Abstract: A method for producing a stretch laminate includes forming an intermediate stretch laminate. Forming the intermediate stretch laminate includes providing a first substrate and attaching an elastic film to a surface of the first substrate via an adhesive. The first substrate and the elastic film are in a face to face orientation. The intermediate stretch laminate has a residual energy of greater than or equal to 50% at a predetermined applied strain. The method of forming the stretch laminate further includes mechanically activating the intermediate stretch laminate at a strain rate of at least 100 s?1.

Abstract: An absorbent adapted to be used in a spray can charged with a liquefied gas, which exhibits excellent absorbing performance and excellent liquid retention. The absorbent is composed of an assembly of pulverized cellulose fibers that includes at least 45 mass % of fine cellulose fibers having a fiber length of 0.35 mm or less. The absorbent is formed into a sheet-shaped or a columnar configuration, or a surface sheet is laminated on a surface of the absorbent. The absorbent composed of 70 through 90 mass % of cellulose fibers that include 45 mass % or more of fine cellulose fibers having a fiber length of 0.35 mm or less, and 5 through 30 mass % of a fusion-bondable resin exhibits good formability.

Abstract: An absorbent article has an elastic waist portion, an absorbent element (5), and a liquid-impermeable outer layer (3) which is intended to enclose the absorbent element on at least that side thereof which faces away from the wearer during use of the article. The absorbent element (5) is in its entirety arranged on the second piece (2). The liquid-impermeable outer layer (3) is breathable, at least over a portion of this which covers the absorbent element (5).

Abstract: A multi-layer, microporous polyolefin membrane comprising first microporous layers constituting at least both surface layers, and at least one second microporous layer disposed between both surface layers, the first microporous layer comprising a first polyethylene resin containing 8% or more by mass of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene having a weight-average molecular weight of 1×106 or more, the second microporous layer comprising a second polyethylene resin containing 7% or less by mass of the ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, and having a structure in which a pore diameter distribution curve obtained by mercury intrusion porosimetry has at least two peaks, and the total thickness of the first microporous layers being 15-60% per 100% of the total thickness of the first and second microporous layers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a uniaxially oriented multilayer film comprising at least (i) an outer layer (B) and (ii) an inner layer (C), wherein said layer (B) (i) comprises a multimodal linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), said layer (C) (ii) comprises at least one polymer component which has a Tm<100° C., and said multilayer film is in the form of a stretched film which is uniaxially oriented in the machine direction (MD) in a draw ratio of at least 1:3.

Abstract: The present invention provides thickened fabrics and reinforcements for use as a spacer or reinforcement for a matrix system. The fabric includes in a first embodiment a woven fabric comprising weft and warp yarns containing glass fibers. A portion of the weft yarns are undulated into a sinusoidal path forming a generally “C” shaped bridge between adjacent warp yarns which results in an increased thickness for the fabric. The fabric is coated with a polymeric resin or bonding agent, for substantially binding the weft yarns in the undulated condition. This invention also includes methods for making such fabric by increasing the thickness of a woven or non-woven material by such methods as applying tension to warp yarns having opposite twists during weaving operations, or using unbalanced yarns, for example.

Abstract: A composite membrane and moisture adjustment module using the same is disclosed. The composite membrane includes a moisture-permeable resin layer interposed between porous membranes that constitute a pair; and the mean thickness of the moisture-permeable resin layer is 5 ?m or less.

Abstract: An elastic multilayer composite includes a pattern unbonded elastic layer attached to at least one extensible facing layer. A method for forming an elastic multilayer composite includes the steps of providing an elastic material; bonding the elastic material to form a pattern unbonded elastic material; and attaching the pattern unbonded elastic material to at least one facing material.

Abstract: An elastic composite formed from a laminate that contains an elastic film and a lightweight nonwoven facing having a low strength in the cross-machine direction (“CD”) is provided. Due to the low strength of the facing, it is desirable that the elastic film have a sufficient thickness and weight to enhance the strength of the resulting composite. Unfortunately, the ability to join an elastic film to such a lightweight nonwoven facing becomes increasingly difficult as the thickness of the film increases. In this regard, the present inventors have discovered that a second laminate may be employed in the elastic composite that is formed from a thermoplastic film and nonwoven facing to impart increased strength to the composite. The film and facing of the second laminate may be formed from the same or different materials than the film and facing of the first laminate. Regardless, the laminates are positioned so that the elastic and thermoplastic films are in a face-to-face relationship.

