Heavy duty construction and professional welding.
8 step metal cleaning and powder coat paint process.
Snap together tool less assembly.
Complete with all chains and hooks required.
No Trees, No Posts, No Problem. This Hammock stand is designed to hold any hammock that is under fifteen feet in length. It is easy to assemble in less than five minuets and designed to be portable so you can put your hammock just about anywhere. With a weight capacity of four hundred and fifty pounds you can feel confident it is strong enough to hold most people. It is constructed from cold rolled heavy gauge steel tubes and powder coat painted. It comes complete with all hooks and chains necessary to successfully hang your hammock.


Sustainably made in Atlanta, GA.
A stunning dress perfect for the holidays. This dress features a boat neck, v back and two chic pockets on either side. The elastic waist makes this an easy dress to wear for hours. Add a statement necklace for your evening look or a blazer for daytime sophistication.
Jibri's size guide can be found here.


(SAR) The Parabolic is a Time/Price system for the automatic setting of stops. The stop is both a function of price and of time. The system allows a few days for market reaction after a trade is initiated after which stops begin to move in more rapid incremental daily amounts in the direction the trade was initiated. For example, when a long position is taken the stop will move up regardless of price direction. However, the distance that the stop moves up is determined by the favorable distance the price has moved. If the price fails to move favorably within a certain period of time, the stop reverses the position and begins a new time period.


text:
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Home > Blog > Seizing the Paris Moment
Seizing the Paris Moment
by Jennifer Morgan - December 05, 2015
This post also appeared on iFeng.com.
by Jennifer Morgan, Global Director of Climate Program, World Resources Institute
The world is approaching a transformational moment. This type of a moment does not arrive every day, or even every year. It is a moment of opportunity, where things could be different afterwards, and peoples' lives could be significantly better.
This moment is the 21st meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP21) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which takes place in Paris starting November 30th. COP 21 has the chance to be a turning point for how the world addresses not only climate change, but also how it provides a stable, healthy and prosperous future for people around the world.
It is more and more clear every day that the current model we are operating with is not sustainable in the long-term. The costs of air pollution, degraded ecosystems and the impacts of climate change such as droughts, storms and sea level rise have risen extensively. And unless a turning point occurs, they're charted to keep skyrocketing.
Countries are starting to try different models of economic development, building up cleaner and more efficient ways of powering growth. They're observing that there is now higher public support for climate action, as well as evidence that a better climate goes hand in hand with better growth. But acting alone is not adequate. A global solution is needed for this global problem.
In comes the Paris moment, a chance to change course together through a new form of international cooperation—hopefully in time to save the planet.
More than 160 countries have put forward new climate action plans, demonstrating that they understand the risks and see the benefits of acting. Eight of the largest of those economies, according to WRI analysis, would collectively double their renewable energy supply. The clean energy targets included in national climate plans, or intended nationally determined contributions (INDCs), are evidence that countries do understand that a different way is possible and necessary.
This national action is complemented by the companies, cities and banks around the world that have announced, week after week, new commitments to shift investments away from coal to clean energy. Their action will build up the global renewable energy supply and create low-carbon supply chains. Heads of State have joined in as well, demonstrated by a series of bilateral climate action statements, such as those from Germany and Brazil, the United States and China, France and Germany, and the Secretary General's Summary of a recent Heads of State Luncheon on Climate Change.
Yet at the same time, challenges remain. Scientists have just determined that the earth has already warmed by 1 degree C. While new climate action plans have bent the warming trajectory from the completely disastrous global temperature rise of 4 or 5 degrees C, we still haven't gone far enough. Scientists say warming must be limited to 2 degrees C to prevent some of the worst impacts.
Now, the Paris moment cannot solve everything, but it can put a further dent in the problem and enable the world to seize tremendous economic and development opportunities. Countries have been negotiating since 2011 to create a new international binding agreement on climate. This agreement will be universal and include national climate plans from around the world. If it's structured properly, it can help scale up the action needed to stick to the 2 degree C goal.
Details of the agreement matter, and the precision in the language of those details matters, too.
There are three key components the Paris agreement must have in order to both reduce emissions that cause climate change and support the most vulnerable countries in adapting to it:
Long-term and short-term signals to investors, business, cities and the public that are clear enough to catalyze major shifts in behavior, investment and policy. Concretely, this means that countries should agree on a long-term target to decarbonize the global economy during the course of this century—while also achieving zero poverty—and commit to strengthening their national action plans every five years, starting in 2020, until these goals are met. It also means building resilience into every level of our society—international, national, local and in the private sector—and strengthening actions over time.
A solidarity package for developing countries that builds confidence that this transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy will be undertaken together, with support and partnership. Those least responsible for the problem should be provided the tools and finance they need to shift to a low-carbon development model and manage the impacts of climate change.
A system of transparency and accountability that builds confidence both among countries and stakeholders. This should be a global system that holds countries accountable for meeting their commitments, but also provides extra time and capacity-building for resource-strapped developing nations.
The negotiations will not be easy. Success will require developed and developing countries to build on momentum from outside the negotiations, step out of their comfort zones and forge new alliances early on. Only then can we steer our long-term trajectory toward a better, brighter future for billions of people around the world.
This is our moment. Let's seize it.
Tags: climate change
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Years ago, I was at my wit's end. I was stuck in an endless cycle of pain, especially in my relationships. No matter what I tried, it didn't work. No matter how much I wanted things to shift, nothing changed. I thank God every day for my friend, Terry, who is now my husband. He came into my life as an answer to prayer and led me to the answers I so desperately needed to move forward.
I had asked God to teach me about love, real love; the kind that doesn't swing, hurt, or disappear. The one thing I knew at the time, is that I did not know the answers. Soon after, Terry walked into my life.
From the moment he spoke, his voice was familiar. It was as if an old friend had come for a visit. We became instant friends and along the way, we were both guided on how to undo the barriers we had created against love.
And so our journey began. Terry and I logged hundreds (if not thousands) of hours discussing, bantering, and sharing the concepts we learned from A Course in Miracles. Ultimately, all of our relationships have been healed. We didn't realize at the time, that our study of the Course was going to lead us to an answer for every question that still remained.
A Course in Miracles is not intended to replace any other spiritual text. It simply teaches you, step by step, how to undo the fear that is clouding your mind, so that the peace and love that are naturally yours can be experienced in every aspect of life.
Next Tuesday, July 5, 2016 at 1:00 PM PST, we will begin a 4-part Tele-Seminar Series on "Miracles in Relationships". In this series, I will be sharing all of the key concepts that Terry and I have learned about healing in relationships through our study and practice of A Course in Miracles. In October, we will go even deeper as we address the topic of "Miracles in Love". If you are unable to attend the LIVE Tele-Seminars, a replay will be sent to all registrants.
It is our goal to bring these healing concepts to anyone who desires greater happiness, harmony, love, and consistency in their relationships. We offer these courses at very low prices (under $14 per segment) so anyone who truly desires healing can have access. If money is an issue and you cannot attend because of it, then request an AIWP Scholarship at: Support@FastTracktoPeace.com and Terry and I will fund it for you.
If you have been looking for an answer, please join us on Tuesday. If you know someone who is hurting or struggling in their relationships, please share this message with them. No one will be turned away for financial reasons.


text:
Trump bragged to troops about 10 percent pay raise that they have not received
By Morgan Gstalter - 12/27/18 01:51 PM EST
President Trump Donald John TrumpCould Donald Trump and Boris Johnson be this generation's Reagan-Thatcher? Merkel backs Democratic congresswomen over Trump How China's currency manipulation cheats America on trade MORE on Wednesday bragged to troops in Iraq that he had given them a 10 percent pay raise, calling it "one of the largest pay raises" the troops have ever received and calling it the first hike in more than a decade.
The troops will actually receive a 2.6 percent raise in 2019, not 10 percent, and the Pentagon has enacted raises of at least 1 percent every year for the past decade, according to Defense Department figures.
"You just got one of the biggest pay raises you've ever received," Trump said while speaking at Al Asad Airbase near Baghdad in his first trip to a combat zone as president. "You haven't gotten one in more than 10 years — more than 10 years. And we got you a big one. I got you a big one."
The 2.6 percent increase for 2019 was included in the $716 billion national defense fund included in the White House's version of the fiscal 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
Trump made the surprise visit to Iraq on Wednesday and told the troops that he personally vouched for the pay raise.
"They said: 'You know, we could make it smaller. We could make it 3 percent. We could make it 2 percent. We could make it 4 percent.' I said: 'No. Make it 10 percent. Make it more than 10 percent,' " Trump told the troops. "Because it's been a long time. It's been more than 10 years. That's a long time. And, you know, you really put yourselves out there, and you put your lives out there. So congratulations."
He told the service members that "no force in history" has done more for peace and justice.
"We are always going to protect you. And you just saw that because you just got one of the biggest pay raises you've ever received," Trump continued.
The troops received a 2.4 percent pay raise in 2018.
According to the Army website, basic pay for soldiers ranged from $19,659 to $38,059 this year.
This is not the first time that the president has made inaccurate statements about military pay.
At an event in May, he also made the claim that the military had not seen pay raises in more than 10 years.
Tags Donald Trump Department of Defense


