Abstract: A spray paint system for spraying a horizontal surface having a frame supporting an inverted elongated rigid container configured to hold a paint formulation that is pressurized with a pumping device partially located within the container where the frame has at least one wheel to allow a user to roll the system along a horizontal surface while spraying paint through a removable spray tip. This system can be used to mark a horizontal surface with precise and clear writing of lines, letters or symbols.

Abstract: A fuel injection apparatus with a piston device that includes a channel and a piston in the channel. A position sensor is used to detect the piston movement inside the channel when the fuel injection apparatus is energized and de-energized, and the sensing value is used for controlling fuel injection rate in real-time and diagnosing failures in the apparatus. With an actuator installed, the piston can also be used for independently modulating fuel pressure during fuel injection. Thereby the shape of fuel injection pulses is controlled. The fuel injection apparatus has three injection states, and flexible fuel injection timing and multi-pulse injection are allowed. Furthermore, in all injection states, fuel supply has no direct contact to combustion chamber. As a result, when a malfunction sticks the apparatus open, no fuel is supplied. This feature provides a safety nature to the fuel injection apparatus.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to integrated injector/igniters providing efficient injection, ignition, and complete combustion of various types of fuels. One example of such an injectors/igniter can include a body having a base portion opposite a nozzle portion, and a fuel passageway extending from the base portion to the nozzle portion. A force generator and a first valve are carried by the base portion. The first valve is movable in response to actuation from the force generator to move between closed and open positions. The injector/igniter also includes a second valve at the nozzle portion that is deformable in response to pressure in the fuel passageway to deform between a closed position and an open position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a powder supply system (1) for supplying a processing apparatus (2) with a granular substance (3). In this arrangement the powder supply system (1) includes a main container (4) and a powder conveying system (5) with a storage container (51) for conveying the granular substance (3) into the processing apparatus (2). In accordance with the invention, means (6, 611, 612, 62) are provided so that, in the operating state of the processing apparatus (2), a predetermined amount of the granular substance (3) can be conveyed from the main container (4) as working powder to the storage container (51) in such a way that at least a minimum amount (M1) is available as a granular substance (3) in the storage container (51).

Abstract: The present invention is a display apparatus for affixation to shower head, bath or sink faucet water supply piping or incorporated within a shower, or bath or faucet head. The display apparatus includes a power generation, CPU or microprocessor, temperature sensor and/or water flow sensors, timing circuits, and audio or verbal communication means and a display means. The present invention can position some components remotely from other components that communicate by wired or wireless means. The communication means is designed 1) to detect and respond to audio signals or verbal instructions or commands and/or 2) annunciate audio signals or verbal messages.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is a hand-held fire extinguisher including: a tube having an open outlet end, an outer surface, and an inner surface; a fire suppressant composition provided within the tube; a propellant source containing a propellant, having a propellant outlet, where the propellant outlet is distal from the open outlet end of the tube and from the fire suppressant composition, and where the propellant outlet is in fluid communication with the fire suppressant composition and the open outlet end of the tube; and an actuator for the propellant source. In such apparatus, actuation of the actuator allows propellant flow from the propellant outlet passing through the fire suppressant composition and out through the open outlet end of the tube.

Abstract: A method and a system for jetting droplets of viscous medium, such as solder paste, onto a substrate, such as an electronic circuit board. The volume of the droplets are adjusted by regulating the amount of viscous medium that is fed into a jetting nozzle for subsequent jetting of the viscous medium droplets therefrom. The exit velocity of the jetted droplets is adjusted or maintained substantially constant by regulating the velocity with which the viscous medium is impacted. Furthermore, the rate at which viscous medium is fed, for instance by a feed screw, into the nozzle is adjusted in order to regulate the feeding time required for feeding the viscous medium into the jetting nozzle, for instance in order to maintain a constant feeding time.

Abstract: It is used with a fuel injection system for an internal combustion engine which supplies fuel to an injector (fuel injection valve) from a common rail (accumulator) through a high-pressure pipe to spray the fuel from a spray hole formed in the injector. A thin-walled portion 70bz is formed in a path member (e.g., an injector body 4z, the high-pressure pipe, or a connector 70z connecting the injector and the high-pressure pipe) and defined by a locally thin wall of the path member. A strain gauge 60z (strain sensor) is affixed to the thin-walled portion 70bz to measure strain of the thin-walled portion 70bz arising from the pressure of fuel in a high-pressure fuel path 70az.

