Abstract: SMA actuators and related methods are described. One embodiment of an actuator includes a base; a plurality of buckle arms; and at least a first shape memory alloy wire coupled with a pair of buckle arms of the plurality of buckle arms. Another embodiment of an actuator includes a base and at least one bimorph actuator including a shape memory alloy material. The bimorph actuator attached to the base.

Abstract: A lens module includes: a carrier having an internal space; a lens unit including a plurality of lens groups, the lens unit being installed on the carrier such that at least one of the lens groups is configured to move in a length direction of the carrier; a lens guide assembly including a plurality of guide members disposed on side surfaces of each of the lens groups, and configured to guide movement of at least two lens groups among the plurality of lens groups; and at least two driving wires connected to the plurality of guide members and formed of a shape memory alloy.

Abstract: A semiconductor layer having an opening and a MEMS resonator formed in the opening is disposed between first and second substrates to encapsulate the MEMS resonator. An electrical contact that extends from the opening to an exterior of the MEMS device is formed at least in part within the semiconductor layer and at least in part within the first substrate.

Abstract: Provided are a flap drive device and a rotorcraft blade, and more particularly, a flap drive device using a two-section link mechanism, which may be applied to a rotorcraft blade, and a rotorcraft blade including the same.

Abstract: A lens module includes a carrier having an internal space, a lens unit including lens groups and installed in the carrier so that at least two of the lens groups are independently movable in a length direction of the carrier, a guide unit including guide members arranged on both side surfaces of the lens groups to guide movement of the movable lens groups, and driving wires connected to each of the guide members and formed of a shape memory alloy, wherein each of the movable lens groups is connected to a pair of guide members disposed on both sides of the carrier.

Abstract: A lens module includes a carrier having an internal space; a lens unit including a plurality of lens groups, and installed in the carrier to move at least one of the lens groups in a length direction of the carrier; a lens guide unit including a plurality of guide members arranged on first and second surfaces of the plurality of lens groups, to guide movement of at least two lens groups of the plurality of lens groups; and a plurality of driving wires connected to each of the plurality of guide members. The carrier includes an auxiliary guide member having an auxiliary guide hole, and disposed on at least one of the first and second surfaces of the plurality of lens group, the auxiliary guide hole being disposed parallel to a movement direction of the at least two lens groups to guide movement of the at least two lens groups.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mechanical actuator system for generating a force needed for actuating an actuating member of an EOAT device as required. The actuator system has at least one functional unit which is designed to change the dimension of the functional unit reversibly in a preferred direction (R) of the functional unit when energy is supplied. The invention further relates to an EOAT device, in particular in the form of a gripper or of a cutting tool, having at least one actuating member and an actuator system associated with the at least one actuating member.

Abstract: The invention says a lens module including a frame, a first circuit board arranged on the frame, a lens base for mounting a lens, a support device for supporting the lens base on the first circuit board, and a driving device connected between the first circuit board and the lens base. The frame includes oppositely arranged first side walls and oppositely arranged second side walls connected between the first side walls. The driving device includes shape memory alloy wires each being provided with two ends connected to the frame, and a driving end positioned between the two ends. The driving ends are supported on the lens base. The lens module said by the invention can further achieve miniaturization on the basis of reducing the difficulty in product assembly.

Abstract: With applications such as soft robotics being severely hindered by the lack of strong soft actuators, the invention provides a new soft-actuator material—Electrically Actuated Hydraulic Solid (EAHS) material—with a stress-density that outperforms any known electrically-actuatable material. One type of actuator is fabricated by making a closed cell that acts as highly paralyzed version of a standard paraffin actuator. Each cell exhibits microscopic expansion, which is summed to produce macroscopic motion. The closed cellular nature of the material allows the system to be cut and punctured and still operate. It can be produced in a lab or industrial scale, and can be formed using molding, 3D printing or cutting.

Abstract: Provided is a lens module, including a base, a lens holder fixed in the base, a support assembly, a shape-memory alloy wire configured to drive the lens holder to move in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis of the lens, a circuit board, and a conductive member fixed on the base. The shape-memory alloy wire includes a tail end, and a driving end connected to the lens holder. The conductive member includes a fixing portion mounted on the base, a connecting portion configured to be connected to the tail end of the shape-memory alloy wire, a terminal configured to be electrically connected to the circuit board, and a plurality of bent portions connected between the fixing portion and the terminal. An included angle ? is formed between the terminal and the fixing portion and is greater than 90°.

