Abstract: The invention relates to a gripping device (1) and a method for the monitored movement of objects (2), preferably sheet metals, comprising a system control (3) configured for processing object data (31) and controlling a gripping module (4), wherein the gripping module (4) has at least two gripping jaws (5) formed to cooperate with one another, which form an intermediate receiving space (6) for receiving at least parts of an object (2) to be monitored and transported, and the gripping jaws (5) are formed such that, by applying a pre-definable clamping force (7), at least a friction-type connection between the gripping jaws (5) and at least parts of the object (2) is made possible, whereby the object (2) is movable, and at least one sensor element (8) for collecting object data (31) of the object (2) to be moved and monitored, wherein the at least one sensor element (8) is arranged on at least one gripping jaw (5) with its sensor region (9) facing the receiving space (6), and is formed such that it detects, by

Abstract: An orthodontic wire bender robot to be used in the manufacture of orthodontic prostheses, having a cartesian type displacement frame that allows moving the bending head of the equipment along the X, Y and Z-axes, in order to enable the robot to execute bends by torque, performing horizontal, vertical and sagittal compensations so that the shaped orthodontic wire presents an incline on its faces at certain angle and segment in order to execute frontal rotation stresses.

Abstract: A forge and method of forging is provided. The forge converts an asymmetric railroad rail to a symmetric railroad rail through a combination of vertical and horizontal forging operations. The rail is linearly translated to heating and forging stations on a roller table. The asymmetric to symmetric conversion can be completed without the need for reorienting the rail except along a single translational axis.

Abstract: An embossing system designed to mark metal marker plates. The embossing system includes a feeder system that presents a marker plate, a drive sub assembly secured to the feeder system, and a gripper system that grips the marker plate from the feeder system. The feeder system has a fixed side wall secured to a base plate and a moveable side wall positioned a distance from the fixed side wall. Marker plate guides are secured to the side walls for providing support to a stack of marker plates positioned in the feeder system. Adjustable feed gates are secured to the sidewalls to accommodate adjustments for maker plate thickness variations.

Abstract: Plating systems and related methods are disclosed for prepping of structural members, such as splicing and/or pre-plating structural members. A plating system can include a splicing system and a pre-plating system. A splicing system include an infeed system, an outfeed system, and a press to affix or otherwise secure a plate to opposing surfaces of structural members to splice the structural members together. Guides are automatically positioned to guide short members through the splicing system. A pre-plating system includes a press, an infeed system configured to deliver a structural member to the press, and an outfeed system configured to remove the structural member from the press. The press is configured to secure a plate to the structural member on a surface other than the opposing surfaces used to splice the structural members together. A plate picking robot is configured to pick a plate from a plate container and position the plate on a press surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bending device (2) for bending a rod-like or tubular workpiece (4), comprising a bending machine (6), which has a bending head (8), which is designed for bending the workpiece (4) in a forming process, and a control means (24), which controls the operation of the bending machine (6), a robot (10), which comprises a multi-joint arm (11) which can be adjusted by motors, having a gripper end (12), which is designed for gripping and holding the workpiece (4), and a control unit (22), which is designed to control the operation of the robot (10), wherein the control means (24) is designed to control the bending machine (6) and the robot (10) during the bending process.

Abstract: A tolerance ring having a first axial end, a second axial end, and a central axis, the tolerance ring including an annular band; a plurality of protrusions, all of the plurality of protrusions extending from the annular band; and a guide portion extending from the annular band towards the first axial end of the tolerance ring, where the guide portion includes a guide surface that is curved in an axial section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bending machine (100) configured to bend a metallic workpiece (200), having a controller (130) configured to control a bending operation, wherein the controller (130) has at least one interface (340) configured to obtain information about a time-dependent springback of the workpiece (200) to be bent and to obtain a time indication of a subsequent further machining of the workpiece (200) to be bent, wherein the controller (130) is configured to calculate an adapted bending angle (?) based on the springback and the time indication, and wherein the bending machine (100) is configured to bend the bending operation beyond a bending angle (?) to be bent up to the adapted bending angle (?). Due to the adapted bending angle, the workpiece (300) has the correct bending angle (?) to be bent at the time of subsequent further machining.

