Abstract: A chain link for an energy guide chain. The chain link has two link plates, and at least one pivotal transverse web, which connects the link plates together in an articulated manner and which can be converted into a closed position that connects the link plates together and into an open position that at least partly releases the link plate intermediate space. At least one pivotally designed end region of the transverse web can be secured to the link plate in a latching manner. The articulated connection between the transverse web and the link plate has a substantially cylindrical joint pin with a radius (R1) over at least one part of the circumference of the pin on one of the corresponding components consisting of the transverse web and the chain link and a substantially cylindrical pin receiving area on the other of the two corresponding components.

Abstract: A cable assembly may include a cable communicatively coupling a first information handling resource to a second information handling resource and a cable chain for guiding a routing of the cable, the cable chain comprising a plurality of cable chain links. Each cable chain link may include a plurality of coupling features for rotatably coupling, about an axis, such cable chain link to another cable chain link, one or more limiting features for limiting a rotation of such cable chain link to the other cable chain link, and an opening formed in such cable chain link and configured such that the cable chain has a lengthwise opening along one side of the cable chain which forms a channel for receiving the cable.

Abstract: An elongated object guiding device includes links arranged in series. Adjacent ones of the links are pivotally coupled to each other. An accommodation chamber is defined in the links. Each link includes an inner recess, an inner projection, an outer recess, and an outer projection that limit a pivoting range of the link and an adjacent link so that the links are pivoted between a straight state and a bent state. Each link includes a separating member that separates elongated objects accommodated in the accommodation chamber from each other. Each separating member is pivotally coupled to an adjacent separating member. Each separating member includes a through-hole and a sliding portion that limit a pivoting range of the separating member and an adjacent separating member so that a limit on a first side of the pivoting range is the straight state.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present application discloses a linker comprising a linker body having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured with a first slot, wherein the second end is configured with a second slot, wherein the first slot is configured to form a reversible connection with the second slot or a third slot or a protrusion and wherein the linker, the linker body and the slot comprise of material selected from silicone or a silicone composite.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a drag chain service loop comprising a frame, wherein said frame encloses the drag chain, and wherein said frame may be attached directly to a drilling rig mast while said drag chain remains enclosed therein.

Abstract: A cable protection and guide device capable of preventing abrasion powder that is otherwise generated when a link side plate slides on a support surface while switching between a linear position and a flexional position. The link side plate integrally includes: a front side plate portion connected to a longitudinally preceding link side plate to form a cable flexional inner circumferential side; a rear side plate portion connected to a longitudinally succeeding link side plate to form a cable flexional outer circumferential side; and, a flexible linkage portion interposed between the front and rear side plate portions. The rear side plate portion includes a first flexional outer circumferential end surface in an arc shape and provided on the cable flexional outer circumferential side, and, an arc center of the first flexional outer circumferential end surface longitudinally preceding a center of the linkage portion of the succeeding link side plate.

Abstract: A device for supporting and guiding supplying lines used with a digging tool on a drilling machine is described. The device comprises a support branch, formed by a plurality of spacers, adjacent to one another in which a rope or tie-rod is inserted in a housing comprised in the spacers, a supplying pipe for the supplying line and a crosspiece comprising a seat adapted to support the supplying pipe. Each pair of adjacent spacers comprises retaining means. Each retaining means comprises a retaining element, associated to a first spacer of a pair of adjacent spacers, and a slot having a shape substantially matching the shape of the retaining element, associated to a second spacer of the pair of adjacent spacers. A retaining element, during use, engages with a slot allowing relative axial movement, in the longitudinal direction of the rope, of a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A link for a linear carrier chain is disclosed, said link including side and end walls connected together to form a duct for a hose, cable or the like, said walls being connected by means of flanges adjacent edges of some of said walls, said flanges being slidably engaged in slots in others of said walls and wherein said flanges are disposed at outwardly directed oblique angles to reduce stress concentrations at the base thereof.

Abstract: Component of a chain element of an energy-conducting chain, wherein the component has a cavity which is produced by means of a fluid internal pressure injection molding method, or is formed from a micro-cellular foam.

Abstract: An energy guiding chain for guiding cables, flexible tubes or the like comprises a plurality of chain links (1, 2, 3) which are articulated to each other and which each include two lateral straps (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b) and upper and lower cross-members (4) connecting said lateral straps.

