Abstract: A steering device includes: a steering gear housing, which provides a sensor accommodation region; a steering sensor unit, which is situated in the sensor accommodation region when installed; a housing cover, which is provided to cover the sensor accommodation region in the axial direction when installed; and a connector unit, which can be situated in a contact recess in the steering gear housing or in the housing cover, for making, in particular direct, electrical contact with the steering sensor unit during the process of installing the connector unit. The connector unit includes a plug unit with at least one plug element for connection to the steering sensor unit, and a support unit. The connector unit also includes an elastic compensation unit, which is connected fixedly to the plug element and to the support unit and is provided to resiliently support the plug element.

Abstract: A steering device includes a steering transmission housing which provides a sensor recording region, a steering sensor unit arranged in the sensor recording region in an installed state, and plug connector unit arranged, in an installed state, in a contacting recess in the steering transmission housing for electrically contacting the steering sensor unit. The connector unit includes a plug unit for connection to the steering sensor unit and a carrier unit coupled to the plug unit at least in a pre-installed state of the connector unit. The steering device has a decoupling unit which is intended to transmit a force exerted during an installation process of the connector unit onto the plug unit and/or the carrier unit in such a way that the connection between the plug unit and the carrier unit is released during the installation process of the connector unit.

Abstract: A tool for measurement of a body is proposed. It includes a caliper furnished with a slider, a fixed finger, a moving finger, and accessories including a first clamp mounted on the fixed finger, a first measuring standard associated with the fixed finger, a fixed leg having a first measuring face and a head securing the first measuring standard, a second clamp mounted on the moving finger, a second measuring standard associated with the moving finger, a moving leg having a second measuring face and a head securing the second measuring standard therein. The first measuring face is disposed to contact a first point of the body and, moving the slider, the second measuring face is disposed to contact a second point of the body, providing for measuring a length between the points, generally being greater than the caliper's length. The tool may additionally have intermediate measuring standards.

Abstract: A method to test a size of a hole includes causing a test probe to vibrate and contact multiple portions of an edge of the hole for a testing cycle when the test probe is inserted into the hole, measuring displacement of the test probe, by a sensor coupled to the test probe, as the test probe makes contact with the multiple portions of the edge of the hole, estimating a measurement of the size of the hole based on the displacement of the test probe and reference to calibrated measurements of reference holes, and outputting a notification indicative of an estimation of the measurement.

Abstract: An improved auto-chocking enabled cargo dolly that is towable by ground support equipment. The dolly has a frame, wheels attached to the frame that support the frame and rotate to allow movement of the frame, a tow bar, a linkage in communication with the tow bar and that actuates when the tow bar is raised, and a wheel engagement chocking system fixed to the dolly frame and disposed to selectively engage at least one of the wheels attached to the dolly frame. The wheel engagement system is responsive to a position of the linkage, where the wheel engagement chocking system applies pressure directly to at least one of the wheels to hold the wheel(s) in place when the linkage is actuated by the tow bar.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a defect gauge instrument and method for repairing bone defects. The defect gauge instrument disclosed herein may be utilized to determine one or more characteristics of a bone defect prior to positioning a graft and/or implant at a surgical site.

Abstract: A fiber Bragg grating inclination sensor, including a semicircular substrate and a packaged fiber Bragg grating. The semicircular substrate is fixed on a first structural member. One endpoint of the semicircular substrate is bonded with one end of the packaged fiber Bragg grating, and the other end of the packaged fiber Bragg grating is connected to a second structural member. The first structural member is fixed to the second structural member perpendicular to the first structural member. The packaged fiber Bragg grating is arranged on a tangent to the semicircular substrate. The fiber Bragg grating sensor of the present invention has the advantages of anti-electromagnetic interference and high sensitiveness. The present invention has a simple structure, high measurement accuracy, good stability, thereby having broad application prospects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a measurement gauge data storage method and apparatus. The method comprises: establishing a connection with a measurement gauge; identifying user characteristics in order to determine a corresponding user ID, and acquiring measurement results outputted by the measurement gauge; detecting whether a user record table corresponding to the user ID is stored; and, when a user record table corresponding to the user ID is stored, storing the measurement results in the user record table corresponding to the user ID. The present method determines a user ID corresponding to user characteristics in order to determine a corresponding user record table, and can thus accurately file measurement results in a corresponding user record table; results are reliable, the system structure is simple, the method is simple to operate, and the scope of application is wide.

