text:
|Publication number
|Publication type
|Application number
|Publication date
|Dec 21, 1999
|Filing date
|Nov 19, 1997
|Priority date
|Nov 19, 1997
|Fee status
|Publication number
|Rudolph A. Strnad, Jr.
|Original Assignee
|R. Strnad Enterprises, Llc
|Export Citation
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Patent Citations (8), Referenced by (15), Classifications (27), Legal Events (11)
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet
The field of the present invention is automatic fueling systems for vehicles.
The fueling of vehicles without manual intervention is currently being explored using a variety of approaches. A number of barriers exist to the successful implementation of automatic fueling systems; and yet substantial advantage is anticipated by the implementation of a successful system.
The lack of uniformity among vehicles poses a first and very substantial barrier to automatic fueling. It is anticipated that fueling stations must accommodate conventional vehicles with fuel ports located on either side of the vehicle, at varying heights and at varying distances from other features of the vehicle. They also must anticipate light duty trucks, vans and the like with even more widely divergent fuel port locations as well as cap mechanisms. Truck service stations servicing tractor-trailer rigs and other large trucks offer even greater challenges in the diversity of fuel ports. The cap and entry also provide great variety among vehicles.
In addition to the mechanical variety of equipment served, other requirements are of concern. Possible marring of the vehicle or spillage of fuel are highly objectionable. Communication regarding the product desired, the financial transaction and the like must be handled accurately and privately at the point of sale. Avoiding any consequences from mistakes by vehicle operators forms an even greater challenge to the concept of automatic fueling.
In addressing the foregoing problems, a variety of approaches have been developed for the fueling system. A first approach has been to completely change the vehicle fuel tank so as to accommodate specific filling techniques. One such device is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,681,144 which requires a fuel entry port below the vehicle tank with a pump and delivery mechanism located beneath the driveway. Another approach has been to use an overhead mechanism and sophisticated locating system in an effort to accommodate the very wide variety of fuel port placements. The overhead system attempts to be universally flexible in terms of locating and engaging the vehicle fuel port somewhat regardless of its location on the vehicle. Thus, systems have been contemplated which have such varying approaches as to require an all new fuel system on the vehicle to very rigorous internal flexibility to accommodate wide variety in fuel port locations.
Certain of the proposed systems require changes to the vehicle fuel port as noted above. Traditionally, the fuel port includes an entry port with a threaded cap or bayonet coupling. A cover coplanar with the body is typically pivotally mounted over the fuel cap with most modern automobiles. Practical automatic systems have not been developed which can accommodate the wide variety of such devices inhibiting access to the entry port of the fuel tank. One device which accommodates an automatic system without substantial change to the fueling equipment on the vehicle is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,163,473, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
The advantages of automatic fueling are substantial. A large amount of fueling is performed by the vehicle operator today rather than by service station attendants. Albeit the choice is often made by the operator to fuel their own vehicle based on a marginal advantage in price, concerns regarding personal safety, cleanliness and mere inconvenience exist. Untrained and inattentive people operating the refueling systems also can result in excessive discharge of fuel vapors into the atmosphere, spillage on the ground and on the vehicle and overfill. Vehicle operators doing the fueling also can impede sales at busy stations. Constraints based on safety such as fuel flow rate have also been imposed based on the perceived competence of the untrained person acting to fill the vehicle. All of these circumstances and concerns can be eliminated through the employment of an automatic fueling system.
Fueling systems and fuel tank systems have been developed and improved in a step-by-step process which has resulted in complication and compromise. Two principal areas of concern are pollution controls and crash safety. Among current systems for delivering fuel, vapor recovery through the fuel nozzle provides a marginally effective mechanism for reducing pollution. Upon the filling of a tank, the gaseous mixture including polluting vapor is displaced. Such current systems include counterflow of vapor within the inlet pipe and through an annular passage in the nozzle to the station tank. Such flow can create problems, premature shutoff and burping. Further, a relatively efficient seal at the nozzle is necessary. As flow resistance of vapor back into the station tank is substantially greater than simple release into the atmosphere, leakage is almost-a constant problem. Techniques have been contemplated for passing the vapor through a recovery system with the entrained air released to atmosphere. Such a system contemplates a vent on the vehicle itself. However, pressure is required to pass the vapor through the collecting system. This again requires a substantial seal at the pump nozzle. The ability to clear the collection system is also a problem.
Another area of concern affecting vehicle fuel tanks is the lack of crash worthiness. Today tanks can be made relatively strong and burst resistant. However, the fuel filler pipe remains vulnerable and relatively exposed beneath sheet metal. Side impact, shearing impact and rollover have the possibility of damaging or detaching the filler pipe with potentially disastrous consequences.
The present invention is directed to an improved vehicle fueling system. A number of mechanisms, combinations and methods are contemplated as a means to enhance vehicle fueling.
In a first, separate aspect of the present invention, an automatic fueling system contemplates a mechanism located on the vehicle for actuating the fuel door, if one is employed, and the inlet valve to the fuel tank. An inexpensive approach for actuating the fuel door and valve include a linkage with the parking brake system. An electric actuator may act to engage the inlet valve opening mechanism with the emergency brake cable. Application of the emergency brake once the electric actuator has been energized would result in opening of the fill pipe. Use of the emergency brake for this operation is both economical and provides the safety advantage that the vehicle is unlikely to roll during fueling. During vehicle running, the brake system remains uncoupled with the valve opening mechanism in order that distortion of the brake system through crash or manipulation of the brake system either inadvertently or for parking purposes will not result in opening of the valve.
In a second, separate aspect of the present invention, a rigidly mounted nozzle base supporting the camera sensor and light is associated with a flexibly mounted nozzle spout which provides rigidity for resisting a grossly inappropriate placement and yet provides flexibility for properly seating within the fill pipe. Micro switches, electrical contacts and the like are contemplated for insuring an appropriate placement of the nozzle before fueling can begin. Naturally, any disruption of such sensing systems demands immediate shutdown of the fueling system such that gross separation does not result in a fuel spill.
In a third, separate aspect of the present invention, a data link between the station and an input source or memory on the vehicle extends through the nozzle and fill pipe interface. Data transfer can thereby be positive and secure.
In a fourth, separate aspect of the present invention, a fuel tank system employing an active vacuum system to draw vapor and gases from the tank during filling through a vapor recovery device acts to prevent vapor discharge at the fuel filler pipe inlet. Such a system may be actuated upon opening of the fuel filler inlet valve.
In an fifth, separate aspect of the present invention, the fuel filler valve is positioned at the fuel tank. The fill pipe from its inlet to the valve is, therefore, open to atmosphere. The valve may be positioned inwardly of vehicle frame members in a protected location when associated with the tank itself. A nonwetting surface on the fill pipe and a fuel door closure protect the pipe and provide for voiding of the pipe after filling.
In a further, separate, aspect of the present invention, various ones of the preceding aspects are contemplated to be employed in combination to achieve greater enhancement of the fuel filling system.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved fuel filling system and components thereof. Other and further objects and advantages will appear hereinafter.
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a station layout for fueling of vehicles.
FIG. 2 is an alternate station layout for the fueling of vehicles.
