely grey circle;
(b) a black circle; and
(c) a white core surrounded by a grey circle.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the organic particles are platelets.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the organic particles are blood cells.
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International Preliminary Report on Patentability for application No. PCT/IB2012/001857, mailed Mar. 25, 2014.
Patent number: 9690974
Patent Publication Number: 20140205176
Assignee: 2M Engineering Limited
Inventors: Thomas Obrien (Eindhoven), Hendrik Dijkstra (Eindhoven), Marcel F Schemmann (Maria Hoop)
Application Number: 14/223,784
Current U.S. Class: Microscope (359/368)
International Classification: G06K 9/00 (20060101); G02B 21/36 (20060101); G01N 15/14 (20060101); G01N 15/00 (20060101);

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Permissions cmdlets Get-RoleAssignmentPolicy
Use the Get-RoleAssignmentPolicy cmdlet to view an existing management role assignment policy on a server running Microsoft Exchange Server 2013.
Get-RoleAssignmentPolicy [-Identity <MailboxPolicyIdParameter>] [-DomainController <Fqdn>] [-IgnoreDehydratedFlag <SwitchParameter>] [-Organization <OrganizationIdParameter>]
This example returns a list of all the existing role assignment policies.
This example returns the details of the specified assignment policy. The output of the Get-RoleAssignmentPolicy cmdlet is piped to the Format-List cmdlet.
For more information about pipelining and the Format-List cmdlet, see Pipelining and Working with command output.
The output of the Get-RoleAssignmentPolicy cmdlet is piped to the Where cmdlet. The Where cmdlet filters out all of the policies except the policy that has the IsDefault property set to $True.
The Identity parameter specifies the name of the assignment policy to view. If the name contains spaces, enclose the name in quotation marks (").

type: global

value: Microsoft Corporation is an American multinational technology corporation which produces computer software, consumer electronics, personal computers, and related services. Its best known software products are the Microsoft Windows line of operating systems, the Microsoft Office suite, and the Internet Explorer and Edge web browsers.