Abstract: An optical member driving device is described that includes a fixed portion having a plate-like base with a through hole, a movable portion having a spring plate to place an optical member on it, and a SMA driving portion having a SMA wire and driving the movable portion. The spring plate has a spring plate main body and two arm portions extending from the spring plate main body and fixed on a plate surface of the base. The spring plate main body is entirely located inside the through hole when viewed from a normal direction of the plate surface.

Abstract: In order to stably operate an actuator device in repeated operations with suppression of an increase in a resistance value of a heating wire, the actuator band according to the present disclosure comprises a plurality of actuator wires and a plurality of heating wires. Each of the plurality of the actuator wires is formed of a fiber which consists of a polymer. The fiber is twisted along the long axis thereof and folded so as to have a cylindrical coil shape. Each of the plurality of the actuator wires is contracted by heat and restored by release of the heat. A braided fabric is formed with the plurality of the actuator wires arranged in a planer shape and the plurality of the heating wires. A first end of each of the plurality of heating wires is connected to a first end of each of the plurality of the actuator wires. A second end of each of the plurality of the heating wires is connected to a second end of each of the plurality of the actuator wires.

Abstract: An actuator for adjusting a movable element in a beam path of an optical arrangement, includes the movable element, a carrier, and at least one SMA element, said SMA element being connected to the movable element and being designed so as to be supported on the carrier such that when the extension of the SMA element alters, a directed force effect is produced between said movable element and carrier.

Abstract: An actuator for adjusting a movable element in a beam path of an optical arrangement, includes the movable element, a carrier, and at least one SMA element, said SMA element being connected to the movable element and being designed so as to be supported on the carrier such that when the extension of the SMA element alters, a directed force effect is produced between said movable element and carrier.

Abstract: A hinge-type actuator device in accordance with the present disclosure may include a first and second paddle, a first and second artificial muscle actuator segment, and a plurality of contacts, where the first and second artificial muscle actuator segments are actuated via the contacts, actuation of the first artificial muscle actuator segment causes the first and second paddle to open the hinge-type actuator, and actuation of the second artificial muscle actuator segment causes the first and second paddle to close the hinge-type actuator.

Abstract: An actuator system includes a shaft hub having a shaft and one or more rotation arms coupled to the shaft, one or more shape memory alloy springs coupled to the one or more rotation arms, and as a voltage source configured to apply a voltage to the one or more shape memory alloy springs. The voltage causes the one or more shape memory alloy springs to change in size or shape, thereby applying a force to the one or more rotation arms and causing the shaft hub to rotate. The actuator system also includes a processing circuit configured to receive an indication of a desired incremental rotation for the shaft hub and apply a voltage corresponding to the desired incremental rotation to the one or more shape memory alloy springs, causing the shaft and the shaft hub to rotate about a central axis.

Abstract: Vibration isolator systems have continuous frameworks wherein the frameworks are formed for specific applications. The continuous frameworks have linkages and voids formed and located such that frequency, direction and magnitude of vibrations are accounted for. The linkages and voids configuration provides elasticity and compliance such that a wide selection of materials is available for effective use. The continuous framework can be configured to include active elements such as a control circuit. The active elements may further include electric and magnetic field generators. Further, elastic and insulating materials can be easily added to the framework.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a biomimetic insect. The biomimetic insect includes a trunk and at least two wings connected to the trunk. The wing includes a carbon nanotube layer and a vanadium dioxide layer (VO2) layer stacked with each other. Because the drastic, reversible phase transition of vanadium dioxide, the wing has giant deformation amplitude and fast response.

Abstract: An electronically controlled thermostat device simplifies an insulating structure and external portions of the lead wires of a heater incorporated for temperature control of a thermo-element, reduces the number of different parts, and facilitates assembly. A pair of insulating rod pieces clamps the heater at the front and clamps a pair of lead wires from the heater while maintaining an insulated state, and a connector member attached to a side of the insulating rod pieces opposite the portion that holds the heater is mounted on the outside of a device housing. The connector member at an inner end has connector terminals provided with a pair of lead end connecting pieces to which the lead wires are connected, and has an engaging concave portion that engages an engaging convex portion for preventing twisting provided on a side of the insulating rod pieces opposite the portion that holds the heater.

