text:
|Grosholz et al.
|Fluid pump
|Clark, Jr.
|Peristaltic pump
|Fluid flow motor control
|Payne et al.
|Control device for milking machines
|Drop by drop pump
|Window-sash lock
a housing;
a rotor mounted on said housing for rotation about a fixed axis, said rotor including a plurality of pressure rollers disposed about the circumference thereof;
a platen assembly slidably mounted to said housing and having a pressure plate having an open position displaced from the circumference of said rotor whereby said tubing can be inserted therebetween, and having a closed position adjacent said rotor circumference whereby a segment of said tubing is positioned in compressive engagement with said pressure rollers and fluid is caused to flow along the tubing with rotation of said rotor;
flow restriction means including a plunger slidably mounted on said housing for occluding said tubing at a predetermined location downline of said tubing segment for increasing the pressure of said fluid in said tubing segment, said plunger having an open position removed from said tubing and a operating position compressively engaging said tubing;
means carried on said housing for biasing said plunger to said operating position even if said platen assembly is accidently moved to said open position; and
user-actuable latching means operable only when said platen assembly is in said open position for latching said plunger in said open position, said latching means automatically releasing said plunger to allow said plunger to move to said operating position upon actuation of said pressure plate to said closed position.
a housing;
a rotor mounted on said housing for rotation about a fixed axis, said rotor including a plurality of pressure rollers disposed about the circumference thereof;
means including a pressure plate disposed adjacent the circumference of said rotor whereby a segment of said tubing is positioned in compressive engagement with said pressure rollers and fluid is caused to flow through said tubing with rotation of said rotor;
means for rotatably driving said rotor;
flow restriction means including a slidably mounted plunger spring-biased against said tubing for occluding said tubing at a predetermined location downline of said tubing segment to increase the pressure of said fluid in said tubing segment, the position of said plunger with respect to said housing varying over a predetermined operating range with the pressure of said fluid in said tubing;
occlusion detection means including electric switch means operatively engaged with said plunger and responsive to the position thereof in said operating range for interrupting rotation of said rotor upon movement of said plunger to a predetermined position in said operating range corresponding to a predetermined partial occlusion of said tubing by said plunger.
The present invention relates generally to fluid infusion systems, and more particularly to an improved flow metering apparatus for such systems.
The infusion of fluids into the human body is usually accomplished by means of an administration set in conjunction with metering apparatus which controls the rate of flow of fluid through the set. Peristaltic-type pumps, which function by repetitively compressing and expanding a section of tubing, have proven particularly attractive for use in metering apparatus since they do not introduce the possibility of leakage or contamination into the system, while providing positive control of fluid flow through the system.
One form of peristaltic-type pump which is particularly well adapted for infusion applications is described in the co-pending application of Thurman S. Jess, Ser. No. 759,178 now U.S. Pat. No. 4,155,362. Basically, this pump construction includes individually spring-biased rollers in the pump rotor which provide a uniform compression force, and a spring-biased plunger which restricts the lumen of the administration set downline of the pump rotor to provide a back pressure against which the pump must work. This prevents the release of dissolved gas in the tubing section, assists in restoring the tubing to its original shape following compression by the pump, and prevents uncontrolled gravity flow in the event of pump failure.
In many applications, such as where medication is being administered, it is necessary that the operation of the peristaltic pump be precisely controlled to infuse only a predetermined volume of fluid at a predetermined rate. Thus, the need has developed for a control system for peristaltic-type infusion pumps which enables the operator to preset a quantity and rate of infusion, and which continuously monitors the performance of the pump to insure compliance with the preset parameters by interrupting operation and alterting the operator in the event of a malfunction. Furthermore, it is desirable that the system be fail-safe, and substantially unaffected in operation or accuracy by power line interruptions or transients. The metering apparatus of the present invention provides these features in an integrated unit which is simple and convenient to use.
Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide a new and improved system for infusing fluids into the human body.
It is a more specific object of the present invention to provide a new and improved metering apparatus for use in conjunction with an administration set for infusing fluids into the human body.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a peristaltic-type pump and control system which provides for accurate administration of a predetermined quantity of fluid at a predetermined rate.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a fluid metering apparatus which provides improved metering accuracy and protection against malfunction.
It is another object of the invention to provide a self-contained fluid metering apparatus which is simple and convenient to use.
The invention is directed to fluid metering apparatus including a housing, a rotor mounted on the housing for rotation about a fixed axis and including a plurality of circumferentially-disposed pressure rollers, and a pressure plate slidably mounted to the housing and having an open position whereby the tubing can be inserted, and having a closed position whereby the tubing segment is positioned in compressive engagement with the pressure rollers and fluid is caused to flow along the tubing with rotation of the rotor. Flow restriction means including a slidably mounted plunger occlude the tubing downline of the rotor to increase the pressure of the fluid in the tubing between the rotor and the flow restriction means. The plunger has an open position removed from the tubing segment and a closed position engaging the tubing segment, and means for latching the plunger in an open position. The latching means are automatically released upon actuation of the pressure plate to the closed position.
The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention, together with the further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in the several figures of which like reference numerals identify like elements, and in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an infusion metering apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the principal components of the metering apparatus housing.
FIG. 2a is a cross-sectional view of the metering apparatus taken along line 2a-2a of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged front elevational view of the peristaltic pump utilized in the metering apparatus of FIG. 1 broken away to show the rotor and downline occlusion stations thereof.
FIGS. 3a and 3b show the downline occlusion station of the pump as seen in FIG. 3 in alternate positions.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the pump taken along line 4--4 of FIG. 3.
FIGS. 4a and 4b show the latch member of the downline occlusion station as shown in FIG. 4 in alternate positions.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the principal components of the fluid metering station of the metering apparatus.
FIG. 6 is a simplified functional block diagram of the control system incorporated in the metering apparatus of the invention.
FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram partially in schematic form of the control system.
FIG. 8 is a simplified schematic diagram of the bubble detector utilized in the fluid metering apparatus of the invention.
FIG. 9 is a simplified schematic diagram of the power supplies utilized in the fluid metering apparatus of the invention.
Referring to the Figures, and particularly to FIG. 1, a peristaltic-type flow metering system 10 for use in conjunction with an administration set for controlling the flow of fluid into a vein or artery includes a generally rectangular housing 12 having a handle 13 at one end thereof for convenient carrying. The front surface of the housing includes a control panel 14 which allows the operator to control and monitor the operation of the metering apparatus, and a peristaltic-type flow metering head 15 for compressing a section of tubing 16 of the administration set to effect control of fluid flow therein. A channel 17 is provided above the metering head 15 for maintaining a portion of the tubing segment in a convenient view of the operator whereby flow irregularities can be more readily observed.
The administration set, of which tubing segment 16 is a part, and which may be conventional in design and construction, is preferably formed of a plastic material such as vinyl and packaged in a sterile and non-pyrogenic condition. To avoid the danger of contamination, the administration set is normally utilized for one application only, and is disposed of after use.
The operating mode of the metering apparatus is controlled by means of a push button STOP switch 20, a push button START switch 21, and a push button power ON-OFF switch 22. Each of these push button switches includes an internal indicator lamp which provides a positive indication of the operating mode of the apparatus.
Various abnormal operating conditions are annunciated by means of indicator lights 23-27 contained on the control panel to the left (as viewed in FIG. 1) of the mode control push buttons. The operation of these indicator lights will be explained in conjunction with the operation of their respective systems within the metering apparatus.
Control panel 14 further includes a digital display 30 of volume infused, a digital display 31 of volume to be infused, and a digital display 32 of the fluid flow rate. The volume displayed by display 30 is the volume of fluid actually infused, and can be reset to 0 by the operator by means of a push button RESET switch 33. The volume to be infused by display 31 is preset by the operator by means of a set of push button switches 34 to indicate a desired volume of fluid to be infused. Similarly, the infusion rate display 32 is preset by the operator by means of a second set of push button switches 35 to indicate the rate at which infusion is to take place.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 2a, to provide an aesthetically pleasing front panel surface free of openings which might harbor contaminants, the front panel 14 is preferably constructed from a single seamless panel 36 having necessary transparent sections 37 for viewing readouts 30, 31 and 32. The push button switches 33-35 associated with these displays are preferably pressure-sensitive switches, which respond to very small deformations of the front panel brought about by finger pressure from the operator to actuate their respective circuits. The pressure-sensitive switches are mounted on one side of a printed wiring board 38 behind panel 36, with connections from the board extending through apertures in the housing to a printed wiring board 28 within the housing. Additional individual system wiring boards 29 are plugged into sockets contained on this board. A plurality of metallic screen panels 39 may be provided between board 38 and housing 12 for the purpose of providing radio frequency interference (RFI) shielding for the electronic circuitry of the metering apparatus.
Referring to FIG. 3, the peristaltic metering head 15 includes a rotor 40 having four pressure rollers 41 disposed in equi-spaced relation about its circumference. The rollers are each mounted on a shaft 42 for free rotation thereon, and the shafts are carried on carriages 43 and constrained to radial movement by respective radial slots 44. Each carriage 43 is mounted for reciprocation within a radially aligned recess 45 and spring loaded in a radially outward direction by a helical spring 46 disposed within the recess.
The pump also includes a pressure plate 50 having an arcuate working surface 51 which substantially corresponds in shape to the circumference of the pump rotor and is positioned to bring the tubing segment 16 into compressive engagement with rollers 41 around at least a portion of the rotor circumference extending between adjacent rollers. The pressure plate may be reciprocated toward and away from rotor 40 to facilitate installation and removal of tubing segment 16 by rotation of an eccentric cam 52, which is constrained to operate within a vertical slot 53 provided on the pressure plate. Rotation of the cam is accomplished by a shaft 54 and user-actuable lever 55 operatively connected to the cam. When the lever 55 is in its bottom position, as shown in FIG. 3, the pressure plate is moved sufficiently close to the rotor circumference to cause tubing segment 16 to be completely occluded by the rollers. Since each of rollers 41 is individually biased into engagement with the tubing segment, the pressure applied by each roller is independent of the number of rollers engaging the tubing segment.
After passing through the peristaltic metering station, tubing segment 16 extends between a light source 60 and a photodetector 61, which together comprise a bubble detector station 62. As will be seen presently, it is the function of this station to discontinue operation and alert the operator upon formation of a bubble in the tubing segment.
Referring to FIGS. 3-5, the tubing next passes through a flow restriction station 63. This station includes a pressure block 66 and a slidably mounted flow restriction plunger 67 biased against the sidewall of tubing segment 16. The end of plunger 67 which engages the tubing segment includes a generally L-shaped head portion 68 having a wedge-shaped working surface 70 and a generally flat control surface 71. Plunger 67 includes a central body portion which is slidably received within a stationary mounting block 73, and which extends through the center of a helical compression spring 74 provided for biasing head 68 into engagement with tubing segment 16.
The working surface 70 of head portion 68 bears against the sidewall of tubing segment 16 substantially perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow within the tubing as the tubing is held in position against pressure block 66. As a result, the lumen of the tubing segment is occluded at the point of engagement, and a downline conduit segment is defined between the point of engagement of the rollers 41 and the point of engagement of the wedge-shaped working surface 70. As previously developed, the occlusion of the tubing in this way increases the pressure of the fluid in the tubing segment and prevents separation of dissolved gases therein.