Abstract: A method for producing pant-type absorbent articles, each article including a chassis structure having at least one elastic panel and an integrated absorbent core component, the method including a continuous pant-forming process including forming the chassis structure and incorporating the absorbent core component into the chassis structure. The at least one elastic panel is formed by a) separately producing a two-layer laminate having a first non-elastic fibrous nonwoven web and an elastic film, b) activating the two-layer laminate by incremental stretching in at least one activation direction to render the two-layer laminate (elastically stretchable, c) stretching the activated two-layer laminate by 35-200% in the activation direction, d) introducing the two-layer laminate in the pant-forming process, and e) laminating the elastic film of the stretched two-layer laminate to an elastic or nonwoven chassis component. An absorbent pant-type article produced in accordance with the method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multilayered material sheet comprising a consolidated stack of unidirectional monolayers of drawn polymer, whereby the draw direction of two subsequent monolayers in the stack differs. At least one monolayer comprises a plurality of unidirectional tapes of the drawn polymer, aligned in the same direction, whereby adjacent tapes do not overlap. The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of the multilayered material sheet, and to a ballistic resistant article comprising the multilayered material sheet.

Abstract: A stretch nonwoven fabric 10 includes an elastic fiber layer 1 and inelastic fiber layers 2 and 3 having substantial inelasticity on the respective sides of the elastic fiber layer 1. The fiber layers 1, 2, and 3 are joined together over the entire area by thermal fusion at fiber intersections while the fibers of the elastic fiber layer 1 remain the fibrous form. The inelastic fiber layers 2 and 3 have part of their fibers enter the elastic fiber layer 1 and/or the elastic fiber layer has part of its fibers enter the inelastic fiber layers 2 and 3. The stretch nonwoven fabric is preferably produced by stacking an elastic fiber web and an inelastic fiber web on each other, applying a through-air system hot air treatment to the stack while the webs are in a non-united state to obtain a fibrous sheet having the webs united together, stretching the fibrous sheet in at least one direction, and releasing the fibrous sheet from the stretched state.

Abstract: The presently described technology provides a machine-direction stretch elastic laminate having in addition cross-direction stretch. The elastomeric laminate comprises an elastic film layer laminated to at least one nonwoven fabric layer and may be used in elasticized features of various articles, such as disposable absorbent articles. Methods for producing the elastic laminate are also described.

Abstract: A process of producing composite sheet is presented, and the process comprises the steps of: (a) providing a plurality of metallic sheets; (b) bonding the metallic sheets with one another; and(c) finishing the bonded composite sheet that has a plurality of metallic layers. In comparison to conventional single type/solid piece of building material, the present invention results in a dramatic cost reduction in various building industry. With the up-to-date technology, the strength of metallic composite sheet remains within structural grade parameter and meets related specifications. Manufacturers are benefited from the cheaper metallic sheet in the composition while enjoying the same quality look of the outer layer. Furthermore, a structure of the composite sheet is also presented in the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a belt-type wrinkled band used for healing a hernia of intervertebral disk or protection the intervertebral disk. In particular, the expansion and contraction by air-injection can be achieved, without using a rubber tube for the contraction and expansion.

Abstract: There is provided a gas-barrier laminate composed of a base film and an inorganic thin film layer formed on the base film which considerably enhanced in gas-barrier property and gelbo flex resistance. The present invention relates to a gas-barrier laminate comprising a base film containing at least one compound selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol and an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, and an anchor coat layer and an inorganic thin film layer successively formed on one surface of the base film in this order, wherein the base film is in the form of a biaxially stretched film having a variation in thickness of 3.5 ?m or less and a crystallinity of 30% or more.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a method and apparatus for thermally developing a photosensitive element, and particularly to a method and apparatus for supporting the photosensitive element with a removable flexible support member during thermal treatment.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a process for making an absorbent core comprising a nonwoven core cover that offers improved performance on holding back fine particulate material after having been exposed to external strain.

