Abstract: An arrangement for fixing a wiper device for a motor vehicle includes at least one stand for guiding and fixing a drive shaft that extends axially in a substantially vertical direction. The stand includes a barrel in which the shaft is guided in rotation, and a horizontal base plate for fixing the stand to a structural element of the vehicle, by a damper block made of an elastically deformable material. The damper block is fixed to the structural element by a fixing element, which includes a vertical rod that passes through the damper block and is connected to the structural element, and an element for locking the damper block on the structural element. The rod and locking element are connected by connection means for enabling the rod and locking element to disconnect, through downward sliding of the locking element with respect to the rod, when subjected to a violent impact.

Abstract: A wiper assembly wipes precipitation and debris of a windshield of a motor vehicle. The wiper assembly includes a drive motor fixedly secured to the motor vehicle. The wiper assembly also includes a wiper arm secured to the drive motor. The drive motor pivots the wiper arm across the windshield to clean the windshield. The wiper arm extends between a motor end and a distal end. The wiper arm also includes a separator extending along the wiper arm. The separator lifts the wiper arm away from the windshield allowing for the removal of debris from the windshield and the wiper arm.

Abstract: A windscreen wiper device comprising an elastic, elongated carrier element, as well as an elongated wiper blade of a flexible material, which windscreen wiper device comprises a connecting device for an oscillation wiper arm, wherein the oscillating arm is pivotally connected to the connecting device about a pivot axis near one end. The end of the oscillating wiper arm has an at least substantially U-shaped cross-section and the connecting device is at least partly positioned within the end of the oscillating arm. The end of the oscillating arm is provided, at the location of the pivot axis, with a shaft extending between the legs of the U-shaped cross-section. The shaft is pivotally engaged in the connecting device.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a cradle (2) including generally upright sidewalls (4, 6), a handle (40) having a top and a bottom, and a plurality of sheets (30) releasably attached to the bottom of the handle (40), such that the plurality of sheets (30) faces the cradle (2). The cradle (2) can house a reservoir (14) containing a liquid product. The handle (40) is positioned by the upright sidewalls (4, 6) of the cradle (2) and is supported by the cradle (2). The liquid product can be dispensed from the reservoir (14) onto the surface of the outermost sheet (50) of the plurality of sheets (30). That sheet (50) then can be used to apply the liquid product to a surface, and can be removed and discarded after use, revealing a fresh sheet.

Abstract: Paint roller grid includes a pair of hooks each including a rearwardly extending upper portion and a downwardly extending inturned lip having a forwardly facing inwardly angled surface for engaging an outer cylindrical surface of a container below the container rim when the hooks are hooked over the container rim and the grid is inserted into the top opening of the container. The hooks may be spaced from a bottom edge of the grid a distance slightly greater than the height of the container, whereby when the grid is inserted into the container opening and the hooks are hooked over the container rim, the bottom edge of the grid will engage the inside bottom surface of the container. A pair of feet may extend rearwardly from the grid for engagement with the inner cylindrical surface of the container to prevent the grid from moving within the container during rolling of a roller cover on the grid wiping surface.

Abstract: A twist-lock latch is provided to facilitate a secure seal between a debris receptacle and a canister of a central vacuum system. By twisting the debris receptacle with an edge of the handle into the latch, the latch catches the receptacle and compresses the handle toward the canister, thereby providing a tight seal. A vertical seal is also provided to facilitate an increased surface sealing area between the debris receptacle and the canister.

Abstract: A suction cleaner that sucks in dust, from a suction mouth of a suction mouth body, with airflow generated through operation of an electric air blower and introduces the sucked airflow into a dust collection device to collect the dust. The suction mouth body is provided with a first suction mouth and a second suction mouth. An agitator is arranged at the first suction mouth. The first suction mouth is selected by a suction mouth-switching device, and the agitator is driven when the suction is carried out from the first suction mouth. A mechanism for transmitting power to the agitator includes a driving pulley that co-rotates with the agitator, an idler that can be rotated independently of the agitator, and a belt that is shifted between the driving pulley and the idler by a belt-switching device.