The control surface 71 of plunger 67 extends substantially parallel to the direction of fluid flow and is substantially greater an area than the working surface 70. The relatively large area of the control surface 71 renders the plunger more sensitive to pressures in the tubing lumen when the pump is operative so that higher pressures can be exerted by spring 74 to more positively close off the tubing when the pump is not in operation, without detriment to its ability to open at lower operating pressures.
Plunger 67 may be opened to facilitate loading or unloading of tubing segment 16 by means of a user-actuated lever 76 mounted for reciprocation with plunger 67. The plunger is constrained to reciprocation along a defined operating path by the stationary mounting block 73 which is mounted to the apparatus housing 14. The helical compression spring bears against this mounting block at one end and against the head of the plunger at its other end, causing the desired bias of the plunger against the tubing segment.
Automatic release of the plunger is obtained by means of a latch member 77 which is pivotably mounted at 78 to pressure plate 50 and biased by a helical spring 79 for operation within a plane perpendicular to the plunger. The plunger includes a slot 80 in which the latch member 77 is received when the plunger is moved to its full open position, as shown in FIG. 3b. The end 81 of the plunger may be tapered to facilitate displacement of the latch member prior to seating in slot 80. Once the latch member has been received in the slot, the plunger is locked open and the tubing segment 16 can be readily removed.
To insure that plunger 67 will be released when pressure plate 50 is subsequently closed, mounting block 73 is provided with an actuator pin 82. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, this actuator pin has a tapered end surface 83 which serves to displace the pivotally mounted latch member 77 from slot 80 when the pressure plate is returned to its closed position by rotation of knob 55. In this way, the plunger is automatically released so as to again become spring-biased against the administration set tubing segment 16 as the metering station is closed. This prevents inadvertent operation of the system without the back pressure and gravity flow protection provided by the plunger. Also, when the pressure plate is closed, the displacement of latching member 77 prevents the plunger from being latched open. A gate member 84 adjacent the control surface 71 of plunger 67 prevents the tubing segment from being inadvertently pulled free of the compression plunger during operation.
By reason of the tubing segment 16 being held in a highly visible vertical position within channel 17 the flow of fluid therethrough can be readily monitored. Furthermore, this channel obviates the need for additional tubing clamps at the inlet and outlet portions of metering head 15 while at the same time providing an aesthetically pleasing structure on the pump housing.
Referring now to FIG. 6, the control system for metering apparatus 12 is seen to include a stepper motor 100 which is rotatably coupled to rotor 40 so as to drive the rotor one increment for each step command applied to the motor. To supply the multi-phase signals required for operation of the stepper motor the metering apparatus includes multi-phase motor drive circuits 101 which respond to an applied control pulse to generate a multi-phase output signal which steps the motor one increment. The control pulses are generated by a variable rate divider 102 which produces an output signal after a predetermined number of input pulses have been received from a continuously running clock 103. The divider, which may be conventional in design and construction, is preset by the user to a desired division rate which is displayed by an associated display device 104. In this way, by setting different division factors into the variable rate diviser 102, the stepper motor can be operated over a wide range of rotational speeds.
To provide a display indicative of the total volume of fluid infused a register 105 responsive to the output pulses from divider 102 is provided. The counting state of register 105, and hence the volume infused, is displayed by a display device 106. The output pulses from divider 102 are also applied to a register 107 having an associated display device 108. This register is a bi-directional register, which prior to use of the metering apparatus is counted up to a counting state corresponding to the quantity of fluid to be infused, and then during use is counted down with infusion of the fluid until a zero counting state is reached. At this time the register generates an output signal which disables a gate 109 to interrupt application of control pulses to motor drive circuits 101.
The control system of the flow metering apparatus 10 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 7. Here the division factor of variable divider 102, and hence the fluid infusion rate, is seen to depend on the counting state of a register 110. This counting state can be conveniently set by the user by means of the rate setting switches 35 which enable respective NOR gates 112 to supply pulses to the register from a pulse source 113. In practice, several NOR gates and rate setting switches are provided to allow each digit of the register to be independently set. The counting state of register 110 is displayed by display device 104 as an indication of the metering or infusion rate of the apparatus.
The output of register 110 is applied to a comparison circuit 114 wherein the register counting state is compared with a predetermined fixed minimum rate, typically 5 ml. per hour, to determine whether the infusion rate established by divider 102 is greater than or less than the minimum rate. In the event that the desired rate is greater than the minimum rate, comparison circuit 114 produces an output signal which enables NAND gate 115 to provide for establishment of a minimum "keep open" rate after the desired quantity of fluid has been infused. To this end, the output of clock 103 is applied to a fixed divider 116 which provides output pulses at a fixed minimum "keep open" rate. These pulses are applied to a NOR gate 117 and, depending on the state of this gate, to an OR gate 118 for application to the motor drive circuits 101. The "keep open" mode is operative only after the desired quantity of fluid has been infused, as signaled by the bi-directional register 107 reaching a zero counting state.
The output signal generated by register 107 upon reaching a zero counting state is applied to the remaining input of NAND gate 115 and to one input of a NOR gate 119. As a result, NOR gate 119 is inhibited and the application of pulses from variable divider 102 is interrupted. Should NAND gate 115 be enabled as a result of the variable rate being greater than the predetermined minimum flow rate, the zero state output signal from register 107 is applied through an inverter 120 to a keep open indicator 24 and to an input of NOR gate 117, wherein it serves as an enabling signal. This gate, when enabled, allows the fixed rate pulses from the fixed rate divider 116 to be applied to OR gate 118, and hence to motor drive circuits 101. In this way, a minimum flow rate is maintained even after the desired quantity has been infused.
To provide start-stop control over stepper motor 100 the remaining inputs of NOR gates 117 and 119 are connected to the output of a start-stop flip-flop 121. This flip-flop may be conditioned to a start state by actuation of the push button START switch 21, or to a stop state by actuation of the push button STOP switch 20, or by occurrence of any one of a number of abnormal conditions, including interruption of power, detection of a bubble in the administration set, detection of an occlusion in the administration set, or the opening of the metering head pressure plate while the metering apparatus is in operation.
To provide an accurate indication of the volume of fluid actually infused, the output of OR gate 118 is applied to a fixed divider stage 122 wherein a constant division factor is applied to generate one output pulse for each milliliter of fluid infused. In practice, where stepper motor 100 is required to step 2,352 times to pump 1 milliliter through tubing segment 16, divider 122 may be set to divide by 2,352 to obtain the desired volume-indicative output signal. This output signal is applied to register 105 wherein it advances the counting state of the register so that the instantaneous counting state thereof indicates the volume of fluid actually infused. As previously stated, this volume is displayed by display device 106.
The volume-indicative output pulses from divider 122 are also applied through an OR gate 123 to the stepping input of bi-directional register 107 wherein they cause that register to count down one step toward zero with each milliliter passing through the system. As stated previously, the counting state of register 107, and hence the volume of fluid to be infused, is displayed by display device 108.
Prior to use of the infusion metering apparatus, the counting state of register 107 is preset by the user by momentarily applying pulses to the register from pulse source 113. This is accomplished through a NOR gate 124 which is enabled by the operator by actuation of the SET VOLUME switch 34. In practice, one such switch and NOR gate are provided for each decade of the counter. The remaining input of NOR gate 124 is connected to the output of the startstop flip-flop 121 to prevent the volume display from being changed while the metering apparatus is in operation.
Register 107 is capable of counting either up or down depending on an applied mode control signal. This signal is developed from the output of start-stop flip-flop 121 by means of an inverter 125 so as to condition register 107 to count up with application of set pulses from source 113 when the apparatus is stopped, and to count down with application of volume-indicative pulses from divider 122 when the metering apparatus is in operation.
Prior to initial operation of the metering apparatus register 105 is reset by the operator by actuation of push button RESET switch 33. This switch is connected to one input of an AND gate 126, the other input of which is connected to the output of the start-stop flip-flop 121 to render the reset switch 33 non-functional while the metering apparatus is in operation. The output of AND gate 126 is applied through an OR gate 127 to the reset inputs of register 106 and divider 122. In this way, the divider and register are simultaneously reset to a zero counting state prior to initial operation of the apparatus.
An auto reset state 130 responsive to initial application of power to the apparatus is provided to automatically establish an initial counting state in registers 105, 107 and 110. The output of the auto reset stage is applied to the remaining input of OR gate 127 so as to establish a zero counting state in register 105 and divider 122, and to the reset input of register 110 through AND gate 131. Should the operator attempt to set the most significant digit of register 110 above 4, a reset circuit coupled to the remaining input of AND gate 131 also resets the register. In this way the setting of infusion rates in excess of 499 ml. per hour is prevented. The output of the auto reset stage is also applied to register 107, wherein it establishes a minimum counting state of 1 ml. to prevent initiation of the "keep open" mode before the metering apparatus has been placed in operation.
Operation of the infusion metering apparatus is interrupted upon occurrence of an occlusion within the administration set, as detected by a switch 132 associated with plunger 67 (FIGS. 3 and 5). This switch, which may be a pressure switch similar to switches 33-35, or a magnetically-actuated Hall-effect switch, is actuated by an actuator lever attached to the plunger when the plunger is allowed to close against the tubing as a result of an occlusion within the administration set. The switch provides an output signal which actuates a latch circuit to condition start-stop flip-flop 121 to a STOP state and illuminate occlusion indicator lamp 25.
Operation of the apparatus is also interrupted in the event of a bubble being detected at bubble detector 62. In this event, an output signal is generated by the bubble detector which actuates a latch circuit to condition the start-stop flip-flop 121 to interrupt operation of the metering apparatus. At the same time, BUBBLE indicator lamp 23 is illuminated to alert the operator.
Operating power for the fluid metering apparatus is supplied by means of two unidirectional current supplies 135 and 136 which receive operating power from the AC line through ON-OFF switch 22. A battery 138 is provided as an additional source of operating power in the event of failure of the AC line. The battery is connected through switch 22 across the output of power supply 135.
Normally, battery 138 is maintained charged by power supply 135 and the various control circuits of the infusion metering apparatus are powered by this combined source, while the stepper motor 100 is powered by the power supply 136. To guard against interruption of AC line voltage the output of the power supply 135 is continuously monitored by a voltage comparator 140. Upon occurrence of a line voltage interruption an output signal is produced by comparator 140 which simultaneously illuminates a BATTERY ON indicator 26 and actuates a relay 141.
Operation of the metering apparatus is interrupted whenever the battery voltage falls below a predetermined minimum level for a predetermined period of time. To this end, the battery voltage is continuously monitored by a voltage comparator stage 133. Upon occurrence of a low voltage condition, an output signal is produced which activates a latch circuit to illuminate the BATTERY LOW lamp 27 and initiate operation of a timing counter 134. This counter counts the "keep open" output pulses developed by fixed divider 116 to obtain a 10 minute time delay. If the low voltage condition persists beyond this delay period an output signal is developed by timing counter 134 which causes the BATTERY LOW lamp to flash and conditions start-stop flip-flop 121 to interrupt operation of the metering apparatus. It should be noted that the operation of comparator 133 is entirely independent of comparator 140, and serves as a check on system voltage whether supplied by power supply 135 or battery 138.
Stepper motor 100 is powered by power supply 136 through transfer contacts on relay 141. The purpose of these contacts is to substitute battery 138 as a source of power for the stepper motor in the event of an AC line failure as detected by comparator 140. The various phase windings of motor 100 are individually supplied from power supply 136 by means of switching transistors 142-145 connected in series with the windings.
In accordance with another feature of the apparatus, isolation is obtained between stepper motor 100 and the pulse-sensitive control circuits of the metering apparatus by means of individual optical isolators 146-149 associated with respective ones of the switching transistors. Each of the optical isolators includes a light detecting element connected between the motor current source and a respective one of the switching transistors, and a light emitting diode (LED) element connected to the output of a respective one of inverting amplifiers 150-153. These amplifiers receive phase control signals from motor drive circuits 101 through respective NOR gates 154-157 which serve as a safety shutoff control means for the metering apparatus.