Abstract: A guidance chain for guiding a connection line, such as a cable, electrical cable, fiber glass cable, water line, gas line or fluid line, between parts of a medical diagnostic apparatus which are moved relative to each other, includes plural chain elements, where consecutive chain elements are moveable relative to each other about a respective imaginary or real rotation axis for realizing a folding movement of the guidance chain. The guidance chain is constructed such that it has a pre-set curvature in an unfolded state, and the radial extensions of the rotation axes are originating from substantially the same point in a folded state of the guidance chain.

Abstract: A flexible cable guide is provided that includes, but is not limited to a first chain link with a first longitudinal axis, a front region and a tubular first inner surface that extends in longitudinal direction, and a second chain link with a second longitudinal axis, a rear region and a tubular second inner surface that extends in longitudinal direction. The front region of the first chain link is connected to the rear region of the second chain link pivotably about a pivoting axis that extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the chain links, such that it can be pivoted leftward and rightward referred to the first longitudinal axis up to a maximum pivoting angle.

Abstract: A convertible interlocking cable track system for receiving and handling a flexible member for use in a longwall mining operation. The cable track system includes a series of links adapted to retain the flexible member, each of the links including a single pull link adapted to interconnect with adjacent links, wherein the single pull link is configured to cooperate with a cable control member to form an opening for receiving and handling the flexible member. The cable control member comprises either a shaped rod to form a single pull cable track system, or an outer link to convert the single pull link to a twin pull link in order to satisfy certain loading requirements. The cable track system also includes a securing arrangement for securing the cable control member to the single pull link and an interlocking system for joining the series of links to one another.

Abstract: A transmission line guide chain includes a plurality of connected chain links that define a through-passage to receive transmission lines. The chain links include a first chain link that defines a through-hole that forms a portion of the through-passage. A first divider is disposed in the through-hole and a second divider is removably seated on the first divider to provide a stack of dividers in the through-hole. The stack of dividers divides the through-hole into a plurality of compartments that can each receive at least one transmission line.

Abstract: A cable protection and guide device is capable of preventing noise and abrasion powder generated by a flexion outer circumferential connecting arm and avoiding disconnection of the arm. The device includes: a number of link frame bodies each having link side plates each having a front side plate portion connected longitudinally to a preceding link side plate to form a cable flexion inner circumferential side; a rear side plate portion connected longitudinally to a succeeding link side plate to form a cable flexion outer circumferential side; and, a flexible linkage portion interposed between the front and rear side plate portions. The link frame body also includes a flexion outer circumferential-side connecting arm whose flexion outer circumferential-side surface is provided so as to be closer to the cable flexion inner circumferential side than a flexion outer circumferential edge of the rear side plate portion.

Abstract: Fabrication of fibers using links of nanotubes including slicing a first nanotube rope from a nanotube forest. The method further includes wrapping the first nanotube rope in a first plurality of circuitous turns to create a first link. The method further includes slicing a second nanotube rope from the nanotube forest. The method further includes wrapping the second nanotube rope in a second plurality of circuitous turns to create a second link, wherein the second link is interconnected to the first link in a chain.

Abstract: A device capable of correcting the relatively twisted positional relationship of mutually adjacent link frame bodies, and precisely place the link frame bodies at appropriate positions. A link side plate includes a rear side plate portion having first and second linear position holding surfaces respectively at rear and front sides thereof in a longitudinal direction. The first linear position holding surface has a convex shape formed with two faces whose attitudes are mutually different with respect to a lateral direction. The second linear position holding surface has a concave shape formed with two faces whose attitudes are mutually different with respect to the lateral direction.

