A stroller or rollator is a mobility aid that assists walking. It can be used by someone who has permanent difficulty walking or balancing when standing, or by someone during recuperation from an injury or operation.
A stroller is a walking frame and it may be referred to as a zimmer frame – a reference the inventor of this aid.
There are many variations on the rollater theme that see four legged strollers with two or four wheels and even three legged strollers with wheels on each leg. Some strollers, designed for rougher ground, will even have pairs of wheels on each leg.
The different kinds of stroller can, and are designed to be, used in different ways. The basic four leg version that has two wheels and has its non-wheel legs raised above the ground when a step is taken. After this, the non slip feet of these legs make contact with the ground as the person prepares to take another step. During this time the stroller is stable and cannot move or roll.
Strollers that have wheels on all of their legs will also have a braking system that normally uses a handlebar layout similar to a bike. When the person wishes to move forward they release the brakes an push the stroller forward. When they wish to stop they apply the brakes.
The three wheeler strollers are thought by some to be more manoeuvrable. This is because the front (single) wheel will normally change direction to suit the course in which it is being pushed. This makes it a more directional stroller, but it also requires that the user has greater balance, strength and mobility than is required for a typical four leg two wheel walking frame.
These rollators or strollers can include baskets for carrying things and many have a padded shelf section that becomes a seat.
There are many varying types of rollator/stroller/walking frame and each will suit someone with slightly differing needs.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Eye test equipment
This entry is not a review, but rather a product interaction experience that I have just encountered at the optician.
I was due for both a contact lens check-up and a full eye test and had arranged to have both today (at SpecSavers – they are the optician that I have used for a bout 3 years).
The thing that made this visit of note was the massive technological change in eye testing that seems to have happened between today and my last visit about two years ago.
In the past I have had the various tests from glaucoma to visual acuity and the whole process took a good 30 to 45 minutes. The greater part of this seemed to involve placing a very thick and ugly glasses’ frame on me and then alternating different lenses to see if my eye sight was helped or hindered at each change.
Today things were different. Instead of the odd looking frame and numerous lens changes, a strange double disk machine descended from the ceiling with too small apertures in it. The two large plastic disks were then pulled closer together so that the apertures (one at the inside edge of each disk) lined up with my eyes and “hey presto”, after a second of furious clicking sounds, I was seeing perfectly.
It would seem that these disks contained all of the various lens options that would normally be changed manually and that, either automatically or by entering my details, the optician was able to select my correct prescription in a second.
The process was very impressive as were a couple of other tests where, after looking through a view finder, the equipment automatically focused itself to give me a view of a balloon above a road! I am sure that this must mean something, but I did not dare to ask.
As ever there was the glaucoma test, in which puff of air are blown directly into the eyes, and these were as unpleasant as ever.
To sum the experience up, both the eye test and separate contact lens test, along with a good 6 or 7 minutes waiting/talking time were completed in 45 minutes. Very impressive.
I was due for both a contact lens check-up and a full eye test and had arranged to have both today (at SpecSavers – they are the optician that I have used for a bout 3 years).
The thing that made this visit of note was the massive technological change in eye testing that seems to have happened between today and my last visit about two years ago.
In the past I have had the various tests from glaucoma to visual acuity and the whole process took a good 30 to 45 minutes. The greater part of this seemed to involve placing a very thick and ugly glasses’ frame on me and then alternating different lenses to see if my eye sight was helped or hindered at each change.
Today things were different. Instead of the odd looking frame and numerous lens changes, a strange double disk machine descended from the ceiling with too small apertures in it. The two large plastic disks were then pulled closer together so that the apertures (one at the inside edge of each disk) lined up with my eyes and “hey presto”, after a second of furious clicking sounds, I was seeing perfectly.
It would seem that these disks contained all of the various lens options that would normally be changed manually and that, either automatically or by entering my details, the optician was able to select my correct prescription in a second.
The process was very impressive as were a couple of other tests where, after looking through a view finder, the equipment automatically focused itself to give me a view of a balloon above a road! I am sure that this must mean something, but I did not dare to ask.
As ever there was the glaucoma test, in which puff of air are blown directly into the eyes, and these were as unpleasant as ever.
To sum the experience up, both the eye test and separate contact lens test, along with a good 6 or 7 minutes waiting/talking time were completed in 45 minutes. Very impressive.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Healthy chairs
There are a number of different types, designs, styles and formats of chair which have functionality at the fore. These chairs “can” look stylish, however this is not their main objective.
A number of chair types have been developed for people, and there are a great many, who find it problematic to sit down and stand up due to loss of joint mobility and muscular strength. When this is the case a seat that is higher than average (aided by high firm arms) can make it easy to lift and lower oneself into and out of a seat.
Equally, seats that can use remote control motorized systems to elevated and even tilt the seat can be of great use. These chairs, often called riser chairs or tilt and lift seats, make the knee and hip bending part of sitting down almost redundant. They are ideal for older people.
Other types of chair can be more specialized. As an example, the evacuation chair is used to get a disabled person out of a building where the building has become unsafe. This could be due to fire, explosion or some other disaster that makes normal escape means and routes unfeasible. These chairs have a construction that makes it possible for one helper to transport a passenger up or down stairs in relative safety.
Healthy chairs for the office environment are called task chairs. This term refers to their application which will normally revolve around some kind of constant or repeating task. This may be as simple a working at a single computer, or it may necessitate working simultaneously at multiple workstations and having a task chair that accommodates the operatives changes in position and posture.
Chairs are not only for work, maintaining a healthy posture, or making themselves more accessible. Relaxation chairs are another seating option and the most popular form is the massage or heat and massage chair. This type of chair can provide relaxation at the end of a busy day and the gentle manipulative action of the massage facility can help tired or aching muscles recover more quickly and feel healthy and invigorated.
One final type of seat, or in some cases bench, is the therapy chair. This can be used by any number of health therapists and it allows the patient to comfortably “present” in a posture that gives access to the part of the body that the therapist intends to work on. These chairs can be large motorised aids or much smaller portable seats that have easy transportation requirements.
A number of chair types have been developed for people, and there are a great many, who find it problematic to sit down and stand up due to loss of joint mobility and muscular strength. When this is the case a seat that is higher than average (aided by high firm arms) can make it easy to lift and lower oneself into and out of a seat.
Equally, seats that can use remote control motorized systems to elevated and even tilt the seat can be of great use. These chairs, often called riser chairs or tilt and lift seats, make the knee and hip bending part of sitting down almost redundant. They are ideal for older people.
Other types of chair can be more specialized. As an example, the evacuation chair is used to get a disabled person out of a building where the building has become unsafe. This could be due to fire, explosion or some other disaster that makes normal escape means and routes unfeasible. These chairs have a construction that makes it possible for one helper to transport a passenger up or down stairs in relative safety.
Healthy chairs for the office environment are called task chairs. This term refers to their application which will normally revolve around some kind of constant or repeating task. This may be as simple a working at a single computer, or it may necessitate working simultaneously at multiple workstations and having a task chair that accommodates the operatives changes in position and posture.
Chairs are not only for work, maintaining a healthy posture, or making themselves more accessible. Relaxation chairs are another seating option and the most popular form is the massage or heat and massage chair. This type of chair can provide relaxation at the end of a busy day and the gentle manipulative action of the massage facility can help tired or aching muscles recover more quickly and feel healthy and invigorated.