The NOR gates 154-157 are disabled when the start-stop flip-flop 121 is conditioned to a stop mode by means of an OR gate 158 having an output connected to one input of each of the NOR gates. Also, these NOR gates can be disabled by outputs from bubble detector 62 and occlusion switch 132 through an additional OR gate 159 which provides an additional input to OR gate 158. Thus, occurrence of an occlusion, detection of a bubble, or conditioning of the start-stop flip-flop to a stop state for any reason causes the interruption of control signals to optical isolators 146-149 and interruption of drive power to stepper motor 100.
In operation, the user initially sets an infusion rate by actuating switch 35 to apply a requisite number of pulses to register 110. The counting state of this register sets the variable divider 102 such that control pulses are developed at the output thereof with a repetition rate commensurate with the desired infusion rate. These control pulses are applied through NOR gate 119 to the motor drive circuits 101 wherein they are utilized to generate multiple phase control signals suitable for controlling the operation of the multi-phase stepper motor 100. Each of the phase signals developed by drive circuits 101 is applied through a respective one of NOR gates 154-157 and inverter amplifiers 150-153 to a respective one of optical isolators 146-149. These isolators in turn control conduction in respective ones of drive transistors 142-145 to apply current from power supply 136 to stepper motor 100. In this way, the stepper motor turns the peristaltic rotor 40 at a rate established by the operator.
To provide a continuous readout of fluid volume infused the drive pulses applied to the drive circuits 101 are also applied to divider 122 to develop pulses indicative of the number of complete milliliters infused. These pulses are counted by register 105 to provide a display in device 106 indicative of the actual quantity of fluid infused.
Prior to initial operation of the apparatus an initial counting state is established in register 107 by momentary application of pulses from pulse source 113 through NOR gate 124 and OR gate 123 to establish an initial counting state indicative of the total volume of fluid to be infused. Register 108 is conditioned to count up at this time by start-stop flip-flop 121 through inverter 125.
Once this volume is set, operation is started by actuation of switch 21 and register 107 is conditioned to count down by flip-flop 121. Pulses from divider 122 indicative of actual volume infused are now applied through OR gate 123 to count register 107 down toward zero. When the register reaches a zero counting state, indicating that the desired volume of fluid has been infused, an output signal from register 107 inhibits NOR gate 119 and prevents further operation of stepping motor 100 by pulses from the variable divider 102. However, should the rate established by variable divider 102 be greater than a predetermined minimum infusion rate, comparison circuit 114 provides an enabling signal to NAND gate 115 which allows the output signal from register 107 to enable NOR gate 117 through inverter 120. This establishes a "keep open" mode of operation wherein pulses from fixed divider 116 provide motor drive circuits 101 with stepping command signals at a frequency which maintains a desired minimum flow rate through the system.
Registers 106, 107 and 110 are automatically reset upon initial operation of the system by the auto reset circuit 130. Register 105 may also be manually reset by switch 33 when the start-stop flip-flop 121 is conditioned to a stop state.
Protection against occlusion in the administration set is provided by switch 132, which conditions flip-flop 121 to a stop state and inhibits NOR gates 154-157. Similarly, protection against the formation of bubbles within the administration set is provided by bubble detector 62, which also conditions flip-flop 121 to a stop state and inhibits NOR gates 154-157. Protection against AC line failure is provided by voltage comparator 140 which actuates relay 141 to switch stepper motor 100 to battery 138, and by voltage comparator 133 which interrupts operation of the apparatus upon occurrence of a low voltage condition for a predetermined period of time.
Upon occurrence of any one of the above alarm functions, or upon infusion of the desired fluid volume, an aural alarm 160 is actuated to alert the operator that attention to the apparatus is required. A switch associated with the pressure plate of the pump head locks out the alarm when the pump head is opened.
Referring to FIG. 8, the bubble detector 62 of the infusion apparatus includes an AC-powered detection circuit which offers improved detection sensitivity and stability. Basically, the detection circuit, as shown in FIG. 8, comprises a multi-vibrator 161 consisting of three NAND gates 162, 163 and 164. A capacitor 165 connected to the output of gate 163 and a potentiometer 166 connected to the output of gate 164 provide an RC time constant which determine the frequency of the multi-vibrator output signal in a manner well known to the art. A diode 167 is connected between the arm of potentiometer 166 and the output of gate 164 to vary the duty cycle of the oscillator output signal. A fixed impedance 168 connected in series with the body of potentiometer 166 provides a desired adjustment range.
The AC signal generated by multi-vibrator 161 is applied through an impedance 169 to the base of a transistor 170. The emitter of transistor 170 is connected to ground and the collector is connected to the cathode of a light emitting diode (LED) which comprises the light source 60 disposed on one side of the administration set tubing segment 16. The anode of the LED is connected to a source of positive unidirectional current through a resistor 171. As a result, the AC signal developed by multi-vibrator 161 is amplified by transistor 170 and utilized to drive the LED, causing the LED to produce a light output which varies at a rate dependent on the output frequency of the multi-vibrator.
The alternating light developed by the LED is detected by photodetector 172 and associated amplifier transistor 173, which together comprise the light detector 61 adjacent tubing segment 16. The collectors of photo-detector 172 and transistors 173 are connected to the positive unidirectional current source of the apparatus, and the emitter 172 is connected to the base of transistor 173. The emitter of transistor 173 is connected to ground through a resistor 174 and through respective diodes 175-177 to respective inputs of a dual Schmitt trigger 178. The cathodes of diodes 175-177 are connected to ground by respective ones of capacitors 180-182 and resistor 183-185 in parallel circuit configuration. These elements serve in conjunction with the diodes a signal detector, generating a DC signal at the inputs of trigger 178 dependent on the amplitude of the AC signal produced by detector 61. Trigger 178, which may be a commercially available component such as a type MC14583B marketed by Motorola, produces an output upon reduction below a predetermined threshold level of the DC signal developed at either of the inputs associated with diodes 176 and 177. The input associated with diode 175 functions as an enabling input for both triggers. The output of Schmitt trigger 178 is applied to one input of an OR gate 179.
The emitter of transistor 173 is also connected to ground through series-connected resistors 186 and 187. The signal developed at the junction of the two resistors is filtered by a series-connected resistor 188 and a capacitor 189 and parallel-connected resistor connected to ground and applied to the remaining input of OR gate 179. In this way OR gate 179 is provided with the output signal developed by the two Schmitt triggers 178 and a DC control signal developed across capacitor 189, either of which can result in a bubble-indicative output from the gate in the event of a bubble occurring in tubing segment 16. The output of Schmitt triggers 178 and the output of OR gate 179 are also connected to the positive unidirectional current source of the system by respective resistors.
Since the output of OR gate 179 is dependent on both the amplitude of the AC signal as rectified and applied to the parallel-connected Schmitt triggers 178, and on the DC signal developed across capacitor 189, the bubble detector utilized in the metering apparatus provides two independent control channels. The first channel, which utilizes Schmitt triggers 178, establishes a highly precise threshold below which an alarm output is produced. The second channel, which depends only on the input characteristic of gate 179 and is less precise, serves as a backup in the event of failure of the Schmitt triggers in an active mode.
In order for bubble detector 62 to not provide an output, it is necessary that the DC signals applied to the Schmitt triggers as a result of rectification by diodes 176 and 177 be above a predetermined minimum level, which is possible only when there is fluid within tubing segment 16 which acts as a lens to direct light from light source 60 to detector 172. In the event of failure of the light source or the detector, or any other component of the system, the DC signal applied to the Schmitt triggers is removed and an alarm output is generated. In the event of failure of the Schmitt triggers, an alarm output will be developed by OR gate 179 upon loss of the DC signal from capacitor 189. The use of an AC signal eliminates drift in the circuitry as a factor affecting the threshold level of the Schmitt triggers, thereby allowing the threshold to be set closer to the normal operating level of the system for greater detection efficiency.
Transient spikes on the AC line, which are particularly prevalent in institutions such as hospitals where electrical machinery is in operation, introduce the potential of spurious counts in the digital registers and gates utilized in the control circuits of the metering apparatus. For this reason, it is imperative that the greatest possible isolation be provided by power supplies 135 and 136 between the control circuits and the AC line, particularly in view of the possibly critical life-determining nature of the metering apparatus.
To this end, separate power supplies each incorporating special transient protection features are provided in the metering apparatus. Referring to FIG. 9, it is seen that the two power supplies 135 and 136 share a common power transformer 190 which includes individual secondary windings 191 and 192 each electrostatically shielded from the line. The output of secondary winding 191 is connected across a bridge rectifier 193 within power supply 136. The positive polarity output of bridge rectifier 193 is connected to the positive polarity input terminal 194 of a first four-terminal filter capacitor 195. The negative input terminal 196 of this capacitor is connected to the negative polarity output of the bridge rectifier.
Filter capacitor 195 is an electrolytic type capacitor which includes four terminals; a first pair of terminals associated with respective ends of the positive plate of the capacitor, and a second pair of terminals associated with respective ends of the negative or foil side of the capacitor.
The output terminals 197 and 198 of capacitor 195 are connected to a conventional voltage regulator circuit which includes a series-connected regulator transistor 200. In a manner well known to the art, the conduction state of transistor 200 is varied in response to the voltage level existing at the output of power supply 136 so as to maintain the voltage level constant. To this end, a zener diode 201 and resistor 202 are connected across the output electrodes of the capacitor to develop a reference voltage. This reference voltage is compared within a comparator amplifier 203 with a portion of the output voltage of the power supply as developed by a potentiometer 204 connected across the output terminals of the supply. The output of comparator 203, representing the deviation of the output voltage from a reference level, is applied to a transistor 205 which serves to amplify the error signal prior to application to the base of transistor 200. Additional regulation to compensate for changes in current load is provided by a series-connected resistor 206 at the emitter of transistor 200. This register develops an additional error signal which is applied through three series-connected voltage dropping diodes 207 to the base of the error amplifier transistor 205. Protection against transient spikes is provided by reverse-biased diodes 208 and 209 connected across the input and output leads of the voltage regulator, respectively.
Power supply 135, which is virtually identical to power supply 136, includes a bridge rectifier 210 connected across secondary winding 192, and a four terminal filter capacitor 211 having input terminals 212 and 213 connected across the output of the bridge rectifier. The output terminals 214 and 215 of the capacitor are connected to a series regulator circuit similar to that contained in power supply 136, including a series regulator transistor 216, a voltage reference zener diode 217 and a differential amplifer 218 with similar functions. A filter capacitor 220 is connected across the output of the power supply to provide additional filtering.
The described power supply arrangement has the advantage of providing a high degree of filtering between the AC line and the respective power supply busses of the metering apparatus. The four-terminal filter capacitors are particularly effective in this respect, in that any transient currents attempting to enter or leave the respective power supplies must pass through the electrodes of the capacitor, since these electrodes are relied upon to complete the metallic circuit. As a result, the filtering action of the capacitors is not reduced with transients of higher frequencies, as in conventional filter capacitors.
The use of separate power supplies, each utilizing the four-terminal filter capacitor component, provides a very high degree of isolation between the stepper motor circuit and the digital control circuitry of the metering apparatus. This is desirable because of the relatively high switching transients inherent in the operation of a stepper motor, and the possibility of these transients affecting the critical digital control circuitry.
Thus, the invention provides a flow metering apparatus for fluid infusion systems which allows the operator to directly select fluid flow rate and volume without the need for calculations. The apparatus is convenient to install and does not require particular skills on the part of the operator for its operation. Protection is provided within the apparatus against malfunctions in the administration set and with the apparatus itself, in the event of which the operator is signaled and operation of the apparatus is terminated. The apparatus is portable and of a construction which lends itself to convenient use in a hospital environment.
While a particular embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the invention in its broader aspects, and, therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.


