Month: February 2010

Robotic toys are a lot of fun and entertainment and they can be fantastic instructive toys as well. Robotic toys have come along way since da Vinci’s model, and the first robot toy was made in 1939 called Elektro by Westinghouse, a human-like robot, and his robot dog companion Sparky. A stripped-down version, the Omnibot 2000, was a robotic toy manufactured during the 1980’s.

WowWee made the most advanced humanoid robotic toy named the Robosapien in 2004. Priced for less than $99 (US), the most advanced cost-effective, mass-produced humanoid went on to sell four million units and gave life to the consumer robot industry.

The robot marketplace has continued to grow at a extraordinarily rapid rate. Nowadays there is an increasing desire of buying and using robots whether it’s a toy for our kids, a security system or a lawn mower, adults and kids similarly share in using them.

Common Robotic Toys

Roboni-i

Robotic toys are fun to have, but they do not really come with the equivalent multi player functionality that video games presently offer. That may all change with the Roboni-i, the planet’s first-ever programmable gaming robot.

It is straightforward to customize and is loaded with games; play on your own or alongside friends with like robots. You are able to create your own games, or download games others have created. To set up a multi player game, the robots have got to join each other in a group so that they can identify each other. As soon as this happens, you’re able to intermingle with other Roboni-i units and play games with them.

The Humanoid Robosapien

Robosapien is a sophisticated blend of technology and personality. Full of emotions and intelligence, Robosapien is the first humanoid based on the science of functional biomorphic robotics. The Robosapien can recognize objects and even skin tones and tell when its owner enters into a room. In addition, Robosapien also has internal slope sensors that can end the majority of functions when he is located in out of the ordinary positions, such as lying on its back. The good thing about this robot is that he is able to get up from the floor in instances where he tips over. Robosapien is a programmable, rapid moving robot. The Robosapien includes real multi-speed fast dynamic walking, running, and turning.

Robosapien has four programming modes: right sensor, left sensor, sonic and master program. The right and left sensors are triggered when sensors on their corresponding sides are triggered, the sonic sensor is activated when the robot hears a sharp noise (Listen mode), and the master program is activated from the remote control.

Lego Mindstorms

Lego Mindstorms lets you build and program robots that can do just about anything. Lego Mindstorms give you all the tools you need to construct your own robots and program them to carry out all kinds of actions. Version 1.0 RCX bricks have a power adapter jack to allow nonstop operation rather than the narrow operation time when using batteries. In version 2.0 (as well as later 1.0s included in the RIS 1.5), the power adapter jack was removed. Version 2.0 of the robotics invention kit has a programming environment that is better than a lot of professional robot kits. It is no wonder why a lot of schools are standardizing on the mindstorms kits to instruct people on robotics.

Wrex

Wrex’s snout acts like a stop button when he is moving and a random activities selection button when he is not. Wrex is able to scoot around, amusement and obey commands and run like a real dog. He can rotate his head, move his ears, huff and even wag his tail.

Roboquad

Roboquad is a four-legged, spider-like robot with unprecedented mobility and awareness. The Roboquad is made with advanced sensory awareness, helping it respond quickly to the surrounding environment and pursue a moving object in any direction, including forward, backwards, and sideways. Roboquad, by WowWee Robotics, claims the honor of being the first true robotic arthropod. It is essentially an animated robot that has multi-directional movement capabilities and highly developed sensory perception. Roboquad even has an extended battery life for extended missions. Able to spot movement from up to 6 feet away with a deep IRscanner, he can also explore for and traverse doorways, and detect table edges. When the lights go out, Roboquad can continue operating, turning on his head-mounted LEDs which lets it see in the darkness. Roboquad becomes irritable, happy, attentive, aloof and anxious as he scoots about on any type of floor. Roboquad can even dance.

Roborover

Roborover might be WowWee’s 2009 successor to their extremely popular Tri-Bot robot which appeared first in 2008. The primary difference is that Roborover has treads instead of wheels.

Roborover has object detection. He has forward and rear sensors that prevent him from running in to walls. Roborover’s tread wheels let it maneuver over objects up to a 15-degree gradient, or about an inch high. Roborover is an nimble tread based companion with a shy but curious nature, his personality grows and becomes more confident as you play with him. He is continuously eager to be racing around your home or to be playing games with you. Roborover has a few distinct modes: explore, lookout, standby and sleep. Explore mode does just what you would expect; Roborover navigates around the room autonomously while it avoids bumping into objects. Sensor-based LED headlights will automatically turn on if it’s dark. The Roborover features diverse verbal content and driving-based games.

Rovio

Rovio, now you can finally be in two places at once! WowWee Rovio comes equipped with a WiFi connection which lets you control it from anywhere in the world given that you have a internet capable mobile phone or a PC with internet connection. Rovio’s built-in LED headlight will help you direct it even in faintly lit locations, so you’ll always know what is going on at home or at the office. Its skull-mounted, movable camera and wide range of vision allow you to see and listen to precisely what Rovio sees and hears, on your screen, anyplace in the world! No need to worry about Rovio running low on power while you’re away – the self-docking feature lets you send Rovio back to the charging dock to recharge, with the tap of a button in your internet browser. After it is done charging, Rovio is all set to take its next tour.