Abstract: A cable protection and guide apparatus is configured to suppress collision noise otherwise generated between a peripheral member and link frames due to polygonal movements of the link frames. Wear and damage of the cables otherwise caused by contact with a connecting plate is prevented. The apparatus comprises a plurality of link frames each having a cable rectangularly-shaped, in cross-section, accommodating space formed by a pair of laterally and separately disposed link plates. Connecting plates crosslink the link plates on cable-bend inner and outer circumferential sides. Link frames are connected bendably with each other in a cable longitudinal direction between a cable stationary end and a cable mobile end to protect and guide the cables. The cable-bend outer circumferential side connecting plate is provided with cylindrical elastic members surrounding the connecting plate across the crosslinking direction thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chain link (10) for an energy guiding chain, comprising two lateral links (12, 14) arranged at a distance from each other and parallel to each other, and at least one frame section (16) connecting the lateral links (12, 14) together. Each lateral link (12, 14) carries an abutment device (20) in a first end region (18), that can be connected to the lateral link (12, 14) in a detachable and fixed manner, and comprises a disk (22) and at least one abutment element projecting from a first surface (24) of the disk (22). Each lateral link (12, 14) comprises, in its second end region (28), a number of recesses (32), corresponding to the number of abutment elements (26), for receiving the abutment elements (26) of a chain link in the longitudinal direction of the chain and for defining the pivoting angle between the successive chain links.

Abstract: A cable retainer which has a plurality of link members coupled to each other in a bendable manner for retaining a plurality of cables therein. When vertically moving a beam member along slits formed in opposite side plates of a cable retainer body, the beam member is positioned and fixed by causing engagement lugs of leg portions of the beam member to be engaged with serrated surfaces of side plates. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the fixing position of the beam member according to the wiring volume of cables to be retained, whereby it is possible to make the wiring capacity of link members variable.

Abstract: The invention relates to an energy guiding chain for guiding cables, hoses and the like with a number of tubular chain links (1) connected together in an articulated manner and designed so that the surface of the top panels (5), bottom panels (2) and at least the transition areas (11) of these panels and the side panels (3, 4) are convexly curved in the circumferential direction of the tubular chain links (1), said chain links each having a bottom panel (5), comprising thereon laterally adjoining, opposite side panels (3, 4) and a top panel (5), whereupon the top panel (5) is detachably connected to the side panels (3, 4), the side panels (3, 4) in each case having a joint pin (6) and a joint opening (7) to connect flexibly, the pivoting angle of both directions of pivot being limited by stops (8) and the top panels (5), side panels (3, 4) and bottom panels (2); of adjacent chain links (1) overlapping telescopically over the entire pivoting angle.

Abstract: An element is provided for a cable carrier device which is constructed and arranged to carry cabling components such as cables, lines, hoses and the like between a first connection point and a second connection point. The element is formed from a material including at least one plastic and a filler. The filler includes three-dimensional geometrical carbon-based structures having nanometer-scale dimensions. In some arrangements, the carbon-based structures are carbon nanotubes formed of carbon atoms. Accordingly, the element is capable of dissipating electrostatic charges of the cable carrier device. Thus, the corresponding cable carrier device is suitable for working environments that are to be protected from electrostatic effects.

Abstract: The invention provides a cable protection and guide device that steadily protects and guides a cable by rigidly anchoring and preventing a connecting arm from being disengaged upwardly. The device smoothly flexes and reduces torsional deformation. The hinged connecting arm extends across the flexional outer peripheral side of a pair of spaced apart right and left link plates and has a hook portion at one end of an arm body and a hinge portion at another end. An engaging circular arc portion of the hook portion engages with an engaging shaft of the link plate. Engaging projecting portions extend from the edge of the engaging circular arc portion and interengage with engaging step portions provided on the engaging shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drag chain system. The aim of the invention is to reduce the generation of noise in such a system. For this purpose, a side piece has at least one elastic element which is fixed at one end. The side piece comprises at least one stop so that the elastic element of a side piece can interact with a stop of another side piece.

Abstract: A general purpose mounting bracket of a specific length which can be easily mounted onto a cable protection and guide device. The cable protection and guide device includes a fine setting of the entire length can be made without increasing the number of parts. A bracket joint includes a coupling portion (124) at one end of the bracket joint and a male connecting plate (127) or a female connecting plate (128) at the other end thereof. The mounting brackets positioned at a mounting fixed end and a mounting movable end engage the coupling portion (124) which exists at one end of the bracket joint, from a cable accommodating space side so as to be fitted to the coupling portion (124) by a snap-fit mechanism.

