Abstract: A porous polymeric sheet is provided having an electrostatic charge and comprising a zero-three composite of a polymeric matrix and a ferroelectric material dispersed therein. The polymeric component comprises a non-polar thermoplastic polymer, such as a polyolefin, and a second thermoplastic polymer having polar functional units, such as a telomer. The composite material is formed into a porous sheet and is electrically or corona poled to create an electret material which is well suited four use in various filtration, air-masking and dust wipe applications.

Abstract: A method of testing a light-emitting panel and the component parts therein including an assembled web containing light-emitting micro-components is disclosed. The method utilizes radiometric measuring devices disposed throughout a continuous fabrication process. Qualities of the components are measured so that product defects or process deficiencies can be corrected or eliminated.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a light-emitting panel sandwiches a plurality of micro-components between two flexible substrates in a web configuration. Each micro-component contains a gas or gas-mixture capable of ionization when a sufficiently large voltage is supplied across the micro-component via at least two electrodes. The micro-components are disposed in sockets formed at pre-determined locations in a first dielectric substrate so that they are adjacent to electrodes imprinted in the first substrate. Dielectric layers and the conductors for acting as electrodes are formed using liquid processes or combined liquid and sheet processes, where liquid materials are applied to the surface of the underlying layer, then cured to complete the formation of layers. The assembled layers are coated with a protective coating and may include an RF shield. In one embodiment, patterning of the conductors is achieved by applying conductive ink using an ink jet process.

Abstract: An improved light-emitting panel having a plurality of micro-components sandwiched between two substrates is disclosed. Each micro-component contains a gas or gas-mixture capable of ionization when a sufficiently large voltage is supplied across the micro-component via at least two electrodes. An improved method of manufacturing a light-emitting panel is also disclosed, which uses a web fabrication process to manufacturing light-emitting displays as part of a high-speed, continuous inline process.

Abstract: A puppet system consisting of a puppet, or other first body, able to fit within an opening or hole in an second object. The first object has straps that are attached on both ends to the first object. At least one end of the strap is reversibly attachable. The strap is able to fit in second openings in the second object and then re-attach to the first object securing the first object to the second object in a loose but secure manner. A preferred embodiment is use of a puppet as the first object and a book cover as the second object so that an operator can use one hand to both support the book cover and operate the puppet.

Abstract: An illumination toy may be provided having an illuminated polyhedron that may include a base and a plurality of apertured sides extending upwardly from the base. Each apertured side of the illuminated polyhedron may have a plurality of apertures. The illuminated polyhedron may further include an illumination source disposed between the apertured sides such that the illumination source provides simultaneous illumination to all of the plurality of apertured sides. The illumination toy may further include a plurality of translucent pegs, with the apertures of the apertured sides being adapted to receive the translucent pegs and retentively engage the translucent pegs. The illumination toy may also include a plurality of opaque sheets which the apertured sides are adapted to received, with the opaque sheets having indicia thereon corresponding to positions of at least some of the apertures of the apertured sides when the opaque sheets are disposed adjacent the apertured sides.

Abstract: A toy vehicle includes a plug to recognize a keyed accessory of the toy vehicle, circuitry connected to the plug and operable to select a functional feature in response to recognition of the keyed accessory, and a feature generator to produce the selected functional feature.

Abstract: An anatomical support device for post radiation cancer treatment, such as for breast or prostate cancer, including a breast support device for supporting the breast away from the chest or a scrotum support device for supporting the scrotum away from the groin and perineal areas. Each support device includes a central portion configured to create space between the affected part of the anatomy and underlying skin to prevent irritating friction contact. The central portion has one or more perforations therethrough and/or open transverse channels for providing and/or enhancing circulation of air to and around the affected tissue to speed healing. An enclosed raised channel is provided on the central portion in communication with at least one of the perforations through the raised channel and be delivered to the affected tissue.

Abstract: A method for dressing a grinding worm that is to be used in forming a conical face gear that meshingly engages a conical involute pinion. The method employs true conjugate action between a theoretical conical involute pinion and a conical face gear to accurately position a dressing tool relative to a grinding worm.