Abstract: A multi-layer, microporous polyolefin membrane comprising first microporous layers constituting at least both surface layers and at least one second microporous layer disposed between both surface layers; said first microporous layer being made of a first polyolefin comprising (i) polypropylene, or (ii) a mixture of 50% or more by mass of polypropylene and a polyethylene resin; said second microporous layer being made of a second polyolefin comprising (i) a mixture of 7% or less by mass of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene having weight-average molecular weight of 1×106 or more and the other polyethylene than said ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, (ii) the other polyethylene than said ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, or (iii) a mixture of 50% or less by mass of polypropylene and said mixture (i) or said polyethylene (ii); said second microporous layer having a larger average pore diameter than that of said first microporous layer; and the total thickness of said first microporous layer

Abstract: An absorbent article having a first liquid permeable surface layer, a essentially liquid impermeable backing layer and, located between said liquid permeable surface layer and said liquid impermeable backing layer, an absorbent body having at least one layer. The absorbent article has cavities which are essentially cone-shaped and extend at least through part of the absorbent body, said cavities having a tip part and a base, the tip part being located towards or in the liquid permeable surface layer and the base being located away from the liquid permeable surface layer. A method of production of an absorbent article with cone-shaped cavities is also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a thermosetting resin decorative plate comprising a decorative sheet comprising a base material and a picture layer formed thereon, wherein the base material is a nonwoven fabric comprising chemical fibers or a mixed paper of chemical fibers and pulps, and the above decorative plate makes it possible to work a three-dimensional form.

Abstract: A front end portion of a following film is superimposed on a rear end portion of a preceding film to form a superimposed portion, and is joined thereto by a double-sided adhesive tape. The length of the double-sided adhesive tape in a film conveyance direction is shorter than that of the superimposed portion. The double-sided adhesive tape adheres to the rear end portion with leaving a rear space from a rear edge, and to the front end portion with leaving a front space from a front edge. The length of the rear space in the film conveyance direction is a maximum shrinkage of a first area, being a part of the front end portion superimposed on the rear space, or more. Likewise, the length of the front space in the film conveyance direction is a maximum shrinkage of a second area or more.

Abstract: A retardation film composed of a laminated film which comprises a layer A composed of a material having a positive intrinsic birefringence and a deflection temperature under load of Ts(A) and a layer B composed of a material having a negative intrinsic birefringence and a deflection temperature under load of Ts(B), in which a difference between Ts(A) and Ts(B) is 5° C. or more; the retardation film has a stretching temperature T? which causes delaying of a phase after the stretching to a phase before the stretching and a stretching temperature T? which causes hastening of a phase after the stretching to a phase before the stretching, in cases of uniaxially stretching in a direction of an X axis by draw ratio of 1.

Abstract: A crosslaminate is formed from two oriented plies of thermoplastic polymer material, arranged so that their orientation directions cross one another, the plies being heat sealed together. Each ply is semi-fibrillated, that is consist of linear thin regions of biaxially oriented material and thicker linear bosses between the thinner regions. The webs are sealed primarily through bonds formed at the intersection of the bosses (thicker regions). The array of bosses has a division less than 2 mm. The laminate has improved aesthetic and strength properties. A method for forming the crosslaminate involves segmental stretching of the material to form the thinner regions, and apparatus comprising intermeshing grooved stretching rollers having sharp-edged crests is described.

Abstract: A nonwoven composite that exhibits latent elastic properties is provided. The composite is formed from an elastic film laminated to a nonwoven web facing. Latent elasticity may be imparted to the elastic film through the combination of a thermoplastic elastomer and a polyolefin capable of forming semi-crystalline domains among the amorphous elastomeric chains. More specifically, the elastic film may be stretched in one or more directions to orient the elastomer chains. Without intending to be limited by theory, the present inventors believe that the oriented state of the chains may be held in place by the relatively stiff semi-crystalline domains of the polyolefin. The stretched elastic film may subsequently be relaxed and bonded to a nonwoven web facing to form the composite. The composite may be later activated (e.g., heated) to shrink the elastic film and provide it with “latent” stretchability.