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So it makes sense that I've been thinking a lot about tomorrow's Apple event. What will the devices and accessories announced tomorrow mean for how I work going forward? Will I even buy any of those new devices? I'd thought I'd write down some of my thoughts on them. True, they haven't been announced yet, some details are still unknown. However, I think we know a lot about them, or at least we have some very good, informed speculation. So let's go through these expected announcements one-by-one:
iPhone 6s and 6s Plus
Back in March, I switched back to Apple by upgrading from a Nexus 5 to an iPhone 6. I've been quite happy with the purchase, though I do wonder how much of that was returning to iOS and how much of it was leaving the base, 16 GB tier behind and getting the 64 GB version. I also switched to a post-paid carrier, so just as 2-year contracts are finally dying here in the U.S., I signed up for one. So I am stuck with my iPhone 6 for another year and a half one way or another, so I guess I better like it.
While I won't be getting either of the new iPhones, I am still excited to hear what Apple will be doing with this platform. Force Touch, the ability of the screen to detect different amounts of tapping pressure, is a nice addition, but I am most looking forward to the increase in RAM. iPhones have been stuck at 1 GB of RAM for the last couple of cycles, and while iOS itself is very RAM-efficient, some activities are aided by additional RAM. My upgrade to the iPad Air 2 last year showed this quite nicely, as Safari was sped up as much by the extra gigabyte of RAM as the new A8X process, since it didn't have to reload as often which switching tabs. Most other tasks on my iPad didn't really need the additional RAM, but that will change with the new version of iOS and the addition of better multi-tasking.
Split-screen multitasking likely isn't coming to iPhone, but with the extra RAM, maybe developers will be working to push the platform once again, bringing more powerful apps that would've been hamstrung by the lack of RAM before.
The new iPhones will also have higher-resolution cameras, both on the front for FaceTime and Skype calls and selfies, and on the back. I love using my iOS for taking photos, but I am a little concerned about how much space photos are taking up on my iPhone and iPad, even at their current resolution. On both, I am using up 10-13 GB of space just for storing photos and videos I've taken, and that's with space optimization turned on in iCloud Photo Library. Otherwise, I would be using up 25 GB.
Not saying that Apple shouldn't increase the resolution of the cameras, but they need to consider making changes to how iCloud Photo Library works so that managing devices storage is much easier, particularly as photos and videos use up more storage space. Is it too much to ask to have a setting limiting how much on-board storage I'm willing to allocate to photos and videos? Maybe I'm just being paranoid about storage space, after all, it's supposed to adjust the amount of space it uses depending on the space available. Still, it's something I worry about.
iPad Pro
Federico Viticci is my spirit animal. I use my iPad Air 2 for far more productive tasks than most I think. I have largely replaced my laptop with it since it is far more portable, faster, and for 95% of tasks I may need to do away from my desktop(s), it is a computer I can be just as productive on. I use it with a keyboard, but not an attached one. I feel that having an attached keyboard, whether it's part of an iPad case or it's on a laptop, make it too clunky no matter how thin you make it (looking at you, MacBook One). It's a great little device.
So it pains me a bit to say that I won't be getting the new iPad Pro. With a screen size of 12.9 inches, it is just way too big for me to have it as a constant companion. Sure, the increased size will likely mean it will have a faster processor and more battery capacity than the Air series could ever have. The iPhone 6 Plus had many of the same advantages over the smaller 6, but the extra size just made it less portable and thus less convenient to carry around everywhere. I feel I would have the same problem with the iPad Pro. There's also the question of cost, which is more of a mystery at the moment, but almost certainly the configuration I would want (128 GB with a cellular option) would be close to $1000 if not more. The same configuration in the Air line of iPads costs $829, and that's already pushing what I'm willing to spend.
So what will I get out of the iPad Pro announcement? I am curious to see if the accessories for the Pro will work with my Air 2. Mark Gurman reports on 9to5Mac that the Force Touch stylus and a new Apple keyboard will be sold separately. I would be interested to hear if the stylus works with the Air 2. Not that I would do too much handwritten note taking either way. I can barely read my handwriting. And I have tried more styli than I care to admit on my iPad, and they all ultimately ended up in my Drawer of Misfit Tech. We'll have to see what an Apple stylus can do with official software support compared to all the third-party predecessors.
The keyboard I use now with my iPad is the Logitech K480 Multi-Device Keyboard. It's a solid device and definitely the most comfortable bluetooth keyboard I've ever used, but I sometimes can't get past how clunky it is. It looks and feels like a Fischer Price keyboard. So I would be curious to see what Apple comes up with for their new keyboard. Again, will it be iPad Pro-only? Considering how I use my device, and my very poor handwriting skills, a new, lighter keyboard that manages to be just as comfortable to type on would be more welcome than yet another stylus.
I am also looking forward to seeing what software third-party developers come up with for the iPad Pro, which again, I hope make their way to the Air 2. For tomorrow's event, I do expect to see one or two games demoed, but seeing that Apple is marketing this device toward professional users, I think we'll see more productivity and creative apps. I think one demo we'll see is the new version of Photoshop for iOS. Adobe pulled their previous attempt at porting Photoshop to iOS, Photoshop Touch, from the App Store earlier this year. Photoshop Touch was a half-hearted attempt to bring more professional photo editing to a touch screen, something that apps like Pixelmator have done a better job at over the last year. However, Adobe has promised to jump back into this space this fall so the Apple Event tomorrow would be a great place to show it off, on a device that sounds like it was made for it.
So while the iPad Pro looks like a great device for me, I won't be buying one. It's just too big to be mobile and too expensive. But I look forward to see how Apple will be pushing the platform to something where people can be more productive, rather than just another screen to watch Netflix on. I think that's the perception most people have of tablets, and it's a perception that is causing iPad sales to decrease ("Who needs another screen to watch Youtube on when the iPhone does that just fine"). I hope the increased emphasis on productivity along with engineering that makes that easier will translate to more fully-functional apps developed for the iPad.
Of course, all this presumes an iPad Pro is announced tomorrow, which isn't a given.
Apple TV
The one device I will almost certainly buy of those announced tomorrow will be the Apple TV. I have a third-generation Apple TV, which came out in 2012. While I use it everyday for streaming video and Airplaying content from my iPad, it's internals are getting long in the tooth, and other devices like the Amazon Echo and the new Roku 3 are surpassing it thanks to voice recognition and universal search. Both of those are expected to be major new features of the new Apple TV along with an App Store for more video sources and games and better internals, including an A8 SoC and 16 to 32 GB of storage space.
With the additional of the app store, more video sources will be possible. Right now, Apple TV content comes from either the iTunes store or from a variety of "channels" that are baked into the OS. This requires networks or streaming services to work with Apple more intimately to get their content on the device. Some services, like Sling TV and Amazon Instant Video, aren't on the Apple TV for one reason or another and I expect that with the addition of an App Store, these will finally show up. That way I won't have to keep switching to the Roku to watching anything on Amazon Instant Video.
The App Store, along with a controller (sold separately), will also help transform the Apple TV into a low-cost gaming console. While iOS has long been known for smaller, casual games often riddled with horrific, in-app purchases, there are premium gems in the app store, but they are becoming fewer and farther in-between. For every Final Fantasy VII, Transistor, or KotOR, there are a bazillion freemium games like Candy Crush and Clash of Clans. While Apple TV's internals will not be as powerful as the Xbox One or Playstation 4, having one box to develop for and a platform that encourages longer and more dedicated game interactions will help to convince game developers to produce more premium experiences on the platform and squeeze every drop of performance from the A8. I'm hopeful that the games developed for the Apple TV also make their way to the iPad. The fact that Apple TV runs on a modified version of iOS should help in that regard, making it easy to produce a game for both the TV and iPad.
Having voice recognition will be great as well, making searching for content faster (have you ever tried to do a search with just the remote) and helping to turn the Apple TV more of a hub for the home. I look forward to the day where I can tell Siri to "Crash the Compound" as Rene Ritchie liked to put it, and all my lights would turn off as I get ready for bed.
So thanks to everyone for getting all the way to the end of this. This isn't my normal topic for this blog, but I really wanted to get my admittedly disjointed thoughts on tomorrow's Apple event out and this was really the only platform I have for this much content. Maybe at some point I will make a separate space for me to get my personal musings out on the Intertubes. I'll see about posting a follow-up tomorrow.

