Abstract: A process for anticipating the service life of a rare gas discharge lamp and a system for anticipating the service life of a rare gas discharge lamp. In a process for anticipating the lifetime of a rare gas discharge lamp in which an arc tube contains an opposed anode and cathode and in which the cathode contains an emitter substance, the rare gas discharge lamp is supplied with a certain current which is lower than the rated current, the voltage of the rare gas discharge lamp is determined at this instant and the swing width of this voltage is measured, and using the value of the swing width of this voltage, the service life of the rare gas discharge lamp is anticipated.

Abstract: A jig is used in place of a master Cathode Ray Tube (“CRT”) for calibrating a Stray Emissions Detection System (“SEDS”). Light Emitting Diodes (“LEDs”) are placed in the neck portion of a CRT, where the electron gun would normally be disposed, to form the test jig. These LEDs are activated during the calibration process to simulate the stray emissions that would be released through defects in a CRT. Because the number, pattern and light output of the LEDs can be controlled, and are not changed by the calibration procedure itself, the jig can be used to more reliably and effectively calibrate the SEDS for CRT manufacture.

Abstract: An apparatus for rotating a CRT panel (12) to facilitate inspecting a seal edge (13) thereof includes a support structure (30) rotatably connected to a base frame (21) for rotation about a horizontal axis (31). The CRT panel (12) is placed into the support structure (30) with the seal edge (13) positioned in a holding groove (77) formed on a bottom door assembly (40). A top door assembly (58) is slidable to a closed position to enclose and support the CRT panel (12) while the support structure (30) is rotated 180 degrees. The bottom door assembly (40) is movable to an open position to inspect the seal edge (13). The door assemblies (40, 58) are both arranged to engage the base frame (21) and prevent rotation of the support structure (30) relative to the base frame (21) when the door assemblies are moved to their respective open positions.

Abstract: In a manufacturing step for forming an organic EL element, the organic EL element is provided so as to have an anode and a cathode with a luminescent layer having an organic luminescent material interposed therebetween. Then, an aging treatment is performed. In the aging treatment, a curve of change in luminance with time is measured in driving the organic EL element at constant current. Then, the curve of change in luminance with time is divided into a component having a slowest luminance age-deterioration rate and other components by analyzing the curve and forming a fitting curve having a plurality of members that is fitted to the curve of change in luminance with time. Moreover, the aging treatment is conducted until a luminance of the element becomes approximately equal to an initial value A1 of the component having a slowest luminance age-deterioration rate.

Abstract: An improved light-emitting panel having a plurality of micro-components sandwiched between two substrates is disclosed. Each micro-component contains a gas or gas-mixture capable of ionization when a sufficiently large voltage is supplied across the micro-component via at least two electrodes. A method of testing a light-emitting panel and the component parts therein is also disclosed, which uses a web fabrication process to manufacturing light-emitting panels combined with inline testing after the various process steps of the manufacturing process to produce result which are used to adjust the various process steps and component parts.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electron source includes an activation operation for repetitively applying a pulse voltage to a plurality of electron-emitting devices in an atmosphere containing an organic material to form a film containing carbon from the organic material existing in the atmosphere. An activation operation is divided into a plurality of steps from a first activation step to a final activation step, with the plurality of electron-emitting devices being divided into operation units each comprising a plurality of device groups, each of which includes a plurality of electron-emitting devices. The first activation step of the activation operation is sequentially executed from an arbitrary operation unit wherein, in the first activation step, a pulse voltage is applied to each of the plurality of groups sequentially, and the sequential applying of the voltage is repeated.

Abstract: A light emitting display may include cathode columns with a folded arrangement so that each column includes two selectively activatable sections. Each column section may be selectively activated or deactivated depending on whether defects are associated with a given section.

Abstract: An electron-emitting device (20, 70, 80, or 90) contains an electrode, either a control electrode (38) or an emitter electrode (32), having a specified portion situated off to the side of the bulk of the electrode. For a control electrode, the specified portion is an exposure portion (38EA or 38EB) having openings that expose electron-emissive elements (50A or 50B) situated over an emitter electrode. For an emitter electrode, the specified portion is an emitter-coupling portion situated below at least one electron-emissive element exposed through at least one opening in a control electrode. Configuring the device in this way enables the control-electrode-to-emitter-electrode capacitance to be quite small, thereby enhancing the device's switching speed. If the specified portion of the electrode becomes short circuited to the other electrode, the short-circuit defect can be removed by severing the specified portion from the remainder of its electrode.