Abstract: A method for forming bonded substrates includes providing a plurality of substrates, each of which having a top surface. A characteristic length for each of the plurality of substrates is determined by: determining a topographical profile of the top surface of the substrate from an interior portion to an edge portion along a radial direction, determining a highest point of the profile, and defining the characteristic length as a distance from the highest point to the edge portion. A first substrate and a second substrate are selected where at least one of the first or the second substrates has a characteristic length shorter than a predetermined length. The first substrate and the second substrate are brought into contact and form bonded substrates, with the top surface of the first substrate facing the top surface of the second substrate.

Abstract: An elastic laminate for use as a tear resistant diaper side panel. The elastic laminate comprises an elastic substrate bonded to at least one layer of a tensioned spunbond nonwoven web comprising thermoplastic filaments comprising at least about 10% by weight polyethylene. The laminate is then incrementally stretched in the transverse direction to provide a service stretch greater than 100% and a strength ratio greater than 0.35. In one embodiment, the elastic substrate is bonded between the tensioned nonwoven webs by point bonding or hot melt adhesives.

Abstract: This invention aims to provide a composite sheet having a layer of inelastically stretchable continuous fibers improved so that a possible unevenness in fiber diameter may be minimized. A composite sheet comprises an elastically stretchable layer and an inelastically stretchable layer formed with inelastically stretchable continuous fibers bonded to at least one surface of the elastically stretchable layer intermittently in one direction. The continuous fibers are oriented substantially in one direction thereof so that the composite sheet may present a ratio S1/S2 of 3.0 or higher where S1 represents a tensile strength in this one direction and S2 represents a tensile strength in the direction orthogonal to this one direction.

Abstract: An ink transfer system including an ink transfer decal that is transferable to a final substrate, such as a bare metal or pre-painted autobody part, without use of a separate adhesive. The transferred ink decal is capable of withstanding temperature elevations common during automotive paint baking without significant thermal degradation, discoloration, shrinkage or pealing.

Abstract: The invention relates to A bi-axially stretched breathable film comprising a polymeric mixture, said polymeric mixture comprising based on the total weight of the polymeric mixture/—at least 50% of at least one polyether block copolymer; and—from 0.5 to less than 50% of at least one polyester. The invention also relates to a method to manufacture said film, and uses of said film. The invention also relates to a method for producing a bi-axially stretched breathable film comprising at least one polyether block copolymer.

Abstract: A film laminate comprises a cyclic polyolefin film containing a cyclic polyolefin-based resin; and a thermoplastic film containing a thermoplastic resin, wherein a static friction coefficient between one surface of the film laminate and the other surface of the film laminate is from 0.2 to 0.8.

Abstract: (1) a combination of a microporous layer made of a polyethylene resin and a microporous layer made of polypropylene and a heat-resistant resin having a melting point or a glass transition temperature of 170° C. or higher, or (2) a combination of a microporous layer made of a polyethylene resin and a microporous layer made of polypropylene and inorganic filler having an aspect ratio of 2 or more provides a multi-layer, microporous polyolefin membrane with well-balanced permeability, mechanical strength, heat shrinkage resistance, shutdown properties and meltdown properties.

Abstract: An electromagnetic shielding composite includes a polymer and a plurality of carbon nanotubes disposed in the polymer in a form of carbon nanotube film structure. A method for making an electromagnetic shielding composite includes the steps of: (a) providing an array of carbon nanotubes; (b) drawing a carbon nanotube film from the array of carbon nanotubes; (c) providing a substrate, covering at least one carbon nanotube film on the substrate to form a carbon nanotube film structure; and (d) providing a polymer and combining the carbon nanotube film structure with the polymer to form an electromagnetic shielding composite.

Abstract: A process for making a corrugated stretch laminate comprising the steps of delivering a first elastomeric composition to a print device so as to form an elastic member; removing an elastic member from the print device; elongating the elastic member in a first direction; joining the elastic member to a first substrate; and allowing the elastic member to recovery to form said corrugated stretch laminate.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a high performance and highly productive thermal transfer image-receiving sheet which solves drawbacks of the prior art, i.e., drawbacks such as the deterioration in sensitivity in using a pulp paper such as a coated paper as a substrate, and the reduction in productivity and the increase in cost in using a laminated and bonded sheet of a void-containing biaxially stretched film and a core material, is inexpensive, and can attain high-density and high-resolution images having no density irregularity and dot missing.