Abstract: A transverse limb (5, 6) for connecting two side portions (3, 4) of a member of a line guide device, wherein the transverse limb (5, 6) is lockable at least at one of its ends (9) to the side portion (5, 6) to be connected there. For improved locking of the transverse limb to the side portion it is proposed that it has an actuating portion (7) and a locking portion (8) which is displaceable by way of the actuating portion (7) substantially in the longitudinal direction of the transverse limb (5, 6) towards the end (9) with which the transverse limb (5, 6) can be connected to the side portion (3, 4), into a locking position in which the transverse limb (5, 6) is lockable to the side portion (3, 4), and is displaceable away from said end (9) into an unlocking position in which the transverse limb (5, 6) is releasable from the side portion (3, 4).

Abstract: The invention relates to a cable drag device (1) for guiding power supply cables. Said cable drag device is constituted of a plurality of members (2) that are hinged to each other and that comprise two respective side bars (3) inter-linked by a cross connection. The aim of the invention is to provide a cable drag device (1) whose upper strand is suitably supported in a suitable retaining device for the upper strand. For this purpose, the side bars (3) of at least some members (2) comprise supporting elements (9) that project outward beyond the remaining areas of the outer face (10) of the respective side bar (3) when having a substantially linear relative position to an adjacent member. These supporting elements do not project outward beyond the remaining areas of the outer face (10) of the respective side bar (3) when offset relative to the adjacent member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a side wall segment for a line guiding device consisting of links connected to each other in pivoting fashion, each of which displays two opposite side parts that are connected to the immediately adjacent side parts in a manner permitting pivoting in a pivoting plane, and display stops for limiting the pivoting angle, where multiple side parts connected to each other form the side wall segment. The invention furthermore relates to a line guiding device with a side wall segment, and a method for manufacturing the side wall segment.

Abstract: A cable carrier (10) has top (18) and bottom (16) longitudinally continuous sides, with one side (18) more flexible and the opposite side (16) less flexible. The sides are made of continuous sheets of material to define a closed tubular shape in which energy carriers can be housed and supported. The sheets may be integral, or have integral parts, and can be extruded. The carrier may be longitudinally openable with a zipper structure (125) to permit loading of energy carriers.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a chain link of an energy-guiding chain for guiding cables, lines, hoses and the like between a positionally fixed connection point and a moveable connection point, wherein the chain link is formed in one piece from at least one plastic by two lugs, which are arranged spaced apart from one another, and at least one transverse web which connects the lugs by means of a connecting region. At least one of the lugs has at least one recess which is formed adjacent to the connecting region.

Abstract: Line routing arrangement (10) having a mount (12) for holding at least one line which is designed to be flexible or articulated and can be folded such that a first section (24) can be placed over a second section (26), which is connected to it by a curved section (28), with at least one row (32) of magnets (34) which extends with its longitudinal direction running from a first mount end (14) to a second mount end (16) being arranged on a side (30) of the mount (12) which forms the lower face of the first section (24) and the upper face of the second section (26), such that, when the mount (12) is folded, magnet poles on the first section (24) are opposite magnet poles with the same name on the second section (26).

Abstract: A cable protection and guide device includes comb teeth-shaped connecting link units. A plurality of side plates of each unit are interconnected through coupling portions. Stopper links of an opposing unit fit between adjacent side plates and interengage the coupling portions. Stopper links limit the bending angle. Connecting arms are integrally molded with the side plates and reside on the bending inner circumferential side of the device opening/closing arms are integrally molded with one of the side plates and reside on the bending outer circumferential side. The comb teeth-shaped connecting link units are opposed to each other.

Abstract: A slider chain including a plurality of sliders joined together by divisible bridging pieces (30), and including a linking device at each end in order to interconnect the ends of two slider chains so as to form a longer chain overall. The sliders include an attachment mechanism which is not of cylindrical revolution.

Abstract: The invention relates to a joint element for an energy guiding chain for guiding hoses or cables, with a number of chain links displaying opposite side straps, where upper and lower cross-members are provided on at least some of the side straps, where the joint element displays at least two mounting areas that can be connected to adjacent or spaced chain links in order to connect them to each other in articulated fashion, so that the energy guiding chain can be deposited to form a lower strand, a deflection zone and an upper strand. The joint element is developed in that an element is provided on it that is made of a material having greater conductivity than the joint element material and continuously bridges the at least two mounting areas. The bridging element displays at least two contact areas located on the surface of the joint element, each of which can be connected in electrically contacting fashion to the two chain links associated with the two mounting areas.

