Abstract: A hydraulic system includes at least two consumers, e.g., a closing unit and an injection unit of an injection molding machine. At least two displacement pumps are provided to produce a fluid flow under pressure to the consumers, whereby at least one control valve is provided for each of the consumers. At least one further valve is provided to control a fluid communication between the output sides of the displacement pumps, wherein at least one of the consumers is supplied with pressure from the outlet of the displacement pumps separately or together in groups.

Abstract: A differential pressure between a delivery pressure of a fixed displacement hydraulic pump 2 and a maximum load pressure among a plurality of actuators 3a to 3c is maintained at a target differential pressure by an unloading valve 5. A setting pressure of the unloading valve 5 is changed depending on an engine revolution speed by introducing a differential pressure &Dgr;Pp across a throttle 50, which is disposed in a delivery line of a fixed pump 30, to a pressure bearing sector 5d of the unloading valve. With such an arrangement, in a hydraulic drive system including an LS system, it is possible to ensure fine operability based on setting of the engine revolution speed, to perform flow rate control at a good response, and to realize superior operability.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pump unit including at least one hydraulic pump with inlet and outlet ports, a pump case for accommodating the hydraulic pump having an opening through which the hydraulic pump is insertable, and a lid, called a center section, closing the pump case. The center section forms a pair of inlet/outlet passages communicating an end with the inlet and outlet ports of the hydraulic pump and an end opening through a pump case abutting surface of the center section, and a first charging passage by which hydraulic fluid is fed through the pump case abutting surface of the center section. At least one of the pump case and the center section communicates the first charging passage with the pair of inlet/outlet passages via a first hydraulic fluid feeding valve preventing the reverse flow into said first charging passage.

Abstract: Apparatus for converting energy contained in surface waves on a body of water to useful energy comprises a float from which is suspended a fully or effectively fully submerged inverted cup-shaped member having a closed top end and an open bottom end. Disposed within the top space is a compressible fluid separated by a flexible membrane from a column of water filling the bottom open end of the submerged member. Passing surface waves cause pressure variations at the bottom end of the member causing changes in the water column height and corresponding changes in the buoyancy of the member. The buoyancy changes induce vertical oscillations of the member relative to the float and known means are used for converting the relative movements of the float and submerged member to useful energy. Preferably, the float vertically oscillates in synchronization with the passing waves, and the vertical movements of the float increase the relative movements between the float and the submerged member.

Abstract: The SOLAR VORTEX ELECTRIC POWER GENERATOR utilizes hot, unstable air on a flat surface when drawn under the collector surface to rise in a central tower where it acts as a controlled tornado turning blades and a shaft to power a generator. This provides power during peak summer demand for air conditioners and a water pump can also be driven directly by the sea to power a reverse osmossis plant. One square mile of collector area at 25% effeciency on a hot summer day can provide 640 megawatts at the generator. This is very cheap to make as surplus, rusty corrigated sheet steel can be used as the collector.

Abstract: A gas turbine combustor is provided with a nozzle extension tube having an inclination outward in a diameter direction of a combustor inner cylinder and in a peripheral direction of the combustor inner cylinder. As a result, the premixed gas is transformed to a spiral flow passing into a combustion chamber while turning, i.e., an outward turning flow, thereby sufficiently mixing the premixed gas while the premixed gas is flowing in the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A method for providing cooling air to the venturi and the combustion chamber in a low NOx emission combustor as used in a gas turbine engine that includes the steps of providing an annular air passage surrounding said combustion chamber and venturi where said cooling air under pressure enters the combustion chamber/venturi near the aft portion of the combustion chamber, passing the air along the combustion chamber, past the venturi where the air exits near the front portion of the convergent area of the venturi. The method prevents any channel/passage cooling air from being received into the combustion chamber, and at the same time, introduces the outlet of the cooling air, after the air has passed over the combustion chamber of the venturi and has been heated, back into the premix chamber thereby improving the efficiency of the combustor while reducing and lowering NOx emission in the combustion process.