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US Patent for Galvanic element Patent (Patent # 10,535,894 issued January 14, 2020) - Justia Patents Search
Justia Patents Organic Component Is A BinderUS Patent for Galvanic element Patent (Patent # 10,535,894)
Apr 7, 2015 - Robert Bosch GmbH
A galvanic element includes the following elements in the order listed: a current collector associated with an anode; the anode; an ion-conducting separator in the form of a continuous layer; a cathode; and a current collector associated with the cathode. The anode encompasses an ion-conducting support structure, and both the ion-conducting support structure and the separator encompasses an ion-conducting material. The ion-conducing support structure is porous.
The present invention relates to a galvanic element encompassing a current collector associated with the anode, an anode, a separator, a cathode, and a current collector associated with the cathode. The invention further relates to a battery cell encompassing a galvanic element of this kind, and to a battery encompassing multiple such battery cells.
Lithium ion batteries are notable inter alia for a very high specific energy and extremely low self-discharge. Lithium ion cells possess at least one positive and at least one negative electrode (cathode or anode); lithium ions migrate from one electrode to the other electrode as the battery charges and discharges. A so-called “lithium ion conductor” is necessary in order to transport the lithium ions. In lithium ion cells used at present, which are utilized e.g. in the consumer sector (mobile telephone, MP3 player, etc.) or as energy reservoirs in electric or hybrid vehicles, the lithium ion conductor is a liquid electrolyte that often contains the conductive lithium salt lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6) dissolved in organic solvents. A lithium ion cell encompasses the electrodes, the lithium ion conductor, and current collectors that represent the electrical terminals.
The lithium ion cells can be enclosed in a package. Composite aluminum films, for example, can be used as a package. Cells packaged in this manner are also referred to, because of their soft packaging, as a “pouch” or “soft pack.” In addition to the soft pack package design, hard metal housings are also utilized as packages, for example in the form of deep-drawn or cold-extruded housing parts. The term “hard housing” or “hard case” is used in this instance.
Lithium ion cells having a liquid electrolyte are disadvantageous in that under mechanical and thermal stress, the liquid electrolyte component can break down and an overpressure occurs in the cell. Without corresponding protective measures this can cause the cell to burst or even burn.
It is possible to use a solid ceramic or inorganic lithium ion conductor instead of a liquid electrolyte. This concept avoids bursting of the battery cell or leakage of substances upon damage to the package.
Published German patent application document DE 10 2012 205 931 A1 discloses an electrochemical energy reservoir as well as a method for manufacturing it. The electrochemical energy reservoir encompasses at least one electrode assembly in which an ion-conducting and electrically insulating separator layer is embodied on a coated surface. The ion-conducting layer is used as an electrolyte, so that a liquid electrolyte no longer needs to be used. For the embodiment as a lithium ion cell, the active materials proposed for the electrode assemblies are a lithium metal oxide, e.g. lithium cobalt oxide, for the cathode, and graphite for the anode. A ceramic powder having, for example, a particle size of 0.3 to 3 μm, for example lithium garnet, is proposed as a starting material for the ion conductor. The ceramic powder can be applied onto the surface to be coated, for example, in the form of an aerosol.
The use of a graphite anode as proposed in the existing art is disadvantageous because it has only a low energy density compared with an anode based on lithium metal. With lithium metal-based anodes in turn, it is more difficult to implement manufacture of a galvanic element because the metallic lithium is highly reactive, and is stable only in completely dry environments.
When electrodes based on lithium metal are used with the known solid lithium ion conductors, the problem furthermore occurs that a high contact resistance occurs between the metallic lithium and the ion conductor, and thus only small ionization currents can flow. This problem becomes worse once a few charge-discharge cycles have occurred, since lithium ions become dissolved out of the anode upon discharge and the volume of the anode changes as a result.
A good contact that has been made upon manufacture, for example by press-joining, is then lost after a few charge-discharge cycles have occurred, since the lithium metal anode is no longer abutting tightly and with full coverage against the lithium ion conductor.
The invention proposes a galvanic element encompassing, in this order: a current collector associated with the anode, an anode, an ion-conducting separator in the form of a continuous layer, a cathode, and a current collector associated with the cathode, the anode encompassing an ion-conducting support structure, and both the ion-conducting support structure and the separator encompassing an ion-conducting material and the ion-conducing support structure being porous.
The anode of the galvanic element encompasses a porous ion-conducting support structure. A structure of this kind can in principle be generated using any method known to one skilled in the art. The starting material used for the support structure contains an ion-conducting material, in particular a ceramic material. Depending on the manufacturing method the starting material can be present, for example, in the form of a powder—therefore in the form of a ceramic powder in the case of a ceramic starting material.
When the galvanic element is embodied as a lithium ion battery cell, a material that is lithium ion-conducting is preferred. Suitable materials are, for example, lithium ion-conducting ceramics. Lithium garnet is particularly suitable. Alternatively, the material can be selected from perovskites (LLTO) Li3xLa2/3x—TiO3, phosphates (LATP) Li1+xTi2−xMx(PO4)3 (where M=Al, Ga, In, Sc), sulfide glasses containing Li2S and P2S5 as well as doping elements such as Ge and Sn, and argyrodites Li6PS5X (where X=I, Cl, or Br).
If a ceramic powder is used as a starting material, an aerosol coating, a sol-gel synthesis, or a solid state ceramic synthesis is particularly suitable. A pore-forming agent can be added, for example, to the starting material in order to generate the pores of the ion-conducting support structure. A suitable pore-forming material is, for example, cellulose, carbon fibers, or potato starch. Alternatively, a polymer that is later burned out can also be used. With polymers of high hardness, co-deposition by aerosol coating is also possible.
The proportion of pores in the ion-conducting support structure is, for example, between 20 vol % and 90 vol %. The proportion of pores is preferably between 50 vol % and 80 vol %. The porosity is selected so that it is as high as possible but mechanical stability still exists.
Depending on the embodiment, the ion-conducting support structure can firstly be generated on a substrate and later detached therefrom and introduced into the galvanic element. In other embodiments the ion-conducting support structure can be deposited with the aid of the coating method directly onto a constituent of the galvanic element. In order to increase electrical conductivity the support structure can be provided with a carbon-containing layer, e.g. by way of a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process.
The separator of the galvanic element likewise encompasses an ion-conducting material. In particular, the ion-conducting materials suitable for the separator are the same ones as for the ion-conducting support structure. The separator is embodied, however, in such a way that it forms a continuous layer. The separator is moreover embodied in such a way that it is not electrically conductive.
Substantially the same coating methods, i.e. for example solid state ceramic synthesis, sol-gel synthesis, or aerosol coating, can be used to manufacture the separator. Aerosol coating is preferably used, although no pore-forming agent is added to the starting material. The separator manufactured in this manner has a residual porosity of less than 5 vol %; no open porosity is present, and the separator is therefore completely sealed.
The current collectors of the galvanic element are usually embodied as metal films. For the current collector associated with the anode, for example, a copper film having a thickness of between 6 μm and 12 μm is used. For the current collector associated with the cathode, for example, an aluminum film having a thickness of between 13 μm and 15 μm is used.
In further variant embodiments it is conceivable to use, instead of a metal film, a carrier material coated respectively with copper and aluminum. It is likewise conceivable to subject the current collector to a surface treatment in order to prevent a reaction with metallic lithium or with other constituents of the galvanic element.
The cathode preferably encompasses a mixture of an optionally pre-lithiated cathode active material, an electrically conductive material, and an ion conductor (catholyte).
In an embodiment of the invention, the conductive material is selected from carbon nanotubes, a conductive carbon black, graphene, graphite, or a combination of at least two of these materials.
In a preferred embodiment, in order to increase the electrical conductivity the material of the cathode can be present as a composite material having carbon. In an embodiment of the invention the composite material encompasses a mixture of sulfur particles as cathode active material, graphite and conductive carbon black in order to increase the electrical conductivity, and optionally a binder such as PVdF (polyvinylidene fluoride). In a further embodiment of the invention the material of the cathode encompasses a mixture of SPAN (sulfur polyacrylonitrile), graphite and/or conductive carbon black, and a lithium ion-conducting polymer. In a further embodiment the composite material encompasses a mixture of optionally carbon as well as nanoparticles of LiF and a metal, for example Fe, Cu, Ni. In a further embodiment the composite material encompasses a mixture of optionally carbon as well as nanoparticles of Li2S and a metal, for example Fe, Cu, Ni. In another embodiment the pre-lithiation of the material has already occurred, and the composite material is made up of carbon and a lithium-containing metal hydride, metal sulfide, metal fluoride, or metal nitride.