text:
A FIXING DEVICE
A retaining pin comprising a body section having an aperture therein and being provided with a suction cap. An actuation mechanism arranged at a first end of the body section and a pin is connected at a first end to the actuation means and extends therefrom, through the aperture of the body section. An outer sleeve is arranged around the pin and in contact therewith and the outer sleeve comprises an expandable section that, upon operation of the actuation means, can be expanded from a first dimension to a second dimension.
DELANEY, Paul (Cassellie Ltd, Unit 1-6 Howden Way Morley, Leeds West Yorkshire LS27 OTF, LS27 OTF, GB)
GB2018/051980
CASSELLIE LTD (Unit 1-6 Howden Way, Morley, Leeds West Yorkshire LS27 OTF, LS27 OTF, GB)
F16B2/18; A47K13/26; F16B13/08; F16B47/00
Domestic Patent References:
WO2016001371A1 2016-01-07
GB2511132A 2014-08-27
DE29804519U1 1998-07-23
DE202015103074U1 2015-07-15
EP0480534A1 1992-04-15
GB774002A 1957-05-01
ALDRIDGE, Christopher (Mohun Intellectual Property Ltd, 13/14 Park Place, Leeds West Yorkshire LS1 2SJ, LS1 2SJ, GB)
Claims 1. A retaining pin comprising:
a body section having an aperture therein and being provided with a suction cup;
an actuation mechanism arranged at a first end of the body section;
a pin, connected al a first end to the actuation means and extending therefrdm, through the aperture of the body section; and
an outer sleeve arranged around the pin and in contact therewith; wherein the outer sleeve comprises an expandable section that, upon operation of the actuation means, can be expanded from a first dimension to a second dimension. 2. A retaining pin according to claim 1, wherein the body section comprises a threaded section on iis external surface. 3. A retaining pin according to claim I or claim 2, wherein the pin comprises an external threaded section along at. least pari of its length and the outer sleeve comprises a corresponding thread to engage the threaded section on the pin. 4. A retaining pin according to any preceding claim, wherein the outer sleeve comprises a plurality of sections. 5. A retaining pin according to claim 4, wherein sleeve comprises:
a first section that engages the body section;
a second section comprising an expandable material; and
a third section that engages the pin;
wherein actuation of the actuation mechanism moves the third section axiaily towards the body section to compress the second section, thereby causing it to expand radially. 6. A retaining pin according to claim 5, wherein the position of the first section on the body section is axiaily adjustable to vary the distance between the first section and the actuating mechanism.
7. A retaining pin according lo claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the position of the third section is axially adjustable on the pin to vary the distance between the third section and the actuation mechanism.
8. A retaining pin according to claim 1, wherein the outer sleeve is integral with the body section.
9. A retaining pin according to any preceding claim, wherein the suction cup is integral with the body section.
10. A retaining pin according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the suction cup is connected to the body section.
11. A retaining pin according, to any preceding claim, wherein the expandable section comprises an dastomenc -material that expands radially when compressed,
12. A retaining pin according to any preceding claim, wherein the actuation mechanism comprises a cam to move the eiid of the pin distal from the actuation mechanism axially within the body section, thereby compressing the elastomeric material.
13. A toilet seat arrangement comprising a toilet seat having a body portion and a retaining pin according to any preceding claim connected thereto.
14. A toilet seat arrangement according to claim 13, wherein an aperture in the body portion of the toilet seat comprises a threaded inner surface and the body section of the retaining pin comprises corresponding threaded section and the respective threaded sections engage.
15. A toilet seat and toilet pan fixing arrangement, wherein a toilet seat according to claim 13 or claim 14 is provided and a toilet pan is provided that has a biscuit with at least one aperture therein, wherein the retaining pin passes through the at least one aperture in the toilet pan biscuit and. when the actuation mechanism is operated, the expandable section expands to a size larger than the aperture in the toilet pan biscuit and the suction cup contacts a surface of ihe ioikt pan and is pressed thereagainsi, thereby retaining the seat on the pan.
This invention relates to a retaining pin having suction apparatus, particularly for use with holding two items together and being especially useful in holding a toilet seat on a toilet pan.
Conventionally, a toilet seat and/or lid is attached to a toilet pan or bowl via bolts that are located through apertures in the toilet seat and through pre-defined apertures in the toilet pan. The bolts are inserted from an upper surface of the toilet pan and are secured in place using nuts connected from underneath the toilet pan; however, it is often difficult to gain access to the underside of the toilet pan because there is normally restricted access around and underneath die toilet pan. Additionally > the fitting process can require special tools to fit the nuts onto the bolts and so. once fitted, the toilet seat generally remains in place for d*e duration of Use of the toilet pan or is at least seldom replaced. This creates a potential hygiene issue because the nut and bolt arrangement can be difficult to keep clean and disconnecting and refitting the seat can be a time-consuming process. Furthermore, it has been found that conventional fittings can become loose over time and have to be frequently tightened, otherwise the toilet seat can wobble, thereby becoming unsafe for the user.
Whilst previous toilet seat fixings have employed a suction cup to hold the toilet seat to a toilet pan, one problem that can arise is that the suction cups can undergo a degree of rotation or twist on opening and closing of the toilet seat and the fitting can become loose over time, This is undesirable and it requires the position of the toilet seat and/or lid with respect to the toilet pan to be periodically adjusted and/or tightened. Additionally, the holes in the toilet pan in which die bolts** of the toi let seat are recei ved may vary in both depth and diameter dye to manufeturing .o!erances. This can create an im balance of forces on the toilet seat thai can cause damage or deformation thereof. According to a first aspect of the present invention there Is provided a retaining pin comprising:
a pin, connected at a first end to the actuation means and extending therefrom, through the aperture of the body section; and
an outer sleeve arranged around the pin in contact therewith:
wherein the outer sleeve comprises an expandable section that, upon operation of the actuation means, can be expanded from a first dimension to a second dimension.
The present invention allows tor the existing holes in a toilet pan biscuit to be employed for attaching a toilet seat to the pan, with the additional advantage of providing a suction force to more securely retain the seat on the pan. This provides a more secure fitting than using either suction or bolts alone. in one arrangement, the outer sleeve is arranged substantially coaxiaUy with the pin and the body section. This allows the parts to be readily aligned and to operate along substantially the same axis. As the actuation mechanism is arranged at one end of the piri and the sleeve is connected to the same pin, operation of the actuation mechanism to adjust the axial position of the pin, relative to the body section, changes the axial position of at least part of the sleeve in the same direction. The axial movement of the pin adjusts compression forces on the expandable section of the sleeve, thereby allowing the expandable portion to move between the relatively expanded condition and the relatively retracted condition. Die actuation of the actuation means may simultaneously expand the expandable section of the sleeve arid provide a force on the suction cup such that it engages a surface. This may be undertaken by providing an axial force on the pin to * pulf the retaining pin towards the surface, thereby pressing the suction cup against the surface so that it fixes thereto. It is particularly advantageous mat the second dimension of the outer sleeve is greater than the first. This locks the retaining pin in place relative to an aperture through which (he pin passes * It is preferable thai the body section comprises a threaded section orj its external surface. The body section can engage the item to which it is being connected and/or the sleeve, depending upon ihe arrangement and the parts to be connected. The threads allow the position of the body .section within the item to be adjusted within an aperture and/or for the position of the sleeve to be adjusted, relative to the body section and actuation mechanism.
Advantageously, the pin comprises an external threaded section along at least part of its length and the outer sleeve comprises a corresponding thread to engage the threaded section on the pin. Retaining the sleeve on the end of the pin allows the actuation mechanism to compress the expandable section of the sleeve, when operated
In one embodiment, the outer sleeve comprises a plurality of sections. The use of a plurality of sections allows for adjustment of parts of the device that can be undertaken independently of other parts of the sleeve, and preferably, the sleeve comprises:
second section comprising an expandable material; and
wherein actuation of the actuation mechanism moves the third section axially towards the body section to compress the second section, thereby causing it to expand radially and. more preferably, the position of the first section on the body section is axially adjustable to vary the distance between the first section and the actuating mechanism.
Where the sleeve comprises sections, it is advantageous that the position of the third section is axially adjustable on the pin to vary the distance between the third section and the actuation mechanism.
The first section can be moved axially along the body section to adjust the distance between the actuation mechanism and the second section. This allows the pin to be used for fitting items to surfaces with different depths,†br example, toilet pan biscuits with depths ihat might vary significantly. The third section can be moved axially along the pin to adjust the amount of compression applied to the expandable material, thereby adjusting the width of the compressed section, which allows the device to compensate tor various diameters through which h may pass, again, for example, in toilet pans where the aperture diameter, may vary from 14mm to ISmra. The first and third sections may be considered to be limiting mechanisms that are located on both sides of the expandable section. This limiting means ifeen ensures correct expansion and refraction of the expandable section. Preferably, first and third sections of the sleeve may comprise one or more of: nuts; sleeve members; ferrules washer members; and inserts.
In an alternative ammgement, the outer sleeve is integral with the body section. This provides a device that is simple to manufacture and operate and is particularly useful where the depth of an aperture into which the device is intended to be inserted does not vary, thereby allowing the expandable section to be positioned at a set distance from the actuation mechanism.
In one aaangement, the suction cup is integral with the -body section. Alternatively, the suction cup is connected to the body section. Whilst the suction cup may be a distinctly different element that can be connected to the body section, or to which the body section may connect, a single, integral body section and suction cup reduces the risk of air ingress. Where the body section and the suction cup are different elements, it may be desirable for the body section and the suction cup to each have a part of a two-part threaded connection, thereby allowing the parts to be threadediy connected to one another. This allows for the parts to be retained in place whilst also allowing axial displacement of the two parts relative to one another. ft may be that the expandable section comprises an elastorneric material or a rubber material that expands radially when compressed. Other materials may also be suitable for compression in such a manner that they materials provide a predictable radial expansion upon axial compression. For example, expandable, flexible and/or resiliency deformable material, such as rubber, neoprene, latex, silicone and/or plastics material.
It is preferred that the actuation mechanism comprises a cam to move the end of the pin distal from the actuation mechanism axially within the body section, thereby compressing the expandable material. The use of a cam provides a simple mechanism for actuating the device, whilst being easy for a user to operate. in the present invention, the retaining pin may be biased into having the expandable section in an expanded or contracted position. Thus, in one arrangement, the user may operate the actuation mechanism to narrow the sleeve thereby allowing the pin to be inserted, before the biasing expands the sleeve. Alternatively, user actuation may expand the sleeve from the contracted position so that the pin is inserted in he rest state and then expands when in place. Where ihe pin is biased to the contracted state, the actuation mechanism may require a locking dement to keep the actuation means activated and the sleeve in the expanded state, which rosy be in the form of a cam.
The present invention extends to a toilet seat arrangement comprising a toilet seat having a body portion and a retaining pin as set out herein, the retaining pin being connected to the toilet seel Thus, the present invention may relate to a toilet seat that is provided with a retaining pin for attaching the toilet seat to a toilet pan.
Preferably an aperture in the body portion of the toilet seat comprises a threaded inner surface aad the body section of the retaining pin comprises corresponximg threaded section and the respective threaded sections engage. This allows adjustment of the position of the retaining pin, relative to the body portion of the toilet seat.
The present invention further extends to a toilet seat and toilet pan fixing arrangement and a method of installing the same, wherein a toilet seat as set out herein is provided and a toilet pan is provided that has a biscuit with at least one aperture therein, wherein the retaining pin passes thtough the at least one aperture in the toilet pan biscuit and, when the actuation mechanism is operated, the expandable section expands to a size larger than the aperture in the toilet pm biscuit, thereby retaining the se¾at on the pan. Thus, the present invention may include a first engagement means in the form of ' suction or vacuum means, particularly a suction cap. The suction or vacuum means may be arranged such that it is able to be put into a first condition, wherein a vacuum or a partial vacuum, is formed between the vacuum/suction means and a surface onto which the retaining pin is to be affixed. A second disengaged condition may be possible,, wherein a vacuum, or partial vacuum cannot be formed, for example, by allowing air ingress so thai the device can be disengaged from ihe surface. A second engagement means is provided in the form of an expandable portion. l¾e expandable/inflatable portion is arranged to be moved between an expanded and engageab!e position when the suction <iup is in or moved to the first engaged condition* and a deflated and/or reduced size and diaengageable position when the suction cup is in or moved to the second disengaged condition.
Thus, the suction cup of the present invention provides a secondary engagement means beyond the expandable section to allow engagement to two or more items or surfaces. The two engagement means ensure a stronger and more secure engagement between the retaining pin and the hem to which it is attached.
In one embodiment the suction cup can be used to engage a toilet seat lid to a surface of a toilet pan, and the second engagement means, in the form of the pin and expandable sleeve, can be used as a locator to locate and engage the suction apparatus on an aperture or conventioaal bolt aperture defined in the toilet pan. An advantage of this arrangement is that the toilet seat/lid and the suction apparatus can be removed from the toilet as a single unit, thereby making h easier to clean and therefore more hygienic, h\ one arrangement, the suction cup may be integrally formed with or directly joined to the expandable sleeve.
Preferably, the suction cup and the expandable sleeve both enter the engaged condition and disengaged condition simultaneously, or within quick succession to engage or disengage the item at the same time.
It is advantageous to connect a toilet seat to a surface of a toilet bowl or toilet pan that has apertures for connecting a toilet seat thereto
It preferable that actuation of the actuation mechanism directly actuates movement of the expandable sleeve, which, also engages the suction cup onto a surface. In a different arrangement, actuation of the actuation means may induce the suction cup or expandable sleep to indirectly engage or disengage the item/surface. It is envisaged that the suction cup and the expandable sleeve may lie operated independently from one another. A device may be provided for engaging, an aperture in a surface, wherein a substance and/or item that is moveable into and out of a first chamber to a second chamber in the form of an expandable/inflatable portion in order to expand the device and retain it within the aperture. The suction cup apparatus may include a head portion and/or a neck portion that might be integrally formed.