One final type of seat, or in some cases bench, is the therapy chair. This can be used by any number of health therapists and it allows the patient to comfortably “present” in a posture that gives access to the part of the body that the therapist intends to work on. These chairs can be large motorised aids or much smaller portable seats that have easy transportation requirements.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Efficient radiator performance
Energy costs are permanently increasing, be they for electricity, gas, coal or oil, so there is no cheap way to keep a house warm in cool weather. Given this fact, the best option available to bill payers it to get the most out of the energy that they do use and there are a number of ways of doing this.
The first is to look around for the cheapest tariffs, the most economic providers and any offers that may be available. Paying monthly by direct debit or standing order can often save costs, as can getting different types of energy (e.g. gas and electricity) from the same supplier. This can result in a bulk or multi fuel saving.
The other way to cut bills is to make the most of the energy that you do use, or to reduce that usage.
One way of doing this is to maximise the insulation that you have on all hot water pipes. Adding extra insulation prevents heat loss and gets the heat to the radiators where you want it to be.
How you treat your radiators can also impact upon energy cost and usage. As an example, radiator covers look nice, but they have a negative effect on how efficiently convection radiators distribute their emitted heat throughout a room. These covers look nice, but they prevent the free flow and movement of air which is not ideal. An easy solution can simply be to remove any covers on cold days, or try to find covers with the maximum amount of perforations in them.
Having independent thermostatic valves for each radiator makes it possible to control the temperature of any given room independently rather than having a general setting for an entire house. These valves are not too costly and they mean that you can turn the heat up, down of completely off in any area of the house. The cost of these thermostatic valves is normally returned in energy savings in 2 or 3 years.
For more tips on energy savings and ways to improve the performance of your radiators take a look at websites about plumbing where further suggestions may be included.
The other area to evaluate is the boiler or heat source that burns or circulates the heat. There are now many different types of boiler, e.g. condenser, combi etc and all have different advantages and disadvantages depending upon their intended usage and situation.
The first is to look around for the cheapest tariffs, the most economic providers and any offers that may be available. Paying monthly by direct debit or standing order can often save costs, as can getting different types of energy (e.g. gas and electricity) from the same supplier. This can result in a bulk or multi fuel saving.
The other way to cut bills is to make the most of the energy that you do use, or to reduce that usage.
One way of doing this is to maximise the insulation that you have on all hot water pipes. Adding extra insulation prevents heat loss and gets the heat to the radiators where you want it to be.
How you treat your radiators can also impact upon energy cost and usage. As an example, radiator covers look nice, but they have a negative effect on how efficiently convection radiators distribute their emitted heat throughout a room. These covers look nice, but they prevent the free flow and movement of air which is not ideal. An easy solution can simply be to remove any covers on cold days, or try to find covers with the maximum amount of perforations in them.
Having independent thermostatic valves for each radiator makes it possible to control the temperature of any given room independently rather than having a general setting for an entire house. These valves are not too costly and they mean that you can turn the heat up, down of completely off in any area of the house. The cost of these thermostatic valves is normally returned in energy savings in 2 or 3 years.
For more tips on energy savings and ways to improve the performance of your radiators take a look at websites about plumbing where further suggestions may be included.
The other area to evaluate is the boiler or heat source that burns or circulates the heat. There are now many different types of boiler, e.g. condenser, combi etc and all have different advantages and disadvantages depending upon their intended usage and situation.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Replacing a swimming pool
For those fortunate enough to have a swimming pool, one of the long term problems with up-keep and maintenance is the internal pool surface commonly referred to as a liner. This is the most susceptible part of a pool when it comes to wear damage and aging and once upon a time it resulted in high replacements costs or the requirement for a new pool installation.
Times have changed though and now it is possible to replace the internal pool's lining surface with a modern hard wearing vinyl liner that not only looks good, but performs well.
These pool liners are suitable for above and below ground swimming pools and they come in a massive range of patterns and colours that exceed even the options available with tiles.
The big advantage however is one of cost, or rather cost savings. Replacing a structural tile and mortar lining is a highly labour intensive and material demanding project that runs into many thousands of dollars or pounds. It is messy, turns the pool area into a building site and keeps the pool out of operation for many days and often several weeks.
The vinyl liner is quite the reverse. These pool liners come designed to fit and after some comparatively simple preparation work they can be fitted and the pool refilled and ready for use within a single day.
These liners are cheap, with labour time and cost kept to a minimum and replacing an existing liner with a new one can be a lifetime option for any well maintained pool.
Vinyl liners come in two version, one suited for the above ground pools where the liner is overlapped and the other suitable for both above and below ground pools where there is a beaded top to the liner that tucks into a smart pool header.
Cleaning pool liners is also a simple process as these liners have a smooth surface that does not attract or harbour dirt, residue or other contaminants in the same way as tiles.
Pool liners are available online and from all pool stores and they can be bought off the shelf or made to order to fit all sizes and shapes of swimming pool.
Times have changed though and now it is possible to replace the internal pool's lining surface with a modern hard wearing vinyl liner that not only looks good, but performs well.
These pool liners are suitable for above and below ground swimming pools and they come in a massive range of patterns and colours that exceed even the options available with tiles.
The big advantage however is one of cost, or rather cost savings. Replacing a structural tile and mortar lining is a highly labour intensive and material demanding project that runs into many thousands of dollars or pounds. It is messy, turns the pool area into a building site and keeps the pool out of operation for many days and often several weeks.
The vinyl liner is quite the reverse. These pool liners come designed to fit and after some comparatively simple preparation work they can be fitted and the pool refilled and ready for use within a single day.
These liners are cheap, with labour time and cost kept to a minimum and replacing an existing liner with a new one can be a lifetime option for any well maintained pool.
Vinyl liners come in two version, one suited for the above ground pools where the liner is overlapped and the other suitable for both above and below ground pools where there is a beaded top to the liner that tucks into a smart pool header.
Cleaning pool liners is also a simple process as these liners have a smooth surface that does not attract or harbour dirt, residue or other contaminants in the same way as tiles.
Pool liners are available online and from all pool stores and they can be bought off the shelf or made to order to fit all sizes and shapes of swimming pool.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Radiator styles and the future
Although they remain far from cheap, more and more people are now starting to consider buying some of the more unusual and stylish looking radiators that are becoming available.
So called “Designer radiators” allow you to customise your living spaces with heaters that make "style statements". Put simply, their unusual designs make them an asset rather than a detriment, and this means that they add something to a typical room rather than take something away.
Modern radiators can be powered from a hot water based central heating system, or they can use electricity and work independently. The latter using oil or heating elements to distribute the heat. You can even get some that rely on radiation rather than the traditional convection.
When it comes to designs there is a lot to go at with choices covering everything from Georgian and Victorian styling to ultra modern and minimalist looks that can be used to emphasize the presence of the heating unit.
For many people making a feature of, or at least failing to hide, a prominent radiator might seem unusual. For many years people have used guards and covers to disguise these once unsightly cast iron panels, but now they can be shown off in their full glory.
And it is not only the shapes and designs that have changed. Many radiators come in different colours and finishes. This means that stainless steel or matt black can be selected and some designs include reds, blues, greens and more.
Materials are another area of a radiator-construction that has evolved. Metals are no longer the only material of choice. Hi-tec constructions see polymers and glass used and because many cutting-edge models are electric (and not centrally heated) they can be moved around and simply connect to the mains supply by plug. This means that radiators have become mobile and are no longer constrained to walls or locations under windows.