Abstract: A flexible, vapor permeable, liquid impermeable composite fabric comprising a ultraviolet light stabilized and thermally stabilized microporous-formable polyolefin barrier layer extrusion laminated to an ultra-violet light stabilized and thermally stabilized polyolefin nonwoven fabric, the composite of which has been incrementally stretched to induce sufficient moisture vapor transmission characteristics while maintaining adequate resistance to water penetration, and methods of making the composite. This composite may be further laminated to one or more layers of either woven or nonwoven materials offering strength and environmental resistance characteristics sufficient for various outdoor applications including covers and building construction products. Embodiments of the above mentioned components have been shown to offer improved liquid resistance, environmental stability, and abrasion resistance as compared to existing commercially available materials.

Abstract: A process for making a corrugated stretch laminate comprising the steps of providing a first carrier web having a first surface and a second surface; applying a first elastomeric composition in a fluid or molten state to the first surface of the carrier web to form at least one first elastic member; incrementally stretching in a first direction at least a portion of the carrier web to form a stretch composite preform; elongating the stretch composite preform in the first direction; joining a first substrate to the elongated stretch composite preform; and allowing the elongated stretch composite preform to recover to form said corrugated stretch laminate.

Abstract: To provide a crystalline polymer microporous film including: a laminate consisting of two or more crystalline polymer layers formed of crystalline polymers; and multiple pores penetrating through the laminate in the thickness direction thereof, wherein an average pore size of each of the crystalline polymer layer changes along the thickness thereof.

Abstract: An elastic composite film provided with a sintered ePTFE film and an elastomeric resin layer, produced by continuously forming the elastomeric resin layer on at least one side of the sintered ePTFE film, continuously elongating the resulting multilayer film at less than the yield point of the expanded, sintered, porous film and at an elongation factor of 1.3 times or more in the biaxial directions, or in the uniaxial direction without contracting in the direction perpendicular to the direction of elongation, and relaxing the resulting elongated multilayer film, wherein when the composite film is elongated by 10% in the longitudinal and/or transverse direction, the tensile stress strength of the composite film is 2.5 N/15 mm or less, and/or the elongation percentage of the composite film in the longitudinal and/or transverse direction is 30% or more and the elongation recovery rate is 70% or more.

Abstract: Composite webs having a structured web attached to a carrier web and methods of manufacturing the composite webs are disclosed. The structured web may include a plurality of structures that protrude from the structured web. The methods may involve delivering a molten polymeric composition onto the outer surface of a forming tool that includes a plurality of depressions formed in the outer surface. The molten polymer enters depressions in the outer surface of the forming tool and is solidified therein such that a plurality of structures are formed in the shape of the depressions. A skin layer of the polymeric composition may extend between the depressions, such that the structured web formed on the forming tool includes a skin layer connecting the structures. The structured web is removed from the forming tool after solidification of the polymeric composition by adhering the structured web to a carrier web using adhesive located between the carrier web and structured web.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing an elastomeric nonwoven laminate including a plurality of elastic strands joined to a nonwoven web in a controlled distribution is provided. The apparatus includes an extruder for extruding a plurality of elastic strands onto a cooled surface of a rotating drum, which transports the strands in parallel alignment to a nip formed between two rollers rotating about parallel axis. The drum transfers the plurality of strands to the nip in a controlled distribution where it is bonded with the nonwoven.

Abstract: A method for the production of a fleece laminate material that has elastic regions and non-elastic regions. In the method, parallel strips of elastic laminate are laminated in between two webs of nonwoven material, at a distance from one another and the nonwoven webs are directly bonded to one another, in the regions between the strips, and form non-elastic regions. The segments of the fleece laminate material that contain a strip, in each instance, form elastic regions. According to the invention, the elastic laminate has a tacky elastomer core layer and at least one non-blocking outer layer of nonwoven material, applied to the tacky core layer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for wrapping adhesive backed labels around elongate articles, such as electrical wires including a rotatable puck assembly having an interrupted circumferential surface defining an opening for receiving an elongate object to be labeled and wing members for applying the label during rotation.