In the present invention, it is prc&rred that the suction cup is provided on a head portion, and preferably an underside or lower surface of the head portion. Where a head portion is employed, the expandable sleeve may be associated with a neck portion.
It may be that a cavity is defined through the head portion and/or the neek portion, preferably, along a longitudinal axis of the cavity, which is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the neck portion.
Preferably, the item to which the retaining pin is being connected includes one or more nuts, sleeve members or, insert members.
The sleeve may comprise one or more objects, nuts, sleeve members and/or insert members that are fixedly located within the sleeve. Movement of the pin in an upwardly sliding linear manner towards the body section causes the objects, nuts, sleeve members and½ inserts to move with the pin, thereby causing the sleeve to be placed under compression, which, in turn, causes radial expansion of the expandable portion.
Where one or more objects, nuts of insert members are provided within the sleeve, adjustment of the position of the one or more objects, nuts or insert members on the support member changes the degree or size of radial expansion of the expandable/inflatable portion when in the expanded amditiou. This allows the retaining pin of the present invention to be adjusted so that the expandable sleeve can fit different sized apertures and/or to adjust the force with which the suction cup is pressed against the surface to which it is connecting. Thus, in ibis example, the width of the expandable section expands can be adjusted or changed to allow the present invention to be used with different width apertures in the toilet pan or toilet bowi. Where the sleeve comprises sections, one or more sections may be provided adjacent the expandable section to allow adjastable movement of the expandable portion. For example, the one Or more inserts can control the level of radial and axial expansion of the expandable section. it is desirable that the expandable section of the sleeve is capable of axial along the pin. This allows the position and/or length of the sleeve to be changed or adjusted, thereby allowing the retaining pin to be used with different depth apertures, such as those in a toilet pan, toilet bowl or item- The parts of the sleeve may be rotatably mounted on the pin and/or body section to allow relative movement or adjustment between the same.
Preferably, the suction cup has an internal screw thread to allow engagement with the body section and the pin passes through the suction cup and body section and into the sleeve, It is preferred that the siu;iion cup is provided on an upper surface of a toilet pan when the present invention is employed to connect a toilet seat to a toilet pan.
The degree of attachment/adhesion of the suction cup to the surface should be sufficient that the retaining pin does not become disconnected during regular use of the item to which it is connected. Thus, where the retaining pin is employed in connecting a toilet seat to a toilet pan, a user should be able to use the toilet without the risk of inadvertent detachment of the seat Therefore, the retaining pin must be actively detached to remove it from the item.
The actuation mechanism may comprise one or more of a group comprising: levers; buttons; pumps; pump handles; pivot handles; piston handles; and pump actuation bladders.
In one embodiment the actuation mechanism is. a connected to or forms part of the toilet seat and/or toilet lid with which the retaining pin is associated. Movement of the toilet seat and/or lid typically allows movement of the suction cup and expandable section.
Locking means may be associated with the actuation mechanism, toilet seat and/or toilet lid such thai once the toilet seat and/or lid has been used to actuate the retaining pin. thereby expanding the sleeve and fitting the suction cup, further movement of the toilet seat and/or lid does not alter the position of the auction cup, Advantageously, the locking means are movable between an unlocked position, wherein the toilet seat and/or lid acts as the actuation means for the suction apparatus, and a locked position, wherein the toilet seat is prevented from acting to affect the suction eup or expandable section, so that and the toilet seat an&'or lid can then.be used in a conventional manner.
The locking means may be slidably, pivotably and/or rotatably movable between the locked and unlocked positions,
A biasing mechanism may be provided to bias the retaining pin in an unexpended position so that the retaining pin needs to be actively engaged with the item by way of operating the actuation mechanism, in which case the actuation mechanism may comprise a locking mechanism to ensure that the retaining pin remains in the expanded position, for example, by way of a cam. Alternatively, the biasing may be in the expanded position so that the user needs to actively reduce the expandable section to install the retaining pin. Where biasing is present, it may comprise springs and/or resilient ly yieldable material.
It is envisaged that it may be desirable to provide an actuation means with a pump for pumping air out of the suction cup to provide a strong seal or to aid with releasing the retaining pin. The pump may be connected to the suction eup by a conduit or pipe. The pump may be operated by the actuation mechanism or by the toilet seat.
The present invention provides a retaining pin with a suction cup that allows a toilet seat to be fitted or removed by a user entirely from an upper surface of the toilet pan. thereby reducing the problems associated with the prior art in relation to gaining access to the underside surface of the toilet pan for securing/releasing attachment of the toilet seat. The process of fitting and/or removing the toilet seat with respect to the toilet pan is significantly simplified and no special tools or user skill is required, in addition to reducing the fitting/removing time. There are no, or at least a reduced number, of exposed non-planar attachment parts to be kept clean, thereby making the resulting toilet arrangement easier to clean. Brief description of the drawings
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following figures, wherein:
Figures Ja-lc show a side view, a top plan view, and a cross sectional view taken along line A-A in figure lb of suction apparatus when in a disengaged position;
Figures 2a-2c show a side view, a top plan view, and a cross sectional view taken along line B-B in figure 2b of the suction apparatus of figures 1 a- 1 c when in an engaged position;
Figures 3a-3b show a cross sectional view of the suction apparatus in figures la-2c when used for fitting a toilet seav'Ud to a toilet pan in a disengaged position and an engaged position respectively;
Figures 4a-4c show a side view, a front view, and a cross sectional view taken along line A-A of figure 4h, of suction apparatus with user actuation means in a disengaged condition respectively according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figures 5a-Se show a side view, a front view, and a cross sectional view taken along line B-B of figure 5b of the suction apparatus in figures 4a-4c in an engaged condition respectively;
Figures 6a-6c show a side view, a front view, and a cross sectional view taken along line C-C of figure 6b of the suction apparatus in figures 4a-4c following adjustment of the expandable portion according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figures 7a-7b show a side view, and cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in figure 7a» of the head and neck portion only of the apparatus shown in figures 4a-4c;
Figures 8a and 8b show an enlarged partial side view and a side view of suction apparatus used to. fit a toilet seat/lid to a toilet in use in a first fitting position respectively;
Figures 9a and 9b show an enlarged partial side view and ¾ side view of the suction apparatus in figures 8a-8b in a second fitting position respectively;
Figures 10a and 10b show an enlarged partial side view and a side view of the suction apparatus in figures 8a-8b in a third fitted position respectively;
Figures I la and I lb show an enlarged partial perspective view and a perspective view of the locking means provided on the apparatus shown in figures 8a - 10b respectively;
Figures 12a and 12b show an enlarged partial side view and a side view of the suction apparatus in figures 8a~8b In a first release position respectively; Figures 13a and 13b show an enlarged partial side view and a side view of the suction apparatus in figures 8a~8b in a second release position respectively;
Figure 14 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view shovving the locking means in figures 11a and 1 lb:
Figures I5a-i 5d show an embodiment of the suction apparatus wherein the actuation means for moving me two engagement means of the suction apparatus between the engaged and disengaged conditions is the toilet seat and lid, and a locking mechanism is provided;
Fipre 15a shows a front view of the engagement apparatus in a start and disengaged position on a toilet bowl;
Figure ί 5b shows a cross sectional view taken along line B-B of Figure 15a;
Figure 15c shows a cross sectional view taken along line A ^ A of Figure 15a; and Figure 15d is a partial perspective view of figure 15a;
Figure 16a shows a perspective view of the toilet howl, toilet seal and lid with the suction apparatus in figures 15a-i5d with the lock buttons of the locking mechanism visible;
Figure 16b shows a perspective view of the toilet arrangement in figure 16a with the lock buttons of the locking mechanism recessed in a second fitting position;
Figure 16c is a perspective view of the underside of the toilet seat and Hd showing the lock recess defined on the lower surface of the toilet seat;
Figure 16d is an enlarged view of the circular section in figure 16a;
Figure 16e is an enlarged view of the circular section in figure 16b;
Fipre T6f is an enlarged view of the circular section in figure 16c;
Figure 16g is an enlarged view of the suction apparatus with the locking mechanism removed;
Figures 17a and 17b show suction apparatus according to an emrjodhnent of the present invention in a disengaged position and an engaged position respectively, with the length of fee support member provided in a longest adjusted position;
Figures 18a and i8b show the suction apparatus in figures 17a and 17b respectively in a shortest adjusted position;
Figure 19a shows the separate components forming, the length adjustment mechanism of the suction apparatus in figures 17a- 18b; and
Figure 19b shows some of the components in figure 19a joined together.
Detailed Description of the figures Referring firstly to figures la-2c, there is illustrated a retaining pin 2 according to a first embodufimt having two separate and distinct engagement means; the first engagement means comprising including a head portion 4 in the form of a suction cup which allows engagement of the apparatus 2 to a surface or item in use via suction/vacuum formation, and second engagement means including a neck portion 6 having an inflatable/expandable portion 8 which allows engagement of the apparatus 2 to a surface or item via friction fit.
In the illustrated embodiment movement of the head portion 4 between an engaged position and a diseagaged position, actuates movement of the inflatab!e/expandable portion 8 between expandedand deflated conditions as will be described in more detail below.
The head portion 4 includes an upper surface 10, and a lower surface 12. A cavity 14 is defined within the head portion 4 which contains a flowable substance in the form of air. The lower surface 12 is concave in shape, at least when the head portion is in a disengaged condition.
The neck portion 6 is elongate in form and protrudes outwardly and axial iy from lower surface 0 of head portion 4. The inflatable/expandable portion 8 is defined in the neck portion 6 a spaced distance * d" from, and below, the head portion 4. A channel 18 is also defined ia said neck portion 6 between said cavity 14 and said inflatable'expandable portion 8 and allow fluid communication between the cavity 14 and to inflatable/expandable portion 8. Thus, air attained within cavity 14 is able to be moved along channel 18 and into the inflatabie&xpandable portion 8. It is also noted that the cavity 14, channel 18 and inflatableiexpandable portion 8 are hermetically sealed from the surrounding air so that air contained withm the isame cannot leak out.
A longitudinal axis of channel 18 is parallel to a longitudinal axis of neck portion 6, The longitudinal axis of neck portion 6 is provided substantially orthogonally the head portion 4 to form aT-shape,
The head portion 4 is flexible and is arranged such that it can be moved between a first engaged condition, wherein a vacuum, or at least a partial vacuum,, is or can be formed between &e lower surface 12 of the head portion 4 and a surface on which the head portion is placed, to engage the lower surface 12 to the surface, and a second disengaged condition, wherein a vacuum, or partial vacuum cannot be formed arid lower surface 12 of head portion 4 and the surface on which the head portion 4 is to be placed or removed from is open to atmosphere and the lower surface 12 is disengaged from the surface. With the head portion 4 in the engaged condition, the air pressure acting on the outer or top surface 10 of head portion 4 is significantly greater than the air pressure defined between lower surface 12 and the surface on which the head portion 4 is to be engaged. in order to move the head portion from the disengaged position to the engaged position, a user is required to apply a downward pressure on top surface It) of head portion 4 in the direction of neck portion 6 * This application of pressure forces the air contained between the lower surface 12 and the surface on which the head portion is to be engaged to in use outwardly of the outer edges 20, thereby creating at least a partial vacuum under the lower surface 12 to engage the lower surface 12, or at least the lower surface adjacent the outer edges 20 to the surface. in order to move the head portion from the engaged position to the disengaged position, a user is required to break the vacuum under the lower surface 12 by lifting the outer edges 20 sufficient to allow air to enter the underside of surface 12 or to use an actuation mechanism to release the vacuum.
The above described operation of the suction cup head portion 4 is conventional. However^ in accordance with the present invention, movement of the head portion 4 between the engaged and disengaged positions, causes the air contained within the cavity 14 of the head portion and in channel 18 and inflatable/expandable portion 8 of the neck portion 6 to also move, thereby moving the inflatable/expandable portion 8 between an expanded position, as shown in figure 2e, to a reduced size position, as shown in figure lc.
Thus, in figure Ic, air is contained in cavity 14, channel 18 and in inflatable/expandable portion 8 and is in relative equilibrium or equal pressure throughout. This represents the head portion 4 being in the disengaged position and the inflatable/expandable portion 8 being relatively small in size and therefore also in a disengaged position. In figure 2c, as the head portion is moved to an engaged position, air contained in cavity 14 is forced through channel 18 and into the inflatable/expandable portion 8> thereby allowing expansion of the inflatable/expandable portion 8 and casing an increase in its size and a change in shape. This increase in size and change in shape of portion 8 can be used to prevent removal of the upper part of the neck portion, shown by distance * d * from an aperture the neck portion has been located through in use, thereby providing an engaged position. The suction force provided in retaining the head portion 4 engaged to a surface in use is typically larger than the force created by the air pressure of inflatable/expandable portion 8 acting on the opening to cavity 14, thereby patenting air from moving back into cavity Ϊ4 from portion 8 until the suction force of the head portion has been released/disengaged.
Figures ?>a-3b show the suction apparatus 2 in a disengaged position and an engaged position, respectively, with respect to a toilet pan 24. Γη particular, head portion 4 h engaged to an upper surface 22 of a toilet pan 24 when in an engaged position as a result of the air pressure acting on surface 10 being greater than the air pressure or vacuum contained between the underside surface 12 of head portion 4 and the upper surface 22. The inflatable/expandable portion 8 of neck portion 6 engages with the inner surfaces 26 defining aperture 28 when in an expanded condition as a result of friction fit when in an engaged position, thereby preventing removal of the rieek portion 6 from aperture 28 in use. Deflation of portion 8 reduces the diameter of neck portion 6 at portion 8, thereby allowing the neck portion to be inserted into and/or removed from aperture 28. Figures 4a-6e show a second embodiment of the present invention wherein a retaining pin 102 is provided with user actuation means in the form of a lever 103 to actuate or allow movement of the other parts of the pin. This retaining pin is suitable for use in apertures with a substantially standard depth but that might vary in diameter as the axial expansion of the pin may be varied,
The retaining pin 102 comprises a body section and suction cup 104 with a sleeve 106 extending therefrom and having an expandable portion 108 defined part-way along the length of the sleeve 106. An elongate cavity 1 10 is defined within sleeve 106 and through the body section and suction cup 104 for the location of a pin Π2. A first end 114 of cavity 110 is a closed end and is provided adjacent first end 1 16 of sleeve 106 furthest from the suction cup 104. A second end 118 of cavity 1 10 has an opening on a top siaface 120 of body section and suction cup 104. A first end 122 of the pin 112 is located adjacent first end 1 14 of cavity 1 10 and a second end 124 of the pin 112 protrudes outwardly of the second end 1 18 of cavity 110. Lever 103 is pivotably mounted to second end 124 of the pin 112 via a pivot pin 126. T he pivot pin 126 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve 106 and parallel to the lop surface 1.20 of the body section and suction cup 104.