As for the future, many of the more desirable radiators need to come down in price before they will get a foothold in the mainstream housing market. The designs are interesting and sometimes stunning, but many have a price tag to match and this means that they are limited to applications in show homes or business conference rooms where impressions count. That said, some large DIY and furniture stores are starting to sell affordable yet stylish radiators that may soon be adorning more and more peoples homes.
So called “Designer radiators” allow you to customise your living spaces with heaters that make "style statements". Put simply, their unusual designs make them an asset rather than a detriment, and this means that they add something to a typical room rather than take something away.
Modern radiators can be powered from a hot water based central heating system, or they can use electricity and work independently. The latter using oil or heating elements to distribute the heat. You can even get some that rely on radiation rather than the traditional convection.
When it comes to designs there is a lot to go at with choices covering everything from Georgian and Victorian styling to ultra modern and minimalist looks that can be used to emphasize the presence of the heating unit.
For many people making a feature of, or at least failing to hide, a prominent radiator might seem unusual. For many years people have used guards and covers to disguise these once unsightly cast iron panels, but now they can be shown off in their full glory.
And it is not only the shapes and designs that have changed. Many radiators come in different colours and finishes. This means that stainless steel or matt black can be selected and some designs include reds, blues, greens and more.
Materials are another area of a radiator-construction that has evolved. Metals are no longer the only material of choice. Hi-tec constructions see polymers and glass used and because many cutting-edge models are electric (and not centrally heated) they can be moved around and simply connect to the mains supply by plug. This means that radiators have become mobile and are no longer constrained to walls or locations under windows.
As for the future, many of the more desirable radiators need to come down in price before they will get a foothold in the mainstream housing market. The designs are interesting and sometimes stunning, but many have a price tag to match and this means that they are limited to applications in show homes or business conference rooms where impressions count. That said, some large DIY and furniture stores are starting to sell affordable yet stylish radiators that may soon be adorning more and more peoples homes.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Home sauna systems
I may have covered home saunas before, but I doubt it, so here goes.
In essence a home sauna is a smaller version of the kind of sauna found in a health club, a hotel or some sports and recreation centres.
The idea behind a sauna is multi fold. But its main attributes relate to being healthy and relaxing. Here is a bit more detail on both.
The health aspect relates to several positives that come from taking a sauna. The first is detoxification which results from the heat and the opening of the pores to allow any toxins to escape the body as sweat – at least that is it in very simple terms.
The second is increased heart rate and consequently circulation, that results from the body working harder in a hotter environment. This exercises the system and it also helps to flush any rubbish out of the body. This is because all kinds of fluids (besides blood) circulate around and through our bodies. This means that we can get a minor workout just from taking a sauna.
In the case of infrared sauna heaters there are some other benefits that relate to the infrared heat rays. These are of a low intensity and they heat up the skin through a kind of radiation and, at these low levels, this can be good for the skin and the body as a whole.
The relaxation advantages are more obvious. Sitting in a sauna is, for most people, a leisurely and enjoyable way to pass away anything from twenty minutes to a few hours. Indeed in Finland taking a sauna is very much a communal activity that sees families and friends relax as a group. For many other western civilizations this may seem slightly unusual, but this is a part of Finnish culture and is popular throughout the country.
In the home a sauna is normally made from a sauna kit and these DIY versions are small, compact and intended to fit in part or all of a domestic room. Sauna kits are frequently incorporated into log cabins, sheds and outbuildings if room is restricted and the modern versions have heaters that are powered by electricity.
These heaters can be based around heating the air (traditional stove style) or heating the skin via radiation (i.e. infrared) which are cheap to run and work instantly. In both cases these kits systems are comparatively cheap and require fairly basic installation skills. You can find out more from the link above, or by doing a search on kits for these saunas.
In essence a home sauna is a smaller version of the kind of sauna found in a health club, a hotel or some sports and recreation centres.
The idea behind a sauna is multi fold. But its main attributes relate to being healthy and relaxing. Here is a bit more detail on both.
The health aspect relates to several positives that come from taking a sauna. The first is detoxification which results from the heat and the opening of the pores to allow any toxins to escape the body as sweat – at least that is it in very simple terms.
The second is increased heart rate and consequently circulation, that results from the body working harder in a hotter environment. This exercises the system and it also helps to flush any rubbish out of the body. This is because all kinds of fluids (besides blood) circulate around and through our bodies. This means that we can get a minor workout just from taking a sauna.
In the case of infrared sauna heaters there are some other benefits that relate to the infrared heat rays. These are of a low intensity and they heat up the skin through a kind of radiation and, at these low levels, this can be good for the skin and the body as a whole.
The relaxation advantages are more obvious. Sitting in a sauna is, for most people, a leisurely and enjoyable way to pass away anything from twenty minutes to a few hours. Indeed in Finland taking a sauna is very much a communal activity that sees families and friends relax as a group. For many other western civilizations this may seem slightly unusual, but this is a part of Finnish culture and is popular throughout the country.
In the home a sauna is normally made from a sauna kit and these DIY versions are small, compact and intended to fit in part or all of a domestic room. Sauna kits are frequently incorporated into log cabins, sheds and outbuildings if room is restricted and the modern versions have heaters that are powered by electricity.
These heaters can be based around heating the air (traditional stove style) or heating the skin via radiation (i.e. infrared) which are cheap to run and work instantly. In both cases these kits systems are comparatively cheap and require fairly basic installation skills. You can find out more from the link above, or by doing a search on kits for these saunas.
Monday, August 09, 2010
Magnetic therapies
Among the many new age therapies that are available are those using magnetism to align the magnetic field of the body with a view to improved health or the treatment of pain and other symptoms.
Most magnetic therapy approaches use beds by adding either/or a mattress, topper or pillow impregnated with lots of tiny magnets that create a magnetic filed around anyone lying on them.
How effective this magnetic therapy approach can be is questionable and there is no real evidence to back up any of the claims that are centred around it. That said there are a lot of magnetic mattress toppers out there, so either the marketing is very good, or a lot of people believe that they can make a difference.
Most mattress products that use magnets have a large number of very small circular magnets embedded in to their padding that make it impossible top discern that the mattress or topper is anything other than a conventional one. These magnets cannot be felt and so they do not interfere with sleep in a direct way.
What they are supposed to do is align the magnetic field of the body and this in turn is supposed to be healthy.
The result can be (or is claimed to be) proactive to good health, capable of alleviating certain types of pain like arthritis and good for blood circulation.
Other therapy beds include those that give massages and provide heat therapy. Some can even work like a remote chiropractor!
Most magnetic therapy approaches use beds by adding either/or a mattress, topper or pillow impregnated with lots of tiny magnets that create a magnetic filed around anyone lying on them.
How effective this magnetic therapy approach can be is questionable and there is no real evidence to back up any of the claims that are centred around it. That said there are a lot of magnetic mattress toppers out there, so either the marketing is very good, or a lot of people believe that they can make a difference.
Most mattress products that use magnets have a large number of very small circular magnets embedded in to their padding that make it impossible top discern that the mattress or topper is anything other than a conventional one. These magnets cannot be felt and so they do not interfere with sleep in a direct way.
What they are supposed to do is align the magnetic field of the body and this in turn is supposed to be healthy.
The result can be (or is claimed to be) proactive to good health, capable of alleviating certain types of pain like arthritis and good for blood circulation.