Abstract: A hand tool includes a first jaw, a first handle fixed to the first jaw, a second jaw, and a second handle pivotally coupled to the second jaw, a link member, and an adjustment member. The adjustment member is operable to axially move a first end of the link member to vary a distance between the first and second jaws. The adjustment member includes an engagement surface engageable with the first end of the link member, a shank in threaded engagement with a bore in the first handle, and a flange extending from the shank opposite the engagement portion. The flange includes a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and an elongate opening extending through the first and second sides.

Abstract: A bending device is provided with a bending mechanism, a fixing table, an articulated robot, and a control unit. Control performed by the control unit includes a bending/movement control in which a workpiece is moved by clamping the workpiece by the bending mechanism and moving the bending mechanism by the articulated robot, and the workpiece is bent by the bending mechanism while the workpiece is being moved.

Abstract: A roller clamping apparatus is provided that includes a first jaw and a second jaw configured to move relative to each other between an open position and a closed position. The jaws include at least one drive roller supported by the first jaw and configured to rotate a round wire having a longitudinal axis. The apparatus further includes at least one support element supported by the second jaw. When the jaws are in a closed position, the drive roller and the support rollers tangentially contact an outside surface of the wire. The support element is positioned to make contact with the wire across the longitudinal axis of the wire when the wire is secured within the clamping apparatus. Mechanisms and methods that use the roller clamping apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A grip device for locking metallic bodies destined for machining by means of machine tools, comprising at least one accommodation body for the bottom of a cylindrical container, the accommodation body being supported by a table that can move with respect to a supporting frame, the accommodation body accommodating an annular membrane that has at least one portion which can be deformed in a radial direction, the annular membrane being associated, on opposite sides with respect to the deformable portion, with a respective presser body, an actuator being provided which is adapted to move the presser bodies on command mutually closer and apart; the actuation elements comprise mechanical elements for kinematic transmission which can be operated following the relative movement of the movable table with respect to the supporting frame.

Abstract: A bending device includes a bending mechanism for holding an elongated workpiece between a bending die and a clamping die revolvable around the bending die, and revolving the clamping die, to thereby bend the workpiece. The bending device includes a fixing base on which the bending mechanism is mounted, and an articulated robot on which a chuck mechanism for holding the workpiece is mounted and which moves the chuck mechanism.

Abstract: A device for turning over a flattening element having a plurality of spaced-apart cylinders rotatably mounted on a frame and a device for securing it to the turning-over device, includes two uprights extending vertically from a base. A supporting and securing device for the flattening element engages with the securing device of the flattening element. The supporting and securing device is disposed between the uprights. A device rotates the supporting and securing device about a horizontal axis between a first position in which, when the flattening element is connected to the turning-over device, the cylinders of the flattening element are oriented downward, and a second position in which, when the flattening element is connected to the turning-over device, the cylinders of the flattening element are oriented upward. Vertical translation drive devices vertically translate the supporting and securing device. Each vertical translation drive device is connected to one respective upright.

Abstract: A tube support mechanism is adaptable to a respective tube diameter being transported, and includes an articulated link chain that rests against a circumference of a tube, and includes chain links. The chain links are disposed in at least two planes, overlap one another from plane to plane in overlap zones, and are pivotably connected. Facing ends of the chain links of a given plane of chain links have identical gear wheel contours that mesh with one another. Adjustment of the tube support mechanism from one nominal diameter to another is effected by a pressure effect, onto the tube support mechanism, of a conical tube transition piece that results during the change in diameter during continuing operation. An angle of contact of the tube support mechanism against a tube successively changes.

Abstract: A bending device that bends a workpiece is provided with a bending mechanism that bends the workpiece, a fixing table on which a chuck mechanism that grips the workpiece is mounted, an articulated robot to which the bending mechanism is attached, and a control unit that controls operations of the bending mechanism, the chuck mechanism, and the articulated robot. The control unit includes a first control unit that twists the bending mechanism around a longitudinal axis of the workpiece, and a second control unit that controls the articulated robot to twist the bending mechanism holding the workpiece around the longitudinal axis of the workpiece within a twisting angle range and then causes the first control unit to perform the twisting.