FIG. 3 is a monitor with a view of the fueling target area.
FIG. 4 is a front view of a nozzle delivery system.
FIG. 5 is a side view of the delivery system of FIG. 4.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of a nozzle.
FIG. 7 is a front view of the light and sensor of the nozzle assembly.
FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the positioning and data interchange system.
FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a fuel tank system.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fuel valve.
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional plan view of the fuel valve.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a first fuel valve actuator mechanism.
FIG. 13 is a plan view of a second fuel valve actuator mechanism.
FIG. 14 is a portion of the linkage associated with the fuel valve.
Turning in detail to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a plan view of a filling station with automatic fueling equipment. A vehicle 10 is shown to be located between two islands 12 and 14. The island 12 includes a monitor 16 and a pump assembly 18. On the island 14, a pump assembly 20 is located in a position opposed to the first pump assembly 18. A different set up is illustrated in FIG. 2 where a second monitor 22 is located on the second island 14. With the second monitor 22, vehicles can approach from either direction.
A number of factors affecting station layout are advantagously considered. The layout is preferably intuitive and should maximize throughput and minimize congestion. The vehicles to be accomodated include left and right hand fill and all automobile, van, pickup and sport-utility vehicle sizes without a feeling of constraint. There should be sufficient guides to insure proper positioning. Emperical testing suggests that each island 12, 14 is preferably 4'�16'. A longer island may promote better alignment but real estate in a station is often at a premium. Spacing between islands of 8'10" is adequate for all conventional personal vehicles. An entrance length of 4' from the beginning of the island to the center of the pump 18, 20 promotes alignment. 10' between pump center and monitor screen 16, 22 is also preferred.
To appropriately locate the vehicle longitudinally between the islands 12 and 14, the monitor 16 continuously receives pictures from the pump assemblies 18 and 20. A split screen or alternating views may be employed to show both sides of the vehicle if an electronic identifier, bar code or the like is not included on the vehicle to show such attributes as fill side. The pump assemblies 18 and 20 have a camera 23 centrally located to take a real time image of the side of the vehicle to identify when the vehicle is properly positioned for fueling. The camera 23 is located on the pump structure unless combined with a target acquasition camera. Two vertical lines 24 and 26 superimposed on the monitor define the target area to be achieved in locating the vehicle. The fuel door 28 on the vehicle 10 can be easily positioned by the operator of the vehicle between these lines 24 and 26. The lines are preferably displaced from the edge of the screen of the monitor 16 so that the operator can judge when the fuel access door 28 is coming into alignment by watching the monitor. The longitudinal distance at the vehicle represented by the spacing between the vertical lines 24 and 26 is dependant upon the lateral capabilities of the pump location system. A target area of 8" is adquate for reasonably attentive drivers. The incorporation of the vehicle operator into the alignment process through the use of a real time image can greatly reduce the complexity of the fueling station equipment necessary for locating the fuel port. Even carelessness and ineptitude can be overcome through the use of reverse gear.
The camera 23 on the left hand side of the vehicle preferrably has an image reversing feature. The image is more intuitive moving from left to right, the same direction as the vehicle. The camera 23 on the right hand side of the vehicle does not need this reversal. A text inserter 29 allows the superpositon of the lines 24 and 26, instructions, monitoring data and advertising.
Looking to the mechanism of the pump assembly 18 and 20, a conventional fuel supply to the pump nozzle is contemplated. The pump may be a three-axis translational robot, a rotary turret capable of vertical adjustment and nozzle extension or a swivelling arm having multiple links with additive degrees of freedom. Selected as a preferred embodiment is the three-axis translational robot as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. Vertical tracks 30 and 32 are affixed to the ground. Horizontal supports 34 and 36 are associated with the vertical tracks to move up and down thereon. Coupling the vertical tracks 30 and 32 and the horizontal supports 34 and 36 are jack screws 38 mounted in the vertical tracks 30 and 32 and received by the horizontal supports 34 and 36. Control of these jack screws 38 provides for vertical orientation of the nozzle system. A carriage 40 is similarly mounted to the horizontal supports 34 and 36 with horizontally extending jack screws 42. The location of the nozzle is thus provided with a range of motion in a rectangular field through coordination between the vertical jack screws 38 and horizontal jack screws 42 operating on the components. A field of 8" wide �17" high is believed to cover necessary flexibility.
A telescoping arm 44 is positioned and affixed to the carriage 40. The arm 44 includes a plurality of concentric cylinders telescoped together. The cylinders may be controlled through pneumatics or hydraulics. Another solution has been to attach the outermost cylinder to the end of a chain system having the capability of acting both in constrained compression as well as tension. Such systems typically include chain links which can bend relative to one another in only one direction. By means of a guide, the chain is kept from bending in the one direction, allowing it to operate in compression. Thus, the third degree of freedom to move the nozzle out into engagement with the fuel port of a vehicle or retract same is provided. A range of 43" has been found adequate for accomodating vehicle distance variations from the island, given the constraining island on the other side, and sufficient retraction to keep the nozzle out of the lane in the retracted position. In spite of the illustrations of FIGS. 4 and 5, a housing is contemplated to be placed over the mechanism, allowing the telescoping arm 44 to extend outwardly through a hole.
A nozzle 46 is associated with the end of the telescoping arm 44 as best seen in FIG. 6. The nozzle 46 is joined with the telescoping arm 44 with a resilient coupling. The nozzle 46 is itself preferably rigid with a 45� angle near the base. Even so, a resilient coupling between the telescoping arm 44 and the rigid nozzle 46 allows accommodation of the fuel fill pipe orientation and construction. An elastomeric tube 48 joins the distal end of the telescoping arm 44 with the nozzle 46. Hose clamps, beads about the rigid components and the like commonly available for conveying fluid products may be employed. An elastomerlic tube accomodates both angular displacement and axial shift of the nozzle relative to the arm 44. A compression spring 50 wrapped about the elastomeric tube 48 and placed in compression can be used to stabilize orientation of the nozzle 46 relative to the arm 44 to a greater extent than simply provided by the elastomeric tube 48. The spring 50 requires stops on the rigid components to constrain the spring in compression.
A target acquisition system is provided on the nozzle 46. Ultrasonic sensors, photoelectric sensors, inductance sensors, "capaciflector" sensors and 2D vision sensors were considered and are possible. Ideally, such a sensor would be robust in the environment of the filling station, accurate to about 1/4 inch, have a cone of vision of 45� , recognize a target five feet away and have a passive target component not likely to be obscured by dirt or ambient conditions. A 2D system is provided as the preferred embodiment. A camera 52 and a light source 54 are mounted adjacent the nozzle 46 on the telescoping arm 44. Both the camera 52 and the light source 54 may be located away from the end of the nozzle and brought into proximity of the nozzle through fiber optic cables. The camera is preferably configured to sense the light from the light source 54. The light source may use a signature wavelength band or bands, polarization or the like so that it can be distinguished from ambient sources. For example, the camera 52 and the light source 54 may have matching filter or polarized lenses.