Abstract: The Micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) utilizes thermal micro-actuators for lens barrel positioning in a camera module for smart device such as mobile phone. The micro actuators are radially extended from a lens barrel, wherein each of the micro actuators is bendable in response to thermal energy. A control unit includes a heater circuit operatively linked to the micro actuators to controllably apply the thermal energy to each of the micro actuators, wherein each of the micro actuators is bent correspondingly to move the lens barrel with respect to the base so as to control a 3-axis positioning of the lens barrel. The micro actuators are also operated independent of ambient temperature.

Abstract: A high-speed print-and-apply label applicator includes a conveyor system, a control and monitoring system, a label web feeding assembly, a label printer and encoder system, a tamp pad assembly driven by a linear motor having a shaft that is formed at least partially by a composite material.

Abstract: Various examples are provided for digital sound reconstruction using piezoelectric array elements. In one example, a digital loudspeaker includes a fixed frame and an array of transducers disposed on the fixed frame. Individual transducers of the array of transducers can include a flexible membrane disposed on a piezoelectric actuation element positioned over a corresponding opening that extends through the fixed frame. In another example, a method includes forming a flexible membrane structure on a substrate and backetching the substrate opposite the flexible membrane structure. The flexible membrane structure can be formed by disposing a first electrode layer on a substrate, disposing a piezoelectric layer on the first electrode layer and disposing a second electrode layer on the piezoelectric layer. A flexible membrane layer (e.g., polyimide) can be disposed on the second electrode layer.

Abstract: A shape memory actuator system is provided that includes a shape memory actuator having a body made of a shape memory material, with individual power conductors interfaced with a first portion of the body, and one or more individual ground conductors interfaced with a second portion of the body in physical contact with the first portion of the body. A power source provides power to the individual power conductors. A controller is provided for controlling a resistive heating current connection sufficient to impart shape memory to the body between the individual power conductors and the one or more individual ground conductors with the proviso that the ground conductors are physically separated from the individual power conductors. A novel shape memory article results. A method for controlling a shape memory actuator and forming a shape memory article are also provided.

Abstract: A system, in certain embodiments, includes an accumulator. The accumulator includes a first cylinder configured to receive a fluid within an internal volume of the first cylinder. The accumulator also includes a piston configured to move axially within the first cylinder. Axial movement of the piston within the first cylinder adjusts the internal volume of the first cylinder. The accumulator further includes a plurality of shape memory alloy wires configured to cause the axial movement of the piston within the first cylinder.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flexible electronic device, including: a body made of a flexible material; a display unit; a flexible circuit board; a bending adjuster having a first plate that maintains a flat shape at room temperature, and a second plate that maintains a bent state at a specific temperature or more and having an elastic force larger than that of the first plate in a superelastic state, and is configured to adjust bending of the body by these plates, such that it is possible to improve reality of an image on a display unit by controlling the overall electronic device to be bent at a predetermined angle, more stably maintain a bent state and a flat state, reliably prevent a display unit and a flexible circuit board from being damaged, and stably maintain the bent state and the flat state despite using for a long period of time.

Abstract: A system for estimating a position associated with a pre-tensioned active material without using a position sensor. The system includes an active material being transformable between a first state and a second state in response to a pre-determined stimulus and pre-tensioned to at least a pre-determined threshold, yielding the pre-tensioned active material. The system also includes a processing unit configured to perform various operations. The operations include obtaining a value for electrical resistance of the pre-tensioned active material. The operations also include estimating, using the electrical resistance determined, the position associated with the pre-tensioned active material.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a low voltage circuit breaker with a control device for re-closing said low voltage circuit breaker. The control device is provided with an actuating element, comprising a shape memory material and operatively associated with maneuvering means for the circuit breaker. When this shape memory material performs a state transition, the actuating element causes the movement of said maneuvering means from a first operative position, associated with an open configuration of the circuit breaker, to a second operative position, associated with a closed configuration of the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A release mechanism passively releases a mechanical coupling as a result of a temperature rise. The release mechanism includes a breakable element, such as a shape memory alloy (SMA) element, that is configured to break when the element is heated to a predetermined temperature. The breakage of the breakable element releases a mechanical coupling, such as a coupling holding a lid onto a container. The release mechanism may be part of a handle or other device to close the container. The release mechanism may have a mechanical load on it prior to release, a load that in part passes through the breakable element. Most of the load may pass through one or more other members of the release mechanism, providing the force for separation after the release mechanism is triggered. The release mechanism may be used to provide a passive way of releasing a mechanical coupling in response to heating.