subset: commoncrawl


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Connecting to MySQL in Parallels Plesk Panel
To Connect to MySQL
- Log in as "admin" on your Parallels Plesk Panel account.
- From Server>Database, select MySQL.
- Add the following details:
- Server name- localhost : 3306
- Administrator's login- admin
- Administrator's password- Plesk password
- Click OK.


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The Hunger Games is out today, in more ways than just the film release and yesterday's iOS game.
Entertainment site Mashable reports that the insanely popular pictionary game Draw Something received an update today with seven new words, all pertaining to The Hunger Games franchise.
Mashable reports on what words you might see pop up in your next round of Draw Something:
Hunger Games fan or not, Draw Something players are likely to see Peeta, Haymitch, Gale, Effie, Tribute, Reaping, and Primrose show up as options for things to draw.
The possibilities for pop cultural references—a staple that developers OMGPOP proudly incorporated into their mobile pictionary game—are endless.
I'll be impressed if you can both draw and guess these newest items. If you've already seen it pop up in your Draw Something games, post them in the comments section for us.
'The Hunger Games' Comes to Draw Something [EXCLUSIVE] [Mashable]


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An elementary school is cancelling Mother's and Father's Day events in an effort to celebrate diversity and inclusivity after a traumatic incident involving one of its students.
Staff from Albert McMahon Elementary School in Mission, British Columbia, Canada sent a letter to its students' parents, indicating the cancellation of events related to the holidays. In it, the letter reads:
As Mother's Day and Father's Day approach we have met as a Primary (Grade 1 and 2) team to discuss our core values. In an effort to celebrate diversity, inclusivity and also nurture our students who are part of non-traditional families, we have decided to encourage those celebrations to take place at home. Due to this, the children will not be making gifts at school to give on Mother's Day and Father's Day. We feel each family knows the best way to celebrate with their own family.
Mission Public School District Superintendent Angus Wilson confirmed the letter was sent to parents, but he noted the cancellation came with a valid reason.
"The reasoning wasn't some cabal or some political plan," Wilson said. "Instead, there has been a recent trauma involving a student and its parents."
As a result, classrooms are choosing not to celebrate the holidays, Wilson added.
Wilson could not go into the specifics surrounding the "trauma" in an effort to keep the student's and its parents' identities private.
A picture of the letter was posted on Facebook on May 1 and was quickly shared amongst hundreds of people.
In it, the poster said:
I think disapointed [sic] is an understatement. This will be the first year that we don't get gifts crafted with love from our kids, and since we only have one little one now it makes it all that much worse. I dont understand why we, as Canadians, need to give up our traditions that have been passed through generations. I welcome all races and ethnicities, but forcing us to give up things that are important to us as Canadians is crap. And it doesnt even have anything to do with religion? You cant celebrate your Mom and Dad?
Wilson was aware of the Facebook posts, acknowledging how, without context, many could interpret the letter in a negative way. He added, however, virtually all the parents who did receive the letter understood why it had been sent and understood why the school was taking the direction it was.