Abstract: Adaptive piezoelectric actuator control system, including: a power supply, a piezoelectric actuator, a driver driving the actuator, a signal generator providing a frequency signal to the driver, a user interface allowing user input of operating conditions, memory storing parameters of the actuator, and system control means controlling the power supply, driver generator and memory so operating frequency of the actuator is monitored and regulated, wherein the driver comprises test means providing a test signal to the actuator, voltage measurement means measuring voltage applied to the actuator caused by the test signal and voltage applied to the actuator caused by the frequency signal, the system control means receiving a response signal in response to the test, and receiving voltages measured by the voltage measurement means, and comprising signal analysis means creating a response signal envelope and controlling the generator to generate a frequency signal corresponding to the envelope maximum.

Abstract: A nozzle for generating fluid flow in an algae cultivation pond is disclosed. The nozzle includes a surface forming a smooth flow path from an inlet to an outlet. The surface corresponds to a monotonically decreasing function from the inlet to the outlet. A ratio of an inlet cross-sectional area to an outlet cross-sectional area is greater than sixteen.

Abstract: The improved sprayer system of the present invention utilizes a docking drogue and probe assembly to quickly and easily allow refilling of the sprayer tanks with a material from an enlarged nurse tank. The coupling of the drogue and probe allows for fluid communication, as well as electronic transmission of material data to a processor in the prime mover. This processor software also receives input regarding field data and crop data, as well as feedback data from the sprayer regarding the material application. A GPS system on the prime mover allows for tracking the spraying operation, while a time stamp in the processor software tracks the timing of the spraying operation. This system thus allows for accurate accountability and traceability for the use of materials during the spraying operation.

Abstract: A nebulizer having an insertable container and a monitoring device for counting actuations of the nebulizer is proposed. The monitoring device is mounted in a detachable housing part and directly detects movements of container during a nebulizing process, an air supply current in the region of a mouthpiece, and/or the production of aerosol, in order to detect this as the actual dispensing of fluid and actuation of the nebulizer, while preferably the time of actuation of the nebulizer is additionally detected and stored. This allows better monitoring and guidance for the user.

Abstract: Method and device for ensuring high yields during spraying of a settable slurry composition. The slurry is conveyed through a length of hose to a nozzle spray-orifice, and a set accelerator is introduced into the slurry at a distance “D” from the nozzle spray-orifice. The level of accelerator is monitored using a sensor located in the slurry path at a point after the set accelerator is injected. A preferred sensor comprises two pairs of conductivity sensors each having an annular body with a bore corresponding to the diameter of the hose or nozzle bore. Voltage of the slurry can be correlated to yields obtained when a salt-based accelerator fluid is injected into the slurry, such that levels of accelerator can be finely adjusted, and consistently high yields of spray coatings can be achieved.

Abstract: An arrangement for testing a fire suppression sprinkler system includes a conduit for supplying a flow of fire suppression fluid to at least one sprinkler. A sensor is configured to sense the flow of the fire suppression fluid to the at least one sprinkler. The sensor has a first condition indicative of a predetermined volume of flow of the suppression fluid to the at least one sprinkler and a second condition indicative of a volume of flow of the fire suppression fluid to the at least one sprinkler less than the predetermined volume of flow. An actuator causes the sensor to be in the first condition or the second condition. A signaler provides an indication to a user that the sensor is in at least one of the first condition and the second condition.

Abstract: An atomizer for a fluid, in particular, a fluid for medical aerosol therapy. In order to allow simplified operation and improved safety in use, the atomizer has a counter device for counting the number of operations of the atomizer and the number of containers inserted. The atomizer is locked against further operation and/or against removal of the current container or insertion of a new container, if a certain number of operations of the atomizer and/or a certain number of containers inserted has/have been reached or exceeded.