Abstract: A hose guiding element for routing at least one hose in a hose passageway of a robot. The hose guiding element has a least one guide passage running axially to receive the hose to be routed. The element has particular use in a wrist axis of a painting robot.

Abstract: A cable protection and guide device is disclosed in which connection strength of the side plate portions is improved. The strength of connecting portions is improved and large scale assembly of the device is possible. Side plate portions (110) each have a link module (120) with integrally molded side plates (122) of a predetermined number interconnected by coupling portions (124). Each coupling portion includes flexible coupling arms (126) extended from the coupling portions (124). Stopper links (130) each being engaged between the adjacent side plates from a cable accommodating space side and are assembled to the coupling portion by a snap-fit mechanism. The link module has a male connecting plate (127) and a female connecting plate (128), which are respectively connected to link modules, which are reside at respective ends of the male connecting plate and the female connecting plate.

Abstract: A cable protection and guide device in which the number of parts used is reduced and assembly is simplified. Dust generation and bending fatigue is suppressed so that the cable protection and guide device exhibits excellent form stability of the cable accommodating space. Side plate portions and coupling portions are integrally molded from polyamide fatigue resistant resin into the form of a connecting link module. A polyacetal resin stopper link, which holds and limits the linear position and the bending position by engagement with the connecting link module, is inter-fitted with a coupling portion of the connecting link module by a snap-fit mechanism from the cable accommodating space side.

Abstract: A cable protection and guide device in which disengagement of a connection pin from a connecting pin hole is prevented. A cable protection and guide device in which a number of link frame bodies are flexibly and sequentially connected to each other such that a connecting pin of a preceding link plate is inserted into a connecting pin hole of the subsequent link plates. Cutout opening portions reside in the link plates. Connecting pins are inserted into the connecting pin hole 114. The connecting pins pass through a cutout portion of the side plate. Cutout opening portions in the link plates communicate with the connecting pin holes. A filling member integrally formed in the lid-shaped connecting arm seals against the connecting pin.

Abstract: A housing module (10) for a haulage chain capable of hauling cables and hoses. The housing module (10) comprises a pair of opposed housing members (12,14) side wall portions of which abut to define opposed side walls (16,18) extending between opposed first and second walls (20,22). The housing module (10) includes releasable retention members (24) to retain the side wall portions of the housing members (12,14) in abutment whilst allowing selective separation of the housing members (12,14) to permit the loading and removal of cables and hoses into and out of a hollow interior (26) bounded by the walls (16,18,20,22) of the housing module (10). The side wall portions on each side of the housing module (10) define pockets (28) openable on separation of the housing members (12,14) to receive mutually interengaged endless links (44) of a chain (42) and thereby permit use of a pair of such chains (42) to interconnect a succession of housing modules (10) to define a haulage chain.

Abstract: A cable protection and guide device, wherein: the warp in front and rear side portions of link plates in the width direction is reliably limited so that an inadvertent disengagement between the link plates is completely blocked. The connection between the link plates is easy and manufacturing of the link plates is easy. Short arc-shaped warp limiting lock grooves are formed along a path coaxially spaced from a connecting pin or a connecting pin hole. Short arc-shaped warp limiting lock pieces are fitted to the short arc-shaped warp limiting lock grooves in a concave element/convex element engagement opposed surfaces of the link plates connected in the longitudinal direction so that warping in the front and rear side portions of the link plates in a width direction is limited.

Abstract: A tube type cable protection and guide device in which the device can be easily manufactured by extrusion molding without changing the size of a mold so that devices of different lengths can be made. Smooth linear and flexional movements can be made while sufficiently ensuring dimensional stability and torsional rigidity of the device thus assuring stability of the cable accommodating space. A tube type cable protection and guide device includes integrally molded inner circumferential wall forming portions. The inner wall forming portions are interdigitatedly fitted in a male-female relationship in a longitudinal direction of the sheet forming a flush inner flat surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is an articulated cable chain 102 that has a flat spring that initiates a first folding curve that holds the articulated cable chain 102 in a tight radius. Once the first folding curve 122 is properly initiated, the remaining folding curves in the articulated cable chain 102 are folded at the proper locations and have a small radii, even though the cable within the articulated cable chain tends to cause the cable chain to maintain a straighter configuration.