Abstract: A non-adhesive, conductive strip is used to provide an electrical ground path between a solder electrode on the anti-reflective film of a cathode ray tube and the reinforcement or heat shrinkage band on the tube. The conductive strip is preferably held in place on the cathode ray tube using a magnet or magnets. Consequently, because the conductive strip is held in place by magnets and is non-adhesive, it can be removed and replaced repeatedly during the testing of the solder electrodes and anti-reflective film without potentially damaging the solder electrode or degrading the performance of the conductive tape that is typically used as the ground path in a completed cathode ray tube.

Abstract: It relates to a method of manufacturing an electron source. In an activation process, a set value of an activation gas partial pressure is switched at multi-stages and an application of a compensation voltage is not conducted for a predetermined period after switching of the set value. Alternatively, the activation is repeated plural times while a row wiring or a column wiring is switched, and the application of the compensation voltage is not conducted for the predetermined period after switching of the row wiring or the column wiring. Thus, activation processing can be uniformly performed for all electron emitting devices.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a display device having an air-tight envelope, in which a glass face plate and at least one further glass part are joined to form the air-tight envelope that is to be heated and/or evacuated at a later stage of the method of manufacture, comprises inducing a thermoshock in the face plate and/or the at least one further glass part prior to joining the glass face plate and the at least one further glass part to form the air-tight envelope; examining the face plate and/or the at least one further glass part for growth of cracks indicative of defects which could render the air-tight envelope liable to implosion during heating and/or evacuation; choosing between selecting and non-selecting the face plate and/or the at least one further glass part for use as part of the air-tight envelope depending on whether the growth of cracks has been found; using the face plate and the at least one further glass part as part of the air-tight envelope if the growth of cracks was not found; and performi

Abstract: A method for adjusting characteristics of an electron source having a plurality of electron-emitting devices, and a method for manufacturing the electron source include the step of applying a pulse of a voltage for adjustment to an electron-emitting device to be adjusted one or more times according to a characteristic of the electron-emitting device, wherein the voltage for adjustment is selected from a plurality of voltages having discrete values according to the characteristic of the electron-emitting device, and a number of applying times of the pulse is determined according to the characteristic of the electron-emitting device and the selected voltage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a cathode ray tube, comprising a step of automatically setting peculiar information to a panel of a cathode ray tube, a step of performing a plurality of treatments on an inner surface of the panel of the cathode ray tube, thereby forming a phosphor film pattern on the inner surface, a step of automatically measuring a condition set in the phosphor film pattern forming step, a step of automatically storing a measurement value obtained in the measuring step such that the value is coupled with the peculiar information, a step of inspecting the panel obtained in the treatment step to determine whether or not the panel is defective, and a step of automatically storing a defectiveness code coupling with the peculiar information if the panel is determined to be defective.

Abstract: The adjustment apparatus automatically adjusts the position and angle of a deflection yoke attached to the neck part of a cathode ray tube. A cathode ray tube having a deflection yoke as an adjustment target attached to its neck part is fixed to a predetermined adjustment position such that its tube axis extends in the horizontal direction. The adjustment apparatus holds a deflection yoke attached to the neck part of the cathode ray tube fixed to an adjustment position by means of a hold mechanism. A test image displayed through a fluorescent surface of the cathode ray tube is picked up by a plurality of cameras. The deflection yoke held by the hold mechanism is moved based on image data picked up by the cameras. The position and angle of the deflection yoke with respect to the neck part are automatically adjusted.

Abstract: A headlamp and a rear combination lamp for an automobile according to the present invention comprise a clear lens without a spread optic and a prism cut, and a reflector having a single surface without any discontinuity, in which the reflector is formed as a free form reflector by using an iterative routine of an automatic designing program for the headlamps and the rear combination lamps. Accordingly, the headlamp and the rear combination lamp can indicate a desired light distribution pattern without lens prism. Further, the headlamp and the rear combination lamp can conform to the laws and regulations connected with the light pattern and accede to a consumer's demand.