In order to prevent migration of fluorine and thus a reaction with the ion conductor, a reaction with the current collector, or reactions with other battery components, in a preferred embodiment the composite material is equipped with a coating made, for example, of carbon or of an oxide (e.g. Al2O3) or a fluoride (e.g. AlF3) or an oxyfluoride. In the sulfur-containing embodiment, a coating can also prevent the diffusion of polysulfides.
In a further embodiment of the invention the cathode active material is selected from a lithiated transition metal oxide, for example Li(NiCoMn)O2, LiMn2O4 (or a higher Li content), Li2MO3-LiMO3 (where M is, for example, Ni, Co, Mn, Mo, Cr, Fe, Ru, or V), LiMPO4 (where M is, for example, Fe, Ni, Co, or Mn), Li(Ni0.5Mn1.5)O4 (or a higher Li content), LixV2O5, LixV3O8, or further cathode materials known to one skilled in the art, such as borates, phosphates, fluorophosphates, silicates.
In a further embodiment of the invention the cathode active material is selected from a lithiated sulfur, for example Li2S, the material preferably being encapsulated in a carbon composite matrix, for example in the form of small spherules, in order to prevent dissolution or secondary reactions with the catholyte.
In an embodiment of the invention the ion conductor is a solid electrolyte based on polyethylene oxide (PEO) or on soy. In this embodiment the cathode active material and the conductive material are embedded in the solid electrolyte.
In a further embodiment of the invention the ion conductor in the cathode (catholyte) is a further porously configured support structure having an ion-conducting material. The same materials as those already used for the ion-conducting support structure of the anode and for the separator can be used as an ion-conducting material. In contrast to the separator, the material of the ion conductor can additionally have an even higher conductivity, although this need not necessarily be the case. In order to increase the electrical conductivity the support structure can be equipped with a carbon-containing layer, for example by way of a CVD process.
In a variant embodiment, an electrolyte layer encompassing a polymer electrolyte is disposed between the separator and the cathode. A polyethylene oxide-based electrolyte is, for example, suitable.
In another embodiment of the invention a liquid electrolyte is used as an ion conductor.
In a variant embodiment of the invention, a further separator, impregnated with a liquid electrolyte, is disposed between the separator and the cathode. The material of the further separator is preferably selected from glass fibers, polyethylene (PE), or polypropylene (PP) with or without ceramic filling. Suitable electrolytes are, for example, carbonate-containing electrolytes such as ethylene carbonate (EC), ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC), dimethyl carbonate (DMC), optionally with additives such as vinylene carbonate (VC) or monofluoroethylene carbonate (FEC).
Metallic lithium is preferably used as an active material for the anode. In an embodiment of the invention, the anode active material is placed in the form of a film of metallic lithium onto the porous ion-conducting support structure, and press-joined to it. In another embodiment the anode active material is introduced as a lithium melt into the porous ion-conducting support structure.
In an embodiment of the invention a cathode that encompasses a lithiated active material is used, and the anode is generated by electrochemical deposition when the galvanic element is first charged. When the galvanic element is first charged, lithium ions migrate out of the lithiated active material of the cathode through the separator, and become deposited on the current collector associated with the anode, and optionally in the pores of the ion-conducting support structure, in the form of a layer of metallic lithium.
By way of example, the following process occurs (based here on a sulfur-containing conversion cathode material):
2Li2S+Fe0↔FeS2+4Li++4e−
In this case the cathode encompasses an active material that can be reversibly lithiated again upon discharge of the galvanic element.
A battery cell encompassing a cell package and a galvanic element of this kind is furthermore proposed. The cell package can be a soft pack package design or a hard housing.
Also proposed is a battery encompassing one or more such battery cells.
In the context of this description the term “battery” or “battery cell” is used in the manner usual in everyday speech, i.e. the term “battery” encompasses both a primary battery as well as a secondary (rechargeable) battery. The term “battery cell” similarly encompasses both a primary and a secondary cell.
The galvanic element according to the present invention has a large capacity and a high energy density.
The separator is embodied in the form of a continuous layer of an ion-conducting material, with which the anode and cathode are reliably electrically insulated from one another. In addition, dendrites that can form upon deposition of the lithium ions onto the anode cannot penetrate through the continuous layer of the separator and thus cannot short-circuit the galvanic element. At the same time, the anode of the galvanic element has a porously configured ion-conducting support structure that makes possible an intimate contact between the anode and the separator that also serves as an ion conductor. When contact between the anode and the separator serving as an ion conductor is poor, large contact resistance values occur and this limits the currents in the galvanic element.
To further reduce the contact resistance, an additional (gel) layer can optionally be used. The proposed improvements permit the use of metallic lithium as an anode material, which enables an increase in the energy density on the anode side by an order of 10 as compared with the graphite anodes usual in the existing art.
FIG. 1 shows a separator and an ion-conducting support structure for the anode.
FIG. 2a shows the separator and the ion-conducting support structure in a charged state of the galvanic element.
FIG. 2b shows the separator and the ion-conducting support structure in a partly discharged state of the galvanic element.
FIG. 3 shows a first embodiment of a galvanic element.
FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of a galvanic element.
FIG. 5 shows a third embodiment of a galvanic element.
In the description below of exemplifying embodiments of the invention, identical or similar components and elements are labeled with identical or similar reference characters, repeated description of said components or elements in individual cases being omitted. The Figures depict the subject matter of the invention merely schematically.
FIG. 1 depicts a separator 14 and an ion-conducting support structure 16, which ion-conducting support structure 16 encompassing an ion-conducting material is disposed on separator 14. Ion-conducting support structure 16 has pores 15, the proportion of pores being between 20 vol % and 90 vol %, preferably between 60 vol % and 80 vol %. A first boundary layer 41 forms between ion-conducting support structure 16 and separator 14. Ion-conducting support structure 16 has been manufactured using a coating method. Suitable coating methods encompass an electrode coating method or compression with subsequent solid ceramic synthesis, sol-gel synthesis, or aerosol coating. The starting material is usually present in the form of a powder. Lithium ion-conducting garnets, in particular lithium garnets, are particularly suitable as a starting material.
Pore-forming agents, for example cellulose, can be added to the starting material in order to form the pores.
FIG. 2a depicts separator 14 and ion-conducting support structure 16 in a charged state of galvanic element 10. In a variant of the invention, after separator 14 is manufactured, a film having metallic lithium is placed onto ion-conducting support structure 16 and is press-fitted thereonto, with the result that metallic lithium 30 penetrates into pores 15.
In another variant, only the current collector associated with the anode is applied onto ion-conducting support structure 16, and the active material for the cathode is applied onto that side of separator 14 which faces away from ion-conducting support structure 16. When the galvanic element is first charged, lithium ions then move out of the active material of the cathode through separator 14, and then become deposited partly in pores 15 and partly on the current collector associated with the anode.
FIG. 2b depicts separator 14 and ion-conducting support structure 16 in a (partly) discharged state of galvanic element 10. As is evident from the depiction in FIG. 2, lithium ions have been dissolved out of the metallic lithium 30, have migrated through separator 14, and have become deposited again in the cathode material. Lithium 30 therefore no longer completely fills up pores 15. If applicable, in the context of a complete discharge all the lithium can even diffuse back into the cathode.
FIG. 3 depicts a first embodiment of a galvanic element 10 according to the present invention.
Galvanic element 10 encompasses a current collector 12 associated with the anode, an anode 13, a separator 14, as well as a cathode 24 and a current collector 28 associated with the cathode, in that order. A second boundary layer 42 therefore forms between current collector 12 associated with the anode and anode 13, a third boundary layer 43 between separator 14 and cathode 24, and a fourth boundary layer 44 between cathode 24 and current collector 28 associated with the cathode. First boundary layer 41 is located between anode 13 and separator 14.
Anode 13 encompasses an ion-conducting support structure 16 and metallic lithium 30 as an anode active material. The porously configured ion-conducting support structure 16 of anode 13 guarantees that the change in volume is less as compared with the use of a pure lithium film, and that even with a small change in the volume of anode 13, good electrical contact is still ensured between separator 14, which of course also serves as an ion conductor, and anode 13. Loss of contact between metallic lithium 30 and separator 14 is prevented by the porously configured ion-conducting support structure 16.
