Abstract: A dielectric filter and a dielectric duplexer have structures for coupling between resonators, in which a range for determining the coupling strength between the resonators can be broadened and the polarity of the coupling can be changed. In addition, a communication apparatus incorporating the dielectric filter or the dielectric duplexer can be provided. Inside a dielectric member, resonance line holes having resonance lines formed on the inner surfaces thereof are disposed. Both ends of each of the resonance line holes are open-circuited. The inner diameter of each of the resonance line holes is changed at some point in the longitudinal direction of each resonance line to form a stepped part.

Abstract: A tuning circuit comprising a first reactance, a second reactance and a insulated gate field effect transistor having a gate arranged to receive a control signal. The first reactance is connected between the source of the field effect transistor and a first node. The second reactance has the same value as the first reactance and is connected between the drain of the field effect transistor and a second node. The first and second nodes are arranged so as to experience a balanced ac signal. Turning the field effect transistor on has the effect of making the first and second reactances effective in the circuit and vice versa.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an electrical device and a latching micromagnetic switch that controls energy flow through the electrical device. The latching micromagnetic switch includes a cantilever, a permanent magnet, and a coil configured to latch the latching micromagnetic switch in one of two positions each time energy passes through the coil. The electrical device and the latching micromagnetic switch can be integrated on a same substrate. Otherwise, the electrical device and the latching micromagnetic switch can be located on separate substrates and coupled together. The electrical device can be a circuit, a filter, an antenna, a transceiver, or the like.

Abstract: A brake-transmission shift interlock device 10 for an automatic transmission system includes a solenoid 14 secured to a support member 12 that positions the solenoid 14 so as to block movement of a transmission member 176 to prevent a transmission shifter from being moved from a park position. The solenoid 14 includes a plunger 50 having first and second portions 76 and 78. The second plunger portion 78 engages the transmission member 176 laterally on a side wall 94 if the brake pedal is not depressed and the shifter is in the park position. To prevent the plunger 50 from binding, the second plunger portion 78 is allowed to axially offset from the first plunger portion 76 thereby reducing the required lineal force to move the plunger 50 from a first to a second position when the solenoid 14 is energized.

Abstract: In an MR tomography apparatus damping laminated sheets are provided for reducing vibrations The MR tomography apparatus has a magnet body which is surrounded by a magnet housing which surrounds and delimits an interior volume. A gradient coil system is located in this interior volume. On an inner side of the magnet housing that delimits the interior volume, a damping laminated sheet structure is provided for absorbing acoustic vibrations which are produced on switching of the gradient coil system.

Abstract: A magnetic roller for electrophotography comprises a foamed resin magnetic material. A method of producing a magnetic roller comprises the steps of providing magnetic filler, a resin binder and a foaming agent in a closed mold; activating the foaming agent in the closed mold; and removing the resulting formed roller from the mold.

Abstract: A power distribution system is described for supplying power to electronic assemblies, in particular for use in the field of deep ocean oil production. The electrical power is supplied from a voltage source via a supply cable to the primary winding of a distribution transformer. A number of secondary windings, preferably four, are disposed in addition to the primary winding on the core of the distribution transformer. The windings on the common core are subdivided into a number n of winding packs corresponding to the number n of secondary windings, and with each winding pack containing an n-th part of the primary winding and one of the secondary windings. Electronic assemblies are each connected via a connecting cable to one of the secondary windings.

Abstract: A method for producing electronic components having a plurality of electrically conductive windings that includes the steps of connecting a plurality of segments of electrically conductive material to a container to form a plurality of half-turns, and mounting the combination of the container and the half-turns on a mounting structure having a plurality of electrically conductive tracks by connecting the half-turns to the plurality of electrically conductive tracks. In alternative embodiments, the segments are formed into half-turns and then connected to a container or a support structure. The resulting combination of the half-turns and electrically conductive tracks forms the plurality of conductive windings. The method may be used to produce coils, inductors, and transformers.