Abstract: An apparatus for rotating a CRT panel (12) to facilitate inspecting a seal edge (13) thereof includes a support structure (30) rotatably connected to a base frame (21) for rotation about a horizontal axis (31). The CRT panel (12) is placed into the support structure (30) with the seal edge (13) positioned in a holding groove (77) formed on a bottom door assembly (40). A top door assembly (58) is slidable to a closed position to enclose and support the CRT panel (12) while the support structure (30) is rotated 180 degrees. The bottom door assembly (40) is movable to an open position to inspect the seal edge (13). The door assemblies (40, 58) are both arranged to engage the base frame (21) and prevent rotation of the support structure (30) relative to the base frame (21) when the door assemblies are moved to their respective open positions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a product quality test in a winding step of the entire manufacturing process of a deflection yoke, which is a core part of a display device employing a cathode ray tube such as a color TV or a monitor, and in particular, a winding zig for measuring magnetic fields of a deflection yoke and a magnetic field measuring system of a deflection yoke using the winding zig.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a spark plug that can calculate, in measurement of a gap, an accurate gap regardless of inclination of a workpiece (a spark plug) with respect to a measurement device and can manufacture the spark plug at high accuracy as well. Also disclosed is an apparatus for carrying out the same. A plurality of measurement points are determined on the outline (tip edge E2) of a ground electrode spark gap definition portion of a ground electrode W2 facing a spark gap and on the outline (tip edge E1) of a center electrode spark gap definition portion of a center electrode W1. The measurement points represent the outlines of the respective spark gap definition portions. A single measurement point on the outline of one spark gap definition portion is selected as a reference point. A measurement point on the outline of the other spark gap definition portion is found such that the distance between the measurement point and the reference point is the shortest.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an electron source includes the steps of fixing a first sealing member to a substrate disposed with an electroconductive member, the first sealing member surrounding the electroconductive member excepting a portion of the electroconductive member, abutting a chamber on the first sealing member to cover the electroconductive member excepting the portion of the electroconductive member and form a hermetically sealed atmosphere between the substrate and the chamber, supplying power to the portion of the electroconductive member to give part of the electroconductive member covered with the chamber an electron-emitting function, and removing the chamber from the substrate.

Abstract: In a manufacturing step for forming an organic EL element, the organic EL element is provided so as to have an anode and a cathode with a luminescent layer having an organic luminescent material interposed therebetween. Then, an aging treatment is performed. In the aging treatment, a curve of change in luminance with time is measured in driving the organic EL element at constant current. Then, the curve of change in luminance with time is divided into a component having a slowest luminance age-deterioration rate and other components by analyzing the curve and forming a fitting curve having a plurality of members that is fitted to the curve of change in luminance with time. Moreover, the aging treatment is conducted until a luminance of the element becomes approximately equal to an initial value A1 of the component having a slowest luminance age-deterioration rate.

Abstract: The invention and method enable the astigmatism correction at each crossing point of a cross hatch pattern, thereby making high-resolution display possible. An appropriate voltage or current for controlling the magnetic field adjusting coils are generated from the correction data stored in a memory. The voltage or current generated are then applied to two poles, four poles or six poles during scanning of the screen.

Abstract: A jig is used in place of a master Cathode Ray Tube (“CRT”) for calibrating a Stray Emissions Detection System (“SEDS”). Light Emitting Diodes (“LEDs”) are placed in the neck portion of a CRT, where the electron gun would normally be disposed, to form the test jig. These LEDs are activated during the calibration process to simulate the stray emissions that would be released through defects in a CRT. Because the number, pattern and light output of the LEDs can be controlled, and are not changed by the calibration procedure itself, the jig can be used to more reliably and effectively calibrate the SEDS for CRT manufacture.

Abstract: In manufacturing or adjusting an electron-emitting device which has at least two electrodes and emits electrons by applying a voltage between the two electrodes, or before performing normal driving, a voltage V1 is applied which has the following relationship with a maximum voltage value V2 applied as a normal driving voltage to the electron-emitting device between the two electrodes.