Abstract: A gas turbine installation which includes a compressor which compresses supplied air and discharges the same, a combustor which combusts the compressed air obtained from the compressor and fuel and produces combustion gas, a turbine which is driven by combustion gas provided from the combustor, a regenerative heat exchanger which heats all or a part of the compressed air being supplied from the compressor to the combustor by making use of the heat of the exhaust gas exhausted from the turbine and a plurality of water spraying devices which are provided at positions from an intake air chamber of the compressor to the outlet of low temperature side gas flow passage in the regenerative heat exchanger and is characterized in that the regenerative heat exchanger is constituted by connecting in series a plurality of heat exchangers having different heat transfer surface configurations.

Abstract: An adaptive defrost control includes a microcomputer for controlling the initiation and termination of a defrost operation based, at least in part, on opening of the fresh food door and the freezer door. The control monitors the compressor run time and the fresh food and freezer door open times and adjusts the time until defrost accordingly. A pre-chill operation cools the freezer prior to defrosting the evaporator coils so that the defrost heat will have less of an affect on the maximum temperature after defrost, and enables the freezer compartment to be maintained at a temperature a few degrees higher than with known refrigerators, providing energy savings.

Abstract: A leak detection system for the detection and monitoring of pressurized refrigerant systems, primarily walk-in refrigeration units in stores or storage facilities, manages, monitors and controls the refrigeration system which store and preserve perishables. The system includes a gas refrigerant detector and a monitor and relay system to alert the store personnel and remote monitoring stations that a problem exists by detecting the presence of gas outside the system within the refrigeration units, assessing the magnitude of the problem, and providing an emergency shutoff means to close and contain the refrigeration system contents in the event a substantial refrigeration leak is detected, closing the system until system repairs are made and the system is reset.

Abstract: A control system is provided to maintain stable operating conditions for centrifugal compressors operating in parallel when one of the centrifugal compressors enters into an unstable operating condition. The control system determines an unstable operating condition in response to signals indicating the motor current or power consumption of each compressor and the position of the pre-rotation vanes of the compressors. Once an unstable operating condition is determined, the control system closes the pre-rotation vanes to each compressor until the unstable operating condition has been corrected.

Abstract: Multi-unit air conditioner including an outdoor unit including a flow path control valve for controlling a flow path of refrigerant from a compressor, outdoor heat exchanger having one side in communication with the flow path control valve, a first bypass pipeline having one end connected to the first pipeline which makes the flow path control valve and the outdoor heat exchanger to be in communication, and the other end connected to the second pipeline connected to the other end of the outdoor heat exchanger, and a flow rate control valve provided on the first bypass pipeline for controlling a flow rate of the refrigerant passing through the first bypass pipeline, an indoor unit having an indoor heat exchanger and indoor electronic expansion valve installed in each of rooms, a distributor for selective distribution of the refrigerant received through one of two pipelines connected to the outdoor unit to the indoor units, and returning to the outdoor unit through the other one pipeline, and controlling means

Abstract: A refrigerator, having freezer and fresh food compartments, includes a temperature sensor arranged to sense an average temperature in the fresh food compartment, a multi-position damper interposed in an intake duct leading from the freezer compartment, and a fresh food compartment stirring fan. The stirring fan receives a flow of air from each of the intake duct and a plurality of recirculation ducts exposed to different portions of the fresh food compartment. A control system regulates the stirring fan and the opening of the damper based on the sensed temperature in order to minimize temperature stratification within the fresh food compartment, while maintaining an energy efficient and noise reducing operation.

Abstract: A cooling system is provided for a vehicle that includes an air-cooled coolant radiator and air-cooled gas cooler to cool a gas flow of a CO2 type air conditioning system of the vehicle. The cooling system includes a pre-cooler for pre-cooling of the refrigerant by transferring heat from the refrigerant either to the coolant flowing through the radiator or to a cooling air flow passing through the radiator, or both.

Abstract: This disclosure provides an integrated thermal management system and methods for managing the cooling of electrical devices and components and the heating and cooling of the passengers' compartment in a hybrid or full electric vehicle to reduce the cost and volume of such systems.

Abstract: In a cooling system for cooling racks in a data center, cooling fluid is circulated in the data center by a cooling device having a fan. In addition, this system includes a plenum having a plurality of returns and an outlet. The outlet of the plenum is in fluid communication with the fan and the plurality of returns are configured for removing the cooling fluid from the data center. Furthermore, the returns and are operable to vary a characteristic of the removal of the cooling fluid.