Abstract: A polishing endpoint detecting device of a polishing apparatus detects a polishing endpoint of a polishing process by measuring light reflected from a surface of a semiconductor substrate being polished. The apparatus also includes a polishing pad and a rotary plate each of a light-transmitting material. The light is directed onto the surface of the semiconductor substrate through the polishing pad and the rotary plate and is scanned across the surface of the semiconductor substrate along a horizontal line which passes through the centers of the polishing pad and the semiconductor substrate. A light-measuring instrument measures a characteristic of the light reflected from the surface of the semiconductor substrate, and a processor detects the polishing endpoint by analyzing signals produced by the light measuring instrument.

Abstract: A surface treating article including a surface treating member and a fastener including a fiducial. The present invention also provides a preferred method of making a surface treating article that includes to a method of sensing the location of a fasteners on a surface treating web and thereafter cutting the surface treating web around the fastener to provide a surface treating article.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing a burr from an edge of a workpiece comprising a rotating shaft, an abrasive mechanism along a distal end portion of the shaft, and a non-abrasive collar provided along the abrasive mechanism. The non-abrasive collar protects the wall of the workpiece from unintentional abrasion while the rotating abrasive mechanism is advanced into position for deburring. A proximal end of the rotating shaft may be attached to a flexible coupling member for allowing the shaft to deflect when a lateral force is exerted on the apparatus by the wall of the workpiece. The cross-sectional shape of the abrasive mechanism may be curvilinear and/or polygonal, depending upon the shape of the edge to be deburred. Two or more different abrasive mechanisms and/or non-abrasive collars can be simultaneously attached to the shaft.

Abstract: A polishing device includes a polishing surface plate which is driven rotatively, a polishing cloth attached on a surface of the polishing surface plate, an abrasive feeding mechanism feeding abrasive on the polishing cloth, a wafer holding mechanism holding a semiconductor wafer, and a guide member arranged on the polishing cloth and having a groove to allow the abrasive to pass therethrough and guide the abrasive to an inward side of the polishing surface plate.

Abstract: Diclosed is a dense fluid spray cleaning apparatus comprising a gas supply (3) for providing a predetermined amount of a gas to an enhanced joule-thompson condensation reactor (2) and for providing gas to a propellant generator (4), a premix chamber (6) for receiving a solid particulate from the enhanced joule thompson condensation reactor and heated gas from the propellant generator, and a mixing chamber (8) for receiving the solid particulate and the heated gas and producing a spray stream containing the solid particulate.

Abstract: A slurry homogenizer. A frame having an outlet is disposed on a driving means having a rotating shaft. A waterproof plate having a first opening is disposed in the frame and on the driving means. Part of the shaft penetrates the first opening. A filter is disposed in the frame and on the plate. A first grinding pad has a second opening and is fitted on the shaft through the second opening. The first grinding pad is disposed in the frame and above the plate. A knob is fitted on the top of the shaft. The knob fixes the first grinding pad on the shaft. A cover having a pipe is disposed on the frame. A second grinding pad having a third opening is fitted on the pipe and disposed in the frame. The second grinding pad and the first grinding pad are separated by a fixed distance.

Abstract: A tool for finishing an outside diameter surface of a cylindrical workpiece. The tool includes a rotatable substantially cylindrical member having an inner work-engaging surface adapted for finishing the O.D. surface of the cylindrical workpiece. The inner work-engaging surface includes abrasive particles thereon and defines a bore to receive the workpiece. The substantially cylindrical member includes at least one longitudinal split permitting radial expansion and contraction of at least part of the cylindrical portion for workpiece O.D. finish adjustment. The tool includes a rotable shaft, a plurality of spring loaded work-engaging elements adapted for finishing the O.D. surface of the workpiece. The work engaging elements have abrasive inserts. The plateaued O.D. surface has peaks that are 3-10 times smaller than the valleys.

Abstract: A coated abrasive having an abrasive surface comprising a plurality of individual abrasive structures can be modified to convey information by changing the appearance, for example by changing the size, shape or spacing of the structures to create patterns conveying the information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an abrasive article having a shaped abrasive coating on a shaped backing and to a method of making and using the flexible abrasive article. The flexible abrasive article includes a backing bearing separated, shaped non-abrasive structures having a distal end spaced from the backing which are coated with a shaped abrasive coating. The method comprises providing the backing, applying to one surface of the backing a plurality of separated, shaped non-abrasive structures with distal ends, coating the distal ends with a curable composition containing abrasive particles, imparting a shaped configuration to the uncured coating and curing the coating.