Lever 103 is pivotably movable by a user relative to the pin 112 from the first disengaged position, shown in figures 4a-4c, wherein the lever 103 is in a relatively upright position and a longitudinal axis of the lever is parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve 106, to the second disengaged position, shown in figures 5a-5c, wherein the lever 103 has been moved through approximately 90 degrees to a relatively lowered position and a longitudinal axis of the lever is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve 106. Movement of the lever 103 from the first disengaged position to the second engaged position firstly raises pin 1 12 relative to the body section 104, thereby compressing the expandable section Ϊ08 and forcing it to expand radially outwards to increase its diameter. As the expandable section contacts the adjacent surface, this creates a force thai moves the suction eup 104 towards the expandable section 108. pressing it against the surface that it contacts and forcing air from within the flexible suction cup 104, creating a partial vacuum to provide a secondary retaining force to keep the retaining pin in place.
At least a portion of the pin 1 12 adjacent first end 122 is provided with a screw thread 128 on an external surface thereof. This allows rotatable engagement with an object in the form of a nut 130 having a screw thread on an inner surface of the same, as will be described in more detail below. The nut 130 is fixedly engaged in cavity 110 to the inner wall of sleeve 106.
As the lever 103 moves the pin 112 from the relatively lowered position to the relatively raised position within the sleeve 106, the nut 130 also moves with the pin 112 within the sleeve 106 towards the body section and suction cup 104. thereby causing compression of the sleeve between the nut 130 and the body section 104, thereby causing expansion of expandable portion 108 of die sleeve 106. as shown in figures 5a-5c. The material from which the neck portion and/or the expandable portion is formed typically allocs a greater degree of expansion of the material in this expandable region on movement of the nut towards the same compared to movement of the nut towards the first end 116 of the sleeve 106,
In addition to the lever 103 being pivotably movable relative to body section and suction cup 104 arid the pin 1 12 to allow movement of the pin 112 between the engageable and disengageable positions, lever 103 is roiatabie relative to the body section 104 and nut 130 to al low movement of the nut 130 along the length of the pin 112. This allows adjustment of the apparatus 102 so that the second engagement means can engage with different sized apertures in use. It is to be noted that the lever 103 can be arranged to rotate relative to the sleeve 106, or at least part of the sleeve 106 can be arranged to rotate relative to the lever 103.
Movement of the nut 130 along the length of the pin 1 12 adjusts the level of compression that the sleeve 106 undergoes on actuation of the lever 103. More particularly, as nut 130 is moved towards the expandable portion 108 relative to the pin 1 12 during the rotation, this causes the expandable portion 108 to expand even when the lever 103 is in the disengaged position. When the lever 103 moves to the engaged position, this causes even greater expansion of the expandable portion 108, thereby allowing the expandable portion 108 to engage with a larger diameter aperture than previously. The reverse process can happen to allow the apparatus to fit into a smaller diameter aperture.
Figures 7a-7b show detailed illustrations of the body section and suction cup 104 and sleeve 106 of the embodiment in figures 4a-6c with the lever 103, pin 112 and nut 130 removed. Inserts 132, 134, which are formed from rigid metal in this example but could be formed from any suitable material, are located adjacent and surrounding the opening 1 18 of the cavity 1 16 and part way down the cavity 110 between the first end 114 and the second end 118. These inserts ensure correct expansion of me expandable portion 108 during use and prevent a "mushroom ' " type effect where movement of the nut 130 causes other areas of the neck portion and/or head portion to expand other titan the expandable portion 108, which is undesirable. It is to be noted that insert 132 could protrude outwardly of second end 1 18 if required to provide additional support. The portion 121 between the upper pari of the sleeve 106 where it joins with the lower surface of the body section 104 iss provided at an acute angle with respect to sleeve 106 or is chamfered relative to sleeve 106 to aid stability and location of the apparatus 102. Referring to figures 17a- 19b, there is illustrated an embodiment of the present invention in Which the length of the sleeve of the retaining pin 200 can be adjusted, thereby allowing the apparatus to fit seeureiy in different depths or heights of aperture. The length of the sleeve is adjusted in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve, thai is to say; the sleeve is adjustable in its axial direction. Similar features described in previous embodiments will be referred to by the same reference numerals.
The retaining pin 200 comprises a tubular body section 210 that is provided with external threads about at least part of its surface, A suction cup 104 is provided that has an axially extending aperture with a collar 204 extending axially from the aperture on the convex side of the suction cup 104. The internal and external surfaces of the collar 204 are provided with respective threads and the suction cup 104 is mounted by its internal threads onto the external threads of the body section 210. Adjacent the end of the collar distal from the suction cup 104 is an actuation mechanism in the form of a lever 103. The lever 103 Ls connected to the first end of a pin 208 by way of a pivot pin 212 that passes through the lever 103 and through an eye 215 in a first end 214 of the pin 208, The pin 208 extends from its first end 214 through the suction cup 104 and through the body section 210 to a second end 216, with threads 220 being provided about at least part of die pin 108, particularly at the second end 216> 1¾e pin member 208 is pivotabty mounted on lever 103 via a pivot, pin 212 which passes through an aperture 215 at a first end 214 of pin 208, The pin member 208 is of such length to pass through the channel of sleeve 204 and through the channel defined through sleeve member 210. such that a second end 216 of pin member 208 protrudes below and outwardly the second engagement means or expandable portion 108. A screw thread 218 is provided on the external surface of pin member 208, at least adjacent second end 316. Operation of the actuation mechanism 103 results in axial movement of the pin 208.
A sleeve 106 is arranged coaxialiy around pin 208 and connected thereto- The sleeve 106 apprises three sections: a first adjustable nut 13 \ that engages the external .screw thread 220 of the body portion below the suction cup 104; an expandable portion 108 positioned adjacent the first adjustable nut 131; and a second adjustable nut 130 that threadediy engages the threads 218 of the second end 216 of the pin 208. Rotation of the first adjustable nut 131 moves the nut axially along the body section 210, which, in turn, allows (tie axial position of the expandable section 108 to be adjusted, relative to the body section 210, and so also relative to the actuation mechanism and the suction cup 104. The second adjustable nut 130 can be rotated on the pin to move it towards the first adjustable nut 131 or away therefrom. When the second adjustable nut 130 is moved closer to the first adjustable nut 131, the expandable portion 108 may be compressed. Conversely, movement of the second adjustable nut 130 away from the first adjustable nut 131 reduces or removes the compressive force upon the expandable section 208. As a result, the radial expansion of the expandable section 208 can be controlled to adjust its diameter when compressed. This allows the expandable section to be suitable for various diameter apertures and where the aperture in which the retaining pin is inserted is large, the second adjustable nut 130 can be moved closer to the first adjustable not 131 to increase the radial expansion. Movement, of the first adjustable nut 131 relative to the body section 210 adjusts the axial position of the expandable section relative ta the actuation mechanism 103 and so the retaining pin can accommodate varying thicknesses of surface to which it is to be attached Figure 17a shows the position of the sleeve 106 adjusted to its maximum length, with the body section 210. the adjustable nuts 130 and 131 and expandable portion 108 rotatably moved towards the second end 216 of the pin 208. This allows the suction apparatus to be used lo engage to a toilet pan 222 having an aperture 224 with a relatively large depth * d\ as shown in figure 17b. Figure 17a shows the retaining pin in a disengaged position with respect to the toilet pan 222 and figure 17b shows the retaining pin in an engaged position on the toilet pan 222.
Figure 18a shows the position of the neck portion 106 adjusted to its minimum length, with the body section 210, the adjustable nuts 130 and 131 and expandable portion 108 rotatably moved towards the first end 214 of the pin208. This allows the suction aprxiratus to be used to engage to a toilet pan 222 having an aperture 224 with a relatively small depth 'd * , as shown in figure 18b. Figure 18a shows the retaining pin 1» a disengaged position with respect to the toilet pan 222 and figure 18b shows the retaining pin in an engaged position on ite toilet pan 222< It will be appreciated that the position of the expandable portion can be adjusted to ensure it has a relatively large surface area in engaging contact with a surface to which the apparatus is to be attached. For example, in some embodiments the expandable portion is at least partially or wholly located in the aperture defined in the toilet pan, In some embodiments, at least part of the expandable portion engages against a lower surface of the toilet pan. In some embodiments the expandable portion partially engages in the aperture and partially engages against a lower surface of the toilet pan. It should be noted that the expandable section 108 must expand to a sufficient radial diameter so as to be larger than the aperture through which the pin is positioned. This is important for locking the retaining pin to the item through which it passes, and also to allow the suction cup to form a partial vacuum within its concave surface. If the expandable section 108 is not radially expanded sufficiently to close the aperture through which the retaining pin passes, the suction cup 104 cannot grip to the opposing surface. Furthermore, the axial force induced on the retaining pin whilst the expandable section expands and contacts the lower surface of the item to which it is being attached, pul ls the suction cup onto die upper surface of the item, thereby inducing the partial vacuum required to obtain a sealing grip between the suction cup and that upper surface,
Referring to figures 8a- 14, there is illustrated a further embodiment of the present invention in which the user actuation means for the apparatus 102 is in die form of a toilet seat and lid 136, 138, thereby removing the requirement of lever 103. This arrangement is possible when the retaining pin 102 is being used to attach the toilet seat and lid tea toilet bowl 140.
Firstly, the neck portion 106 of die retaining ptn 102 is located through an aperture of a conventional toilet bowl 140 that is normally used to attach a toilet seat'lid to the bowl The seat and lid 136, 138 are in a raised position, corresponding to the lever position shown in figures 4a4c. such that a longitudinal axis of the seat and lid are parallel or substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the neck portion 106" as shown in figures 8a-8b.
Pivotal movement of the seat 136 from the raised position to a lowered position wherein it engages with an upper surface of the toilet bowl, as shown in figures 9a~9b, actuates the apparatus 102 causing the expandable portion and the suction cup to move from the disengaged position to the engaged position.
Locking means 142 provided on the apparatus 102 are then moved from an unlocked position to a locked position, which maintains die apparatus 102 in die engaged position. The toilet lid 138 can then be pivotaHy moved to a closed position, as shown in figures iCa-lOb. With the locking means 142 in a locked position, the seat and lid i 36, 138 can be moved between open and closed positions as often as required without disruption of the suction apparatus engagement. in order to remove the toilet seat and lid 136, 138 from toilet bowl 140, the locking means 142 first needs to be moved from the locked position to the unlocked position, as shown in figures I la-1 lb. ' lite fitting operation then happens in reverse. Toilet lid 138 is moved from a closed position to an open position, as shown in figures 12a~ 12b. On movement of the toilet seat 136 ftam the closed position to the open position, as shown in figures 13a-13b, this moves the first and second engagement means of the apparatus 102 from the engaged position to the disengaged position, thereby allowing the apparatus 102, lid and seat 136, 138 to be removed from the toilet bowl 140.
Referring to figures 15a-16g, there is illustrated a further embodiment of the retaining pin of the present invention used to tit a toilet seat 500 and lid 502 to attachment apertures defined in a toilet bowl 504. In this embodiment the toilet seat 500 acts as the lever for actuating the retaining pin to move the same between the disengaged position and the engaged position as previously disclosed.
The retaining pin is provided as a single unit, including the toilet seat and lid, with two spaced apart neck portions 506. In the start position, each neck portion 506 is inserted into the apertures defined towards the rear of the upper surface 508 of toilet bowl 504. A lower surface of head portion/suction cup sits on the support surface 508. The head portion/suction cup forms part of a body portion 510 which also sits on the upper surface 508 of the toilet bowl and extends between the two apertures. The toilet seat and lid are hingedly mounted to the body portion 510 via hinges 512,
Locking means are provided on the body portion 510 to lock the two engagement means of the retaining pin in a locked position. The locking means includes a lock body 514 which is pivotably mounted on the body portion 510 via pivot pins 516, Each pivot pin sits in elongate slots 518 provided on both sides of the pivot pins 516 to allow smooth pivoting movement of the lock body relative to the body portion 510. The pairs of slots 518 are defined in two spaced apart opposing and upwardly protruding flanges 520 defined in body portion 510.
Two lock buttons 522 are movabiy mounted in the lock body 514 for movement between a protruding lockable position, wherein the buttons 522 protrude outwardly of body 514 to allow engagement with a lock recess 524 defined in a lock housing 526 provided on the lower surface of toilet seat 500, that is, the surface facing the toilet bow! upper surface when in a closed position, and a recessed unlocked position, wherein the buttons 522 are relatively recessed within body 514 and do not engage in lock recess 524 of lock housing 526.
It is to be noted that the buttons 522 are resilientiy biased to the locked position via resilient biasing means, such as tor example via a spring. in the start position, as shown in figures fSa-15d. the lock body 514 is parallel to the toilet seat 500 and lid 502, The buttons 522 are engaged in the lock recess 524 or lock housing 526. In order to move the neck portion from the disengaged position to the engaged position, the toilet seat 500 is lowered towards the upper surface 508 of toilet bowl 504 until it engages wi th the same. The toilet seat 500 acts as a lever to expand the expandable portion of the neck portion 506, thereby engaging the same in live apertures in the toilet bowl. As the toilet seat 500 is lowered, this disengages the lock buttons 522 from the lock recess and moves the lock to an unlocked position, thereby moving the lock body 514 to a position where it is now parallel to the upper surface 508 of toilet bowl 504, as shown in figures 16b and e.
Hie toilet lid 502 is then lowered towards the upper surface 508 of the toilet bowl and the toilet seat 500. As it does so, the toilet seat lid 502 engages with an actuating portion 524 at the r&ar of the lock body 514, thereby moving the lock buttons 522 from the unlocked position to the locked position where they engage in lock recess 524 in housing 525. With the lock buttons in the lock recess in a locked position, this maintains the neck portion 506 and the suction cup/head portion in the engaged position, such that further movement of the toilet seat and Hd. between raised and lowered positions has no effect on the engaged position Of the neck portion 506 and head portion/suction cup.
When a «ser wishes to remove the toilet seat and Ud from the toilet bowl, a user manually presses on the actuating portion 524 of lock body 514, to unlock the lock means and move buttons 522 out of engagement with lock recess 524 and lifts the whole apparatus as a single unit front, the toilet bowl 504.
A textured surface can be provided on the surface of buttons 522 to provide surface friction.
Previous Patent: CAPSULE FOR DISPENSING COFFEE
Next Patent: INTERCONNECTABLE BUILDING SYSTEM