Abstract: A liquid air conditioner of the geothermal energy type, includes a heat collector of the geothermal energy type, a heat exchanger, an energy lift device, a discharging pump, a returning pump, an air conditioner; said energy lift device consisting of a heating cycle and a heat exchanging cycle, said two cycles are sequentially connected through pipelines by a compressor, a condenser, a liquid reservoir, a drying filter, a restriction choke, an evaporator and a gas-liquid separator. A discharging tube of the heat exchanging cycle connects with the air conditioner. A returning tube of the air conditioner is connected to a liquid inlet tube of the heat exchanging cycle; a discharging tube of the heat exchanging cycle is connected to a returning tube; and a discharging tube of said heat exchanger is connected to a liquid inlet tube.

Abstract: An evaporator fan assembly includes a shroud have a plurality of irregularly staggered shroud legs radially outwardly spaced from a fan orifice and terminating in a motor mount. A motor is removably secured to the motor mount by a motor clip. The motor clip preferably includes a pair of legs terminating in a catch or hook that may be secured to a cross-member or support bar between the shroud legs. The motor is secured in a centered position to properly align a fan blade in the fan orifice. The fan blade is secured to the drive shaft of the motor which passes through a hole in the motor mount. A shroud cover may be secured to the shroud.

Abstract: A refrigerating device including a refrigerating cycle including a plurality of compressors driven by motors, the plurality of compressors comprising a variable speed compressor which can be controlled in capacity and a constant speed compressor which is driven by a motor of which rotor core comprising a cage type conductor and permanent magnets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing UV polarizers, according to which spheroid particles situated near the surface of the glass are incorporated into the support material (primarily standard float glass) in a novel arrangement. According to the method for producing UV polarizers, after the introduction of metal ions (e.g., silver ions) into the glass surface, a large size distribution of particles is achieved by multiple alternation of a heat treatment for separating out spherical metal particles, followed by the renewed introduction of metal ions and a subsequent heat treatment. A deformation of the glass produces spheroid particles of various sizes and different semi-axis relationships. The particles are characterized by their large size distribution and are deformed differently in relation to their spheroid shape. In this way UV polarizers are produced which have a wide absorption range since the absorption bands having different maximum positions overlap.

Abstract: A method for producing lenses includes assembling a plurality of glass rods having a desired length into a single unit and cutting the single unit into multiple slices, each slice having a plurality of individual lenses. The method further includes finishing the slices to a desired thickness and surface finish and extracting the individual lenses from the slices.

Abstract: Flat glass annealing lehr equipped with controlled heating and cooling means, includes pre-annealing, annealing, and post-annealing zones with heat exchange by radiation, the said zones being equipped respectively with groups of cooling-air heat exchangers situated above and/or beneath the glass ribbon. A single cooling-air intake manifold is included for groups of exchangers in the pre-annealing and annealing zones, which manifold is situated where the zones meet. A single cooling-air intake manifold for second groups of exchanges in the annealing and post-annealing zones, which manifold is situated where said zones meet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simple method for fabricating fiber-optic glass preforms having complex refractive index configurations and/or dopant distributions in a radial direction with a high degree of accuracy and precision. The method teaches bundling together a plurality of glass rods of specific physical, chemical, or optical properties and wherein the rod bundle is fused in a manner that maintains the cross-sectional composition and refractive-index profiles established by the position of the rods.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a substrate includes a shelf capable of holding the substrate; a body which encloses the shelf, the body having an open side; and an outer door frame pivotally coupled to the body and defining an opening. The apparatus also includes an inner door which fits into the opening. The body's open side is substantially covered by the inner door and by the outer door frame when the inner door and outer door frame are in closed positions. The apparatus can include a double hinge for pivotally coupling the outer door frame to the body. It can also include a bolt that is movably attached to the inner door, so that the inner door has a locked position in which the bolt extends into the frame and an unlocked position in which the bolt retracts from the frame.

Abstract: A lock system for a horizontal tool box wherein the latching mechanism for the lid may be operated from the proximal end of the toolbox and locking is achieved by means of a single padlock which is likewise located at the proximal end of the toolbox. An elongated latch rod is slidably disposed adjacent a front wall of either the body or lid components of the box. The padlock and the elongated latch rod are disposed such that the padlock body blocks the longitudinal movement of the proximal end of the latch rod and maintains the latch rod in the latched position when the body components are in the closed position and the padlock is locked, but the proximal end of the latch rod passes between the shackle and the padlock body to move the latch rod to the release position when the padlock is unlocked.