Other therapy beds include those that give massages and provide heat therapy. Some can even work like a remote chiropractor!
Friday, July 30, 2010
Hiking shoes
Hiking shoes or boots differ from regular shoes in two main ways.
One, they are designed with comfort, health and performance in mind and not aesthetics.
Two, they will face challenges in terms of the surfaces that they will walk on and the conditions under which they need to keep the feet protected and dry that regular shoes would (should) not encounter.
This makes a hiking shoe a special animal and one that quite naturally will cost more and look different to a regular shoe. So what should you think about when you wish to buy a hiking shoe?
At the top of the list is comfort and fit. This shoe will need to feel good when you walk on tough uneven ground for long periods. If it is too loose or too tight you will have big problems.
The shoe needs to provide good support, so it needs to have a tough but well made construction. It should feel solid and areas like the heel should be stiff and not flexible. The sole should be strong, firm and have a good tread for grip in all conditions.
Materials are important. Many walker like natural leather for its ability to “work in” and adapt to the shape of the foot. That said, many people now opt for the high performance manmade material that are both waterproof and breathable.
These special fabrics not only repel water, but they manage to allow tiny droplets of seat to evaporate out of the shoe which means that your feet are kept dry from the inside and the outside.
Padding and a seamless interior are two other important things to look for. Projecting seams will be abrasive and irritate and should never be present on a quality walking shoe. Padding in the right places will cushion and support the feet making walking comfortable and easy on the feet. Padding on the inner sole will relive shocks and stress as the shoes hit the ground and this reduces stress on all of the joints in the body from the ankles and knees to the hips and joints of the spine.
One, they are designed with comfort, health and performance in mind and not aesthetics.
Two, they will face challenges in terms of the surfaces that they will walk on and the conditions under which they need to keep the feet protected and dry that regular shoes would (should) not encounter.
This makes a hiking shoe a special animal and one that quite naturally will cost more and look different to a regular shoe. So what should you think about when you wish to buy a hiking shoe?
At the top of the list is comfort and fit. This shoe will need to feel good when you walk on tough uneven ground for long periods. If it is too loose or too tight you will have big problems.
The shoe needs to provide good support, so it needs to have a tough but well made construction. It should feel solid and areas like the heel should be stiff and not flexible. The sole should be strong, firm and have a good tread for grip in all conditions.
Materials are important. Many walker like natural leather for its ability to “work in” and adapt to the shape of the foot. That said, many people now opt for the high performance manmade material that are both waterproof and breathable.
These special fabrics not only repel water, but they manage to allow tiny droplets of seat to evaporate out of the shoe which means that your feet are kept dry from the inside and the outside.
Padding and a seamless interior are two other important things to look for. Projecting seams will be abrasive and irritate and should never be present on a quality walking shoe. Padding in the right places will cushion and support the feet making walking comfortable and easy on the feet. Padding on the inner sole will relive shocks and stress as the shoes hit the ground and this reduces stress on all of the joints in the body from the ankles and knees to the hips and joints of the spine.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Daybeds!
A daybed is both a novelty and a practical piece of furniture.
How to define a daybed is difficult because in essence it is nothing more than a bed that is placed and used in a daytime room. That however is something of an oversimplification as many companies now make day bed and some are bed manufacturers and others are manufacturers of sofas and couches.
The easiest way to describe the typical daybed is to say that it is a bed, but used as an alternative to a sofa in a living room or family room. This means that you can lay down and relax on a daybed in a way that would be difficult with a sofa.
Some daybeds look very much like a bed, and may even be dressed with pillows and a quilt! Others are more like a rectangular sofa where the depth of the seat has been lengthened quite considerably. The styles can be bedlike, sofa like and equally modern or traditional.
The size of these beds is a further variable. Some are large whilst others are no bigger than a small sofa. What all have in common is that they make something of focal point and one that cause a whole range of reactions from surprise and shock to amusement and acceptance.
Whether daybeds are just a fad or a trend remains to be seen. So far their popularity seems to be on the up, but these unusual ideas can disappear as quickly as they emerge, so only time will tell.
If you want to know more go to one of the major bed and furniture high street stores.
How to define a daybed is difficult because in essence it is nothing more than a bed that is placed and used in a daytime room. That however is something of an oversimplification as many companies now make day bed and some are bed manufacturers and others are manufacturers of sofas and couches.
The easiest way to describe the typical daybed is to say that it is a bed, but used as an alternative to a sofa in a living room or family room. This means that you can lay down and relax on a daybed in a way that would be difficult with a sofa.
Some daybeds look very much like a bed, and may even be dressed with pillows and a quilt! Others are more like a rectangular sofa where the depth of the seat has been lengthened quite considerably. The styles can be bedlike, sofa like and equally modern or traditional.
The size of these beds is a further variable. Some are large whilst others are no bigger than a small sofa. What all have in common is that they make something of focal point and one that cause a whole range of reactions from surprise and shock to amusement and acceptance.
Whether daybeds are just a fad or a trend remains to be seen. So far their popularity seems to be on the up, but these unusual ideas can disappear as quickly as they emerge, so only time will tell.
If you want to know more go to one of the major bed and furniture high street stores.
Monday, July 19, 2010
What type of garage door do you have?
This may not seem the silly question that at first it appears. At least not after a brief period of deliberation or a look at your own garage opening.
There are many different types of garage door motion and the manner in which these doors open, roll, lift slide and hinge may not necessarily be all that obvious.
So why would you even care?
Well the answer to that is simple. If you start to have a problem with your door and that problem needs parts, a repair, or a complete replacement, you will need to know what it is that you are repairing or maintaining.
Put simply, you cannot repair a roller garage door with components from a side hinged door or vice versa. This then begs the question, “how can I tell what kind of door type and operation I have?”
The answer is usually one that is determined by a mixture of inspection, common sense and recognition. You need to determine if you have or canrecognise a sliding, sectional, roller, up and over or hinged doors.
Eliminating some of the candidates can be quite simple, e.g. if you have a door that lifts up you can be sure that it is not a hinged or sliding door. But that still leaves the roller, “up and over” and sectional options!
Picking one of these requires a little bit more observation and the visual acuity to recognise features like arms, drums, springs and the way in which the actual door does or does not bend or flex. Doing this will necessitate taking a closer view of your garage door. This means looking at the mechanical parts that you normally ignore and that hide away to the sides and above the main garage entrance.
If you do this, recognising the type of door that you have is actually quite simple.
There are many different types of garage door motion and the manner in which these doors open, roll, lift slide and hinge may not necessarily be all that obvious.
So why would you even care?
Well the answer to that is simple. If you start to have a problem with your door and that problem needs parts, a repair, or a complete replacement, you will need to know what it is that you are repairing or maintaining.
Put simply, you cannot repair a roller garage door with components from a side hinged door or vice versa. This then begs the question, “how can I tell what kind of door type and operation I have?”
The answer is usually one that is determined by a mixture of inspection, common sense and recognition. You need to determine if you have or canrecognise a sliding, sectional, roller, up and over or hinged doors.
Eliminating some of the candidates can be quite simple, e.g. if you have a door that lifts up you can be sure that it is not a hinged or sliding door. But that still leaves the roller, “up and over” and sectional options!
Picking one of these requires a little bit more observation and the visual acuity to recognise features like arms, drums, springs and the way in which the actual door does or does not bend or flex. Doing this will necessitate taking a closer view of your garage door. This means looking at the mechanical parts that you normally ignore and that hide away to the sides and above the main garage entrance.