The material of cathode 24 also encompasses, besides a cathode active material 26, conductivity additives such as carbon nanotubes or a conductive carbon black. Cathode 24 furthermore encompasses an ion conductor (catholyte) in order to improve conductivity inside cathode 24. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, the ion conductor is embodied as a polymer electrolyte 34, based e.g. on polyethylene oxide (PEO).
Cathode active material 26 contains lithium, which upon charging of galvanic element 10 becomes dissolved out of cathode active material 26 in the form of lithium ions and migrates through separator 14 toward current collector 12 associated with the anode. The lithium ions then become deposited on anode 13 in the form of metallic lithium. Upon discharge, the lithium ions then in turn dissolve out of anode 13 and migrate through separator 14 back into cathode 24, where they re-lithiate cathode active material 26.
FIG. 4 depicts a further embodiment of galvanic element 10. Galvanic element 10 once again encompasses current collector 12 associated with the anode, anode 13, separator 14, cathode 24, and current collector 28 associated with the cathode.
In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4, besides a cathode active material cathode 24 also encompasses conductivity additives, binders, and a liquid electrolyte as ion conductor.
In contrast to FIG. 3, in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4 a further separator 20 is disposed between separator 14 and cathode 24. A fifth boundary layer 45 thus forms between separator 14 and further separator 20, and a sixth boundary layer 46 forms, instead of third boundary layer 43 described in FIG. 3, between further separator 20 and cathode 24. Further separator 20 likewise acts as an electrical insulator but cannot itself conduct ions. For ion conduction, further separator 20 is impregnated with an electrolyte that is present, for example, in liquid form.
Electrical contact between separator 14 and the cathode material is improved by the liquid electrolyte in further separator 20.
In a further variant of the invention it is conceivable to omit further separator 20.
FIG. 5 shows a third embodiment of galvanic element 10. Once again galvanic element 10 encompasses current collector 12 associated with the anode, anode 13, separator 14, cathode 24, and current collector 28 associated with the cathode.
In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 5, cathode 24 has a further ion-conducting support structure 32 as an ion conductor. This further ion-conducting support structure 32 is embodied here as a garnet infiltrated with cathode active material 26, the garnet serving as an ion conductor. It is conceivable for separator 14 also to be embodied as a garnet, the garnets of separator 14 and of further ion-conducting support structure 32 optionally being capable of having different chemical compositions. For example, Li7La3Zr2O12 is suitable as a material for the separator; and Fe-doped and Li-enriched Li4+xTi5O12 is suitable, thanks to its high ion conductivity, for further ion-conducting support structure 32.
The cathode can furthermore encompass additives to improve conductivity, for example carbon nanotubes or a conductive carbon black.
In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 5 an additional electrolyte layer 22 is disposed between separator 14 and cathode 24. Electrolyte layer 22 is preferably embodied as a polymer electrolyte, for example based on polyethylene oxide. A seventh boundary layer 47 thus forms between separator 14 and electrolyte layer 22, and an eighth boundary layer 48, instead of third boundary layer 43 described in FIG. 3, forms between electrolyte layer 22 and cathode 24. Electrolyte layer 22 serves to improve ion conduction between cathode 24 and separator 14.
The invention is not limited to the exemplifying embodiments described here, and to the aspects emphasized therein. A plurality of variants that are within the competence of one skilled in the art are instead possible within the scope indicated by the claims.
1. A galvanic element, comprising, in the following order:
a current collector associated with an anode;
the anode, wherein the anode includes an ion-conducting support structure with a first porosity, defined by pores in the ion-conducting support structure, at a particular volume percent of the ion-conducting support structure;
an ion-conducting separator in the form of a continuous layer consisting of a same ion-conducting material as that of which the ion-conducting support structure of the anode is formed but without a porosity as great as that of the ion-conducting support structure of the anode;
a current collector associated with the cathode.
2. The galvanic element as recited in claim 1, wherein the ion-conducting material is a lithium ion-conducting ceramic.
3. The galvanic element as recited in claim 2, wherein the ion-conducting material is lithium garnet.
4. The galvanic element as recited in claim 2, wherein the separator is manufactured by aerosol coating.
5. The galvanic element as recited in claim 2, wherein the cathode includes an ion conductor.
6. The galvanic element as recited in claim 5, wherein the ion conductor is a further ion-conducting support structure made of an ion-conducting material which is porous.
7. The galvanic element as recited in claim 1, further comprising an electrolyte layer that includes a polymer electrolyte and that is arranged between the ion-conducting separator and the cathode.
8. The galvanic element as recited in claim 5, wherein the ion conductor is a liquid electrolyte.
9. The galvanic element as recited in claim 5, wherein the ion conductor is a further separator impregnated with a liquid electrolyte.
10. The galvanic element as recited in claim 5, wherein the ion conductor is a polymer electrolyte.
11. The galvanic element as recited in claim 2, wherein the porosity of the porously configured ion-conducting support structure is between 20 vol % and 90 vol %.
12. A battery cell, comprising:
a cell housing; and
a galvanic element including, in the following order: a current collector associated with an anode; the anode, wherein the anode includes an ion-conducting support structure with a first porosity, defined by pores in the ion-conducting support structure, at a particular volume percent of the ion-conducting support structure; an ion-conducting separator in the form of a continuous layer consisting of a same ion-conducting material as that of which the ion-conducting support structure of the anode is formed but without a porosity as great as that of the ion-conducting support structure of the anode; a cathode; and a current collector associated with the cathode.
13. The galvanic element as recited in claim 1, wherein:
the ion-conducting separator is at a first side of the ion conducting support structure; and
a film that is press-fit onto a second side of the ion conducting support structure includes metallic lithium that penetrates into pores of the ion conducting support structure.
14. The galvanic element as recited in claim 13, wherein the current collector associated with the anode is at the second side of the ion conducting support structure.
15. The galvanic element as recited in claim 1, wherein:
the ion conducting support structure is arranged at a first side of the separator;
the current collector associated with the anode is applied onto the ion conducting support structure;
the cathode includes an active material applied onto a second side of the separator that is opposite the first side; and
the anode, ion-conducting separator, current collector associated with the anode, and the cathode are part of a structure that is arranged and structured for being charged and for lithium ions to move out of the active material of the cathode, through the separator, and then deposit partly in pores of the support structure and partly on the current collector associated with the anode during a first charging of the structure.
16. A galvanic element prior to an initial charging of the galvanic element, the galvanic element comprising:
a structure that includes: an anode that includes an ion conducting support structure with a first porosity, defined by pores in the ion conducting support structure at a particular volume percent of the ion conducting support structure, and without appreciable presence of lithium ions housed in the ion conducting support structure; an ion-conducting separator at a first side of which the anode is arranged and that includes a same ion-conducting material as that of which the ion conducting support structure of the anode is formed but without a porosity as great as that of the ion conducting support structure of the anode; a current collector that is associated with the anode, is applied onto the ion conducting support structure, and on which no lithium ions are deposited; and a cathode that (a) includes an active material that is applied onto a second side of the separator that is opposite the first side and includes lithium ions, and (b) is separated from the ion conducting support structure by the ion-conducting separator;
wherein the structure is arranged and structured for being charged and for at least some of the lithium ions in the active material of the cathode to move out of the active material of the cathode, through the separator, and then deposit partly in the pores of the support structure and partly on the current collector associated with the anode during the initial charging of the structure.
17. The galvanic element as recited in claim 1, wherein the anode further includes a carbon layer deposited on the ion-conducting support structure.
18. The galvanic element as recited in claim 1, wherein the ion-conducting separator is non-porous or has a porosity of less than 5 vol %.
19. The galvanic element as recited in claim 1, wherein the particular volume percent of the first porosity is 50-80 vol %.
20. The galvanic element as recited in claim 1, wherein the particular volume percent of the first porosity is 60-80 vol %.
21. The galvanic element as recited in claim 1, wherein the ion-conducting separator is non-porous or has a porosity of less than 5 vol % and the particular volume percent of the first porosity is 20-90 vol %.
20020006548 January 17, 2002 Tsutsue
20130084501 April 4, 2013 Wakayama
20140011100 January 9, 2014 Lee
20140017576 January 16, 2014 Kim
10 2012 205 931 October 2013 DE
2011-113655 June 2011 JP
2011-159528 August 2011 JP
Patent number: 10535894
Patent Publication Number: 20150295274
Inventors: Christine Engel (Enz Ensingen), Michael Butzin (Stuttgart), Ingo Kerkamm (Stuttgart-Rohr)
Primary Examiner: Stephan J Essex
Application Number: 14/680,872
International Classification: H01M 10/0562 (20100101); H01M 10/0525 (20100101); H01M 10/0565 (20100101);