Abstract: There is provided a flexible display capable of improving an angle-measuring accuracy using different kinds of sensors and a method of measuring an angle thereof. The flexible display includes a first sensor unit disposed in a first region and including different kinds of sensors, a second sensor unit disposed in a second region adjacent to the first region and including different kinds of sensors, and an angle-measuring unit measuring a folding angle between the first region and the second region in response to sensing signals outputted from the first sensor unit and the second sensor unit.

Abstract: A detection unit for detecting a press position and a load at the press position; an input/storage unit for inputting and storing a value serving as a reference for determining a bend point in a relation between the press position and the load at the press position; a slope calculation unit for calculating a slope of the load based on the press position and the load at the press position, which have been detected; and a bend-point determination unit for determining a point, at which the calculated slope of the load exceeds the value serving as the reference for determining the bend point, as the bend point are provided.

Abstract: A detection unit for detecting a data row of a press position and a load at the press position; an input/storage unit for storing at least a load value serving as references for determining stop or judge; a calculation unit of the value of the slope of the load for calculating the value of the slope of the load based on the press position and the load at the press position detected; a calculation unit of the value of the slope of the slope of the load for calculating the value of the slope of the slope of the load based on the calculated value of the slope of the load; and a determination unit for comparing the calculated value of the slope of the slope of the load with the values serving as the references to determine stop or judge are provided.

Abstract: A detection unit for detecting a data row of a press position and a load at the press position; an input/storage unit for inputting and storing a value serving as a reference for determining a bend point in a relation between the press position and the load at the press position; a data-row calculation unit for calculating a data row of a press position and a load at a constant distance interval based on the data row of the press position and the load detected; a slope calculation unit for calculating a slope of the load based on the press position and the load at the press position detected; and a bend-point determination unit for determining a point, at which the calculated slope of the load exceeds the value serving as the reference for determining the bend point, as the bend point are provided.

Abstract: A riveting apparatus for creating a plurality of rivet joints along the surface of a workpiece includes a tool device controllable by tool control data in order to create countersunk holes on the workpiece and to set countersunk rivets in the created countersunk holes. The riveting apparatus also includes a programmable control device to generate the tool control data for the tool device and an optical sensing device for optically sensing the workpiece surface and for supplying sensing data. The control device evaluates the sensing data in order to obtain geometric data that represent at least one geometric parameter of a countersunk hole that has already been created, and to correct as required the tool control data for a countersunk hole that is subsequently to be created based on the result of an evaluation of the obtained geometric data.

Abstract: A gauge for checking the tolerance of a manufactured tube having at least one bend therein is digitally manufactured layer-by-layer using an additive manufacturing machine. Multiple features of the gauge are integrated with each other within a common reference coordinate system to precisely locate the features relative to each other.

Abstract: A mechanical encoder including an assembly, a flexible element, and a signal sensing module is disclosed. The assembly has a plurality of poking/stiring structure that provides poking/stirring function. The flexible element includes a first piezoelectric layer and a second piezoelectric layer. The first piezoelectric layer and the second piezoelectric layer are stacked on each other via an attach material. The flexible element is set up so that the poking/stiring structures stir/poke a first end of the flexible element, so as to output an electrical signal responsive to deformation of the flexible element. The signal sensing module receives the electrical signal to generate a position signal and a direction signal corresponding to the movement of the poking structures.

Abstract: An adjustable angle finder comprising a first linear arm connected to a second linear arm at a pivot axis. The adjustable angle finder also includes a scale associated with the first linear arm and the second linear arm providing for the display of an angle between the first and second linear arms. In addition, the length of at least one of the first and/or second linear arms is adjustable.

Abstract: A device for measuring edge and rounding features on a piston ring includes a planar support element for the piston ring, a stop operatively connected thereto for bearing defined piston ring sections thereon, and a measuring unit, which is disposed at a predefinable angle with respect to the support element or the stop.