If you do this, recognising the type of door that you have is actually quite simple.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Science fact
I few days a go my wife bought a Netbook off Amazon for around £250.
The reason I mention this is because Gene Roddenbery, the man who conceived the TV and film series Start Trek, clearly envisioned these things three decades ago. I can say this with certainty because one of the original Star Trek films was run on TV last night and Captain Kirk was looking at one.
This really is quite incredible for a film made in the 1980’s when home PC’s were still a thing of the future and laptops, let alone Netbooks, Thinkpads and every other variation of portable computer was still a pipe dream. So incidentally were the stupid names that they all seem to be tagged with!
I makes you wonder just which examples of science fiction, presently viewed as inconceivable, are only a few years away from becoming common household appliances.
Already we have home helps like the irobot roomba and scooba for vacuuming duties. When you then take a look at the number of interactive home based computer games that are constantly invading our leisure pursuits you become aware of just how easily science fiction does become science fact.
The ease with which we accept these new technologies is, for me, the scariest part. No one questions the effects that they may have on social and communicative development, let alone intellectual development.
The other worrying thing is that as these devices become more interactive the intelligence required to make them function becomes ever closer to being a facsimile of human cognisance.
This may initially sound unrealistic, but in order to build a chip that can interact with our intelligence it needs to have a reasoning and level of perception that, in some way, mimics that of our own.
Right now this idea is light years away from what we deem to be an independent intellect. However, science fiction and science fact seem to merge at an ever increasing speed and perhaps films like Terminator and The Matrix contain ideas that we should start worrying about.
The reason I mention this is because Gene Roddenbery, the man who conceived the TV and film series Start Trek, clearly envisioned these things three decades ago. I can say this with certainty because one of the original Star Trek films was run on TV last night and Captain Kirk was looking at one.
This really is quite incredible for a film made in the 1980’s when home PC’s were still a thing of the future and laptops, let alone Netbooks, Thinkpads and every other variation of portable computer was still a pipe dream. So incidentally were the stupid names that they all seem to be tagged with!
I makes you wonder just which examples of science fiction, presently viewed as inconceivable, are only a few years away from becoming common household appliances.
Already we have home helps like the irobot roomba and scooba for vacuuming duties. When you then take a look at the number of interactive home based computer games that are constantly invading our leisure pursuits you become aware of just how easily science fiction does become science fact.
The ease with which we accept these new technologies is, for me, the scariest part. No one questions the effects that they may have on social and communicative development, let alone intellectual development.
The other worrying thing is that as these devices become more interactive the intelligence required to make them function becomes ever closer to being a facsimile of human cognisance.
This may initially sound unrealistic, but in order to build a chip that can interact with our intelligence it needs to have a reasoning and level of perception that, in some way, mimics that of our own.
Right now this idea is light years away from what we deem to be an independent intellect. However, science fiction and science fact seem to merge at an ever increasing speed and perhaps films like Terminator and The Matrix contain ideas that we should start worrying about.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Swimming pool maintenance
With summer now well and truly upon us it is time to makes sure that swimming pools are in good working order.
This means checking on things like heaters and liners and the way that the filtration system is functioning.
Filtration can usually be sorted out by performing the usual checks to determine water quality. If there is a problem then the chemical balance can be adjusted and if the filtration is generating the difficulty now is the time to sort it out. This may mean backwashing, changing filters or replacing the sand depending upon the type of filtration being used. In most cases this is not a major task.
Heaters can be monitored for their effectiveness and efficiency by checking thermostats, heating up time and energy usage. If any of these variables seem to have changed significantly over time the boiler, condenser or heat exchanger etc may require routine maintenance or an overhaul. Pipe work can also be a frequently neglected feature in any heating systems so, in the event of a problem, make sure that flows are as they should be. Power flushes can sort out simple blockages and chemicals can often break down stubborn blocks.
Pool liners deteriorate over time just like anything else, so they need to be checked for their waterproofness and for any damage in the form of tears, abrasions and visible damage. Pool liners may also need periodic cleaning if bacteria starts to build up on their surface. Swimming pool liners also need to be monitored for ultra violet light damage. The refraction of light through water means that with some low quality and older liners this may be a problem.
This means checking on things like heaters and liners and the way that the filtration system is functioning.
Filtration can usually be sorted out by performing the usual checks to determine water quality. If there is a problem then the chemical balance can be adjusted and if the filtration is generating the difficulty now is the time to sort it out. This may mean backwashing, changing filters or replacing the sand depending upon the type of filtration being used. In most cases this is not a major task.
Heaters can be monitored for their effectiveness and efficiency by checking thermostats, heating up time and energy usage. If any of these variables seem to have changed significantly over time the boiler, condenser or heat exchanger etc may require routine maintenance or an overhaul. Pipe work can also be a frequently neglected feature in any heating systems so, in the event of a problem, make sure that flows are as they should be. Power flushes can sort out simple blockages and chemicals can often break down stubborn blocks.
Pool liners deteriorate over time just like anything else, so they need to be checked for their waterproofness and for any damage in the form of tears, abrasions and visible damage. Pool liners may also need periodic cleaning if bacteria starts to build up on their surface. Swimming pool liners also need to be monitored for ultra violet light damage. The refraction of light through water means that with some low quality and older liners this may be a problem.
Thursday, July 01, 2010
Radiators with style
At their best radiators can be very boring uninteresting things to look at, and at their worst they can be down right ugly.
That said there is a new generation (or probably a second generation by now) of stylish designer-like radiators that are gradually making the old and ugly ones extinct.
This new breed of radiator, often called a “designer radiator” has taken the bathroom market by storm and looks set to do the same when it comes to other living spaces in the home and the workplace.
These new radiators are not just assembled to be functional, they are actively designed to look good – a new development for the boring radiator.
Most people will be familiar with the stainless steel towel rail radiators that are ever present in modern bathrooms, but now you can get equally stylish radiators for the other rooms in a house. This means that the days of hiding unsightly radiators behind radiator covers may soon be gone.
So what do these radiators look like?
In some cases it is hard to describe them. They range from modern minimalist smooth faced panels to sculptural shapes and intricate networks of woven pipes. In truth some of the more extreme examples are totally unrecognisable as radiators, indeed they look more like stand-alone sculptural ornaments and this is their aim.
All of this sounds very promising and if you explore the wide variety of different designs the prospect of rapid radiator replacement becomes even more appealing. There is of course one fairly substantial drawback and that is the price.
As ever, beauty comes with a cost and the more extravagant designer radiators can have equally extravagant price tags.
In some cases this may be a case of paying for exclusivity, none the less it is very obvious when you look at some of these radiator “works of art” that the expense of creating them must have been high.
If you want to see some alternatives to the ugly steel and cast iron models that we have become accustomed to go to one of the new breed of designer radiator and heater shops. You may also find some at your local DIY or Home Improvement depot.
Look particularly at the “stylish modern” and “ultra modern” sections for the most outlandish examples.
That said there is a new generation (or probably a second generation by now) of stylish designer-like radiators that are gradually making the old and ugly ones extinct.
This new breed of radiator, often called a “designer radiator” has taken the bathroom market by storm and looks set to do the same when it comes to other living spaces in the home and the workplace.
These new radiators are not just assembled to be functional, they are actively designed to look good – a new development for the boring radiator.