Also mounted to the nozzle 46 is a docking cone 56. The docking cone 56 is located on the nozzle 46 such that it performs seating for the nozzle 46 when mating with the fuel pipe of the vehicle 10. The docking cone 56 may be asymetrical about its axis if angular alignment with communications equipment is required. The nozzle 46 protrudes from the end of the docking cone 56 so that the conventional automatic shutoff equipment works properly.
The interface and sensing system associated with automatic fueling is illustrated in FIG. 8. A CPU 58 provides the system controller. The monitor 16 may be driven by the CPU 58. The CPU 58 also drives the pump assembly 18 and receives input from a sensor 60 to initiate the fueling operation. The sensor 60 may be located within the road bed to initialize the interface when a vehicle approaches. Alternatively, the sensor 60 may be a transponder which recognizes a bar code or chip on the vehicle. A vehicle identification could be used to input initial instructions such as which side of the vehicle the fuel door is on and the type of fuel desired. If the side of the vehicle is determined early, split images of the vehicle for alignment are not needed. Specific vehicle identification may also be provided, such as the VIN number, for legal reasons such as registration, location of stolen vehicles and insurance or for commercial reasons such as sales information specific to the vehicle make, etc.
Microswitches 62 located to either side of the conical plug 56 sense seating of the plug with the fuel port. The outputs of the switches 62 and the information from the camera 52 are also processed by the CPU 58. Finally, a data link is provided with the vehicle through the docking cone 56. This information is processed by the CPU as well which may also incorporate a telephone line 64.
A data link line 66 extends to the control panel at the operator position in the vehicle. A keypad 68 or mouse is coupled with the data link line 66. The keypad 68 may be incorporated into the radio where station buttons can double as base 10 integers. With full docking of the docking cone 56, communication may be transferred from the keypad 68 to the CPU 58. The keypad 68 may provide for interactive dialog with the CPU 58 as presented on the monitor 16. The keypad 68 may also have preprogrammed information such as credit numbers and the like for facile input to the filling station. The keypad 68 may also act as a terminal to receive data from a variety of systems within the vehicle, odometer reading, fuel level, other fluid levels being but a few. The communication across the docking cone 56 may be by tone pulse transceivers 65 and 67, electrical contacts, fiber optic light pulses or the like. Other systems for communication are also contemplated for direct broadcast links. An infrared transmitter such as on home video and audio equipment may be used. The signal may be generated remotely on the vehicle such as on a side view mirror. RF signals are also possible. Less security is provided by such broadcast links.
Turning to the vehicle side of the system, a fuel tank 69 is shown to be positioned inwardly of a vehicle frame 70 and also inwardly into the body 72 of the vehicle. The tank includes a fill pipe 74 leading from a cavity 76 defined in the outer surface of the body 72 to the tank 69. The fill pipe 74 includes an insert 75 having a tapered port therethrough. The tapered port is configured to receive the docking cone 56 so that the micro switches 62 will be closed with the cone 56 properly seated. The tapered port may include an angle on the lower side which is almost horizontal as positioned on the vehicle. Some angle allows fuel to flow into the fill pipe 74 to reduce the possibility of release into the atmosphere. An included angle of 45� has been found appropriate. Slight interlocking or rough elements on the tapered port and cone may be used to insure a mechanical seat if manual fueling is contemplated. A retro-reflective ring 77 extends around the tapered opening for targeting of the nozzle. A fuel door 28 extends over the cavity 76. The filler pipe 74 is shown to include an inner coating which is nonwetting to the fuel contemplated. As a result, little or no residual fuel remains in the fuel fill pipe 74 after filling is complete.
The tank 69 is contemplated to include the various components typically associated with such vehicle tanks. Such equipment includes grade vents and valves, overfill limiters, rollover stops, fuel limiter vent valves, and pressure relief valves. Tank sender units, baffles and the like are also contemplated. As they are conventional, they are not illustrated.
A signal tube 78 extends from the tank 69 to an upper portion of the fuel filler pipe 74. This is a conventional tube employed to actuate the automatic shutoff valve system of the fuel nozzle, also conventional in nature. As with the fuel fill pipe 74, the signal tube 78 is only operative during the fuel filling operation.
A tube 80 is associated with such elements as the grade vent valve and the pressure relief valve. The tube 80 extends to an evaporation canister 82. The canister 82 is partitioned by a baffle 84 in the main cavity where absorption media is retained to collect vapor. An open chamber above this cavity receives the tube 80 for interjection of fuel vapors. An exit tube 86 associated with a labyrinth 88 provides for flow of vapor from the upper chamber directly to the engine manifold 90. The exit tube 86 includes a solenoid 92 which controls purging of the canister depending on engine condition. On the opposite side of the absorbing media from the tube 80, a vent tube 94 extends to a vent solenoid 96 and to an exit vent 98 with a vacuum blower 100. As the media is less able to retain the fuel vapors when hot, heating coils 101 may be activated when the vehicle is running. This will drive the fuel vapor to purge to the engine. The coils 101 may be electrical, heated by the exhaust or engine coolant. A pressure relief system may also be incorporated as part of the vent 94. A one-way valve would allow flow back into the canister while a relief valve may be operated by over pressure within the system if pressure relief is desired through the canister rather than directly from the tank. A higher pressure relief valve may be provided directly from the tank for added safety under this circumstance.
A fuel intake valve, generally designated 102, is located between the fill pipe 74 and the fuel tank 69. The fuel intake valve 102 controls flow between the fill pipe 74 and the tank 69 and also controls flow from the tank 69 to the signal tube 78. The fuel intake valve 102 is shown to have a rectangular body 104 which may be affixed to the side of the fuel tank 69. A nipple 106 is designed for association with the fuel pipe 74. A displaced nipple 108 is associated with the signal tube 78. Nipples may also be provided on the reverse side for facile association with the fuel tank 68 through the wall thereof.
Internally, there are two slide valves 110 and 112. The slide valve 110 is a fuel fill valve which controls a first port 114 while the slide valve 112 is a signal tube valve which controls a smaller port 116. Parallel guides 118 and 120 align the valves 110 and 112, respectively. The slide valves 110 and 112 uncover the respective ports 114 and 116 as the valves move toward one another. A stop 122 is provided between the valves 110 and 112 to limit opening movement.
To control the fuel intake valve 102, an opening 124 is provided in the side of the body 104. The opening extends to the back end of the slide valves 110 and 112. Curved tracks 126 and 128 extend from the opening 124 toward the back end of each of the slide valves 110 and 112. A flexible cable 130 is attached at either end to the slide valves 110 and 112, respectively. The cable 130 is long enough to extend from the opening 124 with the loop thereof receiving a pulley 132. A cable assembly 134 leading from the pulley 132 is then able to draw the slide valves 110 and 112 toward one another so as to open the ports 114 and 116. Springs 136 and 138 bias the slide valves 110 and 112 toward the closed position over the ports 114 and 116. Thus, the control cable 134 operates against the springs 136 and 138 to open the ports.
A control actuator, generally designated 140, operates the cable assembly 134. In FIG. 12, the control actuator 140 is a solinoid or vacuum actuated pin 141 which engages the emergency brake actuator 146. As the emergency brake is applied with the pin 141 extended, the cable assembly 134 is drawn in tension as well as the brake cable 142.