Abstract: A combination square for usage with a grooved blade, comprising: a straight component having a first straight edge and a second straight edge perpendicular to the first straight edge; an angled component having a third straight edge and an angled edge; a marked scale comprising degrees; a marker, wherein the square is configured to allow indication by the marker of angles on the scale; a slot configured to allow accommodating the blade; and a locking screw configured to allow clamping the combination square onto the blade at a desired position along the blade; wherein the angled component is rotatably connected to the straight component; and the square is further configured to allow measuring a center of a circle coupled to the second straight edge and the angled edge at a second end of range of motion of the rotation by the straight component relative to the angled component.

Abstract: A measurement system is described for determining the varus and/or valgus angles of a pronating and/or supinating foot, especially when the subtalar joint of the foot is placed and/or maintained in a neutral position. When the user's foot is maintained in the subtalar joint neutral position, it causes a platform member to rotate relative to a correspondingly shaped depression formed in a base portion such that a top surface of the platform member is no longer in a substantially coplanar relationship with a top surface of the base portion. When this occurs, a bottom surface of the platform member is exposed. As a result, indicia are exposed which correspond to degree markings disposed on the bottom surface of the platform member. The degree markings indicate the angle that corresponds to the varus and/or valgus angles, and thus the amount of pronation and/or supination, of the user's foot.

Abstract: A device for measuring the normality of a hole in a work piece, especially in holes used in the building of aircraft. A probe fits within the hole to be measured and is fixed in the hole by contact at the upper end of the hole with a tapered portion of the probe, and at the lower end by a flared portion of the probe. An indicator assembly is connected to the probe by a bracket. The indicator assembly has an arm which contacts the surface of the work piece. The indicator assembly is rotated around the probe during use of the gage, and the arm is vertically displaceable as this rotation occurs. A dial indicator operationally connected to the arm will register any vertical displacement of the arm during its rotation, indicating any deviancy from normality of the measured hole.

Abstract: A device for determining the angular position of a compressor guide vane pivotable about the longitudinal axis thereof disposed in a compressor, associated with a synchronously rotating, flat measuring surface is provided. In order to allow particularly reliable, simple, and nearly error-free detection of the angular positions by means of a robust device, the angular position of the compressor guide vane rotatable about the longitudinal axis thereof is semi-automatically determined by means of the device. To this end, the device includes at least one mounting unit for temporarily fastening the device in alignment on the compressor, and a measuring unit including an angle measuring device having a rotary plate rotatable about the rotary axis, on which rotary plate a vertically protruding measuring arm extending parallel to the rotary axis is provided for making planar contact, via the free end thereof, with the measuring surface.

Abstract: A method of measuring shores that is quick and efficient uses available ship board technology. The method comprises aligning an improved shoring batten between a first surface and a second surface in a first location where the improved shoring batten further comprises an upper angle indicator, a lower angle indicator and a measurement indicator. Next a user, communicates an upper angle from the upper angle indicator, a lower angle from the lower angle indicator and a length measurement from the measurement indicator to a second location. Then, a user affixes an upper remote angle indicator to a shore and aligning the upper remote angle indicator to the upper angle. Finally, a user cuts the shore to the upper angle in a manner that is faster and more efficient since there is no need to transport the improved shoring batten.

Abstract: A digital angle gauge includes a gauge body having a reference surface that is engageable with an object to be measured for angular inclination. An angle sensor and processor mounted in the body determine an inclination angle of the object with which the reference surface of the gauge body is engaged. A digital screen is pivotally mounted to the gauge body for visually displaying the determined inclination in both incremental and absolute angles that are displayed simultaneously and side by side.

Abstract: An angle measuring device 2 is configured to detect an angle formed between a measured line LX connecting a first position PL and a second position PR and a predetermined reference plane. The angle measuring device 2 includes: a case 10; a first pointing mechanism 30L for pointing the first position PL; a second pointing mechanism 30R for pointing the second position PR; moving mechanisms 60L and 60R that allow at least one of the first and second pointing mechanisms 30L and 30R to be movable; and a turning member angular scale mark 72 that indicates a moved amount of at least one of the first and second pointing mechanisms 30L and 30R by the moving mechanisms 60L and 60R. The moving mechanisms 60L and 60R move the first pointing mechanism 30L and the like so that a line segment connecting the first pointing mechanism 30L and the second pointing mechanism 30R includes the measurement reference plane or becomes parallel to the measurement reference plane.