Abstract: A nonabsorbent, abrasive scrubbing pad, especially for domestic use in the kitchen or bathroom, comprising a nonwoven web of fibers in which the fibers have coated thereon a mixture of antimicrobial compounds. The antimicrobial compounds are dispersed in a coating material that is applied to the fibers and then cured to anchor the antimicrobial compounds in the coating and prevent their being leached. The coating preferably also has dispersed therein abrasive particles to provide an abrasive scrubbing pad. More broadly, any substrate can be provided with an antimicrobial coating by mixing into a curable, film-forming composition an antimicrobial compound, coating the substrate with the mixture, and curing the mixture on the substrate.

Abstract: A manufactured chemical mechanical polishing pad is annealed after manufacture to improve its operating characteristics. Annealing can stabilize the operational properties of the pad, such as coefficient of thermal expansion and compressibility. In one embodiment, annealing partially or fully completes a curing process that was incomplete after the pad was manufactured.

Abstract: A fume hood exhaust stack system (10) and method utilize a variable speed fan (24) and an exhaust stack (28) having an adjustable cross-sectional area. Toxic exhaust from one or more fume hoods (12) is conveyed through a header (16) to the fan. The fan forces the exhaust through the exhaust stack, and the exhaust is then discharged into the atmosphere at a sufficient velocity and momentum to ensure that the exhaust reaches an environmentally sound altitude. A variable speed drive (36), programmable controller (34), flow signals (26), and static pressure and total pressure signals (20) are utilized to modulate the speed of the fan and the area of the exhaust stack to maintain the desired fan inlet pressure and exhaust velocity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing the culturing of microorganisms, including molds, mildew, fungus, viruses, bacteria and insects, within the walls (10), ceilings (15) and floors (45) of a building (12) to eliminate these as a source of respiratory illness and fungal disease among the occupants of a building (12). The method comprises circulating drier, cleaner air into the space (24) between the interior surface (18) and exterior surface (20) of the wall (10), ceiling (15) and floor (45) of the building (12). The apparatus includes a pump (28) and a network of piping (26) installed in the walls (10), ceilings (15) and floors (45) and adapted to create a flow of dry air within the them that absorbs moisture which would otherwise promote the culturing of the microorganisms. Preferably, sensors (32) inside the wall (10), ceiling (15) and floor (45) are connected to a controller (30) to activate the pump (28) when the moisture level rises to a predetermined level.

Abstract: According to the invention, vacuum pumping systems are integrated in the intermediate space between a supporting slab and a clean room false floor formed from a juxtaposition of false floor tiles held by posts resting on the supporting slab. A platform, whose size is greater than the floor space requirement of the vacuum pumping system to be integrated, and substantially equal to that of a false floor tile, is held away from the supporting slab by feet resting on the supporting slab. Thus part of the space underneath the vacuum pumping systems is freed, for the free passage of cables and ducts. Simultaneously the vacuum pumping system is isolated with respect to the false floor, in order to avoid the transmission of vibrations.

Abstract: An office air handling unit includes an intake, return and output system. The intake system transfers air from an external environment and through a preheating and cooling unit that regulates the temperature of the air entering the interior zone. The return system re-circulates air from the interior zone to the exterior zone through the use of a fan. The return system also regulates the temperature of the air entering the exterior zone by using a preheat unit and cooling unit. The output system allows for the transfer of air from the exterior zone to the external environment, re circulates the air back into the return system or re-circulates the air back into the intake system. The intake system allows for the transfer of air from the external environment to the return system to bypass the interior zone and provide fresh air to the exterior zone.

Abstract: A sleeve assembly (2) for supporting flexible duct (4) includes a frame (6) with first and second frame sections (10a, b). The frame sections are secured together by fastener subassemblies (8). The sleeve assembly accommodates flexible duct in various angular and straight configurations. The frame can comprise various suitable materials and skeletal or solid-exterior construction. The sleeve assembly is adapted for various installations in air distribution systems of heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems.