Abstract: An exhaust control device for use with a circuit interrupter includes a casing having a first expansion chamber and a second expansion chamber that are operationally disposed upstream of a heat sink and a damper, with the second expansion chamber being in fluid communication with the first expansion chamber and being in register with an inlet of the casing. The first expansion chamber extends between the inlet and the heat sink. The heat sink is a porous member that is annular in cross-section and includes a central cavity formed therein, the second expansion chamber being disposed in the central cavity. The first and second expansion chambers are configured to separate a blast of gases from the circuit interrupter into first and second pressure waves that sequentially travel through the heat sink and the damper, which reduces the peak intensity of the blast, extends its duration, and reduces its ionization level.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multifunction resistor having an improved voltage variable material (“VVM”). More specifically, the present invention provides a polymer VVM that has been formulated with a high percentage loading of conductive and/or semiconductive particles. A known length of the relatively conductive VVM is placed between adjacent electrodes to produce a desired Ohmic normal state resistance. When an electrostatic discharge event occurs, the VVM of the multifunctional resistor becomes highly conductive and dissipates the ESD threat. One application for this “resistor” is the termination of a transmission line, which prevents unwanted reflections and distortion of high frequency signals.

Abstract: A method for enabling authenticated access of an individual (10) to a security area (12) by means of a transponder (14) carried by the individual which on receiving an interrogation signal outputs an ID code group, and a control unit (18) located in the security area (12) which generates the interrogation signal and checks the ID code group output by the transponder (14) for enabling access of the individual (10) to the security area (12) only when right of access is authenticated, is characterized in that the interrogation signal is relayed by capactive coupling from the control unit (18) via the individual (10) to the transponder (14).

Abstract: A key information issuing device (1, 1A, 1B) issuing key information to a key information retaining device (2, 2A, 2B) includes an authentication module (14, 3) authenticating an issuer of the key information, an output module (13) outputting the key information to the key information retaining unit, and a recording module (11) recording a mapping of the issued key information to the key information retaining unit. The key information is issued in response to an indication of the authenticated issuer.

Abstract: A system of locker compartments at various locations is controlled by a central system processor. A communication system from the central processor to all locations, and all lockers within a location, enables central control of rewritable locker access codes, reservation of appropriate lockers for delivery of orders, and monitoring of status of all lockers in the system. The assignment of lockers and codes can be web-based, and can be done by a vendor, a delivery company or an online customer.

Abstract: A transponder 14.1 for a radio frequency (RF) identification system comprises an antenna 22.1 having an antenna Impedance (ZA) having a real part (RA) connected to transponder circuitry presenting a load impedance (ZL) having a real part (RL), a ratio (Ra/Rl) of the real part (RL) of the load impedance and the real part (RA) of the antenna impedance having a first value that is bigger than one when the transponder is not transmitting data. During transmission of data the ratio is switched between the first value and a second smaller value.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for disabling temporarily preset alarm in a mobile communication terminal for one day, or periodically, or on a designated date, as a user wishes. The present invention comprises steps of determining whether the temporal disabling button has been pushed by a user while the mobile communication terminal is in receive wait mode, and of temporarily disabling the alarm upon pushing the temporal disabling button by the user. The present invention further comprises a first step of determining whether the temporal disabling menu button has been pushed by a user while the mobile communication terminal is in receive wait mode, a second step of displaying the temporal disabling menu items upon pushing of the temporal disabling menu button by the user, and a third step of temporarily disabling the alarm of the date designated by the corresponding menu item based on the temporal disabling menu item selected by the user.

Abstract: A communication system includes a transmitter configured to pulse shape a GHM signal to confine the frequency spectrum of the GHM signal within a predefined frequency range. A receiver is also included that receives the transmitted GHM signal. The receiver includes a processor for maximizing the GHM signal to noise ratio and minimizing the bit error rate. The GHM signals are also synchronized to establish a relative time for correct interpretation of bit positions.

Abstract: A power supply integrated circuit is provided which makes it possible to make an on-vehicle apparatus compact and to allow power supply cable communication having resistance to noise. The power supply integrated circuit is connected to a micro-controller incorporated in an ECU and a power supply cable. The power supply integrated circuit has an LPF and a regulator. The power supply integrated circuit also has an interface circuit, a BPF, a transmitting section, and a receiving section. The LPF passes only the power supply voltage, and the BPF passes only transmission signal.