text:
WordPress Meetups near Saint Charles, Illinois - Saint Charles
4 Meetup Groups match “WordPress” near Saint Charles, IL
8.4 miles away in Elgin, IL
10 miles away in Aurora, IL
10.4 miles away in Wheaton, IL
PLEASE RSVP at https://www.facebook....
Join us and learn an hour of code on Monday 12/9 at 3PM. It's is a fun way to learn coding.… Read more

value: Meetup is a service used to organize online groups that host in-person and virtual events for people with similar interests. It was founded in 2002 by Chairman Scott Heiferman and four co-founders.


text:
Quiltville's Quips & Snips!!: 5th Street Marketplace, Eugene!
I’m really grateful to Karen and Gerri for being so willing to bring me all the way back to Eugene from Grants Pass. It’s a 3 hour drive over windy mountain summits. Being without transportation myself, I really do rely on the guilds to work it out together how they are going to get me from place to place, and I know it isn’t always convenient or easy, but these gals made it so fun!
They stayed for my program Thursday night.
When all the rest of the people had dissipated after Thursday night's guild meeting, they took to packing up my quilts into the duffle bags without being asked even though they were not part of the guild that brought me in.
It wasn't their job, but they saw a need ((Boy did I need! I was dealing with a crazy book table and packing that up!)) and just stepped up to the plate.
When they found I had no plans for Friday, no transportation, and me just figuring I’d spend the day in the hotel sewing, they grabbed me after breakfast before heading back to Grants Pass to go see a bit more of Eugene than just what was in walking distance of my hotel and its noise of interstate traffic. They included me in their plans even though they were officially “done” with me in any guild capacity. They brought me along because they wanted to, not because they were contracted to do so.
I am so appreciative and humbled! And what a day we had.
If you have a chance to visit the 5th Street Market Place in Eugene….you will find some really unique shops that you just can not find in a regular shopping mall. When I think of shopping malls and cities and towns all across the USA ---the term GENERICA comes to mind. It’s all the same. Same stores, same merchandise ---it’s no different shopping at those chain places than it is at home at those same places, so why bother and have to cart it all home?
But this was FUN! The terraced open air plaza boasts wonderful shops and restaurants – and be sure to take lots of time to wander, you are going to need it!
We started here. At the Swahili African Modern store.
Beautiful gifts and home décor items are expertly handcrafted from areas all over Africa. Proceeds from the sales of these items go back to help develop these areas. It’s a win/win!
Cute little purse made out of African Style batik fabrics – $10.00 HEXIES!! Do you see?!
I fell in love with these woven mats – SO colorful!
Look at the colors of this one!
Would you believe these are woven from telephone wire?
These critters are so whimsical!
They had so much interesting stuff in there, but I got busy shopping and stopped taking pictures! Carved wood items, jewelry, hand bags, kitchenware, WONDERFUL shop!
As we wandered the plaza, we took time to notice the flowers in their last throes of summer splendor.
Okay. Splendor may be a bit strong of a word – they are starting to look tired, but are still vigilant!
Zinnias, Purple petunias and that lovely sweet potato vine!
I think we were saving the best for last. This is Mindy’s Needlepoint Studio…but be prepared for more than just canvas and yarn. Mindy has a very ecclectic shop full of fun fashions, accessories ((including the cutest socks ever)) beads, ribbon, felted wool……threads….notions….and the list goes on and on!
((okay, I really want this curved display cabinet, but I don’t know where I’d put it!))
Yarns and threads of every weight and color!
Even a sale basket!
Pretty twists of color just begging to be stitched!
Oh my! One whole wall of flossibilities!!
hand dyed silk ribbons!
Gorgeous ribbons and trim!
Yes! These are for me!
The name is deceiving – the trip, amazing!
Put this on your DO NOT MISS list!
We lunched at the Japanese restaurant across the courtyard! All that shopping brought on quite an appetite!
The flower shop on the bottom level was full of beautiful flowers, market style!
I would have taken some home if I weren’t spending just a couple of days in a hotel.
There is a cute little inn attached to the 5th Street Marketplace called “Inn at the 5th” It would be a great place to stay so you could really explore this area of Eugene.
I was so pooped by the time we dropped me back off at the hotel that while Karen and Gerry were making their 3 hour drive back to Grants Pass, I took a 3 hour nap ---I needed it!
The rest of my evening was spent getting to know this girl!
Thanks to a Eugene guild member, I have this machine on loan for the duration of my time here. We worked really well together I am happy to say.
This is my last workshop day in Oregon, and Eugene, like Medford, is going to be knee deep in Cathedral Stars today. It should be a fun time and I am really looking forward to getting to know the Eugene ladies today.
Tomorrow ---Homeward Bound, Hexies in hand!
So glad for good and nice people in this world because they didn't just open up a lovely day for you, they opened up a possible stop for the rest of us. Yay!
Awesome! We would all love to help you. I'll bet they were on cloud nine getting to show you around. What an honor and a pleasure.I thanks them all for taking good care of "Our Bonnie" in Oregon.Kathleen in San Juan
Bonnie, I really enjoy your 'travel' posts as it gives insight not only into your fabulous work (and thank you from this quilter for your free quilt designs) but also you as a person and how your life has evolved from following your talent. I am a former stage performer and remember Eugene from being there with Riverdance nearly 20 years ago. Lovely people! Thank you for taking back on this journey. I am setting out to blog, so I'm learning from you! I'm at thepatrickpost.com
i'm so happy for you. it seem God always puts people were there is need. you always said Quilter's were the most giving kind of people.God's letting you see how right you are. when you are so giving yourself and always paying it forward by all you do for people you don't know, we all think of you as our friend and are glad to share our time with you.( I always thought they had to have a drawing to find out who gets Bonnie when you go to different places.LOL).
Bonnie, of course they were happy to show you around! You have such a genuine appreciation of the places you visit and the people you meet. I've been in a class and had dinner with you. You make each person feel you are so happy to meet them, regardless how very many people you meet in an average week. I think that comes from the discipline you've developed for yourself in organizing and controlling your time where you can so you can "be" where you are "in time" not worrying about the next thing, because it will happen when it is supposed to. I am trying to learn that from you in addition to the wonderful quilting. Keep on keepin' on, Bonnie.
Such a great shopping place ... I would HAVE to have those socks lol.Have funJulieInTN
So glad to see you enjoyed Eugene with quilting friends. All of you were blessed to spend the day together. I got to spend the day with four quilting friends at the NW Quilting Expo in Portland yesterday - we always have a great time together, laughing, shopping, talking, laughing ...You share so much with all of us, that it is our joy to be able to share back to you.Have fun in your class in Eugene and safe travels home.
I think there should be a special placard for featherweights"Bonnie Hunter sewed on this machine"...you know like George Washington slept here. It would make the machine more valuable!!!Glad you had such a great time in Oregon. Thanks for all the inspiration you give. 2:53 PM EDT
Bonnie, I absolutely love traveling with you via your Blog! I'd never get to go anywhere otherwise! Thanks for sharing your adventures along with your beautiful patterns!

value: Blogger is an American online content management system (CMS) which enables multi-user blogs with time-stamped entries. Pyra Labs developed it before being acquired by Google in 2003.


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Energy Policy Update: August 12, 2010 - FERC hydro relicensing
August 12, 2010 - FERC hydro relicensing
FERC staff have recently released a draft Environmental Impact Statement for the existing McCloud-Pit Hydroelectric Project (P-2106-059). Currently up for relicensing, the 368 MW project is located on the McCloud and Pit Rivers in Shasta County, California. Licensee Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) proposed a number of license modifications to enhance environmental protection and recreational opportunities. Staff countered by recommending those conditions, plus additional protective measures. The deadline to comment on the draft EIS is September 28, 2010.
A gaff-rigged sailboat catches wind energy on a sunny afternoon near Squirrel Island, Maine.
Labels: California, dam, FERC, hydro licensing, McCloud-Pit, PGE
August 31, 2010 - dam removal; biodiesel
August 30, 2010 - Cape Wind; German solar to beat ...
August 27, 2010 - restoring old dams? sunken treas...
August 26, 2010 - more tidal; subsidies in questio...
August 25, 2010 - tidal energy; sewage anaerobic d...
August 24, 2010 - tree-trimming, Camden wind power...
August 23, 2010 - nonethanol gasoline gone from Ma...
August 20, 2010 - Korean tidal power
August 19 - roundup
August 18, 2010 - quick update
August 17, 2010 - Hydro-Quebec signs deal with Ver...
August 16, 2010 - renewable energy standards and g...
August 13, 2010 - Martha's Vineyard solar power; C...
August 11, 2010 - Damariscove Island; Alaskan gas ...
August 10, 2010 - Martha's Vineyard wind; Ocean En...
August 9, 2010 - new nuclear, flywheel storage, Ch...
August 6, 2010 -
August 5, 2010 - Patriot Place gets solar power; i...
August 4, 2010 - House CLEAR Act; Monhegan energy
August 3, 2010 - Horsetooth Reservoir; Maine wind;...
August 2, 2010 - my electricity supply mix; repowe...