Abstract: A chuck mechanism that grips a workpiece is configured to be able to twist and rotate the gripped workpiece around a longitudinal axis of the workpiece. A control unit is provided with a first control unit and a second control unit. The first control unit drives an articulated robot to which a bending mechanism for bending the workpiece is attached, and twists the workpiece clamped by the bending mechanism around the longitudinal axis of the workpiece within a preset twisting angle range. When the angle of twisting by the first control unit exceeds the twisting angle range, the second control unit controls the chuck mechanism to twist the workpiece around the longitudinal axis of the workpiece.

Abstract: Plant (10) for bending metallic flat elements (11) including a bending machine (13) provided with a support plane (21) on which the metallic flat element (11) to be bent is positioned, a bending group (19) which bends, upwardly or downwards, a section of the metallic flat element (11), and a sucker feeding group (22) associated with the support plane (21) for selectively feeding the metallic flat element (11) to the bending group (19). The feeding group includes one or more sucker organs (22) aligned in a direction substantially transverse to the metallic flat element (11) to be bent and placed, in the rest position, below the support plane (21), to lift the metallic flat element (11) of a given height (D) from the edge of the support plane (21), after the bending has been carried out.

Abstract: A press molding die structure having a paired press lower die and press upper die that are relatively movable to each other in which a work transferred into a portion between the press lower die and the press upper die is press-molded thereby to form a molded work. A concave portion is formed to a molding surface of the press lower die, and a suction cup of a vacuum stabilizer is provided to the concave portion formed to the molding surface of the press lower die, wherein the suction cup elastically sucks and retains the work at least at a time when the press molding dies are opened, thereby stabilizing a posture of the work.

Abstract: A bending apparatus for manufacturing a bent member from a steel pipe with high dimensional accuracy and high productivity can be installed in a small space with good maintainability. The apparatus has a feed mechanism for feeding a steel pipe in its lengthwise direction, a first support mechanism for supporting the steel pipe while feeding it, a heating mechanism for heating a part or all of the steel pipe being fed, a cooling mechanism for cooling the portion of the heated steel pipe being fed, a second support mechanism for imparting a bending moment to the heated portion of the steel pipe to bend the steel pipe into a desired shape by moving two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally while supporting the fed steel pipe in at least one location, and a deformation preventing mechanism for preventing deformation of the steel pipe. The feed mechanism is a vertically articulated robot having seven axes.

Abstract: A gripper assembly for a forging manipulator includes a main body configured to be in operative communication with the manipulator; a contact plate attached to the main body and configured to be in physical communication with a heated metal part; and an insulating plate disposed between the main body and the contact plate, wherein the insulating plate is configured to substantially prevent heat transfer from the heated metal part to the main body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gripping head for grasping devices for manipulating a long workpiece in a horizontal arrangement. A gripping head with two clamping jaws which can be adjusted independently of one another can be used. In addition, a device for feeding long workpieces into a processing machine, and discharging them therefrom is proposed. At least one of the grasping devices may have a gripping head for gripping in a frictionally locking fashion one end of the workpiece which is conveyed here by the horizontal conveying means, and drive means for pulling the workpiece to be straightened into the processing section and for pushing the straightened workpiece out onto the at least one horizontal conveying means by means of the gripping head.

Abstract: A gripper assembly for a forging manipulator includes a main body configured to be in operative communication with the manipulator; a contact plate attached to the main body and configured to be in physical communication with a heated metal part; and an insulating plate disposed between the main body and the contact plate, wherein the insulating plate is configured to substantially prevent heat transfer from the heated metal part to the main body.

Abstract: A forming device for cup-shaped hollow bodies, including a machine frame, a drive device, a workpiece turntable and a tool holder, wherein the drive device (15) is designed to provide a rotational step movement and a cyclic linear movement between the workpiece turntable and the tool holder, and wherein the workpiece turntable is assigned at a locking position a first actuating means for triggering a locking movement on the respective workpiece holder and at an unlocking position a second actuating means for triggering an unlocking movement on the respective workpiece holder.

Abstract: A device to grip and handle a metal container, obtained as an extruded, deep-drawn or deep-drawn/ironed metal rough piece, especially suitable for use on high-speed machines intended to perform, in a sequence, a plurality of mechanical working operations or other sort of working on the metal container, and including a first or lower portion that is fit to interface-connect the device to the machine both at the working stage and at the transfer stage of the high-speed machine from one working station to the one coming next, and a second or upper portion that is adapted for firmly gripping the metal container during the handling and the entire working sequence of working operations.