Abstract: A floor cleaning device comprises a base portion for movement along a surface and a handle portion pivotally connected to the base. The base portion further includes a suction nozzle and a brush assembly for agitating the surface, wherein the brush assembly and the nozzle assembly are in a first position raised off of the surface for vacuuming the surface, and the nozzle assembly is lowered to a second position contacting the surface for collecting and picking up liquid and dirt from the surface. A method of cleaning a surface by first dry vacuuming the surface using a cleaning unit in which the nozzle assembly is raised to pick up particles and then wet vacuuming the floor with the nozzle assembly lowered to collect and pick up dirt from the floor mixed with cleaning solution distributed on the floor.

Abstract: A blower is provided, and comprises a blower fan, a motor for driving the fan, a blower tube that extends from the fan, and a potential compensation conductor that extends within the blower tube and is connected with the motor in an electrically conductive manner.

Abstract: A slide assembly includes an inner slide member (10), an intermediate slide member (20), an outer slide member (30) and a latch (40). The outer slide member includes a pair of stop blocks (32). The inner slide member includes two lateral walls (12). The latch is secured to an end of the intermediate slide member, and includes a pair of the body portions (44). Each body portion includes a stop end (45). When the stop ends of the latch abut against the stop blocks of the outer slide member, the intermediate slide member is stopped. The inner slide member is continuously pushed, and the lateral walls squeeze and drive the body portions toward each other. The body portions pass through the stop blocks, the intermediate slide member can be pushed further into the outer slide member.

Abstract: A disposable protective cover intended to be applied to shared medical, physical therapy and physical equipment, devices and accessories to aid in the prevention of transference of bacteria and viruses among user of such equipment. The covers are produced formed from a cohesive coated laminated non-porous Polyethylene plastic foam pad, non-latex rubber material that is produced with an even coat of pressure sensitive removable restickable self-adhesive applied completely over the back surface of the material on the equipment-contacting side of the pad allowing a non-slip cover and provides sanitary surface on the patient contact surface. The protective covers are provided in sheet or roll form for use with or without a dispenser.

Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a fixing seat, a position seat having a first annular body and a second annular body opposite to the first annular body, a fixing ring securely engaged with the first annular body and having a pair of notches and a position ring having a pair of protrusions extending out to correspond to the pair of notches. A connection rod is provided to securely sandwich the fixing ring, the position ring and the multiple resilient pads between the first annular body and the second annular body so as to securely engage with a securing device. Pivotal movement of the position seat relative to the fixing seat drives the position ring to pivot such that the protrusions are alternatively received in the corresponding notches and thus the multiple resilient pads are able to provide necessary friction when the protrusions are away from the notches.

Abstract: A universal handle comprising a handle body having a U-shaped gripping zone (51), open at its center (52), having two arms (53) connected by a bar (54) offering, all three, a support back for the palm of the hand or the fingers of the user. The handle comprises in addition a control member: which is arranged on the inside of the opening (52) of the gripping zone (51) of the body of the handle and open at its center in such a fashion as to comprise a U-shaped gripping zone corresponding to the gripping zone (51) of the handle and having two arms connected by a bar, all three offering a support zone for the fingers of the user's hand; and that it is adapted for exercising a force on an element to be controlled when the handle (49) is grasped by the user's hand at one or another of the three gripping zones formed by the two arms (53) and the bar (54) of the body of the handle associated with the control element.

Abstract: Handy Handle, an adult cart handle cover designed for use with shopping carts, airport luggage carts and or rented strollers at amusement park facilities. Handy Handle a new and innovative cart handle cover designed to protect adults hands from germs and bacteria when shopping or traveling and coming into contact with dirty cart handles. Now for the first time, adults can feel confident pushing a cart and holding on to the cart handle bar by being protected from germs and bacteria with a Handy Handle cart cover. Adults of any age (young, old, with or without children) now have the chance to be protected from germs and bacteria that have been proven by University researchers to be contaminated with serious live bacteria that can make us sick. Made from a durable, high quality cotton and or polyester material that is 100% machine washable and some material even contains CRF REPELLAN® finish that further protects against exposure to germs, bacteria and stains.

Abstract: An equipment with pivoting handles. The equipment includes a support and a pivoting handle that are assembled by at least one pivot pin, the pivoting handle being able to rest on at least one surface of the support. The handle includes at least one bearing surface and the equipment includes at least one pad of elastic material arranged to be compressed against the support by the bearing surface when the handle is resting on the surface of the support. The equipment may be applied for example to suspended equipment for aircraft consoles.