text:
Mondale Vows a 'Priority For Culture' - The Washington Post
Mondale Vows a 'Priority For Culture'
By Lon Tuck October 20, 1977
Vice President Walter Mondale swore in Joseph D. Duffey as the new chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities Tuesday with a commitment to give "cultural issues in the administration the high level of priority they deserve."
Also joining the Vice President in the unusual ceremony, which lasted close to an hour, were First Lady Rosalynn Carter and Joan Mondale, who is the Vice President's wife as well as a major figure in the cultural policy of the Carter administration. In addition, there were speeches from four important figures in the broadened range of the intellectual constituency Duffey has declared he will serve.
Formerly assistant secretary of state for educational and cultural affairs and the head of President Carter's Washington campaign office, Duffey was asked by the President to take the job in the summer, but this formal assumption of it was delayed by reorganization of his former office.
Because such swearings-in are usually pro-forma exercises performed by lower-level dignitaries, Tuesday's event - before a packed house in the auditorium at the Executive Office Building - was a symbolic gesture meant, in part, to underscore an administration allegiance to cultural affairs. That bond has been questioned in recent weeks by critics who see President Carter, by his appointments, as "politicizing" the Humanities Endowment and its sister agency, the Arts Endowment.
"Those who say that politics and culture do not mix," said the Vice President, "have missed an important point about both disciplines. No serious student of these issues has ever suggested that esthetic or academic questions should be decided by politicians or bureaucrats.
"Our social and political system has always demanded - and provided - a vigorous private cultural system. And it is the role of the federal government, through our two endowments, to strengthen that private system without imposing any ideology upon it other than openness. This delicate role implies a commitment to two principles: quality and access."
The Vice President also announced that "this fall we will undertake a review of all federal cultural programs in which the two endowments will have a major role."
Duffey also will serve as head of the Federal Council on the Arts and Humanities, an umbrella organization of 14 government cultural institutions that meets quarterly to coordinate policies. Normally the chairmanship is rotated.
The Vice President's remarks seemed directed toward administration critics, including acting National Arts Endowment chairman Michael Straight, who have said that the appointment of Duffey, who is 45 and a man with extensive scholarly credentials, and the apparently imminent nomination of Livingston Biddle to the arts chairmanship could undercut the independence of the agencies from political influences. Straight also has charged that the White House has failed to appoint a cultural adviser to the President, so that Joan Mondale "can be given a free hand in this area."
The swearing-in ceremony also included another symbolic aspect. Instead of making a speech himself, Duffey asked four persons to speak briefly on the diverse conceptions of the "humanities." They were M. Carl Holman, head of the National Urban Coalition and a poet; George Alexander Heard, Vanderbilt University's chancellor and chairman of the Ford Foundation's board; Isabel Charles, a dean at Notre Dame, and Robert M. Coles, the psychiatrist, educator and author of the Pulitzer-prize-winning "Children of Crisis."
Coles' eloquent call for the endowment to "strive to do justice to and to document the richness, the diversity of cultural life in a nation whose people are not, many of them, afraid to say what is on their minds as well as sing or draw or paint or write what is on their minds" seemed particularly to reflect Duffey's views of the endowment's future. Duffey has called for a broadening of the endowment's public impact, with the support of a President who has attacked its "elitist image."
Following the ceremony was a party at the Corcoran Gallery that was anything but elitist in tone, what with popcorn, apples, beer, white wine and music by Hickory Wing, a progressive folk orchestra.
At the party was Straight himself, who merely observed, "This is Joe's day. I don't want to go on talking."
Among the guests, it was difficult to find much concern on the "politicizing" issue. Chancellor Heard said that he thinks there are "sufficient constraints" built into the system. Coles said that he regards the issue as "a red herring." Librarian of Congress Daniel J. Boorstin said, "I haven't seen evidence of politicization myself."
Asked later how she thought the event had gone. Duffey's wife, Anne Wexler, deputy undersecretary of commerce for regional affairs and economic cooperation, said she was pleased by "the emphasis on the future . . . on taking the humanities beyong the boundaries of monographs."
Duffey himself said he hoped the ceremony helped to dispel the myth "that there is a small group in Washington and New York who dominate things. That is a dangerous tendency and should be fought, symbolically and otherwise."

value: The Washington Post (also known as the Post and, informally, WaPo) is an American daily newspaper published in Washington, D.C. It is the most-widely circulated newspaper within the Washington metropolitan area, and has a large national audience. Daily broadsheet editions are printed for D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.


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Seattle Black Panther Party History and Memory Project - Wikipedia
Find sources: "Seattle Black Panther Party History and Memory Project" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (September 2012) (Learn how and when to remove this template message)
The Black Panther Party History and Memory Project is a multimedia effort to chronicle the Seattle chapter of the Black Panther Party. Founded in 1968, the Seattle Chapter was one of the first to be formed outside Oakland and became one of longest lived bases of the Party. [1][2][3] The Project is the largest online collection of materials about any branch of the organization.[4] The materials include detailed video oral histories, historical documents and photographs and the complete transcript of a 1970 Congressional Hearing held on the Seattle Chapter. The Project is an initiative of the Seattle Civil Rights and Labor History Project at the University of Washington.
An original essay details the height of the Seattle Chapter, between 1968 and 1970, from its formation by Black Student Union members to a narrowly averted raid on Party headquarters. This is accompanied by more than 100 digitized newspaper articles that appeared between 1968 and 1979, recollections of members and former Seattle Mayor Wes Uhlman, rare personal photograph collections, and copies of the Chapter’s newspaper. Like other sections of the Seattle Civil Rights and Labor History Project, the site contains model lesson plans for middle school and high school teachers using the available materials.[1]
^ a b Solomon, Cara (May 21, 2006). "The story of Seattle's Black Panther Party". Seattle Times.
^ Westneat, Danny (May 11, 2005). "Reunion of Black Panthers stirs memories of aggression, activism". Seattle Times.
^ Lindblom, Mike (May 15, 2005). "Black Panthers share history with new generation". Seattle Times.
^ Schwarz, Joel (May 16, 2006). "History of Black Panthers to come alive in classrooms, meeting, Web site". UW Week.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Seattle_Black_Panther_Party_History_and_Memory_Project&oldid=639306855"
Last edited on 23 December 2014, at 08:33

value: Wikipedia ( (listen) wik-ih-PEE-dee-ə or  (listen) wik-ee-) is a free content, multilingual online encyclopedia written and maintained by a community of volunteers through a model of open collaboration, using a wiki-based editing system. Individual contributors, also called editors, are known as Wikipedians.