Abstract: A suspension assembly for a camera lens element includes a support member with a wire attach structure and a moving member coupled to the support member. The moving member includes a plate, flexure arms extending from the plate and coupled to the support member, and a wire attach structure. A bearing supports the plate of the moving member for movement with respect to the support member. The bearing includes a spacer portion extending from one of the support member and the plate of the moving member, and a polymer interface surface portion slidably engaged with the other of the support member and the plate of the moving member. A smart memory alloy wire is coupled to and extends between the wire attach structures of the support member and the moving member.

Abstract: Some on-vehicle devices, such as air dams, air spoilers, and HVAC system baffles, may have movable components that are pulled from one position to another by shrinkage of a linear shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator. Upon an activation signal, the shrinkage of the SMA actuator occurs when it is resistance heated by an electrical current. It is found that useful information concerning the overall intended operation of the on-vehicle device may be obtained by computer analysis of the temporal variation of both current flow through the actuator and its electrical resistance as it is heated to perform its function in the device. A comparison of present current flow and variation of resistance, during activation of the device, with prescribed stored values can reveal malfunction of components of the device as it is being used, in place, on the vehicle.

Abstract: A quick-return active material actuator adapted for more rapidly returning a load, so as to reduce the de-actuation time of a system, includes in a first aspect a thermally activated active material actuation element drivenly coupled to the load, an active material de-actuation element drivenly coupled to the load non-antagonistic to the actuation element, and a reconfigurable mechanism interconnecting the elements and load, wherein the de-actuation element and mechanism are cooperatively configured to return the load while the actuation element is still activated, and, in a second aspect a thermally activated active material actuation element drivenly coupled to a biased load and operable to autonomously release, so that the load is caused to be returned while the actuation element is still activated, and subsequently re-engage the load.

Abstract: A system, in certain embodiments, includes an accumulator having a first plate with a first plurality of holes and a second plate with a second plurality of holes. The second plate is positioned at an offset from the first plate, and the second plate is moveable relative to the first plate to adjust a fluid pressure. The accumulator also includes a plurality of shape memory alloy wires extending between the first and second plates, wherein the plurality of shape memory alloy wires extend through the first and second plurality of holes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for MEMS release are disclosed. A method is described including providing a substrate including at least one MEMS device supported by a sacrificial layer; performing an etch in solution to remove the sacrificial layer from at least one MEMS device; immersing the substrate including the at least one MEMS device in an organic solvent; and while the substrate is immersed in the organic solvent, removing water from the organic solvent until the water remaining in the organic solvent is less than a predetermined threshold. An apparatus is disclosed for performing the methods. Additional alternative methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for selecting materials for forming an electrostatic clamp. The electrostatic clamp has a backing plate having a first coefficient of thermal expansion, wherein the backing plate provides structural support and rigidity to the electrostatic clamp. The electrostatic clamp further has a clamping plate having a clamping surface associated with contact with a workpiece, wherein the clamping plate has a second coefficient of thermal expansion associated therewith. The clamping plate is bonded, attached or grown to the backing plate, wherein minimal deflection of the clamping plate is evident across a predetermined temperature range. The first coefficient of thermal expansion and second coefficient of thermal expansion, for example, are substantially similar, and vary by no greater than a factor of three.

Abstract: An SMA actuation apparatus moves a movable element relative to a support structure in two orthogonal directions using a total of four SMA actuator wires each connected at its ends between the movable element and the support structure and extending perpendicular to the primary axis. None of the SMA actuator wires are collinear, but the SMA actuator wires have an arrangement in which they are capable of being selectively driven to move the movable element relative to the support structure to any position in said range of movement without applying any net torque to the movable element in the plane of the two orthogonal directions around the primary axis. Accordingly, it is possible to drive movement whilst balancing the forces to limit torque around the primary axis.