Abstract: Described herein is a knob including: a hub, which can be connected so that it is angularly fixed in a seat open at the front of an electrical household appliance, with a rotatable control pin of the household appliance designed to control, according to its own angular position, at least one function of the household appliance; a grip, which is carried so that it is angularly fixed but can slide axially, against the action of elastic means, on a first end of the hub opposite to a second end thereof for connection with said pin; and means for selective axial connection of the grip to the hub designed to block the grip in a first axial position, in which the grip projects in cantilever fashion from the first end of the hub and is set, in use, at least partially on the outside of said seat, and in a second axial position, in which the grip is fitted on said hub and is, in use, retracted within said seat; between the grip and the hub there being defined a closed chamber having a variable volume that is a function

Abstract: An improved band clamp for securely clamping the end of a flexible hose to one of at least a rigid pipe, a cast outlet of a radiator, a charge air cooler and a turbocharger in order to prevent fluid communication between the two. The improved band clamp includes a clamp band which is configured to circumvent a substantial portion of the hose. The clamp band defines first and second ends, each of which is defined by a terminal portion of the clamp band folded over on itself to define a double thickness, and then formed in an arcuate configuration away from the center of the clamp band. A spline is provided for being received between each of the first and second ends of the clamp band. First and second spacers are provided on the outer sides of the clamp band first and second ends. The first spacer, each of the first and second clamp band ends, and the spline each define an opening to cooperatively receive a bolt. The second spacer defines a threaded opening to receive the bolt in threaded engagement.

Abstract: A device for clamping a strap, the device having a first surface and a second surface connected to the first surface by a hinge. The first surface having an edge including a tab member extending away from the first surface and toward the second surface. A strap may be placed between the first surface and the second surface such that when the first surface and the second surface are brought in close proximity to each other to a closed position, the strap may be secured therebetween. The tab member may prevent the device from being slid along the strap by friction created between the tab member and the strap.

Abstract: An accessory device that can be removably attached to the button of a hat. The device includes a base with an opening that extends at least partially through the base. The device can be attached to the hat by pushing the button of the hat into the opening of the device. Friction between the inner surface of the opening and the button securely holds the device to the hat.

Abstract: A safety chain assembly 24 for securing a towed agricultural vehicle (not shown) to a towing vehicle 21. The safety chain assembly 24 includes a clevis hook 54 having two pin receiving openings 55; a latch member 60 having an attachment opening 62; a spring pin assembly 56, and an elongated load bearing device 36 having a securing opening 37. In the preferred embodiment shown in the drawings the elongated load bearing device 36 is a chain, but it will be appreciated that it could also be a wire rope or other load bearing device having a securing opening 37. Similarly, the preferred spring pin assembly 56 includes a biasing mechanism such as a spring 64 and a washer 66; a retention member 70 and a pin 72; the pin 72 having an annular groove 84, a head 85 and first and second ends 87, 89; the annular groove 84 being located proximate the first end 87 and the head 85 being located proximate the second end 89.

Abstract: A cord securement apparatus comprises an elongate elastic band having a hook integral with one end of the band, and an eyelet integral with the other end of the band. The eyelet is slidingly engaged medially with the band thereby forming a loop at the other end of the band. The loop may be tightened about an electrical cord and the band may be wound about the electrical cord and its appliance in order to secure the electrical cord in place.

Abstract: The invention concerns a clamping piece having a fixing end which can be fixed to a structural profile member or the like and a clamping end having two clamping limbs which enclose a clamping eye and which can be tightened by way of a tightening means. The object of the present invention is to further develop a clamping piece of the general kind set forth in such a way that variability is increased. That is achieved in that at least one clamping limb is inclined or angled inwardly and that the tightening means are arranged displaced inclinedly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the clamping piece.

