Abstract: Methods of manufacturing composite webs including a substrate with one or more reinforcing discrete polymeric regions located on or within the composite web are disclosed. Molten nonelastomeric thermoplastic material of the discrete polymeric region is forced against the substrate by a transfer roll. If the substrate is porous, fibrous, etc., a portion of the nonelastomeric thermoplastic composition may infiltrate the substrate and/or encapsulate fibers of the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for punching CMP machine backing film. The apparatus comprises a base, a first plate, and a second plate. The base holds the backing-film. The first plate is disposed on the base in a manner such that it moves between a first position and a second position. The first plate abuts the backing-film when it is located at the second position. The second plate, having a plurality of punches, is disposed on the base in a manner such that it moves between a third position and a fourth position. The first plate is located at the first position when the second plate is located at the third position. The first plate is located at the second position when the second plate is located at the fourth position so that the punches pass through the first plate to punch the backing-film.

Abstract: A film formed on a surface of a wafer on which an integrated circuit is to be constructed can be planarized by using a fixed abrasive tool regardless of the width of elements of a pattern underlying the film. The fixed abrasive tool is liable to form scratches in the surface of the film. A planarizing process of the present invention employs a fixed abrasive tool containing substances harder than the film to be planarized in a content of 10 ppm or below and having a mean pore diameter of 0.2 &mgr;m or below.

Abstract: A plasma processing system that includes a chamber enclosing a plasma region. The system has a plasma source including a power source coupled to an electrode provided within the chamber to deliver RF power into the plasma region. The RF power forms an RF electromagnetic field that interacts with a gas in the plasma region to create a plasma. In one embodiment, an absorbing surface including an RF absorber is provided within the plasma region, and a protective layer is provided on the absorber to seal the absorber from plasma within the plasma region. Alternately, a non-reflecting surface is provided within the plasma region. The non-reflecting surface comprises a layer of dielectric material and acts to minimize reflection of RF power at a design frequency. The non-reflecting surface further includes a thickness equivalent to the quarter wavelength of a wave propagating in the dielectric layer at the design frequency.

Abstract: A magnetic field generator for producing a magnetic field that accelerates plasma formation is placed proximate a reaction chamber of semiconductor substrate processing system. The magnetic field generator has four main magnetic coil sections for producing a magnetic field nearly parallel to the top surface of a support pedestal in the reaction chamber and four sub-magnetic coil sections placed generally coaxially with the main magnetic coil sections to produce a magnetic field of the direction opposite of that of the magnetic field produced with the main magnetic coil sections. In the magnetic field generator, magnetic fields of opposite polarities are superimposed on each other when electric currents of opposite directions are applied to the main and sub-magnetic coil sections.

Abstract: A vehicle window having a curved inner lens, a rectangular frame with frame members and a shade. The shade is a dual shade having a first fabric member and a second fabric member with a removable shade rail between the first and second fabric member. There also is a movable shade rail at the end of the second shade material. Cables attach to each end of the removable shade rails and through to separate handles. Moving the first handle will move the first moveable shade rail and the first fabric member up and down and moving the second handle will move the second moveable shade rail and the second fabric up and down. The fabric members have different light transmissive characteristics, one being more opaque then the other.

Abstract: A window covering system comprises a plurality of slats located between a head rail and a bottom rail. The bottom rail is connected to the head rail by a pair of lifting cords extending through the slats. A first spring motor and storage device is located in one of the head rail and the bottom rail. The first spring motor and storage device includes at least one extension spring having a first end that is fixedly secured in the head rail or bottom rail and a second end that is free to move within the head rail or bottom rail. At least one of the lifting cords is looped around the free end of at least one of the extension springs so that movement of the bottom rail in a vertical direction causes a corresponding movement in the second end of the extension spring in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the head rail or bottom rail. A method for balancing a window covering system using a pair of extension springs is also disclosed.