In FIG. 13, the control actuator 140 is slidably and pivotally mounted to the vehicle frame at two pins 143 and 144 and selectively receives a block 145 on the brake cable 142 from the emergency brake actuator 146 in a notch 147. The brake cable 142 extends through the control actuator 140 and on to the emergency brakes (not shown). The cable assembly 134 is held to the control actuator 140. The control actuator 140 is spring biased from engagement with the brake cable 142. Engagement is effected by an actuator pin 148 which again may be driven by solinoid, vacuum or other conventional means on a vehicle. When the pin 148 extends to pivot the actuator 140, these cable assembly 134 and the brake cable 142 move together. In this way, the brake actuator 146 can operate the control cable assembly 134.
A switch 150 accessible to the vehicle operator can control the actuated pin 141 in the first actuator embodiment or the actuator pin 148 in the second actuator embodiment. In this configuration, the switch 150 must be actuated before the emergency brake actuator 146. This switch 150 may also control the energizing of the vacuum blower 100. The switch 150 could also actuate a separately driven unit or cylinder for powered opening of the valves 110 and 112.
The cable assembly 134 is illustrated as including an actuator cable 151 extending to a slide block 152. The slide block 152 engages a valve cable 153 and a fuel door cable 154. The slide block 152 can pivot about the attachment to the actuator cable 151 to accomodate any differences in throw.
Considering the operation of the system, a vehicle 10 equipped with the foregoing mechanisms is to drive into position between the islands 12 and 14 of the filling station. As the vehicle approaches, the sensor 60 is actuated and the computer 58 is initialized. A view from the cameras 52 of the sides of the vehicle alternatingly or together from pump assemblies 18 and 20 or from one camera 52 from one pump assembly 18 or 20 if the type of vehicle is remotely sensed is shown on the monitor 16. Vertical lines located on the monitor provide guidance to the operator of the vehicle 10 for bringing the vehicle into position such that the pump assemblies 18 or can reach the fuel tank inlet port. The driver shuts off the engine, actuates the switch 150 on the instrument panel or keypad 68 which actuates the pin 141 or 148 of the control actuator 140. Depression of the emergency brake actuator 146 then causes the emergency brake to be set and the control cable assembly 134 to be pulled. The emergency brake provides a safety factor against driving off before fueling is completed. By actuating the emergency brake, the fuel door 28 and the valves 110 and 112 are opened and ready for fueling. The fuel door 28 is on a pivot with an actuator arm 156. The fuel door 28 is opened and the ports 114 and 116 are also opened in preparation for fueling.
With the initializing of the computer 58 through actuation of the sensor 60, the light 54 on the fueling nozzle was turned on. Once the fuel door 28 is open, the camera 52 is able to recognize the retro-reflective annular target reflecting the signature light 54. The retro-reflective target 77 is circular but the view of the camera 52 is foreshortened. The camera 52 is a CCD sensor with the image digitized into pixels. Artificial intelligence software is typically used to identify a target based on known features. Once recognized, acquisition and mating is initiated. To acquire recognition, the camera image is smoothed and binarized to a white/black image from a gray-scale image. A Sobel edge-detection filter then defines the concentric ellipses in the image. The image is thinned to make the white regions as thin as possible without losing connectivity and a blob analysis is performed and analyzed based on established criteria such as minimum size, maximum size, compactness, etc. A search is made for concentric blobs and the maximum feret diameters are determined to get the average major axis length of the concentric ellipses. This length is then used with an emperical calibration curve to obtain the distance from the camera to the target. The center location for the concentric ellipses is used with this distance to define the fuel port in three dimensional space. Contrast between the target 77 and what lies around it provide for the recognition. A first location and distance is calculated. The telescoping arm 44 is then driven to a position near to that calculated to be the location of the fuel inlet. At this point, a second calculation is made which, because the camera 52 is closer, is more exact. Following a second position analysis, the telescoping arm 44 with the nozzle 46 extends to engage the docking cone 56 into the end of the fill pipe 74. The microswitches 62 are depressed and fueling can begin.
To initiate fueling, the vehicle operator interfaces with the computer 58 through the keypad 68. The monitor 16 may prompt the operator with questions. A code representing the identification or release of credit information is then entered by the driver. This information may be communicated by telephone line 64 to an approval bureau. Once the transaction is approved, the pump assembly is actuated to pump fuel into the fuel tank.
Collaterally with the opening of the fuel intake valve 102, the vacuum blower 100 is activated. This will draw vapor away from the fill pipe 74 and collect the displaced vapor and gases as fuel flows into the tank 68.
With the nozzle sensing a full tank through the signal tube 78, pumping is discontinued and the pump assembly 18, 20 retracts to its stowed position. The sale is then complete and the operator can release the emergency brake, start the vehicle and leave the filling station. Release of the emergency brake may be used to shut off the blower 100 and to send a signal to the pump to turn off and retract (if that did not already occur). This maneuver avoids damage to the vehicle and the pump. Other devices may be used to terminate fueling. Activation of the vehicle starter, shifting of an automatic transmission from park, turning on the ignition or activation of a fuel terminate switch on the keypad 68 may be made available and used. It is possible that some people may use release of the emergency brake to terminate filling early on purpose. In this event, fuel may remain in the fuel pipe. A damped closure of the valves 110 and 112 would allow all remaining fuel to flow into the tank before closure.
Accordingly, an improved automatic fuel filling system is disclosed along with the components associated with both the pump assembly and the vehicle. While embodiments and applications of this invention have been shown and described, it would be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The invention, therefore is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims.
|Cited Patent
|Filing date
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|Eugene Runes
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|Control system of evaporated fuel
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|Tank venting system
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|Shell Oil Company
|Automated refueling system
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|Corfitsen; Sten
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|Corfitsen; Sten
|Apparatus for automatic refueling of vehicles
|Feb 9, 1996
|Feb 10, 1998
|Mercedes-Benz Ag
|Closing device for the fueling opening of a motor vehicle tank
|Citing Patent
|Filing date
|Publication date
|Jan 11, 2000
|Mar 12, 2002
|R. Strnad Enterprises, Llc
|Automatic fueling system and components therefor
|Sep 25, 2000
|May 7, 2002
|Tatsuno Corp.
|Automatic fueling system
|Mar 12, 2002
|Nov 4, 2003
|R. Strnad Enterprises, Llc
|Automatic fueling system and components therefor
|Jul 24, 2012
|Hoffberg Steven M
|Intelligent door restraint
|Aug 1, 2013
|Jun 2, 2015
|Steven M. Hoffberg
|Intelligent door restraint
|Jul 6, 2012
|Sep 1, 2015
|Steven M. Hoffberg
|Intelligent door restraint
|May 17, 2004
|Nov 17, 2005
|Mccoskey William R
|Operational ground support system
|Mar 28, 2008
|Oct 16, 2008
|Bell D Stewart
|Liquid dispensing system
|Jun 13, 2007
|Dec 18, 2008
|Raja Banerjee
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|Automotive fuel system for substantially reducing hydrocarbon emissions into the atmosphere, and method
|Mar 17, 2014
|Nov 6, 2014
|Zonar Systems, Inc.