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A Christian Perspective On Life: A Letter to CHA President Carol Keehan
Dear Ms. Keehan,
I was appalled and extremely disappointed when I read that the Catholic Health Association endorsed the Senate health care bill. I am disappointed because I had respected your organization and truly believed that CHA would follow the USCCB's lead to promote real health care reform that is affordable, includes conscience protections, and most importantly respects life. The Senate health care bill is seriously deficient in all of these areas. Most if not all people believe that some sort of health care reform is necessary, but this health care bill is not the answer and is in fact a serious step backwards. Don't take my word for it though, every credible pro-life group and the USCCB agrees that abortion will be federally funded in the Senate health care bill. In case you don't believe me, I suggest you take a look at the articles below.
USCCB March 4, 2010 Statement on Senate health care bill
Bishop Wenski: Serious flaws must be fixed before health care bill’s reconciliation
U.S. bishops oppose Senate health care bill, doubt promised fixes
Archbishop Dolan: Abortion funding in health care bill still a ‘grave concern’
Your justification for endorsing the Senate health care bill is at best ignorant and at worst deceitful and a flat out lie. Your endorsement has potentially serious moral consequences, and if this bill passes thousands of lives will be lost from abortion paid for by you and me against our moral judgement and free will. The majority of Americans will see their quality of health care decline. Catholics will stop entering the medical profession because they don't have conscience protections. Our children and our children's children will be forced to pay for a national debt that is already out of control but will be even worse if this bill is passed. The government will intrude on the doctor/patient relationship and rationing care will be commonplace. The Catholic Health Association can not claim to truly be pro-life when you support this health care bill. In addition, your understanding of Catholic teaching is seriously flawed. I don't know what Catholic Health Association gains by endorsing this bill, but whatever it is it pails in comparison to the negative effect it will have on the credibility of your organization as a truly Catholic organization. I ask that you pray about what the United States Catholic Bishops are saying about this health care bill and seriously consider withdrawing your support for this health care bill. You better do it soon, because a vote will be coming any day now. I hope and pray that this bill does NOT pass so that we all can work on real health care reform that won't destroy our health care system in America. Any real pro-life, Catholic organization would oppose this bill. If these associations are important to you, I recommend you do the right thing and oppose this bill.
Mike Duquaine (St. Michael the Archangel, Woodstock,GA Parishioner)


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The London Elizabeth Hotel is a real home from... - Review of London Elizabeth Hotel - TripAdvisor
“Location is good with a tube station just across...”
The London Elizabeth Hotel is a real home from... - Review of London Elizabeth Hotel
Ranked #724 of 1,077 Hotels in London
The London Elizabeth Hotel is a real home from home, room was super and plenty of space, location was very good with easy access to either tube or bus and the staff are so friendly and helpful, nothing was too much trouble. They made us all feel very welcome.
Would certainly recommend staying here when visiting London.
Ask Linda T about London Elizabeth Hotel
719 - 725 of 1,546 reviews
Price Range: $126 - $333 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
TripAdvisor is proud to partner with Expedia, Priceline, Booking.com, Ctrip TA, Splitty, Agoda, Orbitz, Travelocity, Hotwire, getaroom.com, Cancelon, HotelQuickly and TripOnline SA so you can book your London Elizabeth Hotel reservations with confidence. We help millions of travelers each month to find the perfect hotel for both vacation and business trips, always with the best discounts and special offers.

value: Tripadvisor, Inc. is an American online travel company that operates a website and mobile app with user-generated content and a comparison shopping website.


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Cover Reveal Timeshaft - The Single librarian
Cover Reveal Timeshaft
Booktrope are shortly publishing a revised edition of Stewart Bint’s time travel novel, Timeshaft…and here’s a sneak preview of the dazzling new cover created by Booktrope designer Troy Johnson.Originally published on Smashwords in 2013, the new edition features a new beginning and ending, along with a number of new scenes. Title: TimeshaftAuthor: Stewart BintGenre: Time TravelBy the twenty-seventh century, mankind has finally mastered time travel—and is driving recklessly towards wiping itself out. The guerilla environmentalist group WorldSave, with its chief operative Ashday’s Child, uses the Timeshaft to correct mistakes of the past in an effort to extend the life of the planet.But the enigmatic Ashday’s Child has his own destiny to accomplish, and will do whatever it takes within a complicated web of paradoxes to do so. While his destiny—and very existence—is challenged from the beginning to the end of time, he must collect the key players through the ages to create the very Timeshaft itself.“Do our actions as time travellers change what would otherwise have happened, or is everything already laid down in a predetermined plan?” he asks. Stewart Bint’s Timeshaft is an expertly synchronized saga of time travel, the irresistible force of destiny, and the responsibility of mankind as rulers of the world. Author BioStewart Bint is a novelist, magazine columnist and PR writer. He lives with his wife, Sue, in Leicestershire, in the UK, and has two grown-up children, Christopher and Charlotte.He is a former radio presenter, newsreader and phone-in show host, but always wanted to become a fiction writer — a dream that came true when his first novel was published in 2012 at the age of 56. Now the author of five novels, a collection of short stories and a compilation of his early magazine columns, he was signed by Booktrope in 2015, who published a revised edition of his paranormal novel, In Shadows Waiting, in August.They are publishing a revised and re-edited edition of Timeshaft shortly.As a member of a local barefoot hiking group, when not writing he can often be found hiking in bare feet on woodland trails and urban streets.Stewart Bint online:Website and blog: http://stewartbintauthor.weebly.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StewartBintAuthor/Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorsjbAmazon UKAmazon US 0 Comments

value: Weebly () is a web hosting service, headquartered in San Francisco. Weebly is a subsidiary of Square, Inc.


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Hedera Estate - Villa and House (Dubrovnik, Croatia) - Villa Reviews - TripAdvisor
Hedera Estate - Villa and House Reviews, Dubrovnik Home
Free Guide to Dubrovnik Get your guide to the top local hotels, restaurants and things to do Hedera Estate - Villa and House Photos (3 traveller photos) Hotels around Dubrovnik
Auberge Tsutsuji To Kaede in Japan
About TripAdvisor™ TripAdvisor provides reviews, articles, recommendations and opinions on Hedera Estate - Villa and House, Dubrovnik.