Most people will be familiar with the stainless steel towel rail radiators that are ever present in modern bathrooms, but now you can get equally stylish radiators for the other rooms in a house. This means that the days of hiding unsightly radiators behind radiator covers may soon be gone.
So what do these radiators look like?
In some cases it is hard to describe them. They range from modern minimalist smooth faced panels to sculptural shapes and intricate networks of woven pipes. In truth some of the more extreme examples are totally unrecognisable as radiators, indeed they look more like stand-alone sculptural ornaments and this is their aim.
All of this sounds very promising and if you explore the wide variety of different designs the prospect of rapid radiator replacement becomes even more appealing. There is of course one fairly substantial drawback and that is the price.
As ever, beauty comes with a cost and the more extravagant designer radiators can have equally extravagant price tags.
In some cases this may be a case of paying for exclusivity, none the less it is very obvious when you look at some of these radiator “works of art” that the expense of creating them must have been high.
If you want to see some alternatives to the ugly steel and cast iron models that we have become accustomed to go to one of the new breed of designer radiator and heater shops. You may also find some at your local DIY or Home Improvement depot.
Look particularly at the “stylish modern” and “ultra modern” sections for the most outlandish examples.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Summer and patio heaters
As we head into the height of summer, now is the best time to buy and make use of a patio heater.
Patio heaters come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes and they can be fuelled by gas or electricity. You can even get a fire pit that burns solid fuels like wood and coal.
Even so, most people opt for one of the tower heaters that run off propane or butane and that can easily be refilled in a gas bottle or larger cylinder. Heaters of this kind tend to have a flat round base with a long and narrow tower section that supports a burner that has a heat reflecting cowl above it. Heaters like this produce instantaneous heat and they are easy to operate and look good at night.
Smaller table standing versions of these tower heaters are available and they can be less intrusive and easier to store when not in use.
The other main alternative is the infrared electric heater which warms up anything that is infrared light shines on. This kind of heater can be cheap to run, but it provides zero ambient heat and will only increase the temperature of people and objects that fall in the path of its rays.
The fire pit is an interesting option. A proper fire pit is a pit that you excavate and then build a small wall around. It is really nothing more than a fire with a structural wall around it, however you can make fire pits very elaborate and if you pave the area around them and add seating they can be very attractive. Fire pits will work as barbeques, which doubles up their function.
It is possible to get a stand alone fire pit from some outdoor and DIY stores called fire bowls. These fire pits are quite small and are not really fire pits at all. Even so they can provide heat and some warmth to a garden or patio.
Patio heaters come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes and they can be fuelled by gas or electricity. You can even get a fire pit that burns solid fuels like wood and coal.
Even so, most people opt for one of the tower heaters that run off propane or butane and that can easily be refilled in a gas bottle or larger cylinder. Heaters of this kind tend to have a flat round base with a long and narrow tower section that supports a burner that has a heat reflecting cowl above it. Heaters like this produce instantaneous heat and they are easy to operate and look good at night.
Smaller table standing versions of these tower heaters are available and they can be less intrusive and easier to store when not in use.
The other main alternative is the infrared electric heater which warms up anything that is infrared light shines on. This kind of heater can be cheap to run, but it provides zero ambient heat and will only increase the temperature of people and objects that fall in the path of its rays.
The fire pit is an interesting option. A proper fire pit is a pit that you excavate and then build a small wall around. It is really nothing more than a fire with a structural wall around it, however you can make fire pits very elaborate and if you pave the area around them and add seating they can be very attractive. Fire pits will work as barbeques, which doubles up their function.
It is possible to get a stand alone fire pit from some outdoor and DIY stores called fire bowls. These fire pits are quite small and are not really fire pits at all. Even so they can provide heat and some warmth to a garden or patio.
Friday, June 18, 2010
DIY home sauna kits
Amongst many of the interesting products that you will see in a DIY store will be the home sauna kit. This kind of kit has been around in one form or another for many years, however over the last decade or so their popularity has increased substantially.
These kits come in a couple of different formats. One is delivered in a prefabricated state that requires nothing more than the connecting of preassembled wall panels and a roof, the other version is the more popular and requires much more work.
This second alternative is a collection of frame and panel timbers that require some trimming and then connecting to walls (and each other) in order to make a room based internal sauna.
This kind of sauna kit is sometimes termed a materials or components kit and whilst it includes every item necessary to build a home sauna, it does require extensive self assembly and some ability (and confidence) when it comes to DIY, using a drill, crew driver etc.
Features of material and prefabricated saunas can be found in stores selling jacuzzis, steam showers, plunge pools etc along with information about sauna stoves. These stoves come in two main formats, one which uses burnable fuels and the other that uses infrared heat.
The stoves tend to be gas, although log and coal burners are available and the infrared heaters actually warm the skin with their rays and do not heat up the sauna room or cause any humidity.
When it comes to deciding which kind of sauna kit is best for you the decision will be determined by budget, sauna size and available space (in the home). Most small one or two person home sauna kits tend to be material based kits and the use the “cheap” to run fast working infrared heaters.
Another interesting product idea will appear here over the next few days.
These kits come in a couple of different formats. One is delivered in a prefabricated state that requires nothing more than the connecting of preassembled wall panels and a roof, the other version is the more popular and requires much more work.
This second alternative is a collection of frame and panel timbers that require some trimming and then connecting to walls (and each other) in order to make a room based internal sauna.
This kind of sauna kit is sometimes termed a materials or components kit and whilst it includes every item necessary to build a home sauna, it does require extensive self assembly and some ability (and confidence) when it comes to DIY, using a drill, crew driver etc.
Features of material and prefabricated saunas can be found in stores selling jacuzzis, steam showers, plunge pools etc along with information about sauna stoves. These stoves come in two main formats, one which uses burnable fuels and the other that uses infrared heat.
The stoves tend to be gas, although log and coal burners are available and the infrared heaters actually warm the skin with their rays and do not heat up the sauna room or cause any humidity.
When it comes to deciding which kind of sauna kit is best for you the decision will be determined by budget, sauna size and available space (in the home). Most small one or two person home sauna kits tend to be material based kits and the use the “cheap” to run fast working infrared heaters.
Another interesting product idea will appear here over the next few days.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Spa pools
A spa pool is a small indoor or outdoor pool that, rather than being used for swimming, is used for some kind of therapeutic or relaxation treatment.
These pools can be found at health Spas, in hotels and even in sports centres and an increasing number of people are incorporating one into their home or garden. This is mainly because the cost of home spa pools has reduced so dramatically over recent years.
What they do?
The basic concept of any spa pool is that it uses some kind of hydrotherapy (water treatment) to ease, relax or massage the body. In many cases this can take the form of what is commonly called a Jacuzzi where jets of air or water massage and stimulate the skin of the submerged individual.
These jets produce a pleasing sensation on the skin, but they also help improve circulation, induced relaxation in muscles and they can assist in the relief of many different aches and pains. For this reason many hospitals use water therapy treatments for certain recuperating patients where this kind of therapy has a track record of positive results.
Home spas
Most spas of this kind have various settings for the strength of the water/air jets and also the temperature of the water. They will normally be ready to use within minutes of turning them on and most versions will accommodate anything from 2 to 8 people. Because there are thermostatic temperature settings, these spas are ideal in cold or winter weather, so they can be used throughout the year.
. Basic spa pools can be very affordable and they come in a myriad of designs and shapes that will suit almost any indoor or outside location.