|Method and apparatus for an automated fuel authorization program for fuel terminals using a camera as part of the authorization process
|Sep 26, 2013
|Apr 15, 2015
|Energy-saving oil conveying apparatus
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|Jun 28, 2001
|R. Strnad Enterprises, Llc
|Automatic fueling system and components therefor
|U.S. Classification
|141/98, 141/302, 141/94, 220/86.2, 123/519
|International Classification
|Cooperative Classification
|European Classification
|Apr 8, 1998
Owner name: R. STRNAD ENTERPRISES, LLC, CALIFORNIA
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:STRNAD, RUDOLPH A. JR.;REEL/FRAME:009094/0004
Effective date: 19980319
|Jul 9, 2003
|Maintenance fee reminder mailed
|Dec 22, 2003
|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 4
|Dec 22, 2003
|Surcharge for late payment
|Feb 17, 2004
|Expired due to failure to pay maintenance fee
Effective date: 20031221
|Jul 5, 2007
|Maintenance fee reminder mailed
|Dec 18, 2007
|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 8
|Dec 18, 2007
|Surcharge for late payment
Year of fee payment: 7
|Jul 25, 2011
|Maintenance fee reminder mailed
|Dec 21, 2011
|Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees
|Feb 7, 2012
|Expired due to failure to pay maintenance fee
Effective date: 20111221


text:
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- Official Description (provided by the hotel):
- Hampton Inn & Suites Ft. Lauderdale West-Sawgrass/Tamarac is just minutes away from Sawgrass Mills Mall, downtown Ft. Lauderdale, BB&T Center, Saveology Iceplex Center, and Butterfly World. While you are here, don't miss the beauty of our natural surroundings including the Everglades, world-class golf courses, and Ft. Lauderdale Beach. Enjoy spacious rooms and suites with complimentary WiFi, free hot breakfast daily, spacious workspace, flat screen TV and complimentary local calling. Additional amenities include access to an outdoor pool, 24-hour fitness center, 24-hour business center, and Suite Shop. ... more less
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Written on: 09/12/2013 by MJBostock (1 review written)
I've recently transferred my domain to names.co.uk and set up my email account this weekend.
Kully, on the support desk, was just brilliant. Patient, knowledgable and friendly. He gave me his direct number and called me back when I left a voicemail.
Couldn't have been a better customer service experience as he talked me through the various processes.
Thank you!
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" My host is professional, I like Gigapros service! " Read More
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Step 2® Modern Lines Kitchen
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- Details & Specs
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Step 2® Modern Lines Kitchen offers a fresh new look for traditional kitchen play.
Cookin' up some fun with this Step 2® Modern Lines Kitchen! Your kids will spend hours concocting delicious imaginary fare with this intricate toy.
Features electronic sounds in the oven, microwave and phone for enhanced realism... also, has a special frying pan and boiling pot which activate electronic "frying" and boiling sounds. All that, and a 19-Pc. accessory set with plates, a cordless phone, coffee pot and more! Great for kids ages 2 and up!Have a look at the rest:
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- Durable polyethylene construction
- Requires 2 "AA' and 2 "AAA" batteries (not included). Comes with 6 button cell batteries
- Measures 41 x 27 x 12".
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Really liked this, fantastic overview


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Read an Excerpt
Drawing together her brows, Felicia checked her mental agenda as she gave her potion one last stir, and then went to see who was brave enough to venture here without an invitation. No one was scheduled, and her clients were well schooled to ring before venturing here. No one visited the Heks' house unless they were an out-of-town salesman or a lost traveller who hadn't been spoon fed the gruesome, if made up, stories about human sacrifices and demonic rituals.
"Felicia, open up! I hear you scuttling around in there," Acacia Pangbourn's voice shrilled through the house just before the floorboards creaked suspiciously.
Mere seconds later, the door slammed testifying to an illegal entry.
Blimey! Acacia was one of Felicia's ex-classmates, a ghastly creature who'd made her secondary school years a constant misery. Not only had she made goo goo eyes at every man in whom Felicia had shown an interest, she'd committed the unforgivable crime of trying to steal Jeremy. The other woman had never known how close she had come to being turned into a chalkboard eraser.
To her dismay, Felicia discovered the woman was already through the front door and well into the house before she could catch her. Swearing under her breath, she followed the whispery sound of her nemesis' footsteps on the throw rugs.
After her father had expunged Jeremy's memories of their beautiful night together and had made Felicia swear never to date another Naggie, not even to talk to another one, the embers of the dead flame had blazed to life. Of course, she had done a little fanning. Okay, more than a little.
No matter what her father had decreed, no matter how much she respected her pop, she couldn't live her life without Jeremy. She'd had to face the facts—she was a Jeremy addict. He had been as heroin in her blood. His presence intoxicated her and she savoured every memory of their cherished night.
And so, unable to live without him, she'd won back his love.
One summery night after they had graduated, they slow danced under the moonlight, wrapped in each other's arms. Lost in love, teetering on the precipice of ecstasy just holding one another, they'd gazed into each other's eyes.
"You're a vision," he'd murmured against her lips, his breath minty and highly stimulating.
With a halo of moonlight making his dark hair gleam, he was the vision. As if struck by lightning, she'd sucked in a ragged breath and huskily murmured, "So are you." Then, with her heart hammering with such force she feared it would spill from her chest, she'd stood on tiptoe and pressed her mouth to his.
Without hesitation, he'd accepted her gift, drawing her up to him. Plundering each other's lips, they'd let their tongues finish the tango. Fevered, she'd moulded herself against him, noting how perfectly they fit. Only a brief twinge of guilt had crept in to dim her bliss. How could a magical person, or "Maggie," as they called themselves, fit so well with a Naggie? According to her father, this was impossible—and more than distasteful.
She'd found it anything but distasteful. Jeremy was the most luscious man she'd ever met, his touch the only one that had ever made her senses whirl.
"I only feel alive when I'm with you. All I ever want to be is with you." It had taken a lot of courage for her to admit this to herself, much less to him. Her father would have disowned her. Her family would have mourned the unholy association. They'd sooner have seen her copulate with a demon.
"I can't believe what a lucky bloke I am, to have such a beautiful woman in love with me." He'd stroked her hair away from her flushed cheeks and then nibbled on her ear. His hands had roamed her back and settled on her bottom before he pulled her hips tight against his.
Only later in retrospect had she noted that he hadn't declared undying love for her. Wryly, her lips twisted. Had it all been one-sided? Oh, sure, he'd been consumed with lust. But love? If it had been love, would any spell have vanquished it?
She didn't know, but she shook her head.
Now, as then, Jeremy wouldn't go away. Rather, the memory of him refused to leave her in peace.


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There is some kind of issue with Pinterest service not being available. I'm using custom icons, they appear right and Facebook or Twitter are working ok, but when I click on Pinterest icon, which has href:
http://www.addtoany.com/add_to/pinterest?linkurl=xxx&linkname=yyy, where xxx is link to blog and yyy has a name of a post, I see "Service not found" page on addtoany.com.
Please let me know here, if it is temporary and when it would be fixed (if at all).