Abstract: To provide a member for engaging and connecting sheets which is well suited for inserting sheets into a recess on the surface of a molded resin article such as a cushioning molded article for seats; a molded article covered with sheets by using the member for engaging and connecting sheets; and a process for producing the molded article. A member for engaging and connecting sheets, comprising a fixing portion which fixes sheets, an engaging portion and a linking portion which links the fixing portion and the engaging portion wherein a number of engaging elements are installed on outer surface of the engaging portion; sheets which is linked with the member; and a process for producing a molded article which comprises inserting sheets into a recess on the surface of a molded article, engaging the sheets with a fastener tape embedded at the bottom of the recess, covering the surface of the molded article with the sheets, and fixing the sheets thereto.

Abstract: A mushroom-type hook strip for a hook-and-loop fastener has a flexible backing of thermoplastic resin and, integral with backing, an array of upstanding stems distributed across at least one face of the backing, each having a mushroom head. The stems have a molecular orientation as evidenced by a birefringence value of at least 0.001. The mushroom-type hook strip can be produced continuously by injecting resin into cavities of a cylindrical mold while evacuating and cooling the cavities so that the cooled resin becomes molecularly oriented, thus affording to the stems excellent stiffness, durability, and tensile and flexural strength.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of making a stamped workpiece from a base material sheet. The base material sheet has a thickness and defines a first plane. The stamped workpiece, upon completion of the process, has a protrusion and a crease line substantially adjacent thereto. The crease line divides the stamped workpiece into a first section and a second section. The method comprises a number of steps. One step in this method is the provision of at least one protrusion in the base material sheet. A workpiece periphery is defined in the base material sheet, the periphery bounding an area of the base material sheet. The area has a first section and a second section. The workpiece periphery adjacent to the first section is substantially separated from the remainder of the base material sheet. The first section is bent away from the first plane along a crease line. The thickness of the base material sheet along the crease line is then substantially reduced.

Abstract: Printing plates are mounted onto a cylinder by first establishing a temperature difference between the plate and the cylinder; in particular, the temperature of the plate exceeds the temperature of the cylinder. The plate is then wrapped around the plate cylinder, and the temperature difference causes the plate to shrink against the cylinder.

Abstract: A method of securing a fastener to the windshield of a golf cart comprising the steps of: (1) providing a windshield that defines a windshield opening; (2) providing a fastener that comprises a male portion and a body portion; and (3) securing the fastener to the windshield by inserting the male portion into the windshield opening. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the fastener is maintained in place relative to the windshield via the frictional contact between the male portion and the windshield.

Abstract: A method of forming a flange in the bottom of a container by first removing a portion of the container bottom and then forming or swaying the material around the opening to form a flange extending away from the container bottom. A valve and valve cup assembly along with a heat exchange unit are positioned adjacent the flange and the combination is crimped to permanently affix the heat exchange unit to the bottom of the container.

Abstract: A method for connecting an aluminum die-cast part to another part. The aluminum die-cast part has a circular shoulder and a collar that projects upwards, whereas the other part comprises a flat contact piece that is designed to lie on the shoulder. The collar projects above the contact piece. The contact piece is pressed onto the shoulder by a deformation fo the collar, the collar being completely deformed about its circumference.

Abstract: An apparatus for closing fasteners in media includes a plurality of fastener clinches, the plurality of fastener clinches being adapted for operable engagement with a plurality of fastener dispensers, and the plurality of fastener clinches including structure adapted to generally simultaneously close a plurality of fasteners discharged by the fastener dispensers. The apparatus also includes an actuation mechanism for moving the fastener clinches to contact and close the fasteners in the media, and a drive for powering the actuation mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a casting/rolling mill for producing steel strips (1), in particular stainless steel strips, based on the allocation of a conventional strip rolling train (4) to a high-technology continuous casting installation (2). To achieve an improved coupling of a continuous casting installation (2) to a hot-rolling train (4), the invention provides different combinations for an interface between the continuous casting installation (2) and the hot-rolling train (4).

Abstract: The invention refers to a production system, in particular machining line, which is formed, on the one hand, by one or more process modules which machine on work pieces and, on the other hand, is at least formed by one logistics module, and the logistics module provides a conveying of the work pieces, wherein the logistics module as a pre-assembled system module provides with and disposes of work pieces to a number of process modules, and the process module as system module can be connected to the logistics module.