Abstract: A relative angle sensing device is provided with: a sensor that is contained in a housing in which a communication hole communicating inside and outside is formed, and outputs an electric signal according to a relative rotation angle between two rotary shafts coaxially arranged; an electric cable that transmits the electric signal outputted from the sensor to a device arranged at outside of the housing; an electric cable holding member that is fitted with the communication hole of the housing and that holds the electric cable; and an outer component that is arranged at a position outside the electric cable holding member in the communication hole of the housing. The outer component is provided with an introducing part that introduces the electric cable into inside thereof, and a plurality of exiting parts that make the electric cable having been introduced through the introducing part exit to outside in different directions.

Abstract: A digital angle gauge includes a gauge body having a reference surface that is engageable with an object to be measured for angular inclination. An angle sensor and processor mounted in the body determine an inclination angle of the object with which the reference surface of the gauge body is engaged. A digital screen is pivotally mounted to the gauge body for visually displaying the determined inclination.

Abstract: A portable golf club face measurement device, which accurately and quickly measures data regarding, for example, the orientation of the golf club face relative to the shaft and the orientation of the golf club face relative to a point located on the toe of the club, is disclosed herein. The measurement device has a face probe, a retaining arm, at least one gauge, and at least one clamp.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bearing thrust monitoring allows measurable detection of tilt of a support bearing a roller which rotatably supports a rotating body. A tilt meter adapted to measurably detect a tilt of the support bearing is coupled to the support bearing, where the tilt is defined as an angular difference in bearing orientation between a first bearing position and a second subsequent bearing position that is cause by an axial thrust on the rotary body. Once tilt is detected, the bearing orientation of the support bearing can be adjusted to return the support bearing to substantially the first bearing position.

Abstract: Provided is a repair-pipeldesig led-pipe measuring system for measuring the flange faces of a pair of flanges at both ends of a repair pipe or a designed pipe and obtaining spatial position data of the flange faces, the repair pipe being brought in a factory and repaired when a defect such as leakage occurs in a pipe used for carrying a liquid or a gas in ships, plants, and other places in order that the defective portion is reworked, and the designed pipe being made on the basis of a design in order that the error between the design and itself is checked. An object (2) to be measured such as a pipe or the like is set between a reference stage to which a position measuring device (3) previously invented by the present inventor for the purpose of another use is attached and a related stage which is processed to have an accurate positional relationship with respect to the reference stage and to which the position measuring device is attachable.

Abstract: A portable golf club face measurement device, which accurately and quickly measures data regarding, for example, the orientation of the golf club face relative to the shaft and the orientation of the golf club face relative to a point located on the toe of the club, is disclosed herein. The measurement device has a face probe, a retaining arm, at least one gauge, and at least one clamp.

Abstract: The invention comprises novel apparatuses and methods for positioning and/or for determining the locations of one structural member such as a stud, rafter or joist on another structural member such as a beam during construction.

Abstract: One example includes an apparatus to mark a distance from an edge of a work-piece that includes a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis and including a graduations disposed aligned along the longitudinal axis, a marking blade affixed to an end portion of the shaft, substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, a fence assembly coupled to the shaft and movable along the longitudinal axis of the shaft, the fence assembly including a face configured to abut the edge of the work-piece, a graduation sensor coupled to the fence assembly and configured to monitor the graduations to provide a sensor signal associated with a distance between the fence assembly and the marking blade, and a monitoring circuit coupled to the fence assembly in communication with the graduation sensor and configured to receive the sensor signal and to provide a distance signal including information associated with the distance.

Abstract: Apparatus (100) adapted to provide an indication of an angular position of an input member (106) over multiple turns includes at least two rotatable members (104A-104D) configured, in use, to rotate in accordance with rotation of an input member (106), and at least one sensing device (114A) configured to measure and output an angular position of at least one of the rotatable members. The rotatable members are configured to rotate simultaneously but at different rates. The apparatus further includes a device (114) configured to use the angular position measurements from the at least one sensing device to produce an cation of an angular position of the input member over multiple turns.