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air monitoring specialist jobs
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Sparboe Farms - Hudson, CO
This includes ensuring the hens have constant access to feed and water, monitoring lighting, temperature and air quality, and checking the health of each hen....
Acquisition Specialist
ENSCO, Inc. - Los Angeles, CA
Is seeking a DoD Acquisition Specialist. Participation in multiple Air Force Source Selections. This position will also provide mentoring for junior acquisition...
Environmental Manager
KapStone Paper and Packaging Corporation - North Charleston, SC
Monitoring, recordkeeping and reporting responsibilities related to environmental regulations. Position requires occasional travel to all KapStone facilities by...
Component Specialist-Valves Needed-Braceville, IL
Exelon - Braceville, IL
Functions as the site Valve /Valve Diagnostics testing, operation and maintenance technology Component Specialist....
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Genie Matthews & Associates - Greenville, NC
Great opportunity for Air Environmental Specialist with a global chemical leader in Eastern NC. -- Supervise consultants performing air related permitting...
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Graymont - Genoa, OH
Complete requests for information supporting GHG, TRI and Air Emission Inventory reporting. COMMENTS ON IMMIGRATION:....
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Coordinating industrial hygiene testing and coordinating and conducting periodic industrial hygiene monitoring of noise, air quality and other IH levels....
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Effectively utilize the talents of Vertical Specialists. Be responsible for generating and assisting in new Wheel and Air Blast projects, delivering proper...
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The Advertising Contract Management Specialist is the front end of Advertising Operations, facilitating, monitoring and setting expectations for a smooth...
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PHI Air Medical - Phoenix, AZ
Maintains requirements for Access Specialist II or Access Specialist III and periodically functions as an Access Specialist III....


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- Dollar knocked by China renminbi hints (FT)
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Latest Stories
Readings: Dollar, Dinosaurs, Deficits, etc.
By November 12, 2009 · ··


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Read an Excerpt
Linus Murati stepped into the visual surveillance room of the royal guard headquarters, a three-story brick building located on the Lydian royal palace grounds across the rear courtyard from the garages. "Get me suite 322 on screen, please," he requested.
"I thought you had duchess duty tonight?" Simon accused Linus as he pulled up the view from the surveillance camera.
"I do. Miss Miller has requested an evening in." Linus leaned over the back of his friend's chair and blinked at the image of the white paneled door where he'd left Queen Monica's pretty little sister mere minutes before. "But don't let her catch you calling her 'duchess' just yet. The queen has yet to announce the titleI don't believe Julia knows she's going to be royalty."
"Official or not, that's the name we've assigned to herwait now." Simon broke off midsentence as the door on the screen opened and the dark-eyed beauty poked her head out, looking both directions before darting down the hall. "Thought you said she was in for the night."
"That's what she told me." Linus watched Julia's progress, switching cameras as needed to keep up with her stealthy excursion down a set of stairs and around a bend in the hall. The woman had changed into shorts and a T-shirt and pulled her thick brown hair into a ponytail. "Do you suppose she's headed to the palace gym?"
"She's going the wrong direction for that."
"Maybe she's lost," Linus nearly growled as the woman took a corridor that led to an outside door. "I told her to page me if she wanted to go anywhere."
"She's out."
The duchess stepped through an exit to the courtyard and skirted a hedgerow, her furtive glances making it clear that she was escaping deliberatelynot merely adrift on her way to the gym. "Catch her."
"She won't get through the gates." Linus predicted but ran for the door anyway. The queen's little sister was an American in town on a visit. She wouldn't know her way around the kingdom of Lydia and might get lost if she stepped out alone. Besides that, as the ambush on the royal family just over two months before had taught them, even the most beloved royals could become targets of criminal activity.
Which was precisely why Julia needed a bodyguard.
Linus caught sight of her at the back gate talking to the men in the guardhouse. They wouldn't let her through without a guard. At the very least, they'd check with him before letting her pass.
But as Linus sprinted across the cobblestones, he watched Julia's sweet smile and fluttering eyelashes do their work.
The pedestrian door swung open.
Before Linus could quite recover from his shock, the duchess was through and the door slammed shut behind her.
"What are you doing?" Linus challenged his fellow guards as he bounded up to the open window of the guardhouse.
Galen, a sentinel who'd defied direct orders to save the lives of members of the royal family during the ambush two months before, looked at Linus without chagrin. "She's the queen's sister"
"I'm assigned to guard her." Linus tugged on the pedestrian door. Locked.
"Open this door." He glared at Galen, and glanced past him to see that another guard was in the booth. Good. There would still be someone to cover the gate if he took Galen with him. "And come with me."
"Why?" Galen did as instructed and stepped out behind Linus.
"We've got to find her." Linus looked down the limestone street. The duchess had already disappeared. "Did she say where she was going?"
"For a jog."
Linus let out a frustrated breath and wished he'd followed his instinct to set up a chair right outside the duchess's suite. But that had felt too much like he was keeping her imprisoned. It still would have been better than having her lost in a foreign country. The woman could have gone in any direction.
"You go that way." Linus pointed toward the foothills. "I'll head toward the beach." He quickly checked his earpiece to be certain he and Galen could communicate with one another. If they were fast enough, they might catch up to the duchess quickly, but they were already wasting valuable time.
As Galen headed uphill, Linus tore down the streets, slowing at each intersection to be certain Julia hadn't taken a side road. He told himself that she couldn't have gone far. It wasn't as though she'd had that much of a head start. He was bound to catch up to her any moment.
But as he passed one side street after another, Linus's fear for Julia's safety grew. What had she been thinking? The sun would be setting soon. He understood that she wasn't used to having bodyguardsshe'd already expressed embarrassment over the fuss of organizing the simplest outingbut she clearly didn't appreciate that Lydia wasn't entirely safe.
Sure, the sunset looked peaceful as the gentle waves slapped against the pristine white sand beach, and Lyd-ia's crime rates had traditionally been among the lowest on earth, but that was before all the dangers of late. Julia's sister, Monica, had been kidnapped and held hostage just over two months before. And while the man behind those crimes was now dead, that didn't mean the royal family didn't have to take precautions.
Passing the last of the cobbled streets, Linus leaped over the boardwalk and sprinted downhill toward the beach. The sand was riddled with footprintsmost of them pointed inland as folks who'd spent the afternoon on the shore returned home for the night. By this hour the beach was nearly deserted.
To his left, the sand gave way to the docks of the Sardis marina. Yachts and sailboats floated peacefully between piers dotted with the occasional human figure, but none of them matched Julia's slender frame. None were jogging.
Linus turned right instead, where the shoreline bent around a jutting bluff, its craggy sides clutching the sandy shore with rutted furrows where children loved to play hide-and-seek. But as the sinking sun gave way to lengthening shadows, the hiding places took on a sinister cast. The duchess could easily disappear behind any of the protruding cliffs. He could pass right by her without even seeing her.
What if she hadn't gone this way at all?
Increasing his pace, Linus raced the sinking sun and tapped the relay button on his earpiece. "Any sign of her?"
"None. You?" Galen panted. His voice carried concern.
"She's not at the main beach. I'm headed toward the bluffs. Let me know if you spot her."