Find out more about the mesmerizing world of robotics plus hundreds of robots at the lowest prices by going to buy robot toys

Books are a man’s best friend as it is not only a great source of knowledge but also an effective way to improve communication skills. However it is also true that books are an old idea and people are interested to see something different in this area. Wanting to cater to the newer customer preferences, electronic companies got the idea of introducing audio books. The popularity of these products is ever increasing with demand going up steadily.

Experts believe that listening is a more useful method of communication. Looking at the many advantages of this, many kinds of people are opting for audio books. These books are actually digital versions of conventional novels and offer several other creative amenities Digital versions of age old novels, these books also offer fresher conveniences. It could take hours to finish a novel after staying glued to the printed words which appear there. The favourite stories, in audio book form can be relished any time anywhere.

Audio books help one to decipher the story in a more comprehensible way and also give a face to the characters. Today’s youth are using headset and earphones to relish the music of their choice even while on the move. iPods, MP3 players and highly advanced mobile phones are tools which nearly every young person uses these days. The young people of today also like the audio novels and they always share the stories with their friends. Such books are popular amongst the elderly also especially when they are visually impaired.

The other advantages of audio novels also keep readers happy. One can easily carry them wherever one wants to since they are also available in the form of CDs, DVD and other optical storage devices.

If you want to listen some sections of the story, all you need to do is to rewind. Storage and safe-keeping of books can be strenuous whereas several copies of audio stories can be stored for a long time. You could get some very profitable deals along with the latest releases when you visit sites dealing with audio books. A customer could make a choice from the vast array of audio books that are available in these portals.

For a greater understanding on the subject of Novel publishing. Visit us for lots of free information at childrens publishing.

An ultrasonic flow meter is a volumetric flow meter which requires particulates or bubbles in the flow. It measures the speed of liquid or gas via a tube using ultrasonic transducers. As there aren’t any moving components in this flow meter, the maintenance is inexpensive, are less obstacle and work with non-conductive fluids. They can continuously calculate the flow rate whereas other ways calculate average flow rates. Ultrasonic flow meters are known in varied areas of flow measurement, even in medicine where the flow of gas breathed out by a patient is measured.

The transducers that are used in an ultrasonic flow meter are put on either side of the fluid flowing through a conduit. The ultrasonic flow meter is an simple to install equipment, particularly on existing pipelines. Although there area number of drawbacks too, the measuring technique needs a particular variety of reflecting particles in the medium nonstop, the particles should be of a large enough size to produce adequately good relations, the sound velocity of the particles should be clearly different from that of the liquid, the ultrasonic field usually extends only into the peripheral flow, and the speed needs to be way above the crucial velocity at that particles settle. Ultrasonic flow meters work with transmission flow meters, reflection flow meters, and open-channel flow meters.

Fuel flow meters are used in stationary pumping fuel dispensers, and mobile vehicle instrumentation. It is a computer that is used in such station pumps that helps you control fuel usage by measuring the amount of fuel consumed. These meters facilitate in giving correct data on how much fuel will go into your tank, therefore helping avoid any type of waste or overflows. Fuel flow meters also show real time therefore serving to you in knowing your consumption limits as well as providing you with a spot for your throttle and tab settings. Nonetheless fuel flow meters are pricey and would like to be professionally installed in some cases.

A rota meter could be a device that calculates the flow of gas and liquid in a closed pipe. A variable area meter, a rota meter is made of a tapered tube sometimes of glass, with a float inside it that’s pushed up by the flow of the fluids and pushed down by gravity. Floats will be made of many a form like spheres, ellipsoids and so on. The advantages of a rota meter include no external power or fuel as it uses only the existing properties of the fluid together with gravity , to calculate the flow rate. It can be changed consistent with individual preferences.

Float shapes and proportions will be varied for various usage. It is also a easy tool which will be manufactured by a range of materials so making it cheap and simply available.

Although rota meters have a few drawbacks also some being, the fluid forever flows upwards due to the use of gravity in rota meters thus it should continuously be positioned vertically oriented and right way up with the fluid flowing up. It’s usually created of glass otherwise the user is not able to determine the inner workings of the device.

Batteries are separated into two categories, by application (what the battery is used for) and construction (how the battery is built. Automotive, deep-cycle and marine are the major applications. There are others, but those three categories make up the bulk of battery applications. Deep-Cycle batteries are the battery of choice for most installations because of the way they are made. Deep-cycle batteries are made to be run completely down relatively fast, and recharged just as fast, constantly. The major applications for deep-cycle batteries are solar electric (PV), backup power source, and boat/RV batteries.