Abstract: An adjustable air stream introducing device for reinforcement of a blowing power of a primary air stream flowing through a duct, includes a tubular coupler disposed downstream of the duct to confine an annular space. A surrounding seat member is disposed securely in the annular space, and has a plurality of internal ports angularly displaced from one another. A surrounding sash member has a plurality of external ports, and overlies on and is turnable relative to the seat member via a motor-driven actuator member so as to adjust the overlying areas of the external and internal ports, thereby adjusting the amount of the introduced air stream through the annular space.

Abstract: A dual band radio is constructed using a primary and secondary transceiver. The primary transceiver is a complete radio that is operational in a stand alone configuration. The secondary transceiver is a not a complete radio and is configured to re-use components such as fine gain control and fine frequency stepping of the primary transceiver to produce operational frequencies of the secondary transceiver. The primary transceiver acts like an intermediate frequency device for the secondary transceiver. Switches are utilized to divert signals to/from the primary transceiver from/to the secondary transceiver. The switches are also configured to act as gain control devices. Antennas are selected using either wideband or narrowband antenna switches that are configured as a diode bridge having high impedance at operational frequencies on control lines that bias the diodes.

Abstract: A method of receiving an FM digital audio broadcasting signal including a first plurality of subcarriers in an upper sideband of a radio channel and a second plurality of subcarriers in a lower sideband of the radio channel comprises the steps of mixing the digital audio broadcasting signal with a local oscillator signal to produce an intermediate frequency signal, passing the intermediate frequency signal through a bandpass filter to produce a filtered signal, determining if one of the upper and lower sidebands of the digital audio broadcasting signal is corrupted, and adjusting the local frequency oscillator signal to change the frequency of the intermediate frequency signal such that the bandpass filter removes the subcarriers in the upper or lower sideband that has been corrupted. A receiver that processes a digital audio broadcasting signal in accordance with the method is also provided.

Abstract: Local emergency alert service for cell-phone or pager users is provided using regional or localized broadcast to or polling of available, voluntary, or otherwise identified wireless communication devices or other network-accessible nodes operating using different protocol in proximate help area, thus allowing such alerted users to respond to nearby emergency request or condition. Wireless communicator location is determined using relative satellite positioning, radio signal triangulation, or manual entry technique. Sensor may alert wireless communicator automatically of emergency condition.

Abstract: A temperature compensation circuit comprises a signal source to output a first signal corresponding to a temperature change of an ambient temperature to a predetermined temperature, and a multiplier to multiply an external gain control signal and the first signal and output a second signal proportional to the temperature change and the first signal to a variable gain amplifier to perform the temperature compensation with respect to the variable gain amplifier.

Abstract: A wideband tuning circuit suitable for a low-voltage silicon process includes a plurality of frequency band modules for generating a frequency within a particular frequency band of the tuning range. Each frequency band module includes a tuning sensitivity controller responsive to a tuning sensitivity control signal, a sub-band tuning network responsive to one of the frequency band module control signals, a resonator inductor, and a negative resistance generator coupled to the inductor to offset resistance of the inductor. A frequency band module control signal causes the sub-band tuning network to select a sub-band within the frequency band of one of the frequency band module, and a tuning sensitivity control signal causes the tuning sensitivity controller to control the output frequency of the frequency band module within a selected sub-band. A multiplexer selectively couples the output frequency from one of the frequency band modules in response to a band select signal.

Abstract: In order to provide a constant current source circuit which is capable of covering variety of specifications in a single circuit, there is provided a constant-current source circuit provided having a desired temperature characteristic with a current regulation being set at a predetermined value, in which a first current unit generates a first constant current based on a first resistor connected between a pin and the ground; a second current unit generates a second constant current based on a second resistor connected between a pin and the ground; an adder adds the first and second constant currents; a current amplifying unit generates a third constant current by adding the constant-currents and then multiplying n-fold to inflow or outflow the third constant current via the pin; a current regulation of the third constant current is set at a predetermined value by determining the resistances of the first and second resistors.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing intermodulation distortion in a low current drain automatic gain control system includes a multiplier (1500) and an AGC digital signal processor (1100).