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Cherished Treasures: 9/1/09 - 10/1/09
God is indeed in control of things! Prayers are answered!
Just a brief explanation ---
I have a 33 year old son ( Samuel ) who has a progressive neuomuscular disease classified as on of the Muscular Dystrophys. He was born with this condition passed on to him by me, I also have the same condition. They say bad things happen in 3's, well, last fall his wife of 11 years walked out on the marriage and refused to even consider counseling. Shortly after that his home was broken into and several electronics were stolen. Then shortly after that he was layed off from his job of 9 years due to cut backs. It has been 10 months since his layoff and to his surprise he got a call from his old boss and was asked to come back to work. He was up and out the door first thing this morning.
Sam is limited as to what he is able to do physically so job hunting in this economy was quite difficult. His unemployment compensation was nearing the end and he was considering applying for his disability through Social Security. That was something that had weighed on his mind because he truly wanted to continue working as long as he is physically able to.
We need to pray for all those who are hurting in this economic time, and pray for our countrys leaders. You don't have to go far, just look out your front door to find someone who might be suffering with the burden of a job loss.
Blessings to each of you, Carol
Posted by Cherished Treasures at 6:41 AM 2 comments
Quote for the day - By Marie T. Freeman
If you can't tell whether your glass is half-empty or half-full, you don't need another glass; what you need is better eyesight ... and a more thankful heart.
Posted by Cherished Treasures at 6:14 AM 2 comments
EBay Store Now Open for Business !!!
Boy do I ever have my work cut out for me for the next few days !!! I have decided to open an EBay store to list some of the overstock from my brick & mortar store. Sitting at the computer is not my favorite thing to do when I could be sewing, smocking or painting, making items to add to my inventory.
Taking photos and listing on EBay is very time consuming, but once I get it up and going hopefully I can stay on top of it by just adding a few things each week.
Here is a sneak peek at just a few of the infants and childrens clothing items I will be listing. I also will be listing ladies purses and home decor items in the store.
By the way yesterday and today has been dry weather here in Georgia. There was lots of flooding and damage due to all the rain we have had. Please pray for those who lost loved ones in the floods and for those whose homes and property were damaged.
Have a Blessed day, Carol
EBay name --- Vintage*Lace*Creations
Posted by Cherished Treasures at 7:05 AM 2 comments
Rainey Day In Georgia !!!
It has been raining for a solid week here in Georgia. I haven't heard any lake level reports, but the draught we have been in for a couple of years must be over by now. Creeks are flooding and so are streets. A couple of schools have shortened there days also.
This past weekend was a wash out for a local festival at a historic park in our area. I hope the vendors that did set up didn't have any damage to there booths.
I remember years ago, when I did outside craft fairs, that when the weather was rainey I would have a lot of damage to my merchandise just from the humidity. I guess that is the risk you take when you do outside festivals, but when the weather is good nothing is more exciting than a Fall Festival.
Can't wait for the colors to change on the trees and to go for a ride in the mountains of North Georgia to witness all the spendor of God's majesty.
Wishing you a Blessed week, Carol
Posted by Cherished Treasures at 12:37 PM 2 comments
Quote for the day - By Helen Keller
I am only one, but still I am one; I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; I will not refuse to do the something I can do.
Posted by Cherished Treasures at 6:30 AM 4 comments
Shabby Cottage Pink Rose Heart Ornaments
I thought you might like a sneak peak at my newest creation to be listed on EBay later today.
Handmade by me, two shabby cottage pink rose heart ornaments adorned with vintage lace and vintage Mother-of-Pearl buttons, accented with sweet charms, covered rose buttons, pearls, ribbons and a crystal dangle.
Thank you for stopping by for a visit. Have a Blissful Day, Carol
Posted by Cherished Treasures at 8:16 AM 5 comments
Labels: Ebay, Handmade, Hearts, Vintage Linens and Lace
Re-Purposed Linens and Lace
Rainy Day in Georgia !!! It has been a hot muggy rainy day today. My little shop is not very busy when the weather is like this, so I thought I would browse through some of my favorite books on my bookshelf.
I pulled two of my favorites. "Linens and Lace" By Tricia Foley and "Living with Lace" By Bo Niles. Both have beautiful photos and are full of ideas and helpful hints on the use, care and cleaning of linens and lace.
I just love to re-purpose vintage linens and lace, especially when they are damaged in some way and have outlived their original use. We all know that with a needle and thread and a little ingenuity we can fashion lovely items for our home or for gifts.
I like to simplify my re purposing. A hanky or napkin can be lined with a bit of bridal tulle and filled with lavender buds then gathered up and tied with a pretty ribbon for a sweet sachet. What could be easier or make a lovelier gift for someone special.
A luncheon cloth can be placed diagonally over a curtain rod for a valance. Three or four napkins can also be lined up across a curtain rod for another variation of a valance.
A large tablecloth can be used as a bed coverlet. a table runner can be folded in half lengthwise and makes a dainty mantle cover. The possibilities are endless............
Wishing you much sunshine, Carol
Posted by Cherished Treasures at 1:37 PM 3 comments
Labels: Vintage Linens and Lace
Quote for the day - by Mother Teresa
To show great love for God and our neighbor, we need not do great things. It is how much love we put in the doing that makes our offering something beautiful for God.
Posted by Cherished Treasures at 5:45 AM 1 comments
Halloween will be here before we know it. Trick -or-Treating is a BIG thing in the town I live in. All of the businesses in the downtown Historic District pass out candy as a constant parade of children, and some adults, pass by for about 3 hours. There are usually about 2,000 to 3,000 Trick-or-Treaters.
It is so amusing to see all the little ones and how creative the parents have been in their choice of costumes. The littlest ones in their ladybug, fairy, pea in the pod, etc. costumes are always the sweetest. Of course they are to little to eat the candy, but I am sure they get some help from their parents.
For such a big crowd their is quite a bit of organization. The local police do a good job supervising the crowd and traffic at cross walks. The merchants usually just stand in front of their businesses to pass out candy, to avoid chaos in the stores.
Buying the candy way ahead of time is necessary to be able to snag the super size bags at the store. LOTS OF CANDY !!! The first year my shop was open I was so naive, I thought I would buy chocolate bars like I pass out at my home. I spent about $100 on chocolate thinking it would be plenty, little did I know there were 2,000 hungry munchkins about to invade downtown Commerce. The Chocolate lasted about 15 minutes. Not a good thing for the only children's boutique in town to run out of candy. I learned my lesson, and now I buy the super size bags of Dumdum suckers, Bubble Gum and Tootsie Rolls.
Getting ready for the occasion I have to start showing my Halloween clothing by early September, after all October is the only month that the children can really wear Candy Corn, Ghost, Black Cat, etc clothing.
Wishing you much BLISS as you prepare for your Fall Celebrations, Carol
Posted by Cherished Treasures at 7:19 AM 0 comments
I stopped by a large chain bookstore on my day off this week just to browse and see what might call my name from the shelves and shelves of books. Tucked in between two large volumes on the Inspirational shelves was a teeny little book that sang out to me "Tea Lovers". Since I am a tea lover and enjoy the rituals of tea time I pulled the book from the shelves. Not to my surprise the author was Emilie Barnes, famous for her writings with tea related themes for life lessons. What a perfect little daily devotional book to enjoy and be inspired by while sipping your afternoon cup of tea. I thought I would share my discovery with each of you. I am sure you will enjoy it.
"The Tea Lover's Devotional" By Emilie Barnes, Harvest House Publishers
Posted by Cherished Treasures at 10:23 AM 1 comments
Quote for the day - by Gandhi
I shall pass through this world but once. Any good, therefore, that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being; let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.
Posted by Cherished Treasures at 7:00 AM 2 comments
Comfy Fall Pillows
I just thought you might like a sneak preview of my latest listings on Ebay.
I will be listing these three sweet little comfy cozy Fall pillows later today.
One has a self printed image of a Harvest scene, the other two are made to be reversible with a different design on the back side. All three are handmade by me. My Ebay name is ------
Vintage*Lace*Creations
Posted by Cherished Treasures at 7:50 AM 1 comments
Labels: Ebay, Handmade, Pillows
Time to change the window dressing at my store. My shop is on a side street of the little town I live in, but I have a HUGE window, 8 X 12 feet. Re-dressing the window for Fall is on my agenda for this week.
I change the display in the window about every 2 weeks, but I change the dressing seasonally. By dressing I mean the decorations that accent the retail merchandise that I display in the window. Flowers, leaves, pumpkins, hearts, bunny's, etc. depending on the season.
I can't emphasize enough the importance of keeping window displays fresh and new, especially since I am not on the main drive through town. I need to catch the eye of every passer-bye, and a creative window display is the main opportunity I have. It only take a couple of seconds for someone to drive by my store. If the window is eye appealing it attracts impulse shoppers just to stop in and look. They may not buy at that visit, but they will remember the shop and look for the window the next time they drive down my street.
Oh, and did I mention that it is a perfect time to get my hubby to pull the ladder out and give the window a good cleaning inside and out since everything will be removed from the area before I start decorating. I know he just loves to see me on the other side of the window pointing to spots he might have missed. :)
Wishing you much BLISS as you prepare your home and yard in anticipation of the Fall season.
Posted by Cherished Treasures at 7:11 AM 1 comments