Abstract: Shape memory alloy (SMA) actuating elements are commonly simpler and of lower mass than alternative actuator designs and may find particular application in the transportation industry. Such SMA-powered devices are usually reliable and long-lived but the phase transformations which occur in the SMA alloy and are responsible for its utility are not totally reversible. This irreversibility, a consequence of irrecoverable strain, may progressively degrade the long-term actuator performance as the irrecoverable strain accumulates over many operating cycles. Methods and devices for compensating for these effects and extending the useful cycle life of SMA actuators are described.

Abstract: An actuator using a superelastic material characterized by a low heating temperature, excellent durability, and no necessity of composition adjustment is provided. An actuator (1) according to the invention includes a movable member operable in two directions, one direction and the other direction, and a pair of wire-like members made of a superelastic alloy and so attached to the movable member that the pair of wire-like members extend in the two respective directions and the same tensile force is applied thereto. The movable member is moved from a neutral position and left stationary in a predetermined position located along the one direction by applying a load to the movable member in the one direction and then removing the load, and the movable member is moved back from the predetermined position located along the one direction to the neutral position by applying a load to the movable member in the other direction and then removing the load.

Abstract: This invention relates to the exploitation of porous foam articles exhibiting the Shape Memory Effect as actuators. Each foam article is composed of a plurality of geometric shapes, such that some geometric shapes can fit snugly into or around rigid mating connectors that attach the Shape Memory foam article intimately into the load path between a static structure and a moveable structure. The foam is open-celled, composed of a plurality of interconnected struts whose mean diameter can vary from approximately 50 to 500 microns. Gases and fluids flowing through the foam transfer heat rapidly with the struts, providing rapid Shape Memory Effect transformations. Embodiments of porous foam articles as torsional actuators and approximately planar structures are disposed. Simple, integral connection systems exploiting the ability to supply large loads to a structure, and that can also supply hot and cold gases and fluids to effect rapid actuation are also disposed.

Abstract: Reconfigurable skin systems may include a multi-cellular structure, in which individual cells are filled with a shape memory polymer having conductive chains of conductive particles embedded or dispersed therein. The systems are configured such that application of a stimulus to selected cells causes the shape memory polymer to undergo a phase change in the selected cells and impart a textured surface to one side of the multi-cellular structure.

Abstract: An energy harvesting system for converting thermal energy to mechanical energy includes a heat engine that operates using a shape memory alloy active material. The shape memory alloy member may be in thermal communication with a hot region at a first temperature and a cold region at a second temperature lower than the first temperature. The shape memory alloy material may be configured to selectively change crystallographic phase between martensite to austenite and thereby one of contract and expand in response to the first and second temperatures. A thermal conduction element may be in direct contact with the SMA material, where the thermal conduction element is configured to receive thermal energy from the hot region and to transfer a portion of the received thermal energy to the SMA material through conduction.

Abstract: A system for heating a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator may include an SMA actuator, a smart susceptor, a plurality of induction coils, and a control module. The SMA actuator may have at least one layup. The SMA actuator may be selectively heated to a transition temperature. The smart susceptor may be in thermal contact with the at least one layup of the SMA actuator. The induction heating coils may be configured to receive an alternating current and generate a magnetic field based on the alternating current. The magnetic field may create an eddy current in at least one of the SMA actuator and the smart susceptor to heat the SMA actuator to the transition temperature. The control module may be configured to drive the alternating current supplied to the induction heating coils.

Abstract: Methods of applying sensible coatings with at least one spatially-varying characteristic to shape memory alloy actuators, particularly actuators comprising linear elements such as wires strips or cables, are disclosed. Such coatings enable the positions of the linear shape memory alloy elements to be sensed using magnetic, capacitive and optical sensors and so, in conjunction with a controller, enable operation of such actuators under proportional control.

Abstract: A system for operating a turbine includes a rotating component and a non-rotating component separated from the rotating component by a clearance. A first actuator is connected to the non-rotating component, and the first actuator comprises a shape-memory alloy. A method for operating a turbine includes sensing a parameter reflective of a clearance between a non-rotating component and a rotating component and generating a parameter signal reflective of the clearance. The method further includes generating a control signal to at least one actuator based on the parameter signal and moving at least a portion of the non-rotating component relative to the rotating component to change the clearance.