Abstract: Major surface of a substrate having an optical waveguide and a modulation electrode is pasted to a base substrate through a thermosetting resin, and then the rear surface of the substrate is machined thus making thin the entirety. Subsequently, the rear surface of the substrate thus rendered thin is subjected to machining or laser machining to form a thin part, which is further subjected to machining or laser machining to form a first thin part at a part, including the optical waveguide, of the thin part and a second thin part thinner than the first thin part contiguously thereto. Thereafter, the rear surface of the substrate is pasted to the major surface of a supporting substrate through a thermosetting resin and the base substrate is stripped thus obtaining an optical modulator.

Abstract: Matching layers are provided, including: electrically conductive acoustic matching layers, methods for conducting electrical potential through matching layers, methods for manufacturing multi-dimensional arrays using conductive matching layers, and multi-dimensional arrays with electrically conducting matching layers. Matching layers with conductors aligned for providing electrical potential through the thickness or range dimension of the matching layer are provided. For example, via, aligned magnetic particles, or conductive films at least partially or entirely within the matching layer of each element allow electrical conduction from the transducer material to a ground foil or flex circuit. By using multiple electrical conductive matching layers, a gradation in acoustic impedance for better matching is provided while allowing dicing of the entire stack, including the matching layers and the transducer material, in one step.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a perpendicular magnetic recording head, a groove defined by the inner side surfaces of a first nonmagnetic layer and the top surface of a main magnetic pole layer is formed using the difference in etching rates for dry etching between the main magnetic pole layer and the first nonmagnetic layer. An auxiliary magnetic pole layer is formed on the groove with a nonmagnetic material layer disposed therebetween. A projection integrated with the auxiliary magnetic pole layer is formed in a recess of the nonmagnetic material layer on the groove. This projection extends toward the main magnetic pole layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a suspension assembly having a slider body with a trailing edge face. A bond pad is positioned on the trailing edge face and a conductive trace is connected to the bond pad to form an electrical connection. A heating element includes a low resistivity portion and a high resistivity portion. The high resistivity portion is positioned proximate the electrical connection.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for mounting a hollow work-piece on a machine includes a circumferential groove formed into an outer surface of a cylindrical supporting fixture of the machine, a dampening plug assembly for positioning inside the hollow workpiece adjacent the cylindrical supporting fixture, and an end pressure reducing device for mounting within the circumferential groove for centrifugally supporting and enabling the reduction of machining-induced pressure from the end of the hollow workpiece.

Abstract: A tool head is used for securing a tap connector having a C shaped member and a wedge using a ram tool. The tool head comprises an elongate base member comprising first and second ends. A collar at the first end of the base member has a through opening for receiving a ram tool. A head at the second end of the base member is aligned with the collar through opening to engage a C shaped member. A cable stop plate is mounted to the head for limiting movement of a tap line cable received in a C shaped member when a ram tool is securing a tap connector.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compact and portable wheel reconditioning station that enables a technician to rotate and index a wheel while a tire is mounted thereto and while the wheel remains mounted on a vehicle. The device allows a technician to quickly and easily rotate or reposition a wheel by depression of a foot pedal to leave his hands free to manipulate the various tools that are used during the reconditioning process.

Abstract: A method for making an electrically conductive pattern, including: (a) depositing on a substrate a metal powder composition consisting essentially of at least one metal powder, wherein the substrate is selected from the group consisting of paper and materials that are at least about 10% compressible; and (b) densifying the composition to form a conductive pattern on the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for force mounting semiconductor packages onto printed circuit boards without the use of solder. The apparatus includes a substrate, a first integrated circuit die mounted onto the substrate, a housing configured to house the first integrated circuit die mounted onto the substrate, and a force mechanism configured to force mount the housing including the integrated circuit die and substrate onto a printed circuit board. The method includes mounting a first integrated circuit die onto a first surface of a substrate, housing the first integrated circuit die mounted onto the substrate in a housing, and using a force mechanism to force mount the housing including the first integrated circuit die mounted on the substrate onto a printed circuit board. According to various embodiments, the force mechanism includes one of the following types of force mechanisms clamps, screws, bolts, adhesives, epoxy, or Instrument housings or heat stakes.

Abstract: In an electrically shielded connector, conductive material covers an outer surface of said body and is spaced away from a conductive structure included in the connector to create electrical isolation therebetween. A channel in which the connector is situated is either plugged when conductive material is applied to the connector during manufacturing or is counter bored to create the electrical isolation.