Abstract: An automatic gain control system (100) and methods thereof for a receiver for providing a wide range of continuous gain control has been discussed. The AGC includes an input stage (120) for providing an indication of a strength of a received signal; an attenuator stage (107) operable to switch a fixed amount of attenuation for the received signal; a variable attenuator (109) to provide a variable amount of attenuation for said received signal, and a controller (135) responsive to said indication for providing a variable control signal (145) to the variable attenuator; wherein the controller concurrently changes the variable control signal to change in the opposite direction the variable amount of attenuation by approximately the fixed amount of attenuation whenever the attenuator stage is switched, thereby extending the range of continuous gain control beyond the range of the variable attenuator.

Abstract: A power measurement element (106) measures (302) the wide-band received signal power of a receiver (102), and a wide-band AGC system (108) transfers (306) receiver gain control from an on-channel AGC system (110) to the wide-band AGC system, when the wide-band received signal power exceeds a pre-programmed threshold for longer than a pre-programmed delay time. The wide-band AGC system is arranged and programmed to decrease (308) a front-end gain of the receiver through a plurality of gain steps of a pre-programmed size (208) applied at a pre-programmed rate until the received wide-band signal power falls below the pre-programmed threshold.

Abstract: A detection circuit and method for detecting AC voltage pulses at a defined frequency relate to first transforming an input signal to a low-frequency signal by multiplying the input signal by a mixing frequency. This down-mixed signal can then be filtered and evaluated. The circuit is particularly suitable for identifying charge unit signals in the telephone network.

Abstract: An image-rejecting antenna apparatus includes an antenna unit for receiving or transmitting a wireless signal and an image-reject unit for removing an image component signal having a predetermined frequency from among signals received from the antenna unit. In an image-rejecting antenna apparatus that receives a predetermined signal and provides a processed signal to a RF circuit unit for performing a predetermined function may also include an impedance matching unit for matching an impedance of the antenna unit with an impedance of the RF circuit unit and for providing the signal from which the image component signal has been removed to the RF circuit unit. A noise component of an image frequency that is transmitted to a subsequent circuit can be minimized or removed by including an image-reject unit when designing an antenna and a matching circuit, thereby improving the image-rejecting capabilities of an entire receiver.

Abstract: A channel select filter circuit is disclosed using a current-mode transconductance-capacitor (gm-C) architecture, which is tuned by digitally controlled capacitor arrays. The main filter includes at least one transconductor-capacitor (gm-C) filter and a transresistance amplifier. A replica transconductor-capacitor (gm-C) filter and a phase detector are used to establish any phase shift in an input signal, and a state machine adjusts capacitor arrays in the the replica transconductor-capacitor (gm-C) filter and the at least one transconductor-capacitor (gm-C) filter in order to set a cut-off frequency of the channel select filter.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is a system for signal processing in preparation for wireless transmission, the wireless transmission being from a portable wireless communication device and including use of a power amplifier having nonlinear characteristics. The system includes memory for storing digitally-indexed information. The digitally-indexed information models nonlinear characteristics of the power amplifier, and the digitally-indexed information is stored prior to processing of a first signal that reflects information to be communicated. The system further includes first logic, configured to accept the first signal and to retrieve, based on the first signal, a portion of the digitally-indexed information stored in the memory, and second logic, configured to generate a second signal based on the portion of the digitally-accessed information and on the first signal.

Abstract: A method of wireless communications according to one embodiment of the invention includes obtaining a first time base (e.g. obtaining a code phase) from a signal received from a ground transmitter (e.g. a CDMA base station). A predetermined offset based on at least a propagation delay of the received signal is applied to the first time base to obtain a second time base. For example, the second time base may be aligned to a time base of a positioning satellite system (e.g. the NAVSTAR GPS). A timing signal is generated that has a code phase based on the second time base.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining an authorization status of a satellite broadcast service for a mobile vehicle. A call center receives a request for the authorization status of the satellite broadcast service for the mobile vehicle. The call center sends a request signal to the mobile vehicle. The call center then receives an authorization status signal from the mobile vehicle. The call center then sends the authorization status to the satellite broadcast service.

Abstract: A system and method for location-dependent services for mobile stations using short range wireless technology such as Bluetooth. In an advantageous embodiment, the location-based service is a suggested profile change for a mobile station. A suggested profile may be a mode of operation for the mobile station's current location (e.g., silence in a meeting room) and may be accompanied by the period of time that the profile is valid and a timer value for a forced change to the suggested profile in the absence of user interaction. In response to a prompt from a mobile station that has received a suggested profile, a user may either accept or cancel the suggested profile. Various mechanisms are disclosed for ensuring that services such as a suggested profile change is sent to mobile stations having more than a passing association with the access point's coverage area.