Abstract: A penetration and removal efficiency calibration unit for a volatile particle remover in a solid particle counting system provides an accurate and efficient approach to calibration. The calibration unit includes an aerosol inlet, a flow meter downstream of the aerosol inlet, and a mixer. The flow meter receives the aerosol flow from the aerosol inlet and provides an output flow to the mixer. The mixer receives the output flow from the flow meter and also has a dilution gas inlet. The mixer provides a mixer output flow for reception by the volatile particle remover or particle counter. A first flow controller controls flow into the dilution gas inlet. The calibration unit also includes a bypass inlet. A second flow controller controls flow into the bypass inlet, and a control loop controls the bypass flow such that the aerosol flow tracks a reference value.

Abstract: Compositions, apparatus, systems, kits, and methods for obfuscating the nucleic acid and/or protein content of an environment.

Abstract: A spraying device is described, the device comprising a housing adapted to receive a refill of fluid therein and having an aperture suitable for permitting, in use, the spraying of a fluid therethrough, the device further comprising actuation means configured for periodic actuation of the refill, wherein the device is provided with detection means configured to distinguish between at least one area of lower magnetism and at least one area of relatively higher magnetism on a spray head of said refill or within the area normally occupied by said spray head. Methods of operation of such a spraying device is also described.

Abstract: A modified shower head provides a timepiece imbedded within a shower head insert allowing a person showering to keep track of time and also to monitor water usage. It also provides the person showering with a timing mechanism to determine the length of time for use of hair products, tints, dyes and treatments without having to reference an outside timepiece. The insert comprises a timepiece within an encased water-proof enclosure within the shower head insert.

Abstract: The handle of a hand shower accommodates a remote control which is triggered by once-only pressure on a key or another deformable element. The remote control contains a piezoelectric radio switch which is accommodated as a closed-off component in the handle. This switch acts on a receiver which is mounted on a wall connection bend and which is connected to a valve in the wall connection bend. The valve can be switched on and switched off with the aid of the remote control in the handle of the hand shower. In the switched-off state, the shower hose is not under pressure.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a fragrance distribution system. The system includes a fragrance control chamber including a removable fragrance cartridge having a fluid fragrance located therein. The cartridge has located therein a drum having a wick wound thereon. A dial outside of the cartridge controls the extent of the wick standing in an upward direction within the chamber and being subjected to a flow of air being generated by way of a fan located in the chamber. The speed of the fan is controlled by an adjusting dial located on the exterior of the chamber. There is further an air volume control dial located on the exterior of the chamber which controls the volume of the air being expelled from the chamber into a duct system of an air conditioning system.

Abstract: A seal assembly for an optical sensor employed in a high temperature environment is disclosed which includes an elongated metal guide tube having a distal end portion defining an open distal end and an inner rear wall, a sapphire window disposed within the distal end portion of the metal guide tube, the sapphire window having a rear end surface abutting the inner rear wall of the distal end portion of the metal guide tube, and a platinum mounting sleeve for securing the sapphire window to the metal guide tube, the platinum mounting sleeve having one portion joined to the metal guide tube and another portion joined to the sapphire window.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for controlling the water flow rate, notably when using a garden hose. The invention more particularly relates to a device (1) for controlling a flow of water, for example in the form of a sprinkler pistol, comprising: a pipe (20) for transmitting a flow of water between an inlet end (21) arranged to be connected to a garden hose (5) and an outlet end (10), and means (9) of measuring the quantity of water circulating in the pipe (20). The device also comprises interruption means (18) arranged to interrupt the circulation of said flow inside said device (1) when the quantity of water measured by said measurement means is greater than a first value.

Abstract: The paint spray gun according to the invention with paint jet deflection comprises a spray gun body with a paint reservoir, a paint dispensing device, an airflow gate with through flow orifices, an air cap with through flow orifices and a first through flow air director or air horn with a first air passage cross section and at least one second through flow air director or air horn with a second air passage cross section, the airflow gate being arranged in front of the air cap in the airflow direction in the region of the paint dispensing device. The invention is characterized in the present case in that the first air passage cross section is designed to be enlarged with respect to at least the second air passage cross section.

Abstract: A fully temperature controlled apparatus comprising a thermoplastic stage assembly having solids processing components and a finishing stage assembly having liquid processing components and liquid applicator components or finishing assembly.