text:
By Reuters August 23, 2019 20:57
National Retail Group Speaks On China Tariffs
The US National Retail Federation said on Friday it is 'unrealistic' for American retailers to move out of China.
US-China relations heat up | Source: Shutterstock
NEW YORK, United States — The US National Retail Federation (NRF) said on Friday it is "unrealistic" for American retailers to move out of China, the world's second-largest economy, as 95 percent of the world's consumers live outside the United States.
"Our presence in China allows us to reach Chinese customers and develop overseas markets," NRF Senior Vice President for Government Relations David French said in a statement.
"This, in turn, allows us to grow and expand opportunities for American workers, businesses and consumers," he said.
French said US retailers have been diversifying their supply chains for years but finding alternate supply bases is a "costly and lengthy process that can take years."
Earlier, President Donald Trump said he has ordered American companies to exit China after Beijing unveiled retaliatory tariffs on $75 billion in U.S. goods.
By Nandita Bose; Editor: Cynthia Osterman


Entries are simply anything that you need to track time on (tasks, meetings, events, etc.). Add entries to your week with allocated time to plan, start a timer or add actual time manually for tracking, then compare!
Do I have to set allocated time?
We'd really recommend that you do, as this is how you will let your team know what your week looks like as well as it will help you improve your estimations in the future. However, you can set your default allocation to 0:00 and then use the entries exclusively to track your time.
How do I allocate and track time on a project?