Abstract: A rolled-up blind driving mechanism includes a chain of beads adapted to rotate a chain wheel assembly to further drive a torsional spring on a spring holder to rotate an axle sleeve in rolling up/letting off the blind, the torsional spring having two end tips, a curved connecting arm, and two coils connected between the connecting arm and the end tips of the rolled-up blind, the connecting arm and the end tips being disposed at two sides of an inside protruding portion of the axle sleeve for enabling the axle sleeve to be rotated to roll up/let off the blind of the rolled-up blind when pulling the chain of beads to rotate the chain wheel assembly clockwise/counter-clockwise on the spring holder.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a control cord for use in a covering for architectural openings includes the steps of providing spools of high tensile strength and low abrasion characteristic yarns, tensioning the yarns and winding the yarns under tension on bobbins, placing the bobbins in a braiding apparatus and making an eight-carrier braid from the yarns on the bobbins, and passing the braided cord through a treatment apparatus where a urethane coating is applied to the yarns and heat cured.

Abstract: A screening element (10) comprises an open-mesh fabric (11) made up of interwoven threads to form warp threads (12) and weft threads (13). A strip element (14) is held fast between, and is parallel to two warp threads. The strip element (14) is flexible along its length parallel to the warp threads and basically rigid in the plane of the fabric transversally to the warp threads. This strip element acts as a hooking connection for support elements (16, 17) of the screening element. The strip element is tensioned longitudinally at its ends and the fabric is transversally tensioned by means of transversal actions on the strip element itself.

Abstract: A screen element is provided for motor vehicles, in which a piece of flat material extends in a surface area. The piece of flat material has strands which are inherently stiff to enable the flat material to stand alone without a frame. The strands also provide primary stability for the screen element. A frame is provided on at least one edge area of the piece of flat material. The frame providies secondary stability for the screen element.

Abstract: A louver for a louver blind curtain comprising two parts which can be moved in a telescope-like manner with respect to each other. By means of a rubber traction device, the louver parts are subjected to pre-tension in the direction toward the shortened position of the louver. The louver curtain comprises a multitude of louvers whose length can be automatically changed and which are guided at both ends on guide tracks. The connection between the louver and each guide track is achieved by a respective slider, where the slider is provided at one end of the louvers with a drive, to change the angular position of the louvers. In addition, those sliders which travel the longest distance during the opening and the closing of the curtain are provided with screwed spindle drives.

Abstract: A method to enhance brightness in Chemical and Mechanical pulps comprising adding an organic sulfide chelant is described and claimed.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for uniformly applying a foam to a wet tissue web is provided. Specifically, a foam is first formed from a liquid-based composition and a gas, such as air. Once formed, the foam is applied by a foam applicator to the wet tissue web. In one embodiment, for example, the foam applicator applies the foam with a flexible scraper contacting the wet tissue web during the application of the foam. When applied with the foam, the wet tissue web typically has a solids consistency less than about 95% by dry weight of the tissue web. In some embodiments, one or more vacuum slots may be utilized in conjunction with the foam applicator to facilitate uniform application of the foam to the wet tissue web.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of making a tissue product. An aqueous suspension of papermaking fibers is deposited onto a forming fabric thereby forming a wet tissue web. The wet tissue web is transferred to a sculpted fabric having a tissue machine contacting side and a tissue contacting side. The tissue contacting side includes an upper porous member comprising a base with nonwoven elevated regions thereon. The nonwoven elevated regions comprise a first group of nonwoven raised elements and a second group of nonwoven raised elements, both raised relative to the base. The first group of nonwoven raised elements extends in at least a first direction and the second group of nonwoven raised elements extends in at least a second direction.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of making a tissue product. An aqueous suspension of papermaking fibers is deposited onto a forming fabric thereby forming a wet tissue web. The wet tissue web is transferred to a woven sculpted fabric having a tissue contacting surface. The tissue contacting surface includes at least a first group of strands and a second group of strands wherein the first group of strands extend in a first direction and the second group of strands extend in a second direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrous kaolin product having improved optical properties, for example, when used in the production of paper products. The present invention comprises an improved barrier coating for paper and a method of making the coated paper. The present invention also comprises an improved method from making filled and coated paper products. The present invention uses a composition comprising kaolin having a shape factor of at least about 70:1, such as at least about 80:1 or at least about 100:1.