Abstract: A cable or the like protection and guide device is disclosed and claimed. The shape of a shoe, which is mounted on the cable or the like protection and guide device, and a structure of a mounting portion on a cable or the like protection and guide device side, are simplified, the collision sound generated when shoes slide on each other is suppressed and the endurance of the shoe is improved whereby a long life is obtained.

Abstract: A cable protection and guide device in which maintenance of cables is easily performed without completely removing a cable accommodating space extension arm from a side plate is disclosed. Inadvertent disengagement of the cable accommodating space extension arm is prevented because the arm strongly engages the side plates of the device. The cable protection and guide device includes a number of pairs of right and left side plates connected to each other. Cable accommodating space extension arms are bridged over the flexional inner circumferential sides of at least one pair of side plates. D-shaped pin hinge shafts in the hinge ends of the arms are detachably interengaged with a groove in one of the side plates and thus permits the arm to pivot with respect to the side plate. Hinge end side locking pawl pieces of the arms are interlocked to the side plates.

Abstract: A cable protection and guide device having a connected link module enables quick assembly and reduces the number or parts and parts management necessary to form the cable The cable protection and guide device includes a plurality of side plate portions formed by connected link modules each integrally molded with coupling portions. Stopper links each incorporated with the coupling portions on the cable accommodating space side by a snap-fit mechanism limit the flexional angles of motion. Connecting arms interengage the stopper links on the outer and inner flexion inner circumferential sides.

Abstract: A cable protection and guide device in which contact impact noise between adjacent side plates is dispersed. The noise is liable to occur at the time of linear position holding and at the time of flexional position restriction when cables accommodated therein are transmitted or moved from a mounting fixed end toward a mounting movable end. A number of pairs of right and left side plate units (110) are connected from a mounting fixed end to a mounting movable end and side plate unit comprises a side plate front portion (111) which is connected to a preceding side plate unit (110), a side plate rear portion (112) which is connected to a subsequent side plate unit (110), and a flexible coupling portion (113) integrally intervened between the side plate front portion (111) and the side plate rear portion (112).

Abstract: Cable protection and guide devices are susceptible to the generation of wear powders from friction between the cable and front and rear end portions of the connecting plates. The generation of wear powders and damage or disconnection of the cable is prevented and abrasion loss and impact noise due to contact between the side plate units is suppressed. Connecting plates 120 are symmetric such that the inner surface thereof includes small curvature portions, large curvature portions, and a flat surface or approximately flat surface having a radius of curvature which is larger than the large curvature portions.

Abstract: On an energy guiding chain for guiding hoses, cables or the like between two connecting points moving relative to each other, with several chain links connected to each other in articulated fashion, each of which displays two side straps and cross-pieces connecting them, where the chain consists of a strand that can be connected to one of the connecting points, and a strand that can be connected to the other connecting point, these transitioning into each other via a deflection zone, and where at least some of the chain links display runners covering the upper side of the side straps, it is envisaged that the runners be mounted on the cross-pieces at a distance from the side straps in order to reduce the assembly effort.

Abstract: A cable handler link (10) includes a body portion (12) having a first wall and two opposed side arms integral with and extending generally perpendicular to the first wall defining a first channel for receiving one or more service lines. The side arms define free ends, arc capable of being deflected and each defines a first engaging formation in the form of a rebate (60). A closure means (14) includes an end wall (14) from which extend two relatively shorter side arms (16, 17) defining complementary engaging formations including a tenon (62) for interlocking the closure means to the side arms of the body portion (12). The side arms deflect towards each other to disengage the closure means from the body portion (12). The rebate (60) and tenon (62) are preferably slightly inwardly tapered and prevent relative transverse movement of the components, which is also the direction in which the link is towed, in use.

Abstract: The Invention relates to a cover (1) for an energy conveying chain. The cover (1) has a first end region (2) and a second end region (3) with at least one elastic section (4) positioned between the first (1) and second (2) end regions. The elastic section (4) is made in such a way that the ratio of a theoretical length modification of the cover (1) to an actual length modification of the cover is less than 1.