Abstract: An active drive is used to improve the response time of any vibrotactile transducer. A closed loop implementation of such a drive monitors the vibrotactile stimulus and by comparing it with an input signal generates an error signal driving the transducer. In an open loop active drive implementation, an input signal is shaped into a driving signal of a form designed to produce a desired vibrotactile response. The tactile interface adapts flat vibromotor transducers used as a silent alarm in cell phones for vibrotactile application. The adaptation involves means of fastening vibromotors to the skin implemented by adhesive tape, adjustable elastic band or specialized glove.

Abstract: A maneuvering aid for a vehicle is provided which has a detector and an information provider in wireless communication with each other. The detector and the information provider are synchronized upon the start of the vehicle, a reversing operation or the like to monitor the area about the vehicle and alert a driver of the vehicle of an obstacle near the vehicle. The detector is portable for use with multiple trailers that are attachable to the vehicle such that the information provider and detector remain in wireless communication.

Abstract: A vehicle lane change aid system includes a detector that is operative to detect the presence of an other vehicle adjacent the vehicle, an indicator for providing an indication that a lane change maneuver of the vehicle may affect the other vehicle and a control receiving movement information of the vehicle. The control develops a position history of the vehicle at least as a function of the movement information. The control compares the detected presence of the other vehicle with the position history and provides an indication when a lane change maneuver may affect the other vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring service-intensive replaceable parts in an assembly in which information regarding a replaceable part (1), such as specifications, physical dimensions, physical properties, functions and/or other data for the replaceable part, is stored on a suitable memory component (5) in and/or on the replaceable part (1). The stored data is read with a reading device at a predetermined time or at predetermined time intervals and transmitted to an evaluation unit. The read data can be compared in the evaluation unit with preset data and, after evaluating the results of the comparison of the data, an appropriate change in the replaceable part or in the operation of the assembly may or may not be carried out.

Abstract: A method for identifying the occurrence of an event at a remote location, prioritizing the event, and then, based on the priority, forwarding the event to selected stations on a network incorporates a scheme for tagging the event with the location, type and priority of event at the point where a sensor picks up the event. Event data is then forwarded only to selected stations on the network as required by a priority hierarchy. This permits a large amount of data to be collected at the site of a sensor while minimizing transmission of the data to an as-needed basis, reducing the overall bandwidth requirements of the system. In one aspect, legacy device signals, appliance signals and video and still image data generated at a remote location includes is collected on a preselected basis for defining and transmitting an original condition to the remote location. Subsequent data is compared to the data representing the original condition. The transmitted data may be tagged with unique identifying components.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for wireless communication in a retail refueling environment. In one aspect of the present invention, wireless RF server and client modules are used to interface an in-store controller to various third party devices. In another aspect of the invention, wireless RF server and client modules are used to interface an Indoor Payment Terminal (IPT) to various peripheral devices. In still another aspect of the invention, wireless RF server and client modules are used to interface the Point-Of-Sale (POS) system to control systems located within the fuel dispensers. In still another aspect of the invention, wireless RF server and client modules are used to perform intra-dispenser communication. In still another aspect of the invention, a protocol link layer is used to allow the replacement of conventional wired connections with wireless RF modules without having to modify the existing protocol.

Abstract: A system (and method) includes a seating platform, at least one sensor for detecting a state of the seating platform connected to a first wireless communications device, the first wireless communications device for conveying information on the state of the seating platform, and a second wireless communications device for receiving information from the first wireless communications device, and a computing system. The second wireless communications device is for receiving the information carrying signal and is connected to the computing system. The computing system is for initiating an action based upon the information.

Abstract: The invention provides a wireless automatic location identification (ALI) capable system (10), including a medical device (12) having a wireless data communicator (14), a wireless communication network (16), and a remote locating service (18) for remotely locating and monitoring one or more medical devices over the wireless communication network. When the medical device is linked to the remote locating service over the communication network, the ALI-capable system identifies the location of the medical device and relays the location information to the remote locating service. The system permits reliable determination of the location of the medical device wherever the medical device is situated. The medical device may further be configured to transmit signals indicative of its status, condition, or self-test results, to the remote locating service. This feature allows the remote locating service to centrally monitor the status or condition of a plurality of medical devices.