Abstract: A bending device includes a bending mechanism for holding an elongated workpiece between a bending die and a clamping die revolvable around the bending die, and revolving the clamping die, to thereby bend the workpiece. The bending device includes a fixing base on which the bending mechanism is mounted, and an articulated robot on which a chuck mechanism for holding the workpiece is mounted and which moves the chuck mechanism.

Abstract: A forging press has a workpiece manipulator having a shaft centered on and rotatable about an axis, a grab for holding the workpiece in the press and rotationally fixed to the shaft carrying the grab and centered on and rotatable about an axis, and a disk fixed angularly to the shaft and projecting radially outward therefrom. Two couplings are juxtaposed with the disk, rotatable relative to the shaft about, and have respective clutches for locking onto the disk so that when locked onto the disk the couplings are rotationally fixed to the disk. Respective actuators connected to the actuators can angularly shift the disk and thereby rotate the shaft, the grab, and the workpiece held by the grab.

Abstract: A method of operating a progressive die wherein the progressive die acts on a work piece having an elongated body with a blank at one end. The work piece is supported by a bandolier which is also formed in the progressive die. The progressive die acts on each blank.

Abstract: The invention relates a drop forging method by means of a forging device provided with a hammer and a forging die, wherein a part placed in the forging die is shaped with a hammer blow, several engravings are formed in the die, a blank is initially inserted into the first engraving and said blank is moved along the other engravings to the last engraving, and then said blank picked up during shaping by a forging gripper. In order to obtain an optimum operating mode, the invention is characterized in that the part is received in a plurality of engravings with each hammer blow. In order to obtain a symmetrical distribution of the hammer load between occupied and non-occupied engravings, the parts are gripped respectively during shaping by the forging grippers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a manipulation device (3) for manipulating a workpiece (4) on a bending press (2), comprising multiple successive moving elements (17), in particular articulated arms (18), connected to one another via articulated joints (19), wherein one moving element (22) has a rotary head (23) which is rotatable about a rotational axis (24) which at least approximately coincides with a center axis (25) of the moving element (22), and comprising a gripping device (27) connected thereto having a gripping zone (34), formed by one or more gripping elements (32), by means of which the workpiece (4) may be held.

Abstract: A bending device has a bending mechanism for bending an elongate object to be processed by holding the object by both a bending die and a clamping die and revolving the clamping die which is able to revolve around the bending die. The bending device includes a fixing base on which the bending mechanism is mounted. A chuck mechanism for holding the object is provided in the bending device, and the bending device is provided with an articulated robot for moving the chuck mechanism.

Abstract: A robotic bending apparatus for bending archwires and other types of elongate, bendable medical devices into a desired configuration includes a first gripping tool and a moveable gripping tool. The first gripping tool can be either fixed with respect to a base or table for the robot or positioned at the end of robot am. The moveable gripping tool is mounted to the end of a moveable robot arm having a proximal portion also mounted to the base. The robot preferably comprises a six axis bending robot, in which the distal end of the moveable arm can move relative to the fixed gripping tool about three translational axes and three rotational axes. The gripping tools preferably incorporate force sensors which are used to determine overbends needed to get the desired final shape of the archwire. The robot may also include a resistive heating system in which current flows through the wire while the wire is held in a bent condition to heat the wire and thereby retain the bent shape of the wire.

Abstract: A gripping apparatus for gripping elongated workpieces comprises a housing, carrying two pivotable gripping jaws which are movable between opened and closed positions, as well as a guiding body, in which the housing is displaceably supported. A rod having a control element which is located between both gripping jaws and is displaceable between a position retracted into the gripping jaws and so as to spread them apart, and an opposite position, where the gripping jaws are converged. The control element engages the housing and, during a further movement in the retraction direction moves the housing.