Abstract: The present invention is a sculpted fabric for the manufacture of a tissue web, having a tissue machine contacting side and a tissue contacting side. The tissue contacting side includes an upper porous member comprising a base with nonwoven elevated regions thereon. The nonwoven elevated regions comprise a first group of nonwoven raised elements and a second group of nonwoven raised elements, both raised relative to the base. The first group of nonwoven raised elements extends in at least a first direction and the second group of nonwoven raised elements extends in at least a second direction.

Abstract: A process for increasing the tactile properties of a base web without adversely affecting the strength of the web is disclosed. In general, the process includes the steps of placing a base web in between a first moving conveyor and a second moving conveyor. The conveyors are then wrapped around a shear inducing roll which creates shear forces that act upon the base web. The shear inducing roll typically has a relatively small diameter. In some applications, more than one shear inducing roll may be incorporated into the system. In other applications, the shear inducing roll can also be a nip roll for decreasing the caliper of the base web. The shear inducing roll may be stationary, as in the form of a stationary shoe with a convex edge, or may rotate. In one embodiment, the shear inducing roll can rotate on an air bearing.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling a spray-forming process incorporating time, temperature, and transformation dependent stress relief techniques involves the manipulation of both temperature and time for strategic phase changes that result in a specific and planned volumetric increase. This manipulation is made based on controlling ongoing spray parameters to spray-form an article having a mixed-phase and interspersed makeup of metallic phases that minimizes residual stress in the article.

Abstract: A method of preparing a metal alloy comprising a dispersion of particles of a first metallic material consisting of one or more refractory hard metals in a matrix of a second metallic material includes establishing a molten body of the second metallic material and introducing solid particles of the first metallic material into the molten body. Alternatively solid particles of a metalloid which reacts with the second metallic material to form particles of the first metallic material may be introduced into the molten body. The first metallic material has a higher melting point than the second metallic material and is substantially insoluble therein. The molten body is then stirred at a rate sufficient to effect shearing of the surfaces of the particles such that the surfaces are wetted by the molten body, and the molten body containing the resultant dispersion is cast in any desired manner.

Abstract: A process for connecting at least two components, particularly body components of motor vehicles, wherein the first component has an undercut on a side facing the second component. In the area of the undercut, a connection piece is cast to the first component. The connection piece is designed such that, during its solidification, the connection piece is firmly connected with the first component by the contraction of a last-solidifying core area of the connection piece. Then the second component is mounted on the connection piece.

Abstract: A casting die for the production of a cylinder block/crankcase of an internal combustion engine includes at least one sleeve, which may be moved relative to its axis and is fitted in each case with a cylinder liner, the sleeve keeping open the cylinder bore of the cylinder block/crankcase and extending from a wall on the cylinder-head side of the die to a wall on the crankshaft side of the casting die. The cylinder liner ends at least 3 mm before the wall on the cylinder-head side of the casting die, and the cylinder liner is held at a distance from the wall on the cylinder-head side of the casting die by a spacer.

Abstract: A molten metal supply system (90) includes a plurality of injectors (100) each having an injector housing (102) and a reciprocating piston (104). A molten metal supply source (132) is in fluid communication with the housing (102) of each of the injectors (100). The piston (104) is movable through a return stroke allowing molten metal (134) to be received into the housing (102) from the molten metal supply source (132), and a displacement stroke for displacing the molten metal (134) from the housing (102). A pressurized gas supply source (144) is in fluid communication with the housing (102) of each of the injectors (100) through respective gas control valves (146). The gas supply source (144) is used to pressurize a space formed between the molten metal (134) and the piston (104) during the return stroke of the piston (104) of each of the injectors (100).

Abstract: A process for casting and preparing an ingot of a beta-phase NiAl-based material, particularly for use in PVD coating processes. The method entails melting a nickel-aluminum composition having an aluminum content below that required for stoichiometric beta-phase NiAl intermetallic so as to form a melt comprising nickel and Ni3Al. Aluminum is then added to the melt, causing an exothermic reaction between nickel and aluminum as the melt equilibrium shifts from Ni3Al to NiAl. However, the aluminum is added at a rate sufficiently low to avoid a violent exothermic reaction. The addition of aluminum continues until sufficient aluminum has been added to the melt to yield a beta-phase NiAl-based material. The beta-phase NiAl-based material is then solidified to form an ingot, which is then heated and pressed to close porosity and homogenize the microstructure of the ingot.