Abstract: A master authenticator (10) is worn by a user and wirelessly transmits information associated with the user to a remotely located electronic device. The master authenticator contains a sensor (12) to determine or sense whether or not the user is wearing the authenticator, along with a means to allow the user to log (22) in to the master authenticator by performing predefined physical action on the master authenticator. Once the sensor senses that the user is physically coupled to or wearing the device, the user logs in so as to uniquely associate the master authenticator with the user. Once the user is logged in, a transmitter is enabled so that the information can be transmitted to an electronic device in the proximity of the user. When the user ceases to wear the master authenticator by removing it, the log in means de-authorizes further transmissions by the master authenticator due to action of the sensor sensing that the authenticator is no longer on the user.

Abstract: The present invention provides sensor generating measurement information based upon a patient parameter measured by the sensor and a processor managing local output of the measurement information according to automatically detected control signals locally and wirelessly transmitted from a transmitter entering a local area of the sensor from a remote area. The control signals include identification of a user and the transmitter travels with the user entering the local area of the sensor from a remote area so that the processor can manage local output of the measurement information according to stored preferences of the user. The processor can also control patient parameter measurements according to the preferences of the user.

Abstract: A dwelling permitting extended self reliance for compromised individuals is equipped with monitors for the position of the individual, sensors for the state of domestic equipment, the external environment television cameras, a controller, personal alarm, telephone, access to a remote (Internet) site where a remote user monitors the condition of occupants and the dwelling state and issue instructions to the dwelling, to be picked up and obeyed by the dwelling on next dwelling access. The dwelling can switch off/on equipment including electric stoves, electric fires and electric lights; telephone for help if a personal alarm is used; audibly address the occupant; open and close curtains, windows and doors; and advise the occupant of omitted acts. Various electric main supply sockets withhold electrical supply from the socket until plug insertion. The remote user can monitor the activity and state of any monitored and/or controlled item within the dwelling.

Abstract: A power management unit monitors current drawn by a fingerprint sensor circuit and generates a “heartbeat” signal during normal operation. If a latchup event occurs, with attendant increase in current drawn by the fingerprint sensor circuitry, the heartbeat signal terminates and an interrupt is subsequently triggered to start a latchup recovery routine. Power to the fingerprint sensor circuitry is switched off and the interrupt is then cleared by writing appropriate values to control bits within the power management register.

Abstract: A battery-powered emergency signaling device including a housing which encloses a battery pack disposed for providing power to the device. The housing includes a base plate for support of the device and has a cover attached to the base plate for sealing up the device. At least one light emitting diode (“LED”) pulsed by an electronic circuit, which LED is powered by a battery within the battery pack. A race is disposed substantially about the periphery of the cover for reflecting light received from the LED. The race is formed as an integral part of the cover, which is made of clear acrylic plastic. The cover includes support members disposed between the base plate and the cover for providing strength to the device.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) warning signal light, the warning signal light comprising a plurality of light sources constructed and arranged with a reflector or culminator, the LED light source being in electrical communication with a controller and a power supply, battery, or other electrical source. The warning signal light provides various colored light signals for independent use or use on an emergency vehicle. The warning light signals may include a strobe light, revolving light, an alternating light, a flashing light, a modulated light, a pulsating light, an oscillating light or any combination thereof. The controller may further be adapted to regulate or modulate the power intensity exposed to the illuminated LED's to create a variable intensity light signal.

Abstract: A technique is provided for providing total flexibility of control of any desired operation within an environment where personnel work, such as an office suite. The location of transponders is determined by a location system. A user arbitrarily selects a convenient region for controlling an operation and the location system registers this in a memory. The location system then determines the position of each transducer and, when a transducer is within one of the selected regions, the location system responds by controlling the operation. For example, a region may be selected entirely arbitrarily so as to control room lighting.

Abstract: Described is a device for strapping packages having a tape supply for a tape-like strapping means, a tape guide channel for passage of the strapping means and a sealing unit for sealing the loop formed by the strapping means and surrounding the package, the tape guide channel being arranged on a frame that consists of two curved frame parts, which are movable out of a rest position below a supporting surface for the packages into a closed position above the supporting surface and back. Such an arrangement simplifies the drive and the guide for the frame parts. This is achieved since each of the two frame parts is guided moveably along its curved centerline below the supporting surface by at least one guiding device.