"Should we expand our search?"
Linus checked a chasm between bluffs before answering. No sign of Julia there, either. Should they call for more guards to expand the search? The royal guard had cut loose several men who'd been associated with the former head of the royal guard who'd shot the former king.
They were slowly rebuilding their ranks under the leadership of Jason Selini, the new head of the royal guard. But they couldn't hire just anyone. Royal guardsmen were required to have served four years in the Lydian military. Besides that, after the trouble his predecessor had caused, Jason insisted on carefully vetting all new members of the guard beyond the standard background checks.
Training new recruits took time. Jason had a vision for rebuilding the royal guard stronger than ever, but they weren't there yet. Linus hated to call more men on a case when they were already shorthanded.
And yet, what was that compared to Julia's safety? Linus recalled the stories his grandfather had told him, of his days serving in the royal guard. Those men would do anything to protect the royal family. His grandfather's stories had inspired him to become a guard. More than that, he wanted to make his grandfather proud.
He knew what he needed to do.
As he opened his mouth to instruct Galen to call for more guards, Linus cleared the tip of the farthest-protruding crag and caught a clear glimpse of the northward stretch of beach.
A lone female figure ran stalwartly along the sand, her dark brown ponytail bobbing. Though the evening light was almost gone, Linus recognized the bright pink shorts and pale pink T-shirt Julia had been wearing when he'd watched her on the security screen.
For the first time since she'd gone through the palace gate, he exhaled freely. "No need. I've spotted her. She's jogging on the beach. I'll catch up to her. You can meet up with uswe're north of town where the beach access trails connect with Seaview Drive."
"I can be there in five minutes."
"Great." Linus ended the transmission and focused on approaching the duchess without frightening her. Given the darkness and the isolated spot, she'd be startled if he suddenly bounded at her out of nowhere.
He trotted closer until she'd be able to hear him if he called out to her.
"Miss Miller!"
Julia didn't look back. In fact, she appeared to increase her pace. Was she trying to escape him? Maybe she was frightened at hearing a human voice on the isolated stretch of sand.
"Miss Miller!" He was closer to her already. She had to have heard. "Miss Miller!"
Her steps slowed and she turned back toward him, her brown eyes wide, her lips pursed, focused, questioning.
Linus grinned with relief. She'd heard him. He'd get her back to the palace safe and sound. "Miss Miller, please." He slowed down so she wouldn't bolt away again, and called out so she could hear him in spite of the distance and the sound of the waves. "You're not supposed to be out alone."
As he spoke, Julia came to a full stop, watching him. The setting sun cast its golden light across her. She looked positively radiant.
Linus felt his heart give a lurch. He told himself it was because he was glad to have caught up with her. He certainly didn't feel personal attraction toward her. That would be unprofessional. He'd honorably served the royal family for years without ever feeling anything beyond a fervent desire to do his job well.
Granted, the duchess was beautiful. He'd never argue otherwise. But the fast beat of his heart was due only to the exertion of catching up to her, and the fear he'd felt that he might not find her.
It had nothing to do with the way her pursed lips bent upward in a half smile of relieved recognition.
The duchess cast him the briefest look of acknowledgment, lowering her eyes as if feeling chastised for any trouble her escape had caused. Then she turned her head suddenly toward the craggy bluffs just beyond her left arm.
Her eyes widened in shock and her jaw dropped. She started to scream, but long arms reached from the shadows, covering her mouth, scooping her up and carrying her kicking toward the rocks.
Linus snapped into action, hitting the relay on his earpiece as he dashed toward the duchess.
"Galen! Call for backup. The duchess has been attacked." He listened. Nothing. "Repeatthe duchess has been attacked!"
Had Galen heard? Was his lack of acknowledgment due to an overlapping signal delay in his haste to pass the message along to the other guards?
Linus didn't have time to sort it out. Julia's immediate safety was his first priority. He reached the bluffs in time to see the shadowy figure hauling Julia's writhing form up a trail. No doubt about it, the man's actions weren't welcome. Linus wouldn't hesitate to use force against him if necessary.
But on the steep, rocky trail, he'd have to be careful not to risk injury to the duchess. If she fell from this height, she could be gravely injured, even killed.
Julia opened her mouth to scream, but a gloved hand clamped tightly over her lips. She tried to pull away, but hard arms tightened around her. Julia twisted and flailed, trying desperately to free herself from the tight grip of the leather gloves that covered her mouth and lifted her up. She wanted to scream, but she could hardly breathe.
"Don't fight me," the man warned, his arms tightening as he dragged her from the beach toward the bluffs. "I don't want to have to hurt you. I just need the file."
File? She couldn't make sense of the man's words. What did he mean? Stars danced across her vision. Beyond them, she saw the dark outline of the craggy bluffs that lined the pristine Lydian beach. A deep chasm ran inland, uphill, away from the peaceful coastline. Her captor carried her up and away, out of sight of the guard who was too far away to be of any help to her now.
A fresh shot of terror surged through her. Trails led up the bluffs toward a highway that followed the coastline all the way to the Albanian border. Where was this man taking her? What was he planning to do? The man had come out of nowhere, leaping from the shadows of the rocks and grabbing her the very instant she'd realized he'd appeared.
She had to get free of him before he reached the highway. If he got her in a vehicle, she might never get away.
Her attacker had tight hold of her arms and torso. She tried to jab him with her elbow, to pry her arms freeanythingbut his overwhelming size advantage made that impossible. With a desperate lunge, she kicked at him with flailing legs.
Pain shot up her leg as her shin slapped against the protruding rocks of the cliffs.
If she could have, she'd have cried out in pain. Tears stung her eyes, but she refused to give in to self-pity for even a second. The man already had every advantage. She tried again to wriggle free. She couldn't even see her captor. How could she fight him?
Suddenly the man cried out and she felt the arms around her slacken.
"Run! To the beach!" The guard's voice echoed across the rocks.
Twisting and writhing, she lunged free from her attacker as the guard pried him away. Darkness filled the small gorge where the trail cut through the cliffside. Julia lunged back in the direction of the seashore, clutching the rocky sides of the gorge as pain speared up from her injured shin. She half hopped, half dragged herself away, crumbling almost to a crawl as her ankle protested and she scrambled to put distance between herself and the battle being waged behind her.
She looked back to see two shadowy figures fighting in the distance and cringed at the sound of knuckles connecting against bone and flesh. If she could have seen who was who, or even stood on her injured leg, she might have tried to help. Instead it was all she could do to pray silently but earnestly for the safety of the guard who'd come to her aid.
"Who are you?" a harsh male voice demanded. The guard who'd come after her? In spite of the darkness of the evening, she was nearly certain it was Linus. The handsome guard's chivalrous actions the day beforeopening doors for her, pulling out her chair, bringing her anything she wanted before she had to ask for ithad left her feeling uncertain of precisely where she stood with him. To her understanding, his gracious behavior was simply part of his job. But at the same time, she wasn't used to it, and had escaped for her evening run alone in part to distance herself from his unfamiliar courtesies.
Now Linus's chivalry had him struggling with her attacker, demanding to know the man's identity and intent.