Abstract: A bending machine for bending elongated workpieces supplied from a magazine is disclosed. The bending machine comprises a base support; two bending robots arranged on a common guideway centrally mounted to the base support, such that the robots are displaceable parallel to the longitudinal direction of the base support. A holding clamp is positioned on the front face of the base support, with one auxiliary gripper on either side of the holding clamp. The holding clamp is displaceable in parallel with the bending robots. A discharge gripper is positioned on the rear surface of the base support, laterally offset with respect to the holding clamp. All grippers and clamps are pivotable to an inner pivoting position, in which they can hold a workpiece in the working area of the bending machine between both bending robots; and to an outer pivoting position away from the base support.

Abstract: Methods for producing a can end having a moveable portion disposed beneath a tab are disclosed. In one embodiment, a can end having a center panel may be formed. A moveable portion may be formed in the center panel. The moveable portion may be in a downward position after it is formed. The can end may then be restrained such that a portion of the center panel that is adjacent to the moveable portion is unrestrained. While the can end is restrained, the moveable portion may be moved into an upward position.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus conveys work that was conduction heated at an energizing position to a processing position that is separated from the energizing position in the horizontal direction in order to perform hot press-forming, and comprises: a holding member that freely clamps both end sections in the lengthwise direction of the work that has been conduction heated; a drive mechanism that moves the holding member from at least the energizing position to the processing position; and a guide member that extends between the energizing position and the processing position and guides and supports the middle section in the lengthwise direction of the work that has been conduction heated and is being conveyed toward the processing position. A hot press-forming apparatus comprises the conveyor apparatus when conveying conduction heated work to a downstream process.

Abstract: A workpiece gripper arrangement for the automatization of presses, including a transfer arrangement for transferring components between workstations, the transfer arrangement includes a girder or carrier with gripper means for holding the components and the gripper means is supported via coupling parts of which one is connected to the girder and the other to the gripper means and a mechanical locking structure is provided which is operable by relative movement of the coupling arrangement with respect to a support frame on which the gripper means can be deposited.

Abstract: A method of operating a progressive die wherein the progressive die acts on a work piece having an elongated body with a blank at one end. The work piece is supported by a bandolier which is also formed in the progressive die. The progressive die acts on each blank.

Abstract: A work conveyance device for a pressing machine, consuming less energy and enabling reduction in production costs. The workpiece conveyance device has a pair of transfer bars provided in parallel to a feed direction, support members for moving each of the transfer bars freely in the feed direction while restricting the transfer bars in a lift direction, linear motors interposed between the support members and the transfer bars for moving the transfer bars in the feed direction relative to the support members, lift devices for moving the support members in the lift direction, and workpiece holding jigs detachably mounted to the transfer bars for holding a workpiece.

Abstract: A device to grip and handle a metal container, obtained as an extruded, deep-drawn or deep-drawn/ironed metal rough piece, especially suitable for use on high-speed machines intended to perform, in a sequence, a plurality of mechanical working operations or other sort of working on the metal container, and including a first or lower portion that is fit to interface-connect the device to the machine both at the working stage and at the transfer stage of the high-speed machine from one working station to the one coming next, and a second or upper portion that is adapted for firmly gripping the metal container during the handling and the entire working sequence of working operations.

Abstract: Regarding predetermined positioning criteria (M1, M2), ((G1, G2), (N1, or N2), (K1, K2)), there is provided image processing means (40B) for obtaining by image processing, measured values (CD1, CD2) ((GD1, GD2), (ND1, or ND2), (KD1, KD2)) and reference values (CR1, CR2) ((GR1, GR2), (NR1, or NR2), (KR1, KR2)), and for moving a work (W) in a manner that the measured values (CD1, CD2) ((GD1, GD2), (ND1, or ND2), (KD1, KD2)) and the reference values (CR1, CR2) ((GR1, GR2), (NR1, or NR2), (KR1, KR2)) coincide with each other, thereby positioning the work (W) at a predetermined position.

Abstract: In a closing machine (1), an inner diameter chuck (8) that grips an inner peripheral surface of a work piece (9), a work piece (9) introducing device that moves the inner diameter chuck (8) in a Y axis direction of the work piece (9), and an introduction stopper (12) that projects onto an introduction path of the work piece (9) are used in such a manner that the inner diameter chuck (8) grips the inner peripheral surface of the work piece (9) while the work piece (9) abuts against the introduction stopper (12), the introduction stopper (12) is removed from the introduction path of the work piece (9), and the work piece (9) is introduced into an outer diameter chuck (7) by moving the inner diameter chuck (8) in the Y axis direction of the work piece (9).