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The end of 2012 is almost there! Here on State of Search we like stories and we like our friends. Put the two together and you have the perfect mix for some great stories.
This year we asked our friends and bloggers what their moment for 2012 was and what their wishes for 2013 are. Going up to the New Year we will tell you what the best moments of our friends were and around the New Year we will show you what they wished for. Towards the end you will hear from our bloggers.
Today it is time for the third group! Read what Andrew Girdwood, Murray Newlands, Judith Lewis, Greg Jarboe and Nicky Wake have to say:
Andrew Girdwood, Media Innovations Director, LBi
"My personal business moment of 2012 would have to be the news that LBi was to be acquired by Publicis Groupe. I've done search and social for years and remember the first group of SEOs chatting on Usenet about the various sites they were working on and what was happening with them. This was SEO as an obscure hobby. It was also social except we did not use that phrase. Over the years my hobby transformed into a cottage industry, became a business, started getting mentioned on the TV, became big business and is now the beating heart of a digital advertising revolution.
Publicis Groupe has an excellent record and is the parent to many fantastic agencies. It is an industry leader with its head on right. It's good to have such a strong outcome after months of rumours and many years of hard work."
Murray Newlands, TV Host and Executive Editor at Performance Marketing Insider
"My moment of 2012 was when I realized Facebook was going to start offering you the ability to promote your personal posts or to put it another way charge you for talking with your friends. I see this as the beginning of the end for Facebook. People are willing to sell their data but super users who power lots of the interaction on Facebook will start to engage elsewhere.
I have personally been doing more and more video work and would like to see one of the video social networks grow to really take on Facebook and Twitter."
Judith Lewis, Founder Bynd
"2012 was a year of massive unrest in the search world and for me personally. I lost my grandfather and my mother-in-law while I was still reeling from losing my grandmother. There was a birth just after the loss of my grandpa which helped but the most turmoil seemed to come from the search community and particularly those who had come to depend on a single type of 'marketing'. I think, for me, 2012 was hopefully the turning point in the search community when, faced with almost apocalyptic algorithm changes (if some were to be believed), SEOs suddenly realised that what people like me had been doing (and talking about) for years was back in fashion. Oh, and @MCHammer followed me on my @MostlyAboutChoc account – RESULT!
Since its beginnings in 1996, SEO has been about creating connections between relevant websites, creating a site with content people want to share and come back to and with something to sell or somehow add value to the experience. Yes, since then the web has filled up with spammers, thin affiliates and get rich quick schemes but the basics have always stood firm. I hope that 2012 demonstrated with Penguin, Panda, Knowledge Graph, Venice and Google + that the increased focus on single techniques to affect search results was not only not viable in the long term but also potentially damaging."
Greg Jarboe, President and co-founder, SEO-PR
"My business moment was captured by Evan Carmichael on June 12, 2012, in a post on The Entrepreneur Blog entitled, "The many faces of @gregjarboe #SESTO." In a dozen photos, Evan tells a story about my presentation at the "Developing a Video Optimization & Marketing Campaign" session at SES Toronto 2012 that would take other bloggers thousands of words to tell.
My personal moment was the birth of Maren Riccobene Jarboe, my first grandchild, on Oct. 8, 2012. I told Maren the story of the 2004 American League Championship Series and she promptly fell asleep. According to Klout, this photo captures one of my "influential moments" from the past 90 days. Both of these moments illustrate the importance of images in both search and social."
Nicky Wake, MD, Don't Panic Event Management
"As an event management agency we're involved in numerous awards competitions however our moment of 2012 was definitely a trip to Amsterdam in July to host the inaugural European Search Awards. It was our first event outside the UK and amazingly we managed to transport everything we needed by hand luggage despite some suspiciously wrapped blocks of Perspex!
The awards followed the hugely successful UK Search Awards we launched in 2011 to celebrate the talent and achievements of those working in our search & digital marketing industry."
Stay tuned for the next ones! Find the moments of:
Joost de Valk, Mel Carson, Jonathan Allen and Barry Schwartz
Becky Naylor, Marcus Tandler, Dennis Goedegebuure, Alex Moss and Julie Joyce
Dixon Jones, Kevin Gibbons, Fili Wiese and Richard Gregory
Will Critchlow, Roy Huiskes, Andy Betts, Jane Copland and Matt Roberts


text:
Come Experience
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Visionary Frank Rizzieri has won the most sought after hair award, known as NAHA which is the highest honor bestowed to a hairstylist in all of North America, the equivalent of an Oscar Award. Frank has won it three times. After years of styling hair for photo shoots, fashion shows, and celebrities,
Frank Rizzieri wanted to create styles for which there were no tools available. This is the reason Frank co-invented R Session Pro Tools.
Rizzieri is in the "make people feel good" business. Their facilities, reputation, and talented staff that excel in their craft, creates a one of a kind guest experience.
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text:
Induction Ceremony
Broadcast live from the Allen Lambert
Galleria throughout the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Gala Celebration Continues ...
Rub shoulders with the legends and the who's who of hockey.
*autographs respectfully declined.
Dress: Business Attire
Galleria Seating Ticket Price: $500 each
Access to all public areas of the Hockey Hall of Fame, plus reserved seating
in the Allen Lambert Galleria to view the live Induction Ceremony.
Proceeds to Hockey Hall of Fame and Museum.
"A Registered Charity under the Income Tax Act (Canada)"
Income tax receipts will be issued for the charitable portion upon request.
Due to limited availability, Hockey Hall of Fame may not fulfill all ticket requests.
Approved ticket orders will be confirmed on or before September 15, 2013. No refunds.
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text:
FAIRFIELD, Conn. (WTNH) – Hatchimals are the break out toy of the season, literally.
Manufactured by Spin Master, the interactive birdlike toy busts out of its egg and "ages" as kids take care of it, from an infant to a toddler to a little bird-like kid.
They're flying off store shelves. At big box stores like Target, Walmart and Toys R Us, the toy retails for around $50 but they're nearly impossible to find.
When they are in stock online, there's usually only a few and they're priced high. On Amazon, the toy ranges from $190 to as high as $350. On eBay, one seller offered a single Hatchimal for $600.
"The parents are having a rough time trying to find them," Celeste Vanderlip, owner of Hobbytown in Fairfield, Connecticut, told WTNH. "Their child really wants that Hatchimal, it's the gift at the top of their list that they're looking for."
For parents looking for Hatchimals, there are some ways to make finding them a bit easier.
Nowinstock.net tracks big box store inventory online. It will post when stores like Target, Walmart and Toys R Us have Hatchimals in stock and ready to ship. The site can also send you alerts.
Shoppers can also use Fyndly to track Target shipments.
Enter the following DPCI codes along with your zip code and how far you're willing to drive:
Penguala Pink/Teal: 086-08-0395
Penguala Pink/Red: 086-08-0897
Draggle Blue/Purple: 086-08-0396
Draggle Blue/Green: 086-08-0898
Bearakeet Pink/Black: 086-08-0899
Be sure to call ahead, though. One Target store manager in Connecticut told WTNH Hatchimals are so hot that parents are lining up outside the store for shipments.
"Waited in line yesterday for Target to open and was able to get one of the seven they got in," said shopper Allison Ondy, adding, "Target seems to be the store that gets daily shipments [but you] have to check their website at 6 a.m., see which stores have limited quantity and then drive there and wait in line to get a ticket to get one."
Toys R Us is expecting additional shipments throughout the holiday season. Customers are advised to check their website early in the morning.
Walmart told WTNH it expects to have Hatchimals back in stock in time for its Black Friday sale for $48.88. The sale, though, starts at 6 p.m. Thanksgiving Day, and online at 12:01 a.m. Thursday.
Spin Master didn't anticipate the popularity of Hatchimals and has increased production but the toys likely won't be available until next year.
"The consumer response to Hatchimals has been extraordinary, exceeding all expectations," the company wrote on its website. "Some of our first shipments have already sold out. While additional product will hit retail shelves in November, we anticipate this inventory will also sell out quickly. We have increased production and a whole new batch of Hatchimals will be ready to hatch in early 2017."
The statement continued, "This is a special season and we don't want anyone to be disappointed, nor do we support inflated prices from non-authorized resellers. We are working on creative solutions to help kids and their parents withstand the wait. In the interim, some retailers are developing pre-sale and/or rain-check programs for redemption in January. We will continue to update with program details as they become available."