Abstract: A driving system includes a sensor, a shape memory alloy member, a processing module and a recovery member. The sensor is installed on a housing, and the shape memory alloy member is connected to a module and the housing. The processing module is coupled to the sensor and the shape memory alloy member. The processing module supplies power to the shape memory alloy member when the processing module receives a sensing signal from the sensor, such that the shape memory alloy member is heated to deform for driving the module to move away from the housing. The recovery member is connected to the housing and for driving the module to get closer to the housing.

Abstract: A heat-driven engine includes a thermally conductive path into the engine, from a heat source and a working medium of a thermostrictive material, having a first temperature of transformation, positioned adjacent to the thermally conductive path. Also, a heat pump of phase change material is positioned adjacent to the working medium and an actuator is controlled to apply stimulus to the heat pump, causing a phase change and an associated release of thermal energy, to drive the working medium above its low-to-high temperature of transformation and controlled to alternatingly remove the stimulus from the heat pump, causing the phase change to reverse, and an associated intake of thermal energy, to drive the working medium below its high-to-low temperature of transformation. Also, heat flow through the thermally conductive path maintains the working medium at a temperature range permitting the heat pump to drive the working medium temperature, in the manner noted.

Abstract: A reconfigurable bi-stable device includes an elastically deformable panel laterally disposed between and connected to one or more mounting members directly or indirectly connected to opposing ends of the panel, with the panel maintained under compressive force along at least one vector extending between the opposing ends. The compressive force deforms the panel into a one of two stable deformed positions, with the device disposed such that the panel may be moved between each of the two stable deformed positions by application of manual force to one of two opposing faces of the panel. A first shape memory alloy (SMA) or piezo actuator member is connected to the panel, the actuator member being capable of moving the panel from a first one of the two stable deformed positions to a second one of the two stable deformed positions.

Abstract: An actuation system having a configuration of first and second components, each component having longitudinally extending fingers interlaced with one another. Relative longitudinal movement is permitted between the fingers in a manner to permit the second component to be movable longitudinally with respect to the first component between a first position and a second position. A biasing member is provided within the configuration that biases the second component towards the second position. A wire is wound about the fingers that restrains the second component in the first position. A release device selectively causes the wire to be loosened about the fingers such that the biasing member moves the second component from the first position to the second position. An actuator connected to the second component moves with the second component from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: An actuator includes a capturing part, a retained part and a heating element which applies heat to the retained part or the capturing part responsive to selective application of power to the at least one heating element. The capturing part attaches to a first object and has a first coefficient of thermal expansion. The retained part attaches to a second object and has a second coefficient of thermal expansion. The retained part is insertable into the capturing part in a first state of the actuator. The retained part is held in contact with the capturing part via an interference fit to hold the first and second objects proximate to each other in a second state. The retained part is ejected from the capturing part in a third state. Applying heat via the heating element causes a transition between the second and the first or third states of the actuator.

Abstract: A hardware retention mechanism comprising a frame including a first guide shoulder and a pivot point; an actuator arm including a first guide post; and a first shape memory alloy wire strung between the first guide shoulder and the first guide post that rotates the actuator arm between a locked position and an unlocked position. The actuator arm is rotatable around the pivot point between a locked position and an unlocked position. In some embodiments, the frame may further comprise a second guide shoulder, the actuator arm may further comprise a second guide post, and a second shape memory alloy wire may be strung between the second guide shoulder and the second guide post that rotates the actuator arm between an unlocked position and a locked position.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy actuator system includes a shape memory alloy actuator, a mobile object, an elastic member, a first regulating member, and a second regulating member, a detecting section which detects a resistance value of the shape memory alloy wire, a calculating section which calculates an electric current applied, an output section, a control section which controls the detecting section, the calculating section, the output section. The calculating section calculates a first resistance value at which, a proportion of a resistance change with respect to a change in a unit temperature changes from a first proportion to a second proportion which differs from the first proportion, and the control section carries out a position control of the shape memory alloy actuator by the first resistance value, when the shape memory alloy wire is to be elongated.