Abstract: A key ring in the present invention includes an ornamental block and a buckle ring. The one-piece ornamental block is made of plastic material and may be any kind of configuration. A plurality of spaced cavities are disposed in the at least one surface of the ornamental block. The inner surface of each cavity is treated by vacuum gilding so as for the ornamental block to achieve diamond-shining effect. A through hole is provided in one end of the ornamental block for the buckle ring to penetrate through.

Abstract: When a shape of the cylindrical portion (8b) to be formed into the calking portion (9b) is devised and when a sectional shape of the annular recess portion (23) of the die (15a) for plastically deforming the cylindrical portion (8b) is devised, the calking portion (9b) is continuously given a compressive average stress during the process of working.

Abstract: A forming machine receives an elongated sheet of formable material to form a desired profile has a rigid framework supporting a sheet drive that includes a plurality of pairs of co-acting rollers to advance the sheet through the framework from an upstream entrance to a downstream exit. A drive assembly interconnects at least one roller in each of the pairs to rotatably drive the roller and advance the sheet in the downstream direction. Each of a plurality of carriage rails extends transversely along the framework and has first and second carriage mounts slideably disposed thereon. First and second tool rails are secured, respectively, to each of the first and second carriage mounts permitting the tooling rails to move laterally within the framework. Each tooling rail supports a plurality of forming elements defining at least two forming stations to bend the sheet as desired while it advances through the framework.

Abstract: A stretch-forming press for stamping continuously fed sheet metal includes a ram, a base member, and a feed mechanism configured to advance a strip of sheet metal through the stretch-forming press. A forming station has a die configured to form a desired pattern in the strip of sheet metal. A leveling station has a pair of opposed jaws slidably received in corresponding recesses of the stretch-forming press, with the jaws oriented at an angle with respect to a direction of travel for the strip of sheet metal as it passes through the leveling station.

Abstract: A pressing tool for pressing pipe ends, and in particular, ends of pipe to be laid for sanitary purposes. The pressing jaws of the tool are connected to one another in an articulated manner, each jaw having an insert that has a circle-like-configuration in the area of interaction between the respective jaws.

Abstract: To provide a measuring apparatus of positions and postures of a machine for correcting positions and postures of an end effecter by means of an actuator, and an error correcting method for correcting errors thereof. At least three universal joint fixing members 2 are attached onto a base 1 that comprises a measuring reference; steel balls 3 are fixed to the respective universal joint fixing members 2 as universal joints; a steel ball 5 is fixed to a universal joint fixing member 9 as a universal joint; a universal joint fixing member 4 is attached to an object to be measured 7 that is supported by means of another member; and a measuring device 6 is attached to between the steel balls B3 and the steel ball 5. By using such a measuring apparatus, geometrical errors of a mechanism in a machine are estimated and corrected based on measured values on positions and postures of the end effecter.

Abstract: A metrology process, in accordance with the present invention, measures the dishing of a first feature made of a first material by determining the relative height of the first feature with respect to a second feature, where the first and second features have different dishing rates. The relative height of the first feature with respect to the second feature may be determined by measuring a first relative height of the first feature with respect to a reference location, measuring a second relative height of the second feature with respect to a reference location, and calculating the difference between the first and second relative heights. Alternatively, other methods may be used. The relative height is then correlated with calibration data to determine the amount of dishing of the first feature. The calibration data is generated by first providing a sample substrate with features approximately the same as the substrate to be measured, e.g.

Abstract: A method for collecting data regarding a matric potential of a media includes providing a tensiometer having a stainless steel tensiometer casing, the stainless steel tensiometer casing comprising a tip portion which includes a wetted porous stainless steel membrane through which a matric potential of a media is sensed; driving the tensiometer into the media using an insertion tube comprising a plurality of probe casing which are selectively coupled to form the insertion tube as the tensiometer is progressively driven deeper into the media, wherein the wetted porous stainless steel membrane is in contact with the media; and sensing the matric potential the media exerts on the wetted porous stainless steel membrane by a pressure sensor in fluid hydraulic connection with the porous stainless steel membrane. A tensiometer includes a stainless steel casing.