text:
I didn't have to travel far to the firefighter party in Little Italy's Firehouse Museum, but firefighters came from all over the U.S. and other countries to attend this party. I was told there were several firefighter parties around town. They were in town for a few days of training at the Convention Center. I heard Australian accents and listened as three Aussies talked about how 30 percent of their firefighters are female, up from 10 percent years earlier.
It was a nice start to the party when I saw a variety of expensive cigars being sold near the entrance. There was an antique fire engine parked out front. The smell of cigars wafted down Columbia Street.
I bought a stogie and lit it up. I asked one guy why cops and firemen have mustaches. One lady said, "I don't have one!" Her friend said, "It's my cigar duster." As the lady walked inside, he then said, "It's because women don't just like to ride on the fire trucks."
A band called Dumb Luck was playing, making it difficult to talk, so I hung out in front of the museum. On display were a variety of hydrants, badges, and firefighting equipment that went back a hundred years. One room held some of the first fire trucks, which looked like big carriages.
I asked a few firefighters what the strangest thing they've seen on duty was.
One said, "It was my first maternity-type call. This woman had no family, and she was on the floor when we got there. We propped her up. She insisted her water broke earlier, and as I got down there, well...she farted in my face." He laughs as he continues, "She got so mad...she kicked us out of the house."
A guy from Oakland told me, "We have lots of strange...local prostitutes. But they're nice ladies, and I don't want to talk bad about them."
I walked around to look at the relics on the wall. I noticed that the antique firehose looks a lot like the firehoses that are used today.
I saw two dogs running around. Neither were dalmatians and neither did anything to the fire hydrants around the party.
I overheard a few guys talking about their shift schedules, which sounded unusual. I was told they work for two days and then take three days off. I asked why they don't work normal eight-hour shifts, and they went into detail about how they don't have to transfer as much information and something about "equipment check teams."
This party was raising money for the museum. There were tip jars set up near the bartenders and that money would go to the museum fund. I crashed, but there was an admission charge to get in. Someone told me they expected to raise about $3,500.
It was interesting looking at the different shirts the firefighters wore from the cities they worked in or with funny phrases related to firefighting. There were, as always, a few guys in their 50s wearing Hawaiian shirts.
I ran into a firefighter from Chula Vista and asked him about the strangest thing he'd seen on the job. He said, "There was a 9-1-1 call. With those calls, we are usually the first dispatched to the scene. This guy had something...very large...stuck in his butt. He said it had been there from the night before, and he couldn't get it out."
I was laughing at the visual of firefighters standing around with hard hats and gloves on. "We just got him in an ambulance and he went to the hospital."
I heard a lot of noise upstairs so ventured up the spiral staircase. There was a bar and a pool table but not a lot of room to move around. When I heard the band take a break, I headed back downstairs.
A DJ was playing, and I asked him if he was going to play any "fire" songs. I rattled off several titles. He smiled and showed me his list. All the fire songs I mentioned were on the list, as well as about 15 others. I was determined to think of a few songs he didn't list. He didn't believe me when I told him that a guy named Arthur Brown had a hit in 1968 called "Fire."
As we were discussing songs, a firefighter yelled from the dance floor, "Play 'Pyromania,' and turn it louder! If it's too quiet, the girls stop dancing."
There were several guys with tattoos. I tell my brother that he looks stupid with flames tattooed on his arm, but seeing flames on somebody who fights fires for a living seemed appropriate.
One guy showed me to the kitchen and offered me pizza. They ordered ten, so I grabbed a slice and a drink of punch, which was labeled "Firefighter Brand, EMS, HydroEnergy." Firefighting might be the only profession with its own beverage.
A crew from San Bernardino County was out on the back patio smoking. I asked them about the strangest thing they had experienced on the job. They took time to ponder it, and then a guy said, "Okay, here it goes. A woman had a ring in her belly button. Somehow, as she was sleeping, her dog's leg got stuck in it. We attempted to cut the ring, but it was stainless steel, which our cutters wouldn't slice. As one guy tried moving the dog's leg, he got bit in the arm. Another guy was peed on by the dog. They finally took her to the ER."
The band started up again and seemed to be louder than before, so I headed out. As I was leaving I asked one more firefighter for a strange story. This guy worked in National City. "It was around 2:30 a.m. We got a call about an accident on the 54 freeway. We came off of the I-5 and saw a tire in the road and a minivan a little farther up. There were three black guys fixing the tire. They said there was no accident; they just got a flat that they were fixing. We drove back to see what the other tire was from and we see another car that is missing a tire. And there's a couple having sex. Right there on the side of the road. We knock on the window, and they just continue. I guess the guy who was drunk and was going to be taken in figured he'd have some fun before being arrested."
Crash your party? Call 619-235-3000 x421 and leave an invitation for Josh Board.
More from SDReader
- More stories by Josh Board
- Top O' The Muffin — Nov. 11, 2004
- How Do You Like Our Moonscape? — Oct. 17, 2002
- Fires Move Faster than Firefighters — July 18, 2002
- Fire's own logic: Robert Brock's career in flames — Feb. 17, 1994
- The Bowles fire hotspot was Iron Mountain Road — Oct. 25, 1984


text:
Navistar International Corp. officials said Wednesday (Feb. 14) they are looking into selling the company's Navistar RV unit based in Wakarusa, Ind.
According to a report by WSBT-TV, South Bend, Navistar is in the preliminary stages of its effort to possibly sell the company. In a statement, Navistar representative Steve Schrier said:
"Navistar is conducting a comprehensive review of all of our non-core businesses — including our Navistar RV business — to evaluate their potential to drive long-term profitability and significantly improve our return on invested capital (ROIC).
"As a result of our ROIC analysis, Navistar is listening to offers for the sale of its RV business and the sale of the business is a possibility. However, we are still early on in that process and not accepted any offers at this time."
Schrier added that Navistar is not in a position where it has to sell the RV portion of the company.
"We have a credible turnaround plan for the RV business under way and sufficient cash to continue funding operations, so we have the option to reject any offers that don't have value," Schrier told WSBT, emphasizing the company was not cash-strapped.
The company laid off 29 temporary workers in September. At that time, Schrier said that there were no plans to lay off any of the 500 permanent employees who work at the Wakarusa motorized manufacturing facility.
In 2008, Monaco Coach Corp. laid off nearly 1,500 people and filed for bankruptcy. Then Navistar bought Monaco Coach in 2009. When Navistar acquired Monaco, there were only 20 employees left.
In August 2011, Monaco decided to consolidate its Oregon factory with the factory in Wakarusa. That brought about 400 new jobs to Elkhart County. There are currently about 600 workers between the Elkhart and Wakarusa plants.


text:
30 March 2010
Etsy Update: Floral Grunge Revival
The fact that these dresses and are now considered vintage makes me feel OLD! Ha, ha! I lived in these throughout high school along with a pair of Docs and colorful tights. I still have quite an affinity for these floral rayon dresses and must admit that I've kept a couple for myself to wear on casual days. In fact, I've been pretty much living in them lately. All of the ones seen here have now been added to the shop!
22 comments:
- OriOri said...
ahah your comment is funny. But I think vintage considerations about dress depend on its cup (I m not sure about this word in english), all flower dresses are not old ! :)
More generally, I find your style very intresting !
- March 30, 2010
- Unknown said...
What goes around comes around I suppose! :) Are there any trends coming around now which have made you wish you'd kept some things you'd sold in the past I wonder?
Never commented you before but I've been a regular reader for quite some time, love your blog :)
- March 30, 2010
- Kimberley said...
Love these. I remember I got a baby doll floral dress in seventh or eighth grade, and I wore it with brown work boots and thought I was the coolest EVER.
- March 30, 2010
- Andi said...
Whoa there! When did the 90s become vintage? I thought "vintage" was stuff from 1920-1980. Before that would be "antique" and after that is just old stuff. Something that is 20 years old or less should not be called vintage.
- March 30, 2010
- LoveCharlesVintage said...
I am all about the 90s floral lately! Great finds, they will make a good addition to anyones wardrobe.
- March 30, 2010
- JessMidge said...
these dresses are so so pretty!!
- March 30, 2010
- What we four say said...
Ditto on the feeling old thing, I too lived in these in high school with little mary-janes! They are pretty cute though. It's weird to think that the 90's are so long ago that they are coming back. I thought it was weird enough when it was the 80's coming back. When I see photos from the 90's now it does seem so far off. For a while I had a hard to defining the style of the 90's other than grunge and prep but now it seems so obvious. I think when you grow up with something it just seems normal.
- March 30, 2010
- Unknown said...
FYI. 1990 WAS 20 years ago. Close enough. And i feel old too :-D But i wore ripped baggy jeans and band t's with my docs, not floral dresses :-D
Love you SJV!
- March 30, 2010
- anja louise said...
I definitely had a few of these in grade seven!! I'm glad they're back in style, cause dang they are comfy!
- March 30, 2010
- Isabel said...
I'm always down for a floral grunge revival!!
- March 30, 2010
- Lexie said...
angela chase would buy all these up in a heart beat!
- March 30, 2010
- Helga said...
O no!! I felt old when 80's got classified as vintage!!Now I must be ancient!!s
- March 31, 2010
- Claire Nouveau said...
these are just perfect! love'm
Mamushka Marie
- March 31, 2010
- Unknown said...
Lovely collection.
Travel and Living
Job Hunter
- March 31, 2010
- Lulu said...
they're the greatest dresses! =]
- March 31, 2010
- Jen Evil said...
I am 20 years old. Born in 1989. And I own two of these dresses at this moment haha...With docs to go with them haha....to me, it is not vintage, it is 90's grunge baby! =)
- March 31, 2010
- Carrie Ann Eddleman said...
I lived in those little dresses once too. I picked up the cutest little floral skirt for myself when I was out thrifting a few days ago, can't wait to wear it. Lovely selections. Take Care, Carrie
- March 31, 2010
- Em said...
I still have all my Docs from that era and a few of the dresses. Come to think of it, I still have some of the grandpa cardis I use to wear with them! It always seemed Morrisey to me. Anyway, love your blog!
- March 31, 2010
- Fabiola "Fab" said...
Love these!!!! they are soo comfortable and yet very stylish!
- March 31, 2010
- Nishant said...
I find your style very intresting !
data entry india
- April 01, 2010
- MOUSEVOX VINTAGE said...
Last Spring/Summer I swore off wearing dresses just like this because of being able to clearly remember wearing them in my teens. Now, I can't get enough of them!
- April 01, 2010
- Laura said...
I know what you mean I had the kids version back in the day, and now they're vintage I can't quite believe it!!!
- April 08, 2010