Abstract: A process system includes a plurality of processing modules each processing a substrate with a process liquid. There is disposed a dispensing mechanism that dispenses the process liquid to the vertically arranged modules. The dispensing mechanism is provided with a process liquid supply source, and pumps corresponding to the respective processing modules. Each pump temporarily stores therein the process liquid which has been pressure-fed through a riser piping from the process liquid supply source by a pressing apparatus, and delivers the process liquid from an outlet. There are disposed nozzles each having a discharge port and discharging the process liquid to the corresponding processing module. Delivery pipings connecting the outlets of the pumps with the discharge ports of the corresponding nozzles have identical length to each other.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hand sterilizer dispenser having a display screen which can be uploaded with advertisements and wanted information. This hand sterilizer automatically operates when a hand moves toward a sensor without an additional operation. This sterilizer has a gel type detergent, so drying apparatus process is not needed and has a conventional simple cleaning and sterilizing function. The hand sterilizer having a display device of a compact size performs a display of products, reducing in energy waste, and providing a hand sterilizing function and image of a product for a short time without noise and vibrations.

Abstract: The inventive device for electrostatically projecting a coating product comprises a spray gun provided with voltage increasing means for producing a high direct voltage for a product electrostatic charge, wherein said spray gun is provided with a controllable valve for controlling an atomizing air flow inside the spray gun in the direction to a spraying head. A pressure sensor integrated into the spray gun is used for detecting the atomizing air pressure (P) representative value downstream of the valve and for delivering a signal (S1) for controlling the power supply of the voltage increasing means. Said invention makes it possible to control the power supply of the voltage increasing means according, in particular, to the signal (S1) received from the sensor.

Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler is for use in distributing water to an area of vegetation, and has a rotatable nozzle for dispersing the water by rotation of the nozzle. A magnet is coupled or connected to the nozzle and rotates synchronously with the rotation of the nozzle. A sensor unit is disposed adjacent to the nozzle and detects a magnetic field generated by the magnet during nozzle rotation to generate a signal indicative of the speed and direction of rotation of the nozzle.

Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler is provided having a turret for the distribution of irrigation water that includes a self-flushing mechanism to prevent accumulation of debris in a sprinkler control member and/or the interior of the turret. The sprinkler includes a main flow path that delivers water to a nozzle for irrigation and a secondary flow path that delivers water to flush part of the member and/or interior of the turret. The secondary flow path delivers water when the sprinkler cycles on and when the sprinkler cycles off. For example, with a pop-up sprinkler, the secondary flow path would deliver fluid sometime during its movement to the elevated position and movement to the retracted position.

Abstract: The present invention includes an improved sprinkler design having a magnetic sensing system for determining the position of the riser nozzle, a waterproofed motor housing and related cables, configurable sprinkler body compartments, and a pilot valve with a check valve assembly, both of which are located within the sprinkler body.

Abstract: A device for spraying a fluid contains a receptacle for the fluid that is to be sprayed, a first measuring device which allows a fluid level in the receptacle to be measured, a control and/or regulation device which allows the spraying rate to be regulated, and a spraying device which allows the fluid located in the receptacle to be sprayed. The spraying rate is determined from a measured fluid level with the aid of the control and/or regulation device. An adjusting device is provided which allows the desired spraying rate to be adjusted.

Abstract: A three-dimensional spray envelopment system including at least one pressurizable fluid reservoir containing a reservoir fluid which may be an anti-mold or anti-fungal agent. The pressurizable fluid reservoir is in intermittent fluid communication with at least one fluid conduit and with a fluid controller. The spray heads and fluid conduit may further form an array extending over various parts of the external surfaces of a structure and may provide simultaneous spray coverage to a majority of a surface area of the plurality of structure external surfaces, including a roof. The fluid controller may include a timer and a remotely operable internet accessible controller. The pressurizable fluid reservoir may be in intermittent fluid communication with a building water supply, which can supply diluent for reservoir fluid and supply pressure to the system.

Abstract: A method for controlling the supply of liquid to an aerosol generator comprises operating a liquid supply system to supply a liquid to a vibratable aperture plate of an aerosol generator which senses an amount of liquid adhering to the vibratable aperture plate, and controls operation of the liquid supply system to adjust the amount of liquid adhering to the vibratable aperture plate.

Abstract: An air freshener with a device configured to maintain an air freshener's ability to disseminate a constant odor to an environment. The device incrementally advances the position of an air freshening composition such that an effective amount to maintain the air freshening odor is consistently exposed to the surrounding environment.