Abstract: A closing machine (1) for closing a work piece (9) by pressing a rotating die (4) against the rotating work piece (9) comprises a die support shaft (41) that supports the die (4), which is disposed coaxially with the work piece (9), rotatably, a power transmission mechanism (401) which transmits the torque of a motor 46 to the die support shaft (41) and a one-way clutch (410) which blocks torque that is input into the power transmission mechanism (401) from the die support shaft (41). During a closing operation, the die (4) is pressed against the work piece (9) so as to contact the work piece (9) slidingly such that the die (4) rotates in accordance with the work piece (9), which rotates at a higher speed than the die (4).

Abstract: A frame for holding sheet material taut comprises a support as well as two legs which extend essentially parallel to one another transversely from the support, on which legs fixing elements are provided for fixing, in each case, one of the opposing edges of a piece of sheet material thereto. At least one of the legs can be moved along the support towards and away from the other leg. Furthermore compensation elements are provided for compensating for stretch and/or shrinkage of the piece of sheet material fixed between the legs.

Abstract: Improved sheet-metal working machine comprising at least one manipulator for manipulating metal sheets (25), characterised in that the manipulator is provided with at least one stop surface (22-24) against which sheet-metals (25) which are manually supplied can be positioned.

Abstract: A plurality of workpiece holders 52 are attached on a slide plate 71 on a bar 14 and connected to a movable plate 72 by a plate connecting portion 73. The plate connecting portion 73 includes an engaging portion 731 that is provided on the movable plate 72 and an engaged portion 732 that is provided on the slide plate 71 and engaged with the engaging portion 731. By moving a fixed bar 141 downward relative to a movable bar 142, the movable bar 142 is detached and the engagement of the engaging portion 731 with the engaged portion 732 is released. Since both of the movable bar 142 and the slide plate 71 can be detached by a single downward movement of the fixed bar 141, no actuator is required, thereby simplifying the structure.

Abstract: Regarding predetermined positioning criteria (M1, M2), ((G1, G2), (N1, or N2), (K1, K2)), there is provided image processing means (40B) for obtaining by image processing, measured values (CD1, CD2) ((GD1, GD2), (ND1, or ND2), (KD1, KD2)) and reference values (CR1, CR2) ((GR1, GR2), (NR1, or NR2), (KR1, KR2)), and for moving a work (W) in a manner that the measured values (CD1, CD2) ((GD1, GD2), (ND1, or ND2), (KD1, KD2)) and the reference values (CR1, CR2) ((GR1, GR2), (NR1, or NR2), (KR1, KR2)) coincide with each other, thereby positioning the work (W) at a predetermined position.

Abstract: A device for handling a workpiece during a shaping process includes at least one gripping mechanism having at least two gripping elements that can move relative to one another for grasping the workpiece; at least one conveying device for conveying the gripping mechanism or at least one support apparatus to which the gripping mechanism is or may be attached; and at least one rotary drive for rotating the gripping mechanism about a rotational axis that extends through the gripping mechanism, and/or for rotating at least one of the gripping elements about a rotational axis that extends through the gripping element. The conveying device and the gripping mechanism can be connected to one another in a flexible manner in a flexible state while being positioned relative to one another in a rigid manner at least in one three-dimensional direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a shaping machine (1) having a tool (2), in particular a shaping machine having a shaping tool, in which the workpiece is handled by means of a handling device (3) during the manufacturing process. To improve the production process, the invention provides that before machining of workpieces on the shaping machine (1), the position and/or orientation of the tool (2) is/are determined by approaching at least one reference surface (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10) on the tool (2) with a handling device (3) equipped with at least one sensor (4, 4?), transmitting the determined positions of the reference surfaces (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10) to an evaluating means (11), and determining in the evaluating means (11) the position and orientation of the tool (2). The invention further relates to a shaping machine.

Abstract: An automatic swaging machine including a conveyor system for moving tubes into position for swaging a clamping apparatus to secure the tubes adjacent a swaging station to receive a swaging tool releasing a clamping apparatus during the swaging operation, reclamping the tools after swaging to remove the swaging tool from the ends of the tubes and moving the tubes with the conveyor system into a receiving receptacle.