Abstract: A coupon for monitoring cathodic protection includes a metallic coupon structure on the outer surface of which at least one type of coating disbondment geometry anticipated on a pipeline is fabricated.

Abstract: A fuel management system for an internal combustion engine including an intake manifold is presented. The fuel management system includes a thermal reactor having an inlet port and an outlet port. The thermal reactor receives liquid fuel through the inlet port and is adapted to heat the liquid fuel and discharge fuel vapor through the outlet port. A pressure sensing device is configured to measure pressure within the intake manifold to determine engine load. A plenum is adapted to receive the fuel vapor from the outlet port and mix the fuel vapor with air, and the plenum is adapted to be connected to the intake manifold to provide the fuel vapor and air mixture to the intake manifold. A fuel metering device is operable to regulate the amount of fuel vapor provided to the plenum in response to the pressure sensing device.

Abstract: The invention provides a wheel-acting force measuring device free from the influences of cross talk due to brake torque (torsional torque). A hole is formed in or adjacent an axle of a vehicle at a brake caliper angle or an angle close thereto, and a stress detecting sensor is embedded at a position in the hole which coincides with the stress center axis of or adjacent the axle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the response pressure of motor vehicle brakes, according to which the brakes to be inspected are subjected to a test pressure, whereby before and after the creation of the test pressure, a test-pressure indicator signal is generated, which is a linear combination of an acceleration signal and a differential speed signal. If the two test-pressure indicator signals correspond, (considered to be a “non-response of the brakes”), the test-pressure is increased and a new test-pressure indicator signals do not correspond, the prevailing brake pressure is considered to be the response pressure.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for enabling automated measurement of both balance and force variation of a pneumatic tire on a single machine. The preferred embodiment modifies a production force variation machine to provide a top spindle housing with mechanically quiet bearings between the housing and a rotatable top spindle; mounts balance measuring sensors on the top spindle housing; provides a variable speed rotational drive motor with a clutch at the top spindle; and provides a mechanically quiet rotary air coupling to interface an air line with a rotatable bottom flange. After loading the tire, the rotatable bottom flange is disconnected from a bottom spindle. For balance measurements, a loading wheel is disengaged from the tire, tire rotation is accelerated to a high speed, and the clutch disconnects the motor which can, if desired, be turned off for balance measurements. The motor is re-connected to decelerate tire rotation.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for airflow testing, especially for air testing of gas turbine components on an airflow test bench. Various embodiments of the present invention include the use of a measurement section downstream of the component being tested. The measurement section, in one embodiment, includes apparatus for measurement of gas properties at a plurality of spaced-apart radial locations and/or a plurality of spaced-apart circumferential locations. In another embodiment, the invention includes a method for testing a component including a comparison of gas properties measured in both forward and reverse flow directions.

Abstract: A method for measuring substrate bending stiffness and thereby basis weight on a real time basis. Provided is a corrugator having a plurality of parallel ribs, with one or more sheets of the substrate provided below the corrugator wherein a predetermined gap exists between a topmost sheet of the sheets and the corrugator. A vacuum is applied between the corrugator and the topmost sheet, wherein the vacuum is sufficiently large to raise the topmost sheet, thereby deflecting and bending it into a profile corresponding to the arrangement and size of the corrugator ribs and bending stiffness of the substrate. One or more sensors are provided for measuring the deflection of the topmost sheet. The vacuum, an air knife output and/or a fluffer output are then adjusted according to predetermined rules and the measured deflection.

Abstract: An adjustable tangent assembly for a positive displacement diaphragm gas meter is provided with a cam on the stroke adjuster. Use of the cam results in a linear relationship between angular movement of the stroke adjuster and the stroke adjustment.