Abstract: The formation of leachable mercury upon disposal in a landfill or during TCLP testing of mercury vapor discharge lamps is substantially prevented by incorporation of an amount of gelatin or a degradation product of gelatin which is effective to substantially prevent formation of ferric and cuprous compounds responsible for forming leachable mercury compounds.

Abstract: Manufacturing steps for a cathode ray tube or a glass bulb for the cathode ray tube are controlled in such a manner that a two-dimensional matrix code 3 comprised of a plurality of dots is marked by laser in an outer side surface of a glass bulb 1, 5, the two-dimensional matrix code 3 containing the information which can identify individually glass bulbs, and the manufacturing steps are conducted by using a computer and the particulars specified by the serial information.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electron source includes the steps of covering a substrate provided with a first electrode and a second electrode by a container, introducing a gas composed of a carbon compound into the container, and forming a carbon film by applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode. The relationship 1/(4/Cx−1/Cz)≧Sout≧4Sact−Cin is satisfied, where Cin is the conductance from the gas inlet to the position of the substrate nearest to the gas inlet, Cx is the conductance from the position of the substrate nearest to the gas inlet to the position of the substrate nearest to the gas outlet, Sout is the effective exhaust rate, Sact is the consumption rate of the gas, and Cz is the conductance from the substrate to the gas outlet. An apparatus for manufacturing an electron source and a method for manufacturing an image-forming apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing an image display apparatus, a first member having an electron-emitting device and a second member having a phosphor which is irradiated with an electron emitted from the electron-emitting device to emit light are seal-bonded in a seal bonding chamber in which a vacuum atmosphere is realized. An aging step for the electron-emitting device is performed before the step of seal-bonding.

Abstract: A spark plug gap adjustment system is provided which is designed to adjust a spark gap between a ground electrode and a center electrode installed in a spark plug to a target value. The system determines the position of the ground electrode in a given coordinate system to calculate a target distance required to move an end of the ground electrode toward an end of the center electrode for bringing the spark gap into agreement with the target value and moves the ground electrode under pressure by the target distance to define a desired spark gap. This achieves the spark gap adjustment precisely at high speeds.

Abstract: A method for producing a durable electron-emitting device having a uniform electron emission characteristic, an electron source, and an image-forming apparatus having a uniform display characteristic for a long period are provided. The method for producing an electron-emitting device according to the present invention includes the steps of: disposing a cathode electrode on a surface of a substrate; providing an electrode opposite the cathode electrode; disposing plural pieces of fiber containing carbon as a main component on the cathode electrode; and applying potential higher than potential applied to the cathode electrode under depressurized condition to an electrode opposite the cathode electrode.

Abstract: Method in which the positions of the color ray tube and the deflection unit are matched to each other, using a step of recording a displayed image and in which the envelope is oriented upside down during matching.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method for simultaneously applying an activation layer on the photoemissive layers of a plurality of photocathodes such as those used in image intensifier devices. The method includes the steps of diffusing a flux of activating chemicals over the plurality of photocathodes, wherein the flux is substantially spatially uniform with respect to the plurality of photocathodes; monitoring the sum photoresponse of the plurality of photocathodes; and terminating the flux of activating chemicals when a desired sum photoresponse is attained.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and a method for detecting a starting signal in an automatic facility, in which a pattern is automatically provided to a cathode-ray tube assembly on a pallet to examine and adjust the cathode-ray tube assembly.

Abstract: In an electron source having a plurality of surfaceconduction electron-emitting devices, the electrical characteristics of the surfaceconduction electron-emitting devices are made, controllable, and uniform. For this purpose, the electron emission characteristic of a selected surfaceconduction electron-emitting device is adjusted with a correction process of applying a voltage higher than a practical driving voltage to the device.

Abstract: A device and a method for removing and re-engaging display devices with a conveyor belt system to facilitate tilt testing eliminates much of the manual labor associated with performing a tilt test. The device combines a fixture with a set of cameras to perform a tilt test using a tilt test pattern that is displayed on the screen of the cathode ray tube. The device and method allow an efficient tilt testing to be performed while minimizing the work process and time period for tilt testing, thus enhancing productivity. Furthermore, the time delay normally caused by the manual carrying of the display device by workers is reduced, along with the associated damage to the display devices. As a result, the overall level of quality of the image display devices that are produced can be increased.