Abstract: A satellite-based communications system operating at high data rates includes a plurality of satellites each having uplink and downlink antennas for transmitting and receiving a plurality of signals utilizing a plurality of spot beams to and from a plurality of coverage areas at a predetermined range of frequencies. The system can include, or be combined with, other systems to enable increased capacity over high population areas and ubiquitous coverage over lower population areas. A portable antenna assembly can be coupled to a user's portable or mobile electronic device for coupling the electronic device directly to a satellite. A routing switch provides routing and switching on-board the satellite and routes signals according to their desired destination.

Abstract: In a networked communications apparatus, comprising at least one server (10) and a plurality of user stations (12) coupled via a first network (14), storage means (16) hold a profile database containing data representing a characteristic behaviour of an associated user. The user station further comprises a portable communications device (18) connectable to the said at least one server (10) via a second network (22), with the means for automatically acquiring user data storing access data for establishing a connection via said second network with the associated user terminal network address or addresses.

Abstract: A packet data communication system that includes a base station subsystem (BSS) operably coupled to a packet control function (PCF) via an A8/A9 interface and a packet data service node (PDSN) operably coupled to the PCF via an A10/A11 interface provides accounting updates concerning data received and/or transmitted by the BSS. The BSS determines a quantity of data received by the BSS from, and/or transmitted by the BSS to, a mobile station and conveys a first set of information concerning the determined quantity of data to the PCF. In response to receiving the first set of information, the PCF conveys a second set of information concerning the determined quantity of data to the PDSN. In response to receiving the second set of information, the PDSN conveys a third set of information concerning the determined quantity of data to a billing service.

Abstract: Management information is determined for both non-drifting and drifting mobile radios being serviced by a cell and/or by an RNC and reported to a management system for further processing. A distribution of drifting mobile radios to non-drifting mobile radios in a particular cell (or for all cells controlled by another RNC) is determined using the number of established radio links in the cell (or cells) for both drifting and non-drifting mobile radios. The distribution along with management information detected for non-drifting mobile radios are used to estimate corresponding management information for drifting mobile radios. In this way, management information for both drifting and non-drifting mobile radios is reported to the management system using existing formats, protocols, and procedures in both the traffic and management systems.

Abstract: The present invention facilitates control over inter-system handover between different types of radio access technologies. Assuming a radio connection has been established between a first mobile radio communications system and a user equipment (UE) using an anchor node, a request is made for handover of the UE connection to a second mobile radio communications system that includes a non-anchor node. UE handover information is provided to the non-anchor node. The UE handover information includes first radio handover information relating to handover of the connection from the first mobile radio communication system to the second mobile radio communication system and second handover information relating to handover from the second mobile radio communications system to the first mobile radio communications system. The non-anchor node forwards to a node in the target network the UE handover information having the protocol format recognized by that node.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for routing a call to a called party's landline or wireless communication unit based on the availability of the wireless communication unit A call placed to a called party's landline communication unit is routed to the called party's wireless communication unit if the wireless communication unit is determined available, otherwise, the call is routed to the called party's landline communication unit. Unlike past attempts to facilitate communication with a called party having wireless and landline communication units, these preferred embodiments operate automatically (without called party intervention) before a call is terminated at the landline communication unit and are responsive to the availability of the called party's wireless communication unit. Further, there preferred embodiments do not rely on complex, predetermined hunting sequences or expensive adjunct customer premises equipment.

Abstract: In order to alleviate network congestion, replication of packets is performed after the packets are received over a wide-area network (250). In particular, a voice packet received from a particular remote unit (201) by a particular base station (211) will be replicated, once for each downlink replicator involved in the call. These voice packets will be transmitted over the wide-area network (250) and will be received by the downlink replicators, again replicated, and transmitted to the appropriate base stations (212-215) where they are provided to their respective remote units (202-206).

Abstract: This invention increases the communication efficiency between the network and the mobile device by eliminating repetitive contents within one communication message in a wireless communication system. Meantime, this invention provides improvements while maintains the existing message data structure intact.