text:
Q: Asymptote: intersection points of unit circle with polygon returns less points I have the following code:
unitsize(1cm);
path c = circle( (0,0), 1 );
path p(int sides) {return polygon(sides);}

int sides = 3;

for(sides; sides <= 8; ++sides){
    path pol = shift( (2.2sides,0) )*p(sides);
    path cir = shift(2.2sides,0)*c;
    pair vert[] = intersectionpoints( pol , cir );
    draw(pol);
    draw(cir);
    for(int k = 0; k <= vert.length-1; ++k){
        dot(vert[k], L = string(k), fontsize(8pt) );
    }
}

path icos = shift( 2.2(sides) )*polygon(20);
path cir = shift( 2.2(sides) )*unitcircle;
pair vert[] = intersectionpoints( icos, cir );
for(int k = 0; k <= vert.length-1; ++k){
    dot(vert[k]);
}
draw(icos);
draw(cir);

This produces the attached picture; notice that for an odd number of sides, it only computes one intersection point. What I want is to draw the intersection points of a polygon with its circumcircle; note that for the last one, the icosahedron, I used unitcircle instead of circle, just to be sure I got the same result.
My Asymptote version is 2.65, and my Ghostscript version is 9.52; both packaged in the Debian TeXLive 2019 distribution.
How can I get all the intersection points of a regular polygon with its circumcircle? Thanks in advance!

A: Upon reading the documentation I found the routine Circle, of the module graph, with which "a true circle can be produced" (page 31). Using this solves the problem.
settings.outformat="pdf";
unitsize(1cm);
import graph;

path c = Circle( (0,0), 1 );
path p(int sides) {return polygon(sides);}

int sides = 3;

for(sides; sides <= 8; ++sides){
    path pol = shift( (2.2sides,0) )*p(sides);
    path cir = shift(2.2sides,0)*c;
    pair vert[] = intersectionpoints( pol , cir );
    draw(pol);
    draw(cir);
    for(int k = 0; k <= vert.length-1; ++k){
        dot(vert[k], L = string(k), fontsize(8pt) );
    }
}

path icos = shift( 2.2(sides) )*polygon(20);
path cir = shift( 2.2(sides) )*c;
pair vert[] = intersectionpoints( icos, cir );
for(int k = 0; k <= vert.length-1; ++k){
    dot(vert[k], L=string(k), fontsize(4pt));
}
draw(icos);
draw(cir);

path Ellipse(pair centre = (0,0), real xradius, real yradius){
    return shift( ( centre ) )*scale( xradius, yradius )*Circle( (0,0), 1);
}

path elip = shift( 2.2(sides+1) )*Ellipse( (0,0), 1.1, 0.8 );
path cir1 = shift( 2.2(sides+1) )*c;
draw(elip);
draw(cir1);
pair verts[] = intersectionpoints( elip, cir1 );
for(int k = 0; k <= verts.length-1;++k){
    dot(verts[k], L=string(k), fontsize(4pt));
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Langs de evenaar in de oostelijke Grote Oceaan komt in de loop van sommige jaren een sterke opwarming van normaal koel zeewater voor die van invloed is op het weer in grote delen van de wereld, waaronder soms ook Europa. Dit verschijnsel wordt El Niño genoemd.

La Niña is fysisch gezien het tegengestelde effect. Dit doet zich voor wanneer ongewoon koud zeewater bij de evenaar is gemeten. El Niño en La Niña zijn beide tekenen van het El Niño - Southern Oscillation- of ENSO-effect.

Naamverklaringen
El Niño of De Kleine Jongen refereert aan het 'Kerstkind' (aangezien dit fenomeen vooral rond die periode voorkomt), een benaming die vissers in Peru hebben gegeven. Eigenlijk bedoelen zij daarmee het warme water dat steeds in januari voor de kust van Peru verschijnt en dat daar een eind maakt aan het visseizoen. Onregelmatig, maar toch gemiddeld eens in de drie tot zeven jaar, leidt El Niño tot zo'n uitgebreide en sterke verwarming van het oceaanwater dat de hele atmosfeer daar gedurende langere tijd door wordt beïnvloed.

Ontstaan
El Niño betreft een klimaatcyclus in de Stille Oceaan, gewoonlijk aangeduid als ENSO (El Niño Southern Oscillation). Met een korter of langere duur (1 à 2 jaar) heeft een ENSO een grote invloed op het weer en gewoonlijk een opwarmend effect op de mondiale temperatuurgang. El Niño treedt op als er een sterke opwarming van oceanische watermassa's in de buurt van oostelijk Nieuw-Guinea plaatsvindt. Dit warme water kan gedurende de regentijd (van oktober tot en met april), aangedreven door westerstormen tegen de richting van de passaat in, naar Zuid-Amerika stromen en vaak rond de kersttijd de kust van Peru bereiken. Dan spreekt men dan van El Niño, hetgeen meestal een rampjaar voor de lokale visserij betekent. Normaal overheerst langs de kust van Zuid-Amerika de zeer krachtige en koude Humboldtstroom, die vanuit Antarctische wateren wordt gevoed.

Sterkte

De sterkte van El Niño wordt aangegeven met de Niño-3.4-index. Dat is de afwijking in graden Celsius van de normale gemiddelde temperatuur van het zeewateroppervlak in het gebied tussen 5°Z.B. en 5°N.B. en tussen 170°W.L. en 120°W.L. in de oostelijke equatoriale Grote Oceaan.