The masked man didn't answer, but pulled back far enough to throw a punch, sending a stinging blow across her rescuer's face before darting away into the shadows of the craggy cliffs.
Rather than chase after him, Linus spun toward her, the concern on his features only easing slightly when he spotted her.
He ran from the shadows toward her, and for the first time she got a look at his face, certain now of his identity.


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The Washington Rams baseball team won Thursday's away non-conference game against Glendale by a score of 13-6.
(March 15, 2012: Glendale, AZ 85301) In Thursday's non-league challenge, the visiting Washington Rams baseball squad scored a close 13-6 win over the Glendale Cardinals.
With the win, Washington betters its record to 7-5 on the season. The Rams travel to Fairfax (Laveen, AZ) to encounter the Stampede in a II Section III challenge on Tuesday, March 27. The Stampede come into the challenge with a record of 1-8.
With the defeat, Glendale falls to 0-5 on the season. The Cardinals travel to Moon Valley (Phoenix, AZ) to encounter the Rockets in a II Section II challenge on Friday, March 16. The Rockets come into the challenge with a record of 0-10. Moon Valley lost 3-2 in their recent non-league challenge against Shadow Mountain (Phoenix, AZ)


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In Win Rolls out the Red Carpet for CeBIT 2009
In Win Rolls out the Red Carpet for CeBIT 2009!
With an assortment of products that In Win describes as "contemporary" and "innovative," it's no surprise that their best and brightest will be displayed at a 2009 CeBIT Virtual Show. Taking place from March 3-8 at http://www.inwin-style.com/pdshow/index.asp, In Win will bring the market up to speed with its current products.
Featured products include:
The Matrix has a 360-degree visual effect as cords are hidden behind a back panel. The 12.5 liter chassis is also fitted with Partition Plate Cooling
An all-new gaming chassis that is inspired by spacecrafts from the Star Wars film empire! It features two eSATA ports and a four-fan thermal cooling solution that supports water cooling.
This tiny chassis is able to support a 3.5" HDD and 5.25" ODD or slim ODD.
You may not know it at first, but this ammunitions cartridge is actually an HDD enclosure. Outfitted with the latest in RFID security technology, the
Ammo features a dog tag key than unlocks the device when swiped across the front.
Featuring nine drive bays and a 22cm cooling fan, the Fanqua is a heavyweight in expandability and thermal solutions.
The Maelstrom is outfitted with a whopping 10-fan capacity, providing an unparalleled thermal cooling solution.
In Win extends a warm invite to all as we present our 2009 CeBIT Virtual Show taking place from March 3-8 at http://www.inwin-style.com/pdshow/index.asp.
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|★ Rakuten ranking prize.! Thank you ♪
|Quiet and smooth! Many uses!
( resistance load 40kg/3 phase control type )
|Active in various scenes such as traveling, shopping, travel, outdoor carts.
It is driving a quiet, silent castors equipped with popular products.
Type of load capacity 40 kg can rely. Further possible adjustment handle height is 3 stages!
Fold up compactly even when not in use and portable!
How to use variety! That would come in handy and is one in a family of doubt!
* Durability for use when on the road, at the bottom of the stand next to the wheels we are with metal parts. Please note if used indoors and scratches on the floor.
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text:
Plie reports 45% growth despite 'complicated' year
Brazilian shapewear brand Plié has announced a 45 percent increase in turnover for 2010.
Based in Sao Paulo, with a well established European distributor, Plié is currently pursuing an aggressive growth strategy.
Managing director Ron Horovitz said: "Right now we're investing heavily in production capacity and in our export partnerships to guarantee Plié's place in all markets during these complicated times."
Launched in Brazil in 2000 and in Europe during 2005, Plié has sought to build brand loyalty by working with hundreds of small and medium independent multi-brand boutiques.
The company claims that Brazil's booming consumer market is having a knock-on effect across the entire lingerie and shapewear sector, with 'well-know brands' that were strong on exports taking a short term-view on the recent Brazilian consumer boom and suspending exports to focus on local growth.
It stated that 'many of them now work only with franchised stores that only stock one brand -
The brand will be showcasing its latest collection to European buyers at Mode City, this July.
European managing director Elemar Souza Cruz said: "Our Control range has sold consistently well since we launched at Lyon Mode City in 2006 and we've added to the range every year, so we now have 18 shaping styles in total. We'll be launching new styles and colours at this year's event at the earlier date in July and have some exciting plans for new POS material in the second semester. "
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A new map of human cortex combines data from multiple imaging modalities and comprises 180 distinct regions.
What's in a Voice?
May 1, 2016|
More than you think (or could make use of)
May 1, 2016|
More than you think (or could make use of)
April 28, 2016|
Baby fish show fewer signs of stress in the presence of large fish that scare off midsize predators.
April 20, 2016|
Ghrelin promotes fat storage not feeding, according to a study.
April 19, 2016|
The massive rock that smashed into Earth 66 million years ago killed off many dinosaur species, but the animals were in steady decline for millennia before the cataclysm, researchers report.
April 15, 2016|
Sequence analysis of 41 viral strains reveals more than a half-century of change.
April 8, 2016|
Trap-jaw spiders have the fastest, most powerful bite of any arachnid, scientists show.
April 6, 2016|
Structural studies reveal how SSRI drugs bind to the human serotonin transporter.
April 5, 2016|
Harold Morowitz, who dedicated his career to investigating the origins of life, has passed away at age 88.
April 1, 2016|
Methylation on adenine bases is involved in the dampening of gene expression in mammalian cells, according to a study.
April 1, 2016|
In the introduction to the book, author Sean B. Carroll draws the parallels between ecological and physiological maladies.


text:
...as reported in Barron's this weekend.
ROIAK is at a whopping 111 days to cover.
Are we really for another massive short squeeze that takes it up to $2 or higher?! Let's HOPE so.
Sentiment: Buy
Could you possibly explain what 111 days to cover means, please?
With the current avg. daily volume, it would take 111 trading days, to cover the entire short interest.


text:
ATI and Pentium 4 - The Right Stuff?
Version and / or Patch Used: Build 340
Developer Homepage: http://www.futuremark.com
Product Homepage: http://www.futuremark.com/products/3dmark03/
3DMark03 is the latest version of the highly favored 3DMark series. By combining full DirectX9.0 support with completely new tests and graphics, 3DMark03 continues the legacy of being industry standard benchmark.
Please Note: Due to recent events with the 3DMark03 series, we are adding results purely for those who are still in favor of 3DMark03. These results should not be taken too seriously and are only added for interest sakes.
3DMark03 with a higher memory demand gives the RX330 the lead with the RS350 not far behind.
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text:
James A. Moffett '29 Lectures in Ethics
The Moffett Lecture Series aims to foster reflection about moral issues in public life, broadly construed, at either a theoretical or a practical level, and in the history of thought about these issues. The series is made possible by a gift from the Whitehall Foundation in honor of James A. Moffett '29.
Thursday, March 9, 2017 Nancy Cott, Harvard University TBD, 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm James A. Moffett 29 Lectures
Thursday, May 4, 2017 Martti Koskenniemi, University of Helsinki TBD, 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm James A. Moffett 29 Lectures