Abstract: There are provided a highly reliable fabrication method and apparatus for an image forming device which can avoid element deterioration along with elimination of gas molecules from panel constituents.An image forming device having an electron source substrate with a large number of electron sources each having an electron-emitting element and a luminescent display plate facing the electron source substrate via a vacuum portion is fabricated by performing the aging step of aging the interior of the vacuum portion while exhausting or maintaining with a getter the vacuum state of the vacuum portion. This aging step is performed by drive duty control of gradually increasing the drive duty of the image forming device.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method for simultaneously applying an activation layer on the photoemissive layers of a plurality of photocathodes such as those used in image intensifier devices. The method includes the steps of diffusing a flux of activating chemicals over the plurality of photocathodes, wherein the flux is substantially spatially uniform with respect to the plurality of photocathodes; monitoring the sum photoresponse of the plurality of photocathodes; and terminating the flux of activating chemicals when a desired sum photoresponse is attained.

Abstract: To test a cathode ray tube or an apparatus comprising a cathode ray tube, a part of the electron gun is heated by means of high-frequency electromagnetic radiation. By virtue thereof, the warm-up period, that is the time which, after turning on the cathode ray tube, must elapse before the testing operation can be carried out, can be reduced, for example, from approximately 30 minutes to approximately 2 minutes.

Abstract: An element of an apparatus is magnetized so as to generate a magnetic field pattern around the element. To achieve this, use is made of a magnetizing coil, and the element and the magnetizing coil are moved relative to each other, the magnetizing coil carrying an alternating current of substantially constant amplitude as well as a signal current. Preferably, there is a phase difference between the signal current and an intended magnetic field pattern.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improvement in a method of making a plurality of color picture tubes of approximately the same size and including a mix of at least two different types of electron guns therein. The electron guns include each a plurality of electrodes, with each electrode having openings for the passage of three electron beams. The improvement comprises selecting materials for each electrode of the at least two different types of electron guns that will produce a minimum difference in the focus voltage sensitivities between the two different types of electron guns.

Abstract: The yield in manufacturing matrix-addressable devices, particularly flat-panel CRT displays, is increased by a technique in which a determination is first made that a defect exists in part of a first matrix-addressable plate structure (20) of a unitary first active area (32). This typically entails testing a group of the first plate structures to determine whether any of them are defective. The defective part or parts of each defective first plate structure are also identified. At least one non-defective first plate structure normally is subsequently converted into a first matrix-addressable device of the first active area. For a defective first plate structure identified in the testing, the defective part of the structure is removed in such a way that the remainder of the structure forms a second matrix-addressable plate structure (84) of a second active area (32A) smaller than the first active area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a ceramic metal halide high intensity discharge (HID) lamp is disclosed. The apparatus includes a base adapted to receive a ceramic arc tube body, a movable gauge arm having a first portion contacting an end surface of the arc tube body, an electrode holder for supporting an electrode in contact with a second portion of the gauge arm, and a crimper for securing a stop to the electrode at a position determined by the extent of movement of the gauge arm. The apparatus permits stops to be secured to electrodes, either simultaneously or sequentially, thereby correcting for a length deviation of the arc tube body. As a result, half of the required correction is made on each electrode. Since both electrodes are set to the same insertion length, an arc gap is inherently centered in the arc tube body during assembly.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for manufacturing a cathode ray tube display device, the electrical characteristics and electron beam landing characteristics of a cathode ray tube are measured. A machine-readable recording the measured electrical and beam landing characteristics is then generated. The machine readable recording is then associated with the cathode ray tube. The cathode ray tube and the associated machine readable recording are then supplied to the display device production line.

Abstract: The improved convergence core assembly utilizes a separate carriage for the convergence core. This separate carriage properly aligns and holds the convergence core in relation to the convergence core assembly. In particular embodiments, the separate core carriage provides self centering and positional stability for the convergence core in the x-y plane, in the z-axis, and rotationally in the x-y plane. To accomplish this, the core carriage includes means for positioning the convergence core in the convergence core assembly. In certain embodiments, the means for positioning includes leaf springs and positioning tabs. The leaf springs tend to force the electromagnetic coil assembly against the stops of the positioning tabs to properly locate the convergence core in the z-axis. The positioning tabs also exert opposing spring forces on the convergence core to center the convergence core assembly in the x-y plane.