Er is een tweede versie om de sterkte te meten die gebruik maakt van meer variabelen, de Multivariate ENSO Index (MEI). Hier spelen elementen een rol als de luchtdruk op zeeniveau, wind, temperatuur van het water, temperatuur van de lucht en bewolking. De gegevens hiervoor komen van de International Comprehensive Ocean-Atmosphere Data Set die datareeksen over vele jaren bevat. Voor de MEI worden de gegevens iedere maand over een periode van de laatste 12 maanden berekend. Om de gegevens over een jaar te vergelijken zijn de seizoenseffecten er uit gefilterd op basis van de gegevens van 1950 tot 1993.

Super El Niños
Af en toe komen bijzonder krachtige Niños voor, in de pers ook wel bekend als "super El Niños". Dit was onder meer het geval in 1972/1973, 1982/1983, en 1997/1998. Deze "super El Niños" zouden kunnen ontstaan door de wisselwerking van El Niño met een positieve Indische Oceaandipool.

Gevolgen
Normaal gesproken wordt het water voor de westkust van Zuid-Amerika aangevoerd door een zuidelijke stroming die koud water uit het Zuidpoolgebied aanvoert. Dat koude water is zeer rijk aan nutriënten, wat een sterke plankton- en visgroei als effect heeft. In een El Niño-jaar treedt echter een stroming op die tropisch oceaanwater aanvoert uit de omgeving van Indonesië en de Filipijnen (1982-'83 en 1997-'98 respectievelijk 2,85 en 2,8 graden Celsius warmer). Dat warme water bevat veel minder voedingsstoffen en dus ook veel minder vis. Voor de Zuid-Amerikaanse vissers betekent dat een economische ramp. Bovendien verdampt het opgewarmde oceaanwater sneller dan normaal, waardoor het normaal gesproken uitzonderlijk droge gebied in een jaar van El Niño wordt geteisterd door zware regenval. Dit leidt in de Andes vaak tot aardverschuivingen en modderlawines die in bewoonde gebieden rampzalige gevolgen kunnen hebben.

Aan de andere kant van de Grote Oceaan, van Australië tot Indonesië, zijn de gevolgen ook ernstig. Daar leidt El Niño juist tot een periode van uitzonderlijke droogte, met alle gevolgen van dien voor de plaatselijke landbouw. De uitzonderlijke krachtige El Niño van 1997-'98 leidde bovendien tot grote bosbranden in Indonesië. Plaatselijke boeren hebben de gewoonte om stukjes bos plat te branden voor nieuwe akkers. Brandjes die snel doven door het vochtige, tropische klimaat. Maar als de regen in de El Niño-jaren uitblijft, kunnen ze uitgroeien tot catastrofale vuurzeeën. In 1997-'98 leidde dat tot ernstige smogvorming tot in Singapore toe. Bovendien, zo hebben Duitse, Britse en Indonesische onderzoekers aangetoond, pompten de aanhoudende bosbranden zeker 2,6 miljard ton CO2 in de atmosfeer.

Ook in de rest van de wereld is het effect van El Niño groot. Zo is berekend dat de krachtige Niño in 1982-'83 wereldwijd een schade van 8,2 miljard dollar heeft veroorzaakt. El Niño van 1997-'98 heeft volgens de Voedsel- en Landbouworganisatie in meer dan zestig landen aanleiding gegeven tot extreme weersomstandigheden. In totaal zijn 41 landen getroffen door overstromingen en 22 door droogte. De schade die El Niño van 1997-'98 heeft veroorzaakt was een veelvoud van het schadebedrag in 1982-'83. Overigens heeft El Niño ook positieve effecten. Zo komen er dan minder orkanen voor boven de Atlantische Oceaan en het Caribisch gebied, en is de winter gemiddeld minder streng in het noorden van de Verenigde Staten.

In West-Europa zijn de effecten van El Niño niet zo groot. El Niño leidt in Nederland, statistisch gezien over de periode 1870-2000, tot een relatief nat voorjaar.

El Niño – Zuidelijke Oscillatie (ENSO)
De El Niño–Zuidelijke Oscillatie (El Niño Southern Oscillation, ENSO) is een onregelmatige, maar periodieke variatie in wind- en zeeoppervlaktetemperaturen over de tropische oostelijke Stille Oceaan, die het klimaat in een groot deel van de tropen en subtropen beïnvloedt. De zuidelijke oscillatie is het atmosferische element, gekoppeld aan de temperatuurverandering in zee (El Niño vs. La Niña). El Niño gaat gepaard met een hoge luchtdruk in het tropische westelijk deel van de Stille Oceaan en La Niña met een lage luchtdruk daar. Beide perioden duren elk enkele maanden, en treden gewoonlijk elke paar jaar op met een wisselende intensiteit per periode.

El Niño in een veranderend klimaat
El Niño beïnvloedt het weer in grote delen van de wereld. Veranderingen in de eigenschappen van El Niño - Zuidelijke Oscillatie als gevolg van de wereldwijde opwarming geven voor die gebieden dus ook veranderingen in het weer. Sjoukje Philip en Geert Jan van Oldenborgh hebben daarom onderzocht hoe ENSO zou kunnen veranderen over de huidige eeuw. Hierbij is gebruikgemaakt van de uitvoer van klimaatmodellen die verzameld is voor het vierde IPCC Assessment Report (IPCC-rapport 2007), dat in 2007 verscheen. Hoewel de modellen met de meest realistische weergave van El Niño gemiddeld geen verschuiving laten zien ten opzichte van de huidige toestand van El Niño of La Niña, is er wel sprake van veranderingen in achterliggende mechanismen.

Externe link
 Nederlands KNMI over El Niño

Meteorologie
Oceanografie
Verschijnsel van de zee

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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The Indian Wire » Sports » ICC World Test Championship: Best in 67 years, way ahead in race
ICC World Test Championship: Best in 67 years, way ahead in race
Pallavi
Team India is scaling heights with every match it is playing. It is on the top of Test Team Rankings with 119 points. It is playing and winning with great odds and numbers. The latest example is the Bangladesh Test series in which India won by 2-0 where India played their A-Game with the best batting, bowling, and fielding.
India has won seven out of seven test series in the ICC world test championships, out of which five were played at home. India has reached a whopping 360 points on the ICC World Test Championship Points Table after completing the 2-0 series win over Bangladesh on Sunday.
Under the captaincy of Virat Kohli, the fast bowlers are acing their game with just the wickets required to win. The bowlers like Ishant Sharma, Md. Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Umesh Yadav are making the opposition team restless with their amazing throws and wickets taking at the right time.
"Everything happens with time," said India captain Virat Kohli. "They have gained more experience and now they are bowling well together. Now they take ownership of their training, their fitness, and everything. Shami was already in the system when I became captain, Ishant had played 4-5 years of Test cricket, Bhuvi was in the system, Umesh also came into Test cricket in 2012, Bumrah is a late addition but he has blended in very well too."
Now not just Virat Kohli smashes century but Mayank Agarwal, Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma and Chesteshwar Pujara are picking up their paces, ready to strike down the opposition team with sixes and boundaries.
Team India is ready with its stellar performances and paving way for India to reach and remain on the top forever. India's next Test series is in New Zealand in February 2020.
Prithvi Shaw, Sanju Samson shine as India 'A' ease past NZ 'A'
Thailand Masters : Saina Nehwal, Kidambi Srikanth disappoint as India's campaign ends
Quinton De Kock named SA ODI captain, 5 debutants in squad to face Eng
A writer. A lone Wolf. A Young mind with curiosity to dream.
MS Dhoni's International cricket comeback next year for Asia XI?
ICC Test Rankings: Virat Kohli points away from beating Steven Smith


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Perception versus reality in presidential elections
Two political commentators I greatly respect recently said the 2004 presidential election will largely be determined by the situation in Iraq and the state of the economy around election time, so all the campaigning between now and then may be meaningless. I disagree.
I think the election results will turn as much on perceptions as reality, and political campaigns are all about creating perceptions, so the campaigning will be highly relevant.
Don't get me wrong, there is not always a major disconnect between perception and reality. The electorate will often perceive things as they objectively exist. But there are also great opportunities for distortions, and these distortions can affect election results.
The example that comes readily to mind is Bill Clinton's repeated assertion that under the first president Bush we were experiencing "the worst economy in 50 years." Of course, common sense and experience made that claim absurd on its face, given the years of malaise under Jimmy Carter, for example.
But we don't just have to rely on our common sense here. Later, objective data indicated that during the very time Clinton was slandering the Bush economy, we were beginning a recovery. Yet Clinton, aided by the fawning partisan media, was able to obscure reality and convince voters we were in economic freefall and ride "the economy, stupid" into the Oval Office.
Democrats are also aware of the power of perception in the area of political labeling, where a reputation for liberalism can be hazardous to one's electoral health. Just look at how John Kerry ran from National Journal's depiction of him as the most liberal senator of 2003, seeking to blur the objective reality of his liberalism.
Necessity being the mother of invention, Democrats have fine-tuned their skills at manipulating perception in their "campaigning" against the war in Iraq. To diminish our remarkable military achievements they nit-picked about our troops getting ahead of our supply lines, the looting of museums, the Iraqis not receiving us enthusiastically enough, and the like.
But the major weapon Democrats used to discredit Bush's performance on Iraq, prior to their orgy over the WMD issue, was the misrepresentation that we had attacked Iraq "unilaterally." Though we didn't succeed in persuading every recalcitrant nation to join the coalition, we did have scores of nations participating, making the charge of "unilateralism" objectively untrue.
But Democrats used this phony allegation to taint the American public's perception both about our objectively multilateral coalition and our objectively impressive military victory. They also conveniently concealed the objective fact that Bush tried hard to persuade the French, Germans, et al. to join us.
Concerning terrorist unrest since we achieved regime change in Iraq, Democrats have worked overtime to create the perception that the casualties we've sustained have been the handiwork of Iraqis disenchanted with Saddam's ouster.
These are not disaffected Iraqi commoners longing for the return of Saddam but militant holdovers from his fallen regime, and local and international terrorists with a vested interest in undermining America and preventing democracy from gaining a foothold in a Muslim nation in the Middle East.
Democratic perception-weaving has continued unabated through the primary season with the latest example being counterterrorism official Richard Clarke's new book designed to soil the Bush administration's credibility in the War on Terror. Clarke reportedly claims that President Bush and Donald Rumsfeld were just looking for an excuse to invade Iraq following September 11 with or without evidence tying Saddam to the attacks.
This fits nicely into the hysterical fantasy that neoconservative warmongers planned to use Iraq as their first experiment in empire building under the Bush era and that Bush was their compliant puppet. But it ignores the objective reality that Bush ordered that we first strike the Taliban and Al Qaeda in Afghanistan and that he didn't attack Iraq for another year and a half, and then only after Saddam was given multiple "last" chances to comply with U.N. resolutions.
The Democrats will also play the perception game with the economy. It won't matter if we are experiencing 10 percent annualized growth in October and the misery index is below the radar screen. They'll say that the rich are enjoying a disproportionate share of the wealth, or we're excessively "outsourcing" jobs.
Those who think that the "realities" are guaranteed to determine the presidential election results are underestimating the ingenuity of political spinmeisters. Republicans are certainly not virgins at the art of political spin, but they're mere neophytes compared to Democrats. Between now and November the Bush campaign team will be put to the test.