Abstract: A measurement system is described for determining the varus and/or valgus angles of a pronating and/or supinating foot, especially when the subtalar joint of the foot is placed and/or maintained in a neutral position. When the user's foot is maintained in the subtalar joint neutral position, it causes a substantially hemispherically shaped platform member to rotate relative to a correspondingly shaped depression formed in a base portion such that a top surface of the platform member is no longer in a coplanar relationship with a top surface of the base portion. When this occurs, a bottom surface of the platform member is exposed. As a result, indicia are exposed which correspond to degree markings disposed on the bottom surface of the platform member. The degree markings indicate the angle that corresponds to the amount of pronation and/or supination of the user's foot.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for bending a guide post used in forming a template for locating dental implant hole. The guide post includes at least one face on a distal end for registering the orientation of the guide post. The apparatus includes a base plate having protractor-like indicia, a supporting block attached to the base plate, the supporting block having an aperture for receiving a distal end of the guide post, and a stylus received by a proximal end of the guide post, the stylus extending towards the protractor-like indicia.

Abstract: A goniometer has a base defining a standing axis, a structure rotatable around the standing axis relative to the base, an angle encoder, and a control and processing unit. The structure has a graphic electronic information display arrangement having at least two display zones for displaying user guidance information and/or measuring information, a first of the at least two display zones being arranged in a first radial alignment relative to the standing axis on the structure. A second of the at least two display zones of the information display means is arranged in a second radial alignment relative to the standing axis on the structure, the first radial alignment and the second radial alignment enclosing an angle of at least 90°. The at least two display zones are automatically individually activated by the control and processing unit as a function of a fulfillment of a stored angular position criterion.

Abstract: An angle gauge comprising multiple surfaces around its perimeter, each of which provides for two or more fixed sharpening angles; each angle incorporating angular compensation for workpiece thickness and variations in peripheral grinding wheel diameter in order to quickly and accurately set an angular relationship between an curved or planar abrasive surface and a tool rest. The angle gauge has no moving or adjustable parts and is separate from both the grinder and the tool rest. The angle gauge may also be attached to a holder allowing for angle setup when the workpiece cannot be supported by a platform or tool rest.

Abstract: The present invention proposes an external-coupled electronic angle measurement apparatus including a housing, a display element, an angle detection system and a coupling portion. The housing is movable through the coupling portion to fasten the external-coupled electronic angle measurement apparatus to a desired location of different hand tools to accurately measure turning angles of a screw driven by the hand tool through the angle detection system and display the result on the display element.

Abstract: An angle gauge comprising multiple surfaces around its perimeter, each of which provides for two or more fixed sharpening angles; each angle incorporating angular compensation for workpiece thickness and variations in peripheral grinding wheel diameter in order to quickly and accurately set an angular relationship between an curved or planar abrasive surface and a tool rest. The angle gauge has no moving or adjustable parts and is separate from both the grinder and the tool rest. The angle gauge may also be attached to a holder allowing for angle setup when the workpiece cannot be supported by a platform or tool rest.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved chainsaw measuring devices that allows a user to accurately and quickly measure the necessary widths and angles required for sharpening a chainsaw chain cutting tooth. The device comprises a caliper capable of measuring the width of the top plate and includes a built-in gauge for measuring the angle of the top plate cutting edge. This allows a user to individually and accurately sharpen a chainsaw chain without relying on a professional sharpening service.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved chainsaw measuring devices that allows a user to accurately and quickly measure the necessary widths and angles required for sharpening a chainsaw chain cutting tooth. The device comprises a caliper capable of measuring the width of the top plate and includes a built-in gauge for measuring the angle of the top plate cutting edge. This allows a user to individually and accurately sharpen a chainsaw chain without relying on a professional sharpening service.

Abstract: A measurement system is described for determining the varus and/or valgus angles of a pronating and/or supinating foot, especially when the subtalar joint of the foot is placed and/or maintained in a neutral position. When the user's foot is maintained in the subtalar joint neutral position, it causes a substantially hemispherically shaped platform member to rotate relative to a correspondingly shaped depression formed in a base portion such that a top surface of the platform member is no longer in a coplanar relationship with a top surface of the base portion. When this occurs, a bottom surface of the platform member is exposed. As a result, indicia are exposed which correspond to degree markings disposed on the bottom surface of the platform member. The degree markings indicate the angle that corresponds to the amount of pronation and/or supination of the user's foot.