Abstract: A process for forming a multi-strand elastic laminate comprising the steps of: (a) providing a multi-strand elastic feed (1); (b) feeding the multi-strand elastic via a feed nip roll (2) for further processing; (c) imparting a tension to the multi-strand elastic feed; (d) separating the multi-strand elastic feed into strands (4) separated in the cross-direction; (e) applying a hot melt adhesive to both surfaces of each strand separated in the cross-direction to give adhesive coated separated strands (6); and (f) sandwiching the adhesive coated separated strands between two further layers of material (7) whereby the further layers of material are adhered to either side of the adhesive coated elastic strands.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method which is used to produce an arrangement for closing an opening of a vehicle. A sealed cavity is formed between a disk (10) and a splitter protection element (12), wherein a transparent sealing compound (14) is introduced in order to connect the splitter protection element to the disk by hardening the sealing compound, and the splitter protection element and the disk are connected to the vehicle body or to a maintaining element which can be connected to the vehicle body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a bottle-like or tube-like container, especially a tubular pouch (10), having a tubular pouch body (20) and a sealed-in end (30), such as, for example, a base, especially a stand-up base, and optionally a sealed-in top part and/or shoulder part, wherein at least the base (30) and, where applicable, the top part and/or the shoulder part is introduced into the tubular pouch body (20), the tubular pouch body (20) being stretched, especially expanded, at least in the region of introduction, by a predetermined amount before and/or during introduction of the base (30) and, where applicable, of the top part and/or the shoulder part. The invention relates also to a tubular pouch so produced.

Abstract: A polyolefin resin drawn sheet 4 is laminated on at least one face of a sheet-form core material 6 having a density of 30 to 300 kgf/m3. At this time, a sheet or film 5 made of a bonding synthetic resin or rubber having a flow starting temperature lower than the thermal deformation temperature of the core material 6 and the melting point of the drawn sheet 4 is interposed between the core material 6 and the drawn sheet 4. The resultant stack product is heated to not less than the flow starting temperature of the synthetic resin or the rubber and not more than the thermal deformation temperature of the core material 6 and the melting point of the drawn sheet 4. At the same time of or after the heating, the stack product is pressed to apply a compression strain of 0.01 to 10% to the core material 6.

Abstract: A resin film comprising a multilayer structure of a print layer (A), a gloss-imparting layer (B) and a substrate layer (c) as laminated in that order, wherein the print layer (A) comprises from 90 to 100% of a propylene random copolymer or the like and from 0 to 10% of an inorganic fine powder or the like, the gloss-imparting layer (B) comprises from 70 to 100% of a thermoplastic resin and from 0 to 30% of an inorganic fine powder or the like, the substrate layer (C) comprises a thermoplastic resin, the resin film has a glossiness, as measured on the surface side of the print layer (A), of from 70 to 110%, the resin film has an oxygen atom concentration, as measured through X-ray photoelectron spectrometry on the surface side of the print layer (A), of from 5 to 20%. The printed matter of the resin film with a UV-curable ink has extremely good weather resistance.

Abstract: A spiral wound fiber that includes birefringent interfaces is useful in different optical devices. One type of wound fiber includes at least first and second material layers. At least one of the layers is polymeric and at least one of the layers is birefringent. The spiral wound fiber may be used alone, or in an optical device. Such an optical device can include the fiber embedded within a matrix or attached to a substrate. The spiral wound fiber can be made by rolling a stack of at least two layers, by coextruding the two layers or by coating a rotating form.

Abstract: A method for producing a worn article of the present invention comprises the steps of successively placing portions of webs W1, W2 on a plurality of pads 3i ; slacking off the webs W1, W2 between the pads 3i by shortening an interval between the pads 3i; placing an elastic member on the webs W1, W2 placed on the pads 3i so that the elastic member extends across a slack portion Wa of each of the webs W1, W2 which is slacked off; placing an absorbent body on a non-slack portion Wp of the webs W1, W2 on the pads 3i which is not slacked off; removing the slack of the webs W1, W2 by increasing the interval between the pads; and placing a sheet S1, S2 of a predetermined length on the webs W1, W2, the slack of which is removed.