There are 3 main construction types at this time:

* Flood (wet) * Gelled * AGM

Flooded batteries are what most people think of when thinking of batteries of this size. They are the standard battery with removable caps, or they might even be the ‘maintenance free’.

Gelled Batteries or Gel Cells are sealed, and some are valve regulated. They contain gelled acid that was gelled by adding silica gel, making like a battery acid jelly. If you have the space and especially the ventilation, the valves actually do help out on battery life. But ventilation is extremely important. However they have to be charged at a slower rate to prevent excess gas from destroying the cells. Usually, solar systems charge relatively slow, so this isn’t really an issue, but if you have a aux. generator on your system, you have to limit the current. Most of the better made inverters handle this without a problem. If they are overcharges they will die quick.

AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries are similar to the gelled batteries but they also have fiberglass mat between the plates of the batter, which is then filled with gel. These batteries are the premier choice if you have any concerns about spilling of battery acid. While spills can still happen with AGM batteries, because of the viscosity of the gell, it takes a little more than just a hole in the battery to come in contact with you or the floor.

The main difference in deep-cycle batteries is thicker plates. The thicker plates allow the deep-cycle battery to be discharged down as much as 80% over and over again. The main difference between a TRUE deep-cycle and other wannabes is the presence of solid lead plates, not sponge. Thicker plates mean longer life. The battery with the thickest plates will last the longest

A battery cycle is one complete discharge and recharge cycle. Usually its considered to be discharging from 100% (fully charged) to 20% and then back to 100%. How deep a battery is discharged directly affects its life span. A battery that is discharged to only 50% capacity every day will last twice as long as a battery that is drained to 10 or 20% every day.

Battery Life

There are many variables to deep-cycle battery life. Overcharging, extreme heat, extreme cold, lack of use can all lead to a premature death for even the heartiest of batteries. All things being equal, if the battery is maintained, not overcharged, in a relatively cool area, a good gelled deep cycle will probably last around 3-5 years. An AGM deep cycle will probably go around 6-8 years. The standard flooded battery 1-6 years. Again there are MANY variables so its pretty hard to give a precise time

In the deep-cycle family of batteries, the AGM has one advantage over the other two types in it’s class. Of all 3 of the deep cycle types, AGM is the only one that can actually withstand freezing. However when frozen, the output is 0, but it will be undamaged and use able when thawed out.

Your needs for batteries may be a little different than someone else’s. Buy according to your needs and do the proper homework on the manufacturer before making this investment.

There is a myth that you shouldn’t store batteries on concrete floors. It is just that, a myth. The reasoning for this story originates back when battery cases were made of wood and asphalt. The acid would leak from them and if they were sitting on a concrete floor, there would be a slow discharging circuit forming in the now moist floor.

Battery Quick Facts

* Almost all batteries have to be cycled 10-20 times before being able to reach full capacity. A brand new battery will actually have a capacity thats about 10-15% less than rated capacity.

* Always keep vent caps on your flooded batteries when charging. This prevents water loss and splashing when they bubble during the charge cycle

* Lead-Acid batteries do not have a memory. They do not need to be fully discharged to avoid having a memory. This will only lead to early end of battery life.

Use only clean water to clean the outside of batteries. Solvents or cleaners are not advised.

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Snoei is a full time artist, focused on creating Conceptual, Caricature and Cartoon work. Snoei can be located in Van Riebeekstraat, Netherlands, producing the most capturing work from his traditional hand drawing methods.

Snoei is an illustrator, who started his career as a DTP/Graphic designer, at an advertising agency and worked there for 5 years. In 2001 Snoei started his own business. At first his work mostly consisted of DTP/Graphic design work but gradually he started to do more illustration work.

Now it’s mostly illustration with the occasional a graphic design job, which he also enjoys doing. All of his work starts with a pencil sketch, the old-fashioned way and is then finished in A.I.

Taking a look at the book covers he has done, shows that Snoei is no amateur in design. Various clients and customers who have required Snoei’s artwork are those who publish books for children. He has no problem when pleasing his clients and customers with the end results but it takes a lot of time and dedication to complete such projects.

Having developed within the design sectors you choose, your work will only then start to show your capabilities. The illustration work by Snoei shows that he has advanced, due to improving this goal non-stop and the adding the use of digital enhancements to his traditional artwork. But it will all come down to what you or your customer or your client requires for that specific project.

Helping his work get out there would be partly due to the customers and clients he has worked with on design projects, which include Canon, Tango, Plus, Wehkamp, Coca Cola,Rails Magazine, KPN, Peugeot, Vodaphone, Albert Heijn, KLM, SJP Magazine, Axxa, Allo Telecom, Delta Lloyd and Expert, Appelsientje.

If you enjoyed that, take a look at his online portfolio. You can hire Snoei for future freelance projects that you may have so please do not hesitate to do so.

To catch up with Snoei and his great work, take a look through his online portfolio or search for freelance design jobs.