Abstract: An irrigation system (10) includes one or more alignment guides (38) and an irrigation unit (20). The irrigation unit (20) directs irrigation fluid (19) to at least a portion of an irrigation region (30). The irrigation unit (20) includes a nozzle (220), a sensor (260) that senses a change in position of a portion of the irrigation unit (20) relative to the alignment guides (38), and a unit control system (240). The sensor (260) can be an infrared sensor. The unit control system (240) receives information from the sensor (260) regarding the change in position and adjusts a flow rate of irrigation fluid (19) through the nozzle (220) and/or a position of the nozzle (220) relative to the alignment guides (38). The alignment guides (38) can be formed from a heat absorbing material that is sensed by the sensor (260).

Abstract: A shower header type spray device is provided. The spray device includes an elongated spray header having a plurality of laterally spaced liquid spray nozzles each of which is mounted in a corresponding pocket in the spray header. An elongated cleaning brush assembly includes a rotatable brush housed in the spray header for cleaning inlet apertures of the spray nozzles. At least one spray nozzle has a dome portion with a discharge orifice and a substantially flat mounting flange portion extending around the periphery of the dome portion. The mounting flange portion of the at least one spray nozzle has a notch adapted to receive a removal tool for enabling prying and dislodgment of the at least one spray nozzle from its respective pocket in the spray header.

Abstract: A watering nozzle includes a water volume detection unit received in the barrel of the watering nozzle and the water volume detection unit has two stationary members and a rotatable member which is rotatably connected between the two stationary members. The rotatable member has a magnet connected thereto which is rotated with the rotatable member when water passes through the rotatable member. A display unit is connected to the barrel and has a circuit board and a display member which is electrically connected to the circuit board. The times of revolution are detected by a magnetic spring switch on the circuit board and transferred into digits on the display member to show the volume of water that flows through the rotatable member and the nozzle unit connected to the barrel.

Abstract: A vapor-emitting device according to various embodiments of the invention includes an end of use indicator to visually warn a user that it is nearing the time and/or has reached the time to replace the vapor-emitting device or refill the device. The vapor-emitting device includes a cover that is displaceable relative to a base. A gel material is contained within the base having disposed therein an end of use indicator. The end of use indicator is configured to visually indicate when the gel material evaporates below a pre-determined level.

Abstract: Processes and apparatus for indicating a shower stage are disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet with a shower water passage extending between them. The inlet communicates with a water supply and the outlet communicates with shower head apertures. A light indicator system in the housing is automatically operable in a first condition during a first stage of the session and a second condition during a second stage, the lighting conditions being visible to the person who is showering. The stages may be determined by the passage of time or by the passage of shower water volume through the device. Seeing the first and second conditions prompts the person who is showering to use less shower water.

Abstract: A nozzle is provided and includes an outer annulus defined by an exterior wall and an interior wall and including air inlets through which air flows to a fuel mixing zone and a combustion zone, an inner annulus disposed within the interior wall and including a fuel volume into which fuel is fed to a distal end thereof, which is adjacent to and isolated from the combustion zone and an airflow line, disposed between the fuel volume and the interior wall, through which air flows to the combustion zone with the airflow line and the combustion zone isolated from the fuel volume, and a fuse configured to melt during a flameholding incident and to form a breach through which fuel flows from the fuel volume, bypassing the fuel mixing zone, to a fuel burning zone downstream from the fuel mixing zone.

Abstract: A showerhead with a turbocharger mechanism including a showerhead housing and a turbo-compressor unit is provided. The showerhead housing has a water inlet port for introducing a water flow, a case wall that gradually expands, and a water drainage panel. The turbo-compressor unit is accommodated in a housing chamber and includes a compressor compartment where the water flow is converted into a vortex flow, a turbo-pump impeller accommodated in the compressor compartment, and a turbo-generator capable of generating electric energy. The turbo-generator is electrically connected to an illumination means, so as to emit light beams. The present invention is provided with the turbocharger mechanism, so as to make use of the water flow flowing through the showerhead effectively to generate electricity for illumination.