These pools can be found at health Spas, in hotels and even in sports centres and an increasing number of people are incorporating one into their home or garden. This is mainly because the cost of home spa pools has reduced so dramatically over recent years.
What they do?
The basic concept of any spa pool is that it uses some kind of hydrotherapy (water treatment) to ease, relax or massage the body. In many cases this can take the form of what is commonly called a Jacuzzi where jets of air or water massage and stimulate the skin of the submerged individual.
These jets produce a pleasing sensation on the skin, but they also help improve circulation, induced relaxation in muscles and they can assist in the relief of many different aches and pains. For this reason many hospitals use water therapy treatments for certain recuperating patients where this kind of therapy has a track record of positive results.
Home spas
Most spas of this kind have various settings for the strength of the water/air jets and also the temperature of the water. They will normally be ready to use within minutes of turning them on and most versions will accommodate anything from 2 to 8 people. Because there are thermostatic temperature settings, these spas are ideal in cold or winter weather, so they can be used throughout the year.
. Basic spa pools can be very affordable and they come in a myriad of designs and shapes that will suit almost any indoor or outside location.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Stairlifts and perch lifts
Stairlifts enable someone who is unable to walk or who has difficulty with steps to travel up and down stairs.
For most able bodied people this is something that they take for granted, but for those with a mobility restriction or who are of advanced years, stairs can be a big obstacle. So much so that many people choose to move into single story accommodation when climbing and descending stairs starts to become a problem.
A stairlift removes this problem by transporting a seated passenger from one level to another in comfort and safety. These lifts will work (and can be fitted) on straight, curved, or landing configured staircases. They make getting from one floor level to another easy and trouble free.
There are many different stairlifts and there are numerous differences between models and specifications. A simple straight stairlift is much cheaper than one that turns around a landing and the types of chair (e.g. materials and padding) will also influence the price.
Another variation of the stairlift is the perch lift. Perch lifts are very similar to chairlifts except that the passenger does not sit, but rather stands on a small platform and leans against a backrest. This type of lifts suits someone who has difficulty sitting and standing.
If you want to read more about the various stairlift options, including their suitability to a home and stairs, installation information, appropriate regulations and the user benefits of owning one, you can contact a fitter, contractor or supplier. Stairlifts can be fitted in a matter of hours and they can transform a less able bodied person’s ability to move around their home. In short, they can be life transforming appliances and they will work for many years.
For most able bodied people this is something that they take for granted, but for those with a mobility restriction or who are of advanced years, stairs can be a big obstacle. So much so that many people choose to move into single story accommodation when climbing and descending stairs starts to become a problem.
A stairlift removes this problem by transporting a seated passenger from one level to another in comfort and safety. These lifts will work (and can be fitted) on straight, curved, or landing configured staircases. They make getting from one floor level to another easy and trouble free.
There are many different stairlifts and there are numerous differences between models and specifications. A simple straight stairlift is much cheaper than one that turns around a landing and the types of chair (e.g. materials and padding) will also influence the price.
Another variation of the stairlift is the perch lift. Perch lifts are very similar to chairlifts except that the passenger does not sit, but rather stands on a small platform and leans against a backrest. This type of lifts suits someone who has difficulty sitting and standing.
If you want to read more about the various stairlift options, including their suitability to a home and stairs, installation information, appropriate regulations and the user benefits of owning one, you can contact a fitter, contractor or supplier. Stairlifts can be fitted in a matter of hours and they can transform a less able bodied person’s ability to move around their home. In short, they can be life transforming appliances and they will work for many years.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
What type of garage door is best for your garage
If you are thinking about a new or replacement garage door, you have a number of available options with mechanisms that include side hinged, up and over, roller, sectional and sliding. Each type has different features, so it is important to consider the options carefully.
Here is a summary of the main door types based upon their operational mechanism or movement.
Up and over
These need space above the opening and room for mechanical fixings on the walls adjacent to the door’s location. With a standard up and over door the door will project outwards by one third of its length at the head of the entrance when open. A retractable up and over door has a flush finish.
Side hinged
Side hinged doors require a frame plus room to open the door outwards. They fit all openings and can be adjusted on site very easily. Side hinged doors are usually made of two doors that may be of equal size, or of a disproportional ratio.
Roller
Doors using a roller movement store above and slightly behind the garage door opening. They wrap around a drum or roller. They require less space than any other door type and can be left partially open. This type of door is very efficient in its use of space when open or closed.
Sectional doors
A garage door with a sectional mechanism is a bit like a sliding door, but it slides upwards into the roof space above the garage entrance and does not wrap around a drum. This means that it needs space above and behind the opening.
Sliding
Sliding doors need a top and bottom track. This track runs to one side of the garage opening to the point where the door is rested when the garage is open. The advantage of fitting this type of door is that it only needs limited space above the opening and that the tracks can be fitted inside or outside of the walls. Because of this it is very versatile when space is restricted.
Remote control
Doors controlled by remote electric motors have a smooth, effortless and impact free movement. This reduces working stresses and takes away the effort required to open and close the garage door.
Here is a summary of the main door types based upon their operational mechanism or movement.
Up and over
These need space above the opening and room for mechanical fixings on the walls adjacent to the door’s location. With a standard up and over door the door will project outwards by one third of its length at the head of the entrance when open. A retractable up and over door has a flush finish.
Side hinged
Side hinged doors require a frame plus room to open the door outwards. They fit all openings and can be adjusted on site very easily. Side hinged doors are usually made of two doors that may be of equal size, or of a disproportional ratio.
Roller
Doors using a roller movement store above and slightly behind the garage door opening. They wrap around a drum or roller. They require less space than any other door type and can be left partially open. This type of door is very efficient in its use of space when open or closed.
Sectional doors
A garage door with a sectional mechanism is a bit like a sliding door, but it slides upwards into the roof space above the garage entrance and does not wrap around a drum. This means that it needs space above and behind the opening.
Sliding
Sliding doors need a top and bottom track. This track runs to one side of the garage opening to the point where the door is rested when the garage is open. The advantage of fitting this type of door is that it only needs limited space above the opening and that the tracks can be fitted inside or outside of the walls. Because of this it is very versatile when space is restricted.
Remote control
Doors controlled by remote electric motors have a smooth, effortless and impact free movement. This reduces working stresses and takes away the effort required to open and close the garage door.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Mobility scooters and vehicles
A product that is certainly interesting to many at this particular time is the mobility scooter - in its various forms.
Not too long ago anyone with mobility problems need to struggle on or get a manual or electric wheelchair, however things have changed. Mobility scooters seem to be everywhere, used by all manner of different people and come in a massive range of styles and performances.
All of these vehicles work around the basis of having a large, comfortable, and well padded chair as the centre point of the machine.
A chassis with three or four wheels and an electric motor (run from a re-chargeable battery) provides the power and the means to get around, and lights, a dash display and numerous other features add to the appearance of the vehicle.
The people who use mobility scooter are also a diverse bunch. There are those who would once have been natural electric wheel chair users, but there are also many older people and lots of people with weight issues that seem to affect their ability to get around.
The other interesting feature of these scooters is the way in which they are used with many owners using them as not simply because they are immobile, but more a means of transport. This means that these mobility scooters are often parked up outside shops as the owners get off them and walk around once they have arrived at their destination.
For anyone interested, these machines come in two different classifications. The first allows them to be used on pedestrian areas only. However, a second and more powerful version can also be used on the roads (in some countries).