Abstract: A micro-distance toss-up type absolute gravimeter comprises a vacuum container mounted on the ground, a reference mirror supported in the vacuum container, a drop mirror to be dropped within the vacuum container, a toss-up device that tosses up the drop mirror by a constant distance, an atomic clock that can define time with a high precision, an interferometer that measures the position of the drop mirror in time series, and can acquire an interference waveform, and an operation unit that calculates gravitational acceleration based on the interference waveform obtained by the interferometer and the time defined by the atomic clock.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel balancer obtains data relative to the imbalance of a vehicle wheel. The wheel balancer includes a rotatable shaft having a free end adapted for extending through a center hole of the wheel, and a proximal end opposite the free end. A locating hub is carried on the shaft, and is adapted for engaging a first side of the wheel to locate the wheel on the balancer. A centering sleeve is carried on the shaft adjacent the locating hub, and is adapted for extending through the center hole of the wheel to center the wheel relative to the shaft. The centering sleeve is releasably locked onto the wheel balancer, such that the centering sleeve remains secured to the wheel balancer upon removal of the wheel from the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention easily achieves an accurate control structure for limiting displacement of a weight. An SOI substrate with a trilaminar structure including a silicon layer, a silicon oxide layer, and a silicon layer is prepared, and slits are opened by applying induced coupling plasma etching which can selectively remove only silicon from the upper side. Then, the same etching is applied from the lower side to form grooves, whereby the lower silicon layer is separated into a weight and a pedestal. Next, the structure is immersed in an etchant which can selectively remove only silicon oxide, whereby the vicinities of exposed portions of the silicon oxide layer are removed to form joint layers. A glass substrate is joined to the bottom surface of the pedestal. Piezo resistor elements are formed on the upper surface of the silicon layer to detect bending. The degree of freedom of upward displacements of the weight is accurately set based on the thickness of the joint layer.

Abstract: Described herein is a technology for facilitating diagnosis of the operation of devices or machines based, at least in part, upon the acoustics of such.

Abstract: The system provides a means for identifying the opposite ends of each particular conduit of an array of conduits laidout in a building. The system includes a sonic transmitter and a sonic receiver which are units that are separate from each other and portable. The transmitter is connected to a sonic output transducer mounted on a wand which semi-rigid allowing it to be placed at an open end of a conduit and emit a sonic signal thereinto and through the conduit. The receiver is connected to sonic input transducer mounted on another wand which is semi-rigid allowing it to be placed at the opposite open end of the conduit and receive the sonic signal transmitted through the conduit. The sonic transducers may be moved from one of the open ends to another in the array until the input transducer receives the transmitted signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for remote delivery and manipulation of a miniature tool adjacent a work piece in a restricted space, includes a tool carrier, a carriage for manipulating the tool carrier relative to the work piece, a first actuator for operating the carriage, and an optional remote secondary operating actuator for operating the first actuator.

Abstract: A detector for detecting a location of a flaw on a tubular member, the tubular member having a longitudinal axis, the detector having a body, dial rotatably mounted to the body, the dial with directions indications thereon for indicating position of the dial with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tubular member, and ultrasonic probe apparatus secured to the dial for selective positioning by rotating the dial for facilitating location of a flaw of the tubular member; and, in certain aspects, detectors for measuring tubular wall thickness.

Abstract: The claimed method of in-tube inspection of a pipeline is effected by passing through the pipeline an inspection pig carrying monitoring transducers responsive to the diagnostic parameters of the pipeline, means for measuring, processing and storage of the measurements data by periodic interrogation of the monitoring transducers during the travel of the inspection pig and processing and storage of the measurement data. The method is characterized in that during the travel of the pig with a period not less than the cycle time of the monitoring transducers the velocity of the inspection pig is determined, and the cycle time of the monitoring transducers is set as a function of at least two values of the pig velocity determined during its travel. The period of determining the inspection pig velocity makes 200-2000 cycles of interrogation of the monitoring transducers. The cycle of interrogation of the monitoring transducers is given a value from a number of discrete values in a series of at least 3.

Abstract: A method for sizing cracks is disclosed using a combination of depth crack sizing methods to improve crack sizing accuracy for thin walled tubing and tight crack surface openings less than 0.001 inches for cracks of any depth. The tube or plate wall can consist of a single material or multiple metallic electrodeposited or otherwise intimately bonded layers of materials with different magnetic properties and the sizing method comprises known depth sizing methods such as shear wave, time of flight and the selective use of two unique depth sizing methods designated as Mode Converted Signal (MCS) and Full Skip Normalization (FSN) which provide correction factors for the known sizing methods.