text:
The book about the international aspects and achievements of the "International Heliophysical Year
30 October 2009
The book about the international aspects and achievements of the "International Heliophysical Year (IHY) 2007" can be regarded as a compendium of the fertile impacts of conducting research in this field. The main focus is international cooperation, which has emerged from this grassroots initiative. North and South, industrialised and developing countries have been coordinating their efforts and have been learning from each other in a mutual partnership under a joint understanding of sharing the scientific benefits. Through this, trans-border networks have been created and scientific as well as cultural exchange took place.
Another focus of the book shows, how much astronomy contributes to the basis of knowledge society as today's concept for mastering the future. Heliophysics has been and will be attracting large numbers of young people to enter an education and career in science and engineering. Such attractions we desperately need in all countries around the world, and we have to appreciate initiatives like IHY, which are successful in raising awareness, interest and fascination.
For more information, please see: http://www.springer.com/springerwiennewyork/engineering/book/978-3-211-99179-4
Search IYA2009 Updates
National Nodes: 148
Organisational Nodes: 40
Organisational Associates:33
National Websites: 111
Cornerstone Projects: 12
Special Task Groups: 11
Special Projects:16
Official Products:8
Media Partners:22


text:
Starting with a Kraft panel, I embossed it with woodgrain and inked the edges, popping it up with foam on a Harvest Gold card base.
Die cut a label, inked the edges and stamped my sentiment from Simply Delightful by The Craft's Meow.
I added a bit of bling and attached my clip to the panel.
Here is the color inspiration colors:
Thank you so much for stopping by today! I hope you have a fantastic Friday!
Paper: Kraft, Harvest Gold Papertrey Ink
Stamps: Simply Delightful TCM
Ink: Vintage Photo Ranger, Rich Cocoa Tsukineko
Embellishment: Rhinestone Flourish Prima, Felt Flower Clip Pink Paislee
Tools: Woodgrain Impression Plate, Limitless Label Die Papertrey Ink


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text:
Public Health Loses Out to Politics in Oyster Decision
Statement of David Plunkett, Senior Staff Attorney
Public health lost out to the politics of special interests with FDA's announcement today that it may delay a requirement for processing Gulf Coast oysters to destroy the deadly bacteria Vibrio vulnificus, pending the findings of a feasibility study. A group of Gulf Coast Senators and Representatives weighed in on the side of a small but vocal industry in their states and won. Unfortunately this political victory for the Gulf Coast oyster industry is a health tragedy for their customers, and the action condemns scores of consumers to serious illness and death from this potent pathogen. This small portion of the shellfish industry should not have a free pass from FDA to sell adulterated and potentially deadly oysters to the public.
Contact Jeff Cronin (jcronin[at]cspinet.org) or Ariana Stone (astone[at]cspinet.org).


text:
Police say they've arrested a man after V. Stiviano, the companion of embattled L.A. Clippers owner Donald Sterling, was allegedly attacked by two men outside a Manhattan hotel Sunday.
The suspect, 40-year-old Dominic Diorio of Old Bethpage, is charged with third-degree hate crime and aggravated harassment, according to the NYPD. He's scheduled to be arraigned later Tuesday or early Wednesday.
It wasn't immediately clear if he had an attorney. Police haven't indicated whether they've identified another suspect in the attack.
Stiviano's lawyer Mac Nehorary told NBC News Monday that she was leaving a restaurant near the Gansevoort Hotel in the Meatpacking District when two men approached her and "punched her on the right side of her face several times."
Celebrity website RadarOnline.com originally reported the story. According to the website, Stiviano, who has described herself as black and Mexican, was attacked by two white men who hit her and yelled racial slurs at her.
Last month, Stiviano was also the target of an apparent burglary attempt.
Stiviano gained notoriety after a recorded conversation between her and Sterling was posted online by TMZ Sports in which Sterling can be heard criticizing Stiviano about bringing black friends to Clippers games. He was also heard chastising her for posting a photo on Instagram with Magic Johnson.
On Friday, Sterling filed a lawsuit seeking $1 billion in damages from the NBA after being forced to relinquish control of team.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has fined Sterling $2.5 million and sought to ban him for life from the league.
On Sunday, Sterling attended a predominantly black church service on an invitation from a pastor who said he should be forgiven.


text:
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text:
Moldova, Republic of
major macro economic indicators
|2018 (e)
|2019 (f)
|GDP growth (%)
|Inflation (yearly average, %)
|Budget balance (% GDP)*
|Current account balance (% GDP)
|Public debt (% GDP)
(e): Estimate. (f): Forecast. * Grants included.
- Agricultural potential (wine, fruit, vegetables, sunflowers, wheat)
- Association and free trade agreements with the EU
- Small open economy is attracting foreign investment
- Relatively inexpensive labour force
- Managed float currency regime
- Poorest country in Europe
- Large informal sector, low productivity
- Corruption, weak governance, oligarchy and clientelism
- Underdeveloped credit
- Dependent on remittances from expatriate workers
- Separatist tendencies in Transnistria
Moderate and stable growth in 2019
The Moldovan economy was rocked by a banking scandal at the end of 2014. More than USD 1 billion – equivalent to 15% of GDP – was misappropriated, the three major banks involved were bankrupted, and economic activity slowed significantly as a result. Growth is expected to remain at a moderate level in 2019, thanks to two 2016 events that enabled the economy to begin expanding again: the consolidation of the financial sector, and an increase in external demand (mainly from the EU and Turkey). Private consumption, which accounts for 85% of GDP and makes a significant contribution to growth, will continue to increase moderately. The low unemployment rate, combined with wage growth and the high level of remittances from Moldovan workers abroad (21% of GDP in 2017), particularly in Russia and Israel, will be offset by the negative impact of higher inflation on disposable income. Inflationary pressures linked to brisk domestic demand, in a relatively accommodative fiscal context, will no longer be mitigated as they were in in 2018 by the fall in administered prices (for gas and electricity) and the appreciation of the Moldovan lei. In addition, monetary policy is expected to remain tight. Moreover, even though agri-food exports continue to benefit from free trade with the EU, trade will still make a negative contribution to growth because of strong imports linked to domestic demand and insufficient diversification of production. Although low production costs are making the textile and clothing sector more attractive, with manufacturing struggling to build greater diversification, the distribution and agri-food sectors are the industries that will drive activity above all. Moldova also remains dependent on the primary sector, which accounted for 14% of GDP and 34% of employment in 2017, and weather conditions.
Persistent deficits and a fragile banking system
The Moldovan budget gets financial assistance from international bodies, including the IMF, whose ECF is injecting USD 178 million (2% of GDP) over 2017-2019, and the EU, which in 2017 introduced a macro-financial assistance programme of up to EUR 100 million. This support comes with fiscal consolidation requirements entailing a significant increase in revenues (including VAT) and diversification of revenue sources to meet social and infrastructure investment needs. Other conditions include cleaning up the financial system and improving governance (the EU has suspended its aid pending the elections). Despite reforms to improve the supervision of banks and their activities, the banking system remains tainted by irregularities. In October 2018, the EBRD and two private funds acquired 41% of the capital of the largest bank, MAIB, which had been state-owned since being confiscated in 2017 from shareholders who were colluding to launder money. By January 2018, the EBRD and Banca Transilvania had already acquired 27% of the capital of Victoria Bank, the third largest in the country. The state retains control over the second largest bank, Moldindconbank, which it took over following incidents of embezzlement. Under these circumstances, the authorities have chosen to limit the development of the system by imposing a 40% minimum reserve ratio on deposits in local currency.
The current account deficit is expected to remain high in 2019 due to the massive trade deficit (28% of GDP in 2017), despite remittances from expatriate workers. The main trading partners are the neighbouring countries (Ukraine, Romania), but exports to Western European countries – chiefly of agricultural products, electrical wires and clothing – are growing rapidly. To finance its current account deficit and maintain its foreign exchange reserves at the equivalent of six months of imports, the country uses concessional loans from the IMF, the World Bank, and the EU, with FDI remaining limited. External debt stood at 80% of GDP at end-June 2018, with public and FDI shares each accounting for a quarter.
Parliamentary elections in February 2019 will not ease the tension
The political scene is dominated by President Igor Dodon, elected in 2016 for a four-year term and a member of the pro-Russian Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova (PRSM), and the influential Vlad Plahotniuc, the country's richest man and head of the pro-European Democratic Party, which formed the government led by Prime Minister Pavel Filip. These two sides will face off in parliamentary elections on February 24, 2019. The outcome is uncertain, especially as the country has moved from a proportional voting system to a mixed one, in which MPs will be elected at local and national level. While the President is popular and the PRSM leads in the polls, their rivals have media support, the backing of Western countries and can tap into Moldovans' fear of Russia. Nevertheless, both sides are satisfied with a scene where the opposition is mainly a façade, and the actors are playing on their respective relationships with either Russia or the West.
Moldova also has to contend with separatist tendencies in the eastern Transnistrian region. The area, which is Russian-speaking, enjoys autonomous status and self-declared its independence in 1992, calling itself the Moldovan Republic of Dniestr. Russian forces are stationed there.
Last update : February 2019