A few facts
The top speed for these mobility scooters is 4 mph for the pedestrian variety and 8 mph for the road worthy variety (in the United kingdom).
These vehicles can travel good distances on a single battery charge and many models will exceed 25 miles on a single battery charge.
A road-tax disk is required for road-able scooters in Britain.
These mobility vehicles are charged directly from the mains and require no special facilities.
Not too long ago anyone with mobility problems need to struggle on or get a manual or electric wheelchair, however things have changed. Mobility scooters seem to be everywhere, used by all manner of different people and come in a massive range of styles and performances.
All of these vehicles work around the basis of having a large, comfortable, and well padded chair as the centre point of the machine.
A chassis with three or four wheels and an electric motor (run from a re-chargeable battery) provides the power and the means to get around, and lights, a dash display and numerous other features add to the appearance of the vehicle.
The people who use mobility scooter are also a diverse bunch. There are those who would once have been natural electric wheel chair users, but there are also many older people and lots of people with weight issues that seem to affect their ability to get around.
The other interesting feature of these scooters is the way in which they are used with many owners using them as not simply because they are immobile, but more a means of transport. This means that these mobility scooters are often parked up outside shops as the owners get off them and walk around once they have arrived at their destination.
For anyone interested, these machines come in two different classifications. The first allows them to be used on pedestrian areas only. However, a second and more powerful version can also be used on the roads (in some countries).
A few facts
The top speed for these mobility scooters is 4 mph for the pedestrian variety and 8 mph for the road worthy variety (in the United kingdom).
These vehicles can travel good distances on a single battery charge and many models will exceed 25 miles on a single battery charge.
A road-tax disk is required for road-able scooters in Britain.
These mobility vehicles are charged directly from the mains and require no special facilities.
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
USB speakers 2
Following on from my previous post about USB speakers there was a big plus point that I neglected to mention. Namely, that with a USB connector not only the speaker’s signal, but also the speaker’s power is passed through the USB cable.
This means that you do not need a separate power connector or socket to power the speakers. This does of course mean that these speakers can work with an independently powered laptop in a café, taxi or park bench! In other words you get mobility.
USB speakers will tend to be smaller, or more compact, than regular desktop style speakers and they may come with a carrying case – the intention being that you can use them when you are out and about.
Quality wise USB speakers can be pretty good although they may not offer the same power output as standard units.
Finally, one last advantage which I was recently able to capitalise on with my mother’s PC, is that if you have a problem with the normal speaker port (which she had), or if you do not have a sound card, the USB speakers will still work.
All told they are a good and efficient system and they can be a solution if regular speakers are giving you a problem.
This means that you do not need a separate power connector or socket to power the speakers. This does of course mean that these speakers can work with an independently powered laptop in a café, taxi or park bench! In other words you get mobility.
USB speakers will tend to be smaller, or more compact, than regular desktop style speakers and they may come with a carrying case – the intention being that you can use them when you are out and about.
Quality wise USB speakers can be pretty good although they may not offer the same power output as standard units.
Finally, one last advantage which I was recently able to capitalise on with my mother’s PC, is that if you have a problem with the normal speaker port (which she had), or if you do not have a sound card, the USB speakers will still work.
All told they are a good and efficient system and they can be a solution if regular speakers are giving you a problem.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Speakers through a usb port
PC speakers are common to most home and work based IT stations, but the way in which they connect to the computer is starting to change.
Initially all speaker systems used a standard audio port that would work for both speakers and headphones. Indeed up to not too long ago many keyboards would also include this socket for easy headphone access.
Now however, with many keyboards being both remote and battery powered, the further drain on battery power now makes this extra functionality a rarity.
A further and even more significant change is the use of speakers connecting via a usb port rather than an audio port. This is also true of keyboards and even the mouse.
From the PC manufacturing companies point of view it makes things less complex, however it can also result in some confusing problems where the speakers or keyboard are not initially recognised for what they are (if at all).
On the positive side it does increase connectivity options and this is why most PC’s and laptops have several usb ports, often with some available on the front of the case. It also means that, for those with limited “port” knowledge, the connectivity issue becomes very simple, i.e. what ever it is plug it into a usb port.
Initially all speaker systems used a standard audio port that would work for both speakers and headphones. Indeed up to not too long ago many keyboards would also include this socket for easy headphone access.
Now however, with many keyboards being both remote and battery powered, the further drain on battery power now makes this extra functionality a rarity.
A further and even more significant change is the use of speakers connecting via a usb port rather than an audio port. This is also true of keyboards and even the mouse.
From the PC manufacturing companies point of view it makes things less complex, however it can also result in some confusing problems where the speakers or keyboard are not initially recognised for what they are (if at all).
On the positive side it does increase connectivity options and this is why most PC’s and laptops have several usb ports, often with some available on the front of the case. It also means that, for those with limited “port” knowledge, the connectivity issue becomes very simple, i.e. what ever it is plug it into a usb port.
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Up-scaling blue ray players
I recently bought a blue ray player (Sony) and the thing that surprised me most was its ability to upscale a standard DVD to something close to a blue ray disk.
Obviously the TV has a bearing on the overall picture quality and naturally the larger the TV the more diminished will be the effect. Equally, a full HD TV will show better results that an HD ready TV, but here are my general findings.
The TV is a full HD Samsung LCD 40 inch flat screen. It got good reviews, but was not too pricey.
Using this TV with a regular DVD player the image is good, but clearly falls a long way short of blue ray standards.
However, when up-scaling the DVD disks through the blue ray player the quality is markedly improved. So much so that with certain DVD’s, e.g. Lord of the Rings, the difference between blue ray and DVD is hardly noticeable.
Naturally the quality of both the DVD and Blue Ray disk production has a bearing on image quality and there are many “so called” blue ray disks out there that are simply up-scaled in production rather than filmed in HD.
I have “David Attenborough’s” Planet Earth series in blue ray which, despite being described a “must get disk” in blue ray, clearly has segments which are not fully HD. Equally, the last Indiana Jones DVD up-scales to a level which is almost impossible to distinguish from blue ray. Clearly production values have almost as much to do with image quality as format does.
All of that said, if someone asked me if buying a blue ray player was worth the extra expense I would say yes in an instant. Even if you intend to continue using DVD disks the benefits are unmistakable.
Obviously the TV has a bearing on the overall picture quality and naturally the larger the TV the more diminished will be the effect. Equally, a full HD TV will show better results that an HD ready TV, but here are my general findings.
The TV is a full HD Samsung LCD 40 inch flat screen. It got good reviews, but was not too pricey.
Using this TV with a regular DVD player the image is good, but clearly falls a long way short of blue ray standards.
However, when up-scaling the DVD disks through the blue ray player the quality is markedly improved. So much so that with certain DVD’s, e.g. Lord of the Rings, the difference between blue ray and DVD is hardly noticeable.
Naturally the quality of both the DVD and Blue Ray disk production has a bearing on image quality and there are many “so called” blue ray disks out there that are simply up-scaled in production rather than filmed in HD.
I have “David Attenborough’s” Planet Earth series in blue ray which, despite being described a “must get disk” in blue ray, clearly has segments which are not fully HD. Equally, the last Indiana Jones DVD up-scales to a level which is almost impossible to distinguish from blue ray. Clearly production values have almost as much to do with image quality as format does.
All of that said, if someone asked me if buying a blue ray player was worth the extra expense I would say yes in an instant. Even if you intend to continue using DVD disks the benefits are unmistakable.
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