Abstract: A system for controlling insects is provided. The system includes an insect control compound reservoir. A pump receives an insect control compound from the insect compound reservoir and pressurizes the insect control compound. A rechargeable battery provides power to the pump. A plurality of nozzles receive the pressurized insect control compound and generate an insect control compound mist. A controller receives a first command to cause the pump to begin operation and a wireless signal to cause the pump to stop operation.

Abstract: A fuel injector and a method for manufacturing a fuel injector are described. The fuel injector includes a glass substrate and a nozzle enclosed within the glass substrate. The nozzle includes at least one injection hole. The method of manufacturing a fuel injector includes defining a shape of at least one injection hole in a glass substrate to obtain an at least one outlined injection hole and etching the at least one outlined injection hole to obtain the at least one injection hole.

Abstract: A horizontal-type atomizing apparatus with automatically controlled working fluid level includes a portable horizontal base internally defining a dispensing chamber and an atomizing chamber horizontally opposite to but communicating with each other; a pressure container assembled to the dispensing chamber for supplying a working fluid into the dispensing chamber and the atomizing chamber; and an atomizing module arranged on the base. By utilizing the principle of atmospheric pressure balance, the working fluid in the dispensing chamber is maintained at a constant level, allowing the atomizing module to obtain constant volume of working fluid and constant working load to produce a stable amount of mist containing uniformly-sized droplets. An ambient atmospheric condition sensing unit is included for detecting atmospheric conditions in the environment surrounding the atomizing apparatus, regulating the amount of mist to be produced, and generating a warning signal for timely replenishing the working fluid.

Abstract: A water outlet device includes a housing member, a temperature detecting device having a receptacle attached to the outlet portion of the housing member, a sensor disposed in the receptacle for detecting a temperature of the water flowing through the receptacle, and an indicating device attached to the housing members and coupled to the sensor for indicating the water temperature and for preventing the users from being scaled by the hot water. One or more solar cells or an energizing device may be powered by water or manually and may be used for energizing the indicating device or the sensor without the typical batteries that will pollute our environment.

Abstract: A spray system with an improved valve assembly for various liquid spray applications is provided. The improved needle valve assembly includes a variable orifice and a fixed orifice for enhanced controllability of liquid output. The liquid output control is enhanced when a variable orifice is adjusted to regulate a liquid flow rate while a minimum flow rate is precisely maintained by a proper selection of a fixed orifice.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of use are disclosed for cooling one or more exercising or resting individuals with a water mist while automatically preventing the undesirable accumulation of excess water. In some embodiments, a sensor detects accumulated water on or near an individual, while other embodiments use measured climate parameters to predict water accumulation. The apparatus can be free standing, fixed to the walls or ceiling, or attached to an object on which an individual is resting or exercising. In some preferred embodiments, the apparatus is controlled according to the passing of time and/or one or more measured physiological parameters measured by sensors directed toward or attached to an individual, or embedded in an object on which an individual is resting or exercising. In some embodiments dry air is also applied either simultaneously or alternately with the mist to enhance cooling and further discourage water accumulation.

Abstract: The improved sprayer system of the present invention utilizes a docking drogue and probe assembly to quickly and easily allow refilling of the sprayer tanks with a material from an enlarged nurse tank. The coupling of the drogue and probe allows for fluid communication, as well as electronic transmission of material data to a processor in the prime mover. This processor software also receives input regarding field data and crop data, as well as feedback data from the sprayer regarding the material application. A GPS system on the prime mover allows for tracking the spraying operation, while a time stamp in the processor software tracks the timing of the spraying operation. This system thus allows for accurate accountability and traceability for the use of materials during the spraying operation.

Abstract: A device and method for dispensing precise amounts of dry particulate matter, such as agricultural chemicals, directly into a liquid carrier stream, such as a flow of water, and a method of employing such a device to distribute chemicals. The device includes a bin for holding a quantity of particulate matter, a conduit for transporting a stream of liquid carrier, and a meter at the bottom of the bin for controllably releasing a desired amount of the particulate matter from the bin into the conduit while disallowing entry of the liquid carrier to the bin. The bin, conduit and meter are all mounted upon a portable structure for transportation with particulate matter in the bin. The meter includes a multi-vaned rotor turned by a controlled motor, and defines discrete pockets of known volume. The operator simply connects the device to a flow of water and keys into the controller an amount of material to be released.