Abstract: The operation of the Energy Optimizer is based on the fact that within any furnace there is an optimum operating temperature above which the furnace's heat exchanger reflects rather than absorbs any significant amount of additional thermal energy. Once that optimal heat exchanger temperature has been achieved, any continued application of thermal energy is typically reflected up the chimney as lost heat, wasted energy, and added pollutants to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A heat exchanger device includes an air duct, a thermal transfer unit disposed within the air duct, and at least one bracket fixed to the exterior of the air duct for mounting fluid lines line coupled to the thermal transfer unit to the outside of the duct. The bracket includes a base and an arm. The arm extends obliquely from the base, and has an aperture for receiving a fluid line. A method for mounting a fluid supply line to a duct is also disclosed, and includes the steps of providing a bracket with a base and an arm, fixing the base of the bracket to the exterior of the duct, and engaging the fluid supply line in a receiving portion of the arm of the bracket.

Abstract: A heat exchanger device includes an air duct, a thermal transfer unit disposed within the air duct, and at least one bracket fixed to the exterior of the air duct for mounting fluid lines coupled to the thermal transfer unit to the outside of the duct. The bracket includes a base and a plurality of arms. The arms extend obliquely from the base, and each of the plurality of arms has an aperture for receiving a fluid line. A method for mounting a plurality of fluid supply lines to a duct is also disclosed, and includes the steps of providing a bracket with a base and a plurality of arms, fixing the base of the bracket to the exterior of the duct, and engaging each of the fluid supply lines in a receiving portion of one of the plurality of arms of the bracket.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods according to the present invention preferably utilize electroosmotic pumps that are capable of generating high pressure and flow without moving mechanical parts and the associated generation of unacceptable electrical and acoustic noise, as well as the associated reduction in reliability. These electroosmotic pumps are preferably fabricated with materials and structures that improve performance, efficiency, and reduce weight and manufacturing cost relative to presently available micropumps. These electroosmotic pumps also preferably allow for control including venting or recapture of evolved gases and deposited materials, which may provide for long-term closed-loop operation. A gas permeable membrane removes and vents electrolytic gasses generated within the fluid chamber of the electroosmotic pump to ambient. A catalyst can be used to recombine electrolytic gases to form a vapor product that can be vented or condensed into a liquid state.

Abstract: A heat exchanger kit useful for installation in an existing electrical equipment cabinet, said cabinet having an enclosure adapted to contain heat-generating electrical equipment, at least one access opening, and a door providing a closure for said access opening; the kit including a replacement door for the cabinet and mounted thereon, a louvered shroud, creating an enclosure within said shroud defined by the replacement door and the shroud, an air-to-air heat exchanger mounted on the exterior of the replacement door, and supported thereby, for removing heat from the interior of the cabinet while maintaining the substantially closed environment within the cabinet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heat exchanger, in particular a refrigerant condenser, especially for a motor vehicle air-conditioning unit. The heat exchanger is comprised of a block of tubes and fins and of collecting tubes which are arranged on both sides and receive the ends of the tubes, and of a collector which is arranged parallel to a collecting tube. A method for manufacturing the heat exchanger is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus of a work machine which facilitates maintenance such as cleaning, check and remedy of cooling equipments such as a radiator, an oil cooler and an after cooler is provided. A frame which forms an opening portion on a ventilation passage is provided on an upper stream side of a fan, and a radiator and an oil cooler or a radiator and an oil cooler and an after cooler are arranged in parallel at the opening portion of the frame. At least one of the radiator and the oil cooler or at least one of the radiator and the oil cooler and the after cooler is mounted to the frame detachably. A fan shroud is mounted to the frame. A part of the fan shroud may be detachable.