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STATE OF THE ARTS NYC
Podcast Show Hosted by Savona Bailey McClain
Chelsea, NEW YORK CITY
URBAN REQUIEM
Posted by stateoftheartsnyc on March 15, 2019
Galerie Lelong & Co. is presenting Urban Requiem, Barthélémy Toguo's first exhibition at the gallery and first solo exhibition in New York in a decade. The artist will be present for the opening reception.
A Cameroonian artist based in France, Toguo focuses his multimedia practice on notions of exile and belonging. Urban Requiem (2015) presents an arrangement of ladders weighed down with wooden portrait busts. Carved into their flat bases are slogans sourced from recent protests and national movements, from #MeToo to #BlackLivesMatter, allowing each sculpture to function as a stamp. The process of utilizing each stamp parodies administrative gestures, as they require significant effort to lift and coat with black ink before making a thickly crusted mark on paper.
Toguo first conceived of the idea in the 1990s, after noticing that his passport was filled with stamps from various customs agents around the world, unlike those of his colleagues who resided in the European Union. These markings—or brandings—spark a larger conversation on the language of authority, border control as a mode of policing, and the flow of human bodies and capital that is inescapably tied to colonial and imperial histories.
Toguo reminds us that human life has always been the highest price paid for the warring of ideas. By definition, "requiem" suggests an act of mourning for the dead, but Urban Requiem prompts us to ask, who or what has died? A piece of the answer is revealed in Black Lives Matter, a series of drawings from last year showing victims of police shootings, with each subject identified by name: Walter Scott, Trayvon Martin, Philando Castile, and Rekia Boyd. Each portrait both memorializes an individual life lost and serves as monument to countless victims of multigenerational anti-black violence.
By contrast, Toguo's striking paintings present more abstract renderings of plant life that bleed into human figures, binding societal issues to the ecological. Toguo says, "My formal proposals, my ethical approach, my aesthetic vocabulary converge in the long run to go to the Other, the Others, with empathy."
Toguo was born in M'Balmayo, Cameroon, in 1967, and currently lives and works in Paris, France and Bandjoun, Cameroon. Represented by the Paris location of the gallery since 2010, Toguo's relationship with the gallery extended to New York in 2019. Coinciding with Urban Requiem at Galerie Lelong & Co. is Perilous Bodies (March 5 – May 11, 2019), a group exhibition that will inaugurate the newly renovated Ford Foundation Center for Social Justice, New York. Curated by Jaishri Abichandani and Natasha Becker, the show will feature Toguo's installation, Road to Exile(2009). His most notable recent solo exhibitions include Exil, International Museum of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, Geneva, Switzerland (2018) and The Beauty of Our Voice, Parrish Art Museum, Water Mill, New York (2018). He was also shortlisted for the 2016 Prix Marcel Duchamp and included in the group exhibition of Prix Marcel Duchamp finalists at the Centre Pompidou, Paris. He has been included in numerous international biennials, including the 56th Venice Biennale (2015); 11th Biennale de Lyon (2011); and Dak'Art Biennale (2010). He was recently featured in Intriguing Uncertainties, The Parkview Museum Singapore travelling to Beijing;Art/Afrique Le Nouvel Atelier, Fondation Louis Vuitton, Paris; and Fragile State, Pinchuk Art Centre, Kiev, Ukraine. In 2011, he was made a Knight of the Order of Arts and Literature in France. His works are included in public collections worldwide, including Tate Modern, England; Centre Pompidou, France; Musée d'art contemporain de Lyon, France; Studio Museum Harlem, New York; and MoMA, New York.
ABOUT GALERIE LELONG
Galerie Lelong & Co. represents prominent contemporary artists and estates from the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. This uniquely diverse group includes mid-career and established artists at the forefront of the international art world working across all media.
The gallery presents art that challenges viewers on multiple levels and diversifies dominant understandings of modern and contemporary art. While contemporary Latin American art has only recently begun to receive due recognition in the field, the gallery has been a key proponent of the region for decades, representing some of its most vital figures and presenting museum-quality exhibitions of their work. The gallery is proud to have represented Cildo Meireles, the Estate of Ana Mendieta, and Alfredo Jaar for over twenty years as well as the Estate of Hélio Oiticica for over a decade.
Founded in Paris in 1981 by Daniel Lelong, Jacques Dupin, and Jean Frémon, the gallery in New York opened in 1985. Directed by Mary Sabbatino, Vice President and Partner, the gallery moved to its present ground-floor location in Chelsea in 2001. Galerie Lelong & Co. is a member of the Art Dealers' Association of America, the most esteemed organization of art galleries in the United States.
BARTHÉLÉMY TOGUOBlack Lives MatterCameroonian artistGalerie Lelong & Co.intallation artistpaintitngssocial commentaryUrban Requiem
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From his new office in New York City, Weise discussed his vision for Alyson going forward and shared his views of the current state, as well as the recent history, of GLBT literature.
By Don Weise on	 May 1, 2009
FOR ALMOST THIRTY YEARS, Alyson Books has been publishing GLBT authors, often when no other publisher would dare sign them on. After the independent publishing house was purchased by Regent Media last year (which also owns The Advocate, Out, and many other titles in print and on-line, as well as TV shows), the new owners recruited Don Weise to build on Alyson's longtime success by nurturing its reputation and establishing new categories, including self-help, erotica, and genre fiction.
Weise, who's barely in his forties, has been working with gay authors throughout his award-winning career (he's won three Lambda Literary Awards to date). Before joining Alyson he had been an editor at Cleis Press and Carroll & Graf, where he launched the publishing house's gay and lesbian division. Weise has worked with many influential gay and lesbian authors over the years, such as Edward Albee, Edmund White, Leslie Feinberg, Ann Bannon, and Gore Vidal.
Previous ArticleLeslie Jordan: From Small Screen to Big Stage
Next Article Lives of the Saints


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Crane tops Q1 expectations, raises guidance
Claudia Assis
Shares of Crane Co. CR, -1.70% rose nearly 5% in the extended session Monday after the industrial company reported first-quarter earnings and sales that were above Wall Street expectations and raised guidance, on the strength of the quarterly beat and "improving market conditions." Crane said it earned $108 million, or $1.84 a share, in the quarter, compared with earnings of $63 million, or $1.05 a share, in the year-ago period. Adjusted for one-time items, Crane earned $1.66 in the quarter. Sales rose 5% to $834 million, the company said. Analysts polled by FactSet had expected adjusted profit of $1.30 a share on sales of $774 million. Crane raised its GAAP EPS guidance to between $5.75 and $5.95, from a previous estimate between $4.95 and $5.15. The company called for adjusted EPS between $5.65 and $5.85, from a previous guidance between $5 and $5.20. "We delivered exceptionally strong results in the first quarter," Chief Executive Max Mitchell said in a statement. "Across all of our businesses and end markets, while uncertainty still exists, we continue to see strengthening underlying trends." The stock ended the regular trading day down 0.7%.
Here's what the chief executive of ARK Invest had to say.
Claudia Assis is a San Francisco-based reporter for MarketWatch. Follow her on Twitter @ClaudiaAssisMW.


You can now create graffitis or add text and titles of different styles to your photos, to then share them on social networks, with Textgram. But not only can you write on them, but also add stickers, filters and other effects.
This application allows you to get hold of a clean workspace on your Android smartphone or tablet to which you can add different effects in a matter of seconds. You'll find it very easy to give an image a creative touch or even create your own memes.
A great app to create memes.
Adjust the size of the canvas.
Add different effects such as frames or stickers.
Choose between dozens of templates.
Different font types for your texts.
Apply different shapes to your images.
Choose backgrounds for your compositions.


Malena Martinez is the assistant branch manager for BiblioTech's Westside branch. A San Antonio native, Malena also grew up on the city's Westside and graduated from Lanier High School. She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio and is currently pursuing her Master's degree from Our Lady of the Lake University. She has worked for BiblioTech since the first branch opened in the fall of 2013. She is proud to serve the community in which she was raised and enjoys helping patrons access the tools and resources they need to succeed. Malena's favorite BiblioTech resource, aside from CloudLibrary, is PressReader.


The Uniden BC365CRS includes 500 channels for scanning local public safety and other interesting frequencies. The built-in FM radio lets you listen to your local radio stations, while the built in alarm clock lets you wake to your favorite channels.
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