Abstract: A spark plug is provided, for a provisional bending process for manufacturing the spark plug, as a work in a condition where an earth electrode is straight and substantially in parallel with an axial line of a center electrode. In the provisional bending process, two searchers individually facing the tip of the center electrode with the tip located therebetween are arranged, positions of the searchers in a first direction perpendicular to the axial line being adjusted for every spark plug. Then a bending punch is driven to press a second end-surface of the other end of the earth electrode down to the searchers so that the earth electrode is provisionally bent at a substantially perpendicular angle to the axial line, the second end-surface being opposite to the first end-surface. Preferably, before the provisional bending process, positioning the work and correcting the position and tilt of the work are performed.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing steam turbines includes the step of manufacturing a plurality of the same housings and/or turbine rotors in stock. Further, the active blade section of at least one turbine stage is defined separately for each turbine. This is done according to the flow profile and pressure specification for the respective turbine.

Abstract: An improved method for manufacturing a vaned diffuser (101) of a turbocharger, preferably from aluminum or an aluminum alloy, where the vaned diffuser possesses at least one axis (115) suitable for separating the vaned diffuser from its rigid mold by translation. Casting of a raw vaned diffuser (407) having an optional central hub (205) and, optionally, ribs on the hub (209), is disclosed in a plaster mold (305). The hub and optional ribs are machine finished from the raw vaned diffuser to yield the finished vaned diffuser (101). The method provides the high degree of dimensional accuracy, and high quality surface finish, required to produce a vaned diffuser of an efficient turbocharger.

Abstract: An apparatus and method suitable to simultaneously trim the burnt wick of a candle to the proper length and remove and hold the wick clipping from a candle that has limited horizontal access.

Abstract: A scissor that can perform two functions is disclosed. The Double Action Scissors (DAS) can cut objects just like ordinary scissors, but it can also hold one of the pieces of the object it cuts. The DAS is easy to manufacture due to the fact that DAS can be made from already manufactured scissors. One just needs to attach a spring-clip to the appropriate part of any scissor. The spring-clip can be made from different materials and can be spot-welded if the scissors and the spring clip are metal, or attached mechanically if they are plastic. When cutting small pieces of material, one of the pieces is held by DAS as long as the scissors are in a closed position, and released when the scissors are opened. The DAS helps keep a clean environment, its easy to use, and can perform as regular scissors as well.

Abstract: A shaving razor blade unit including a housing having a primary guard at a front of the housing and a primary cap at an upper surface at a back of the housing, one or more primary shaving blades between the primary guard and the primary cap, a rear wall having a rear exterior surface extending downward from the upper surface at the back of the housing to a terminating surface, and a trimming blade mounted on the rear wall and having a trimming cutting edge extending at least partially beyond the terminating surface inside of an imaginary extension of the rear exterior surface, the rear exterior surface defining a secondary cap for the trimming blade. The back of the housing can include trimming guard including spaced guard segments. The trimming blade, trimming guard and trimming cap can be provided as an assembly that is attached to the rest of the housing. The assembly can include a sheet metal support with a blade welded to the support.

Abstract: A blade cartridge for a wet shaving device and razor assembly incorporating the blade cartridge comprises a handle including a cartridge end having first and second arms spaced from one another. Each of the arms includes first and second projections. A razor cartridge includes a housing including first and second side portions, and a frame extending between the first and second side portions. At least one blade is supported by the frame and extends generally between the first and second side portions. Each of the first and second side portions has an outwardly facing surface defining an opening for pivotably receiving an associated first projection of the razor handle, and a curved channel for slidably receiving an associated second projection of the razor handle to permit pivoting of the cartridge relative to the handle.

Abstract: A blade clamping device includes a driving shaft and a base member fixedly mounted to the driving shaft. An opening is defined in the base member and a blade is inserted in the base member and connected to the driving shaft. A cam member is pivotably engaged with the opening of the base member and a cam head contacts a side of the blade. The base member is received in a casing which is connected to the electric saw and an opening is defined in the casing. A lever is pivotably engaged with the opening of the casing and includes a pushing end which is located beneath a bar of the cam member so that when pivoting the lever, the pushing end pivots the cam member to remove the cam head from the blade.