Abstract: An alignment measurement apparatus is used for measuring an exposure pattern during an exposure operation for forming phosphor layers on a panel surface of a color cathode-ray tube, and includes an image sensor, an image spatial filter, and an image processing equipment. The image sensor photographs the exposure pattern on the panel surface to which an illuminating device is provided, the image spatial filter makes 3-color phosphor dots brighter and clearer, and the image processing equipment calculates and outputs a value of deviation between the exposure pattern of the 3-color phosphors and a reference exposure pattern. Any blurred exposure pattern is made bright and clear by the image spatial filter so that the degree of any deviation between the black matrix hole and the center of the exposure pattern is measured at a high precision.

Abstract: An electron gun assembling apparatus has a cathode driving mechanism (12,13) for moving a cathode (1), a laser displacement gage (14) to measure a height of a surface of the cathode (1) in a non-contact manner at a cathode surface measuring position outside an electron gun assembly (24), an electric micrometer (11) to measure a height of an upper surface of a first electrode (3) in the electron gun assembly (24), and an electric micrometer (8) to measure a height of a lower surface of a second electrode (4) in the electron gun assembly (24).

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for exhausting and combined exhausting and seasoning of x-ray tubes having glass envelopes for a high performance x-ray system having a rotating anode therein. The methods include providing a glass tubulation having a diameter greater than about 20 mm, then operatively connecting the glass tubulation to the x-ray tube glass envelope, providing a glass sealing cup inside the glass tubulation, the glass sealing cup having a smaller diameter than the glass tubulation, providing a vacuum to the glass tubulation, positioning a heater on the outside of the glass tubulation, heating the anode of the x-ray tube to a temperature inside the x-ray tube glass envelope of about 1500.degree. C., positioning the glass sealing cup inside the glass tubulation proximate the position of the heating means on the outside of the glass tubulation, heating the glass tubulation proximate the glass sealing cup to about 1300.degree. C.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus including an XY movable table onto which an inspection object wafer is placed in position and a prober for detecting electrons emitted from a field-emission cold cathode of the wafer is provided in a vacuum chamber. A characteristic of the field-emission cold cathode is inspected before it is mounted onto a device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for exhausting and combined exhausting and seasoning of x-ray tubes having glass envelopes for high performance x-ray system having a rotating anode therein. The system and methods include providing a glass tubulation having a diameter greater than about 20 mm; then operatively connecting the glass tubulation to the x-ray tube glass envelope; providing a metal disk inside the glass tubulation, the metal disk having a smaller diameter than the glass tubulation, providing a vacuum to the glass tubulation; heating the anode of the x-ray tube to a temperature inside the x-ray tube envelope of about 1500.degree. C.

Abstract: Improved systems and methods are disclosed for exhausting and combined exhausting and seasoning of x-ray tubes having metal envelopes for high performance x-ray systems having a rotating anode therein. The methods and systems for sealing a metal tubulation, having a diameter greater than about 20 mm and operatively connected to the x-ray tube metal envelope, to a metal disk positioned inside the metal tubulation, the metal disk having a smaller diameter than at least one portion of the metal tubulation include providing a vacuum connection to the metal tubulation and a heater positioned on the outside of the metal tubulation; heating the anode of the x-ray tube to temperatures inside the x-ray tube metal envelope of about 1500.degree. C.

Abstract: An elastomeric connector couples the terminal pads of an LCD with corresponding terminal pads of a printed wiring board (PWB). Conductive elements in the connector are subject to skewing at such an angle that the LCD must be adjusted relative to the PWB to attain pad alignment. Sense pads on the terminal strips are coupled to contact pads and are arranged so that a continuity test on substantially opposed contact pads will verify pad alignment. In one embodiment, one sense pad is narrower than the terminal pads so that even marginal continuity will assure proper alignment of the terminal pads. In another embodiment, a pair of sense pads on either one of the LCD and the PWB is bracketed by a pair of spaced pads on the other such that continuity is evidence of non-alignment.