Abstract: A device (10) is presented for controlling remote convenience function at a vehicle (32) and for interpersonal communication between two operators. The device (10) has components located in a common housing (24). The components include structure (e.g., 14-22) for communicating input from an operator of the device, structure for generating radio frequency signals responsive to the input from the operator of the device, structure for receiving other radio frequency signals from another device responsive to communication input from a operator of another device, and structure for converting the other signals from the operator of the other device into output perceptible by the operator of the device. The output corresponds to the input communicated from the operator of the other device.

Abstract: A wireless end device is provided. For one embodiment, a wireless end device may comprise a sensor integrated with a telemetry device. The wireless end device may monitor the sensor for a predefined condition, and transmit a message to a controller in response to detecting the predefined condition. For one embodiment, the sensor may be a vibration or level switch, and the predefined event may be a switch closure. For another embodiment, a control system is provided comprising a controller and one or more wireless end devices.

Abstract: An improved data output retrieval communication method and apparatus for reading portable miniaturized temperature and related sensors by novel radio-frequency capactively coupled communication paths established at a common readout station to which the sensors are brought for such readout to a common computer or the like.

Abstract: An aircraft collision avoidance system utilizing video signals of the air space surrounding the aircraft for determining whether an object, such as another aircraft, is too close. Use is made of various types of monitors to display the on coming object and its location relative to the protected aircraft. An audio alarm is provided for alerting the pilot of the danger as well as providing localization information. Video recordings store information for accident and near miss studies. The video signals can also be used for the entertainment of airline passengers. One preferred embodiment of the invention permits ground based experts to point out interesting objects that are visible due to the improved view provided passengers.

Abstract: In display apparatus and method for an automotive vehicle in which an image display is mounted, a road map data image is stored in a storage medium, a mark representing the present position of the vehicle is superimposed on the road map data image, the road map data image is rotated on an image screen of the image display in accordance with a traveling direction of the vehicle while displaying the road map data image on an image screen of the image display, and a display form of the displayed road map data image is varied between a region of the road map data image which is near to a displayed position at which the vehicle is present and another region thereof which is remote from the displayed position thereof while rotating the road map data image on the image screen of the image display section.

Abstract: A method and device for improved character input are described, wherein the method employs a keypad 100 comprising keys 102 able to display secondary characters 106 in addition to primary characters 104. The keypad has a default display state. A first key selection causes the keypad 100 to display secondary characters 106 associated with the first key on other keys 102, whereupon a second key selection causes the displayed character to be input, following which the keypad reverts to displaying the default state. Further secondary characters 200 may also be displayed after a first key selection. The method is particularly useful for handheld devices such as mobile radio telephones or handheld computers adapted to implement the method of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a foil keyboard with a security system for detecting and preventing unauthorized mechanical access to the key contacts. The foil keyboard comprising a foil having for each key an elastic key spring area in which an electrical contact is arranged, a printed circuit board (PCB) having electrical contacts that are contacted by the electrical contacts of the keys during the key travel, and a security system which is fully integrated into the foil and the PCB. A closed circuit between keyboard foil and PCB forms a security grid that secures that unauthorized mechanical accesses against key contacts are recognized.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel and logical way of using twelve sensors for data representation or data entry coding. This invention also relates to a method of producing alphanumeric data using short duration or long duration twelve sensor activation, simultaneous activation and/or sequential activation. Activating one of the ten numbered sensors produces numbers. Activating a first left sensor of a second set of three sensors exits the number mode and enters a data character mode. Activating a third right sensor of a second set of three sensors exits the data character mode and re-enters the number mode. The twelve sensor set enters a shiftable data character mode when a first left sensor of the second set of three sensors is activated two or three times. Activating a sensor of a first set of nine sensors in a data character mode produces a data character.

Abstract: A system for, and method of, increasing sample rate converter filter coefficient derivation and running speed and a digital signal processor incorporating the system or the method. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a coefficient table containing a matrix of predefined filter coefficients for each of a plurality of alpha intervals and (2) an intra-range interpolator that adjusts the predefined filter coefficients for a specific alpha within the alpha interval to yield filter coefficients specific to the alpha.