Abstract: An auxiliary heater suitable for mobile applications and provided with a burner and a cup-shaped heat exchanger (10) which has a hollow cylindrical wall section (26, 48) with a first end area (16) facing the burner, a bottom section (24, 46) facing away from the burner, a heat transfer medium inlet (18), and a heat transfer medium outlet (20), by which, in operation of the auxiliary heater, a fluid heat transfer medium flows through the bottom section (24, 46) and the hollow cylindrical wall section (26, 48). In order to devise an auxiliary heater with has higher efficiency than known auxiliary heaters of the same size, both the heat transfer medium inlet (18) and heat transfer medium outlet (20) located on the first end area (16) of the heat exchanger (10).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a condenser for a domestic refrigerator having channelling which provides for the passage of a refrigerant associated with a substantially flat metal surface suitable for ensuring heat exchange between the refrigerant and air. The condenser comprises two plates configured to face each other, at least one of the plates being provided with a shaped groove configured to provide channelling which provides passage for the refrigerant.

Abstract: An extruded D-shaped manifold machined from extruded tubing is generally D-shaped in cross-section, with the header being thicker than the tank. At least two longitudinal external ribs are formed on the header exterior, preferably positioned symmetrically relative to the longitudinal axis of the header. The external ribs provide additional strengthening of the header and act as stops to prevent the heat exchanger fins from contacting the tube/manifold joint (which can lead to leakage when the joint is brazed). The number of external ribs and their location depend on the size of the manifold and the precision required in positioning the heat exchanger tubes in the slots. The manifold can be extruded with lengthwise internal ribs extending along the interior sides of the tank to act as stops for the heat exchanger tubes.

Abstract: An improved, more efficient method of operation for a vehicle heating and air conditioning system electrically positions a temperature control actuator in accordance with a first temperature control schedule for coordinated control of compressor capacity and re-heating of the discharge air when air conditioning is enabled, in accordance with a second temperature control schedule when air conditioning is disabled. Both first and second temperature control schedules position the temperature control actuator as a function of the setting of the driver-manipulated temperature selector.

Abstract: A mold temperature control unit with which piping connection for supply and drain of cooling water in unit setup can be extremely simply made. In a mold temperature control unit 1 which unit body 2 comprises a plurality of cooling water systems performing supply and drain of cooling water to/from a plurality of elements to be cooled in a mold, a single cooling water supply port 11 and a single cooling water drain port 12 for said plurality of cooling water systems are disposed on the outer panel of the unit body 2.

Abstract: The invention is a double duct changeover HVAC system, which uses two conditioned air sources to deliver air into two main duct systems. The two main duct systems are routed toward the exterior exposures of a building, and converge into a single duct which is routed to heating and cooling zones. Exterior exposure dampers control the mix of air so that the correct air temperature is sent to each exterior exposure. A damper at each heating and cooling zone controls the air flow into each heating and cooling zone, and VAV logic is used to deliver the correct air temperature and air flow to each heating and cooling zone of a building.

Abstract: A coal formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. The produced mixture may include a hydrocarbon component. The hydrocarbon component may include a relatively low weight percentage of compounds having carbon numbers greater than 25. The hydrocarbon component may include a relatively low amount of olefins.

Abstract: A well logging instrument is disclosed which includes a housing operatively coupled to a well logging conveyance and movable within the wellbore. The housing has therein a formation testing system and an axial extension mechanism. The axial extension mechanism controllably extends and retracts to allow the formation testing system to perform tests and take samples in an axially fixed position in the wellbore while the housing moves through the wellbore.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a system and method for using a gas in a well. In one aspect, the system includes a source of fluid and at least one multiphase pump for transporting the fluid. The system further includes a separator for separating phases in the fluid and an injector for injecting the gas into the well. The gas may be used for kicking off a shut-in well by the simultaneous injection of the gas into the shut-in well and the reduction of the wellhead pressure. The gas may also be used for maintaining production of the well, cleaning out the well or lightening the wellbore fluid in riser system. In another aspect, the invention provides a portable multiphase pump system. In yet another aspect, the invention provides a method for recycling gas from a wellbore fluid.

Abstract: A method of gravel packing a branch wellbore extending outwardly from a parent wellbore enables formation of a sealed wellbore junction. In a described embodiment, a gravel packing assembly is positioned in a well, so that an upper packer is in the parent wellbore and a well screen and slurry discharge device are positioned in the branch wellbore. After depositing gravel in the branch wellbore, cement is flowed into the branch wellbore above the gravel.