Abstract: Measuring device, in particular for in-process measurement of test pieces during a machining operation on a machine tool, in particular a grinding machine, has a measuring head which is movable relative to a base body of the measuring device between a neutral position and a measuring position in which the measuring head is in measuring contact with the test piece. At least one angle sensor is associated with the measuring head for detecting the angular position of the measuring head, in particular changes in the angular position of the measuring head relative to the test piece, during a measuring operation.

Abstract: A rotation angle sensor has a moveable sleeve (1) coupled with a rotating shaft, and a box (3) connected with the movable sleeve (1) rotatablely. An upper part of the moveable sleeve is equipped with a threaded ring (5). An inner side of the threaded ring (5) is equipped with a locking mechanism (6) which is matched with the rotating shaft tightly. The periphery of the threaded ring (5) is screwed with a fixed ring (7). The movable sleeve (1), the threaded ring (5) and the fixed ring (7) are all coaxial detachable ring structure comprising two or more arc modules. Teeth are distributed on an outer edge of the movable sleeve (1) along the circumferential direction. A reduction gear, which is engaged with the teeth and provided with multiple gears sets, is installed in the box (3). The reduction gear is fixed on a circuit board module, and a sensor module is fixed on the periphery of the reduction gear.

Abstract: A method for measuring the pitch angle of a wind turbine rotor blade is provided. In the method at least one image of at least part of the rotor blade is acquired by a camera from a defined position and the pitch angle is calculated by means of data from the at least one image.

Abstract: A rotation angle sensor has a moveable sleeve (1) coupled with a rotating shaft, and a box (3) connected with the movable sleeve (1) rotatablely. An upper part of the moveable sleeve is equipped with a threaded ring (5). An inner side of the threaded ring (5) is equipped with a locking mechanism (6) which is matched with the rotating shaft tightly. The periphery of the threaded ring (5) is screwed with a fixed ring (7). The movable sleeve (1), the threaded ring (5) and the fixed ring (7) are all coaxial detachable ring structure comprising two or more arc modules. Teeth are distributed on an outer edge of the movable sleeve (1) along the circumferential direction. A reduction gear, which is engaged with the teeth and provided with multiple gears sets, is installed in the box (3). The reduction gear is fixed on a circuit board module, and a sensor module is fixed on the periphery of the reduction gear.

Abstract: A method of determining the eccentricity of an encoder scale member of a rotary encoder includes taking an encoder scale blank having a geometric center and mounting the encoder scale blank centered about a second center. A scale can then be produced on the encoder scale blank thereby forming an encoder scale member. The scale of the encoder scale member is centered about the second center. Any eccentricity between the geometric center and the second center is measured by, for example, measuring any change in the apparent radius of the encoder scale member. The encoder scale member may then be mounted in a working location wherein it is rotated about a third axis. The eccentricity when mounted in the working location may be matched to that measured during manufacture thereof and/or the eccentricity errors arising from both manufacture and mounting of the encoder scale member may be determined.

Abstract: A tool and method for making precision cuts with conventional saws and other woodworking machines. The shape of an inside or outside corner of a construction, such as a wall construction, is obtained with the tool, and the tool is used to as a guide to set the blade of the cutting apparatus to the proper cutting position. The tool may be used to indicate the mitre cuts for both inside and outside wall corners without having to measure the angle with a measuring tool and determine the precise degrees of the angles to be cut.

Abstract: An angle jig for positioning a work article accurately on a machining bed of a milling machine may include a block having a linear array of apertures positioned along a top surface of the block and located parallel to a first longitudinal edge of the block. The block may further include a plurality of curvilinear arrays of apertures positioned along the top surface thereof and located adjacent to a second longitudinal edge of the block. A plurality of dowel pins may be removably interfitted within selected ones of the linear array of apertures as well as selected ones of the curvilinear arrays of apertures. The linear array of apertures may further be used as a guide and cooperates with the curvilinear arrays of apertures to define an angle between 1° and 45° along the top surface of the block.

Abstract: A pointing device adapted to allow a user to set a pointing arrow to point towards another location, such as a city in another country. The pointing arrow is adapted to not point in a direction along the surface of the earth but to point accurately through the Earth. An apparatus including a pointing device and a calculation portion adapted to allow the user to determine how to point the pointing arrow towards the desired location. The calculation portion may include an electronic device and may include the use of a global computer network.