Abstract: A method for upsampling a digital audio signal is described. The method includes receiving a first digital audio signal including samples and having a first sampling rate. The method also includes outputting at least one sample from the first digital audio signal as part of a second digital audio signal, the second digital audio signal having a desired second sampling rate, the second sampling rate being higher than the first sampling rate. The method also includes incrementing a counter for each sample from the first digital audio signal that is output as part of the second digital audio signal. The method also includes, when the counter exceeds a threshold number, inserting at least one synthetic sample as part of the second digital audio signal. The method also includes repeating the outputting, incrementing, and inserting until all the samples in the first digital audio signal have been output.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for conducting a search to match a string of symbols of a sequence of symbols with a stored string of symbols in a dictionary to provide a matched string of symbols. In the method, after a matched string of symbols of the sequence of symbols has been found, beginning from a first position in the dictionary in which the first symbol of the matched string is stored, it is determined if a longer matched string of symbols can be found by first comparing a chosen symbol that follows the matched string of symbols in the sequence of symbols with a symbol stored in a corresponding position in the dictionary, beginning with another position in the dictionary in which the first symbol is stored, to determine whether the symbol stored in the corresponding position matches the chosen symbol. If the comparison does not result in a match, it is immediately known that a longer string of matched symbols has not been found and it maybe possible to omit additional comparing steps.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing gain calibration of an analog to digital converter is provided. During a calibration mode, an input sampling circuit comprised of multiple branches can be configured to provide a calibration mode gain of one. The analog-to-digital converter selects one of the parallel capacitor input sampling branches and repetitively samples the whole charge associated with the calibration voltage signal. This sampling step is repeated for each input sampling branch that is used during normal operation mode. The results of the sampling of the branches may be suitably averaged to create a gain calibration coefficient that is representative of and accounts for sampling variations between the input branches.

Abstract: A dynamic range on demand radio frequency (RF) receiver (300) includes a wideband detector (303), off-channel detector (313) and on-channel detector (327) supplying input to an automatic gain control (307) for adjusting a dynamic control stage to control dynamic range and resolution of digital baseband signals (329, 331).

Abstract: Analog FIR-filter comprising an asynchronous &Sgr;&Dgr; modulator (AM) generating amplitude-discrete time-continuous pulses, a sequence of delay cells (C1 . . . Cn) for delaying said amplitude-discrete time-continuous pulses and means (O1, On, S1, Sn, I1, In) for low pass filtering the delayed amplitude-discrete time-continuous pulses.

Abstract: In an A/D conversion apparatus comprising an A/D converter (4) and a digital moving average filter (6) for removing high-frequency signal components, there is provided an analog moving average filter (2) at a first stage. A sampling frequency of the filters (6 and 2) is set to fsd =n x fsa (where n is a positive integer of 1, 2, ---). As a result, it becomes possible to superimpose an unnecessary signal passing area that appears at every frequency of n times the sampling frequency fsd in the filter (6), on an area of infinite attenuation that appears at every frequency of n times the sampling frequency fsa in the filter (2). In the apparatus as a whole, it becomes possible to efficiently attenuate unnecessary high-frequency signal components. It is also possible to obtain a similar effect when a time A/D converter is used in place of the analog moving average filter (2) and the A/D converter (4).

Abstract: The pulse center detector (PCD) produces an amplitude-independent center-triggered range output for precision radar rangefinders and TDR systems. Pulse center triggering is accomplished by triggering leading-edge and trailing-edge detectors and summing the outputs to produce a computed center-triggered result. Since the occurrence time of a pulse center does not vary with amplitude, the PCD is amplitude-independent. The PCD overcomes limitations of prior automatic pulse detectors, such as the inherent latency of a constant fraction discriminator (CFD) and the uncertainty of a time-of-peak (TOP) detector. The PCD can be implemented with a single analog component—a comparator—and thus requires appreciably fewer analog components than prior automatic detectors while providing lower jitter. Applications include radar and TDR tank gauges, and radar rangefinders for robotics and automotive applications.

Abstract: A computer based method of processing meteorological data to automatically characterize significant meteorological events is disclosed. Meteorological data is received and processed to generate a plurality of distinct threat products for a given geographic area. The threat products are combined over the given geographic area to create a composite threat product, which is automatically compared to predetermined threshold values to identify one or more areas of threat. A system for processing meteorological data to automatically characterize significant meteorological events is also disclosed.