Abstract: There is a need to better understand well conditions during gravel pack completions and during production through a gravel pack. The sensors that are used to determine the conditions at the actual interface between the gravel pack and the production interval are located directly on the gravel pack assembly. This allows for the most accurate and timely understanding of the interface conditions. Sensors along the length of the gravel pack can provide real time bottom hole pressure and temperature readings. Other sensors could provide information on flow rate of fluids produced as well as density measurements. Thus, during completion, the sensors can provide information on the effectiveness of gravel placement. During production, the sensors could provide instantaneous information on dangerous well conditions in time to minimize damage to the well equipment.

Abstract: A cooling system in which an electronic or other component is cooled by using one or more solid sources of liquid vapor (such as hydrates or desiccants that desorb water at comparatively low temperature) in conjunction with one or more high-temperature vapor sorbents or desiccants that effectively transfer heat from the component to the fluid in the wellbore. Solid sources of water are more convenient to use than a container of liquid water (which is prone to spillage or leakage when tipped) and they can contain large amounts of water. For example, the hydrate Disodium Hydrogen Phosphate Dodecahydrate (DHPD) contains over 90% water by volume. The latent heats associated with phase changes and dehydration of a hydrate can provide substantial cooling capacity per unit volume of hydrate, which is particularly important in those applications where space is limited.

Abstract: A mount for a bonnet of a blowout preventer includes at least one support member coupled to a body of the blowout preventer, and a bonnet mounting member moveably coupled to the at least one support member and adapted to move substantially normal to a face of the body of the blowout blowout preventer, wherein the bonnet is coupled to the bonnet mounting member.

Abstract: The present invention provides an expandable tubular having improved polished bore receptacle protection. The present invention further provides methods for completing a wellbore through the use of an expandable string of casing having improved polished bore receptacle protection. In one aspect, the invention includes a liner member having an expandable section, and a polished bore receptacle positioned below the expandable section. The expandable section is run into a wellbore, and is positioned to overlap with the bottom portion of a string of casing already set within the wellbore. The expandable section is then expanded into frictional engagement with the surrounding casing. The expandable section optionally includes at least one sealing member and at least one slip member on the outer surface. In one aspect, a transition section is provided between the expandable section and the polished bore receptacle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling variation in the pitch of an agricultural vehicle are disclosed. The apparatus includes a controller that controls a position of an implement attached to the agricultural vehicle, and a first valve that is coupled to, and receives a first control signal from, the controller. The apparatus further includes a suspension cylinder having a first chamber that is hydraulically coupled to the first valve. The first control signal provided from the controller is functionally related to a first additional control signal provided by the controller, and the first additional control signal is used to determine the position of the implement.

Abstract: The construction machine according to the present invention comprises a lower running body, an upper turning body mounted free to turn on the lower running body, and a connecting bracket arranged between the rear end of a turning frame of the upper turning body and a rear device arranged on the rear end side, characterized in that the connecting bracket is provided with a connecting portion connected detachably to the rear end of the turning frame, and a mounting portion for detachably mounting the rear device such as a counterweight elevating device. Thereby, the construction machine can be applied to multi-purpose uses while using the frame construction in common.

Abstract: A low till agricultural implement has a frame with a hitch for attachment to a tractor. A straight coulter composed of an array of parallel circular blades is mounted to the front of the frame, and is followed by a spiral reel assembly and a spike tooth harrow assembly. The circular blades are mounted perpendicular to rotating shafts, and slice through field residue and soil with minimal side movement of material. The blades of the following reel then make cuts nearly perpendicular to those made by the circular blades. A trailing level bar follows the spiral reel. The implement aids in drying the soil surface layer, and, by cutting up residue and even spreading, the implement helps to warm up the soil.

Abstract: A disc gang is provided that is suitable for use as part of a multifunctional seedbed preparation implement or in a standalone disc harrow. The disc gang is configured to permit a gang angle of the disc gang to be adjusted to accommodate differing soil conditions and/or to obtain different tillage characteristics. The disc gang may include a frame mounted on a mainframe of a primary tillage implement such as a cultivator. The frame includes a main beam mounted on the implement's mainframe and a disc support beam connected to the main beam and supporting a plurality of rotating discs. The gang angle can be infinitely adjusted through a designated range by pivoting one end of the disc gang about a vertical pivot axis while permitting another end portion of the disc gang to slide along a support surface for that end.