Abstract: This invention provides a metering blade that confronts the developer roller of a toner cartridge with a working face and associated upstream corner that is accurately controlled with respect to the developer roller to achieve a desired gap therebetween. More particularly, the quality of toner metering is determined through an appropriate technique (such as analysis of print quality) and the angle of the bottom working face and working corner is varied using appropriate computer-controlled machining (or other metal-forming) techniques to adjust the location of the corner with respect to the radial center-line of the roller at all points along the axial direction. In an illustrative embodiment, the blade's working face is formed to create a setback that is compound angle in two orthogonal directions (with respect the lengthwise direction, parallel to the roller axis).

Abstract: A method of transferring a plurality of toner images formed on a plurality of image carriers of different colors onto a sheet-type recording medium includes forming a mark image for adjusting a transfer position on each of the image carriers as a toner image; transferring the mark images to a common transfer medium; detecting optically a mutual positional relationship between the mark images; and controlling linear velocities of the image carriers based on a result of detecting the mutual positional relationship between the mark images, to transfer the toner images onto the sheet-type recording medium with a reduced misalignment between the toner images.

Abstract: An image forming method and apparatus includes a first image carrying member, a first transfix unit, a second image carrying member, and a second transfix unit. The first image carrying member carries a first toner image thereon. The first transfix unit receives the first toner image from the first image carrying member and transfers and fixes the first toner image onto a first face of a recording sheet with a heat effect. The second image carrying member carries a second toner image thereon. The second transfix unit receives the second toner image from the second image carrying member and transfers and fixes the second toner image onto a second face of the recording sheet with a heat effect.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, a transfer brush with length of raised bristles on the surface of a metal holder equal to or smaller than 5.8 millimeters is used. Alternatively, a transfer brush with a maximum bristle inclination amount of raised bristles in a brush unit including a plurality of bristles equal to or smaller than 0.53 millimeter or a transfer brush with a maximum bristle inclination return amount of raised bristles in the brush unit equal to or smaller than 0.30 millimeter is used. An amount of biting into a paper conveyor belt in the brush unit is set to a value equal to or smaller than 2.5 millimeters. A paper conveyor belt with hardness of the rear side equal to or lower than 78 Hs is used. Alternatively, a paper conveyor belt with a coefficient of static friction on the rear surface equal to or lower than 0.75 is used.

Abstract: A system that prevents the engagement of an intermediate gear and a driven gear from releasing due to a force from the driven gear without increasing an arrangement angle is described. A surface receiving a load acting on a rotation axis of a second groove that is used as an axle bearing formed on the side of a second gear part that engages with a driven gear is made to be an inclined receiving part. The second receiving surface touches the rotation axis of the second groove part. The surfaces are arranged such that the distance from the center of rotation of the driving gear increases as it moves away from the driven gear. By this arrangement, the inclined receiving part creates a force in the opposite direction of the direction to release the intermediate gear from the driven gear that acts upon the rotation axis as the counteraction of the force that acts on the rotation axis, so the intermediate gear does not separate from the driven gear.

Abstract: A fixing apparatus can prevent an excessive rise in temperature of a paper non-passage area due to diverted flow of magnetic flux from a paper passage area of a heat-producing element to a paper non-passage area thereof has a small configuration, A center core is rotated by a rotation section, bringing cutaway parts to a magnetic path masking position, and the degree of magnetic coupling between the center core and a heat-producing roller is weakened, suppressing an excessive rise in temperature of paper non-passage areas of the heat-producing roller. With this fixing apparatus, switching of the intensity of magnetic coupling between the center core and heat-producing roller can be performed simply by rotating the center core. Also, with this fixing apparatus, it is not necessary for magnetism suppressing elements to be provided as separate members, enabling the configuration to be made simpler and less expensive.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming mechanism to form a toner image on a recording medium according to image data and a fixing mechanism to fix the toner image on the recording medium. The fixing mechanism includes a fixing member and an external heater. The fixing member applies heat to the recording medium having the toner image. The external heater heats the fixing member and is formed in a shape corresponding to a surface of the fixing member. The external heater is disposed as if to engage and yet be spaced apart from the fixing member by a distance which is variable according to movement of the external heater.

Abstract: In a fixing apparatus using an induction heating type of heating apparatus, there are provided an excitation apparatus that generates magnetic flux, an opposed core located opposite the excitation apparatus, a fixing belt that is induction-heated by the aforementioned magnetic flux, and magnetism masking elements that block magnetic paths corresponding to paper non-passage areas of fixing belt between the excitation apparatus and the opposed core. By blocking magnetic paths between the excitation apparatus and the opposed core by the magnetism masking elements, magnetic flux that induction-heats the fixing belt is effectively masked, and an excessive rise in temperature of paper non-passage areas of fixing belt is prevented.

Abstract: A fixing device and an image forming apparatus including the fixing device includes a core pipe which is made to be thin to a predetermined thickness or less and having a strength that increases while being aging-treated based on the use time of the fixing device, and a fixing belt to enlarge a fixing Thus, a warming-up time is shortened, a print speed increases, and a fixing quality is improved.

Abstract: A belt fixing unit, an image forming apparatus, and a toner material are disclosed capable of obviating undesirable fixing belt deformation and low image quality. The belt fixing unit includes a fixing roller, a heating roller, a fixing belt, and a pressing roller in contact with the fixing roller to form a fixing nip having the fixing belt intervening there between, the fixing belt including at least a base member formed of a heat-resisting resin having a thickness of 90 ?m or smaller and acted upon by a tensile force of 0.49 N/mm or less. The toner is a low-melting point toner formed by subjecting a toner preparatory solution containing at least a prepolymer having a functional group containing a nitrogen atom, a polyester, a colorant and a releasing agent dispersed in an organic solvent to extension and/or crosslinking reactions in an aqueous medium.

Abstract: A printer includes a surface treatment section which subjects an image recording medium to a surface treatment by conveying the image recording medium on a belt-shaped surface treatment means while the image recording medium is abutted against the belt-shaped surface treatment means, a position adjusting section which is disposed upstream of the surface treatment section, and moves the image recording medium in a width direction orthogonal to a conveying direction in the surface treatment section as necessary and a cutting section which is disposed downstream of the surface treatment section, adjusts a cutting position in the width direction in accordance with information about movement of the image recording medium in the position adjusting section, and cuts the image recording medium in accordance with a print size of a print to be outputted.

Abstract: A cleaning and spots blade lubricating apparatus and method, the apparatus for the method includes (a) a pre-clean charging device including a first bias having a first polarity; (b) a cleaning device having (1) a cleaning mode including a second bias having a second polarity opposite the first polarity, and (ii) a non cleaning mode including a third bias having a third polarity; (c) a spots blade for removing random spots from a moving photoreceptor surface being cleaned; and (d) a programmable controller connected to the pre-clean charging device and to the cleaning device for forming a lubricating residual toner stripe on a portion of the moving photoreceptor surface, the programmable controller intermittently and momentarily switching the cleaning device from the cleaning mode to the non-cleaning mode for forming the lubricating residual toner stripe.

Abstract: A high load low load cleaning blade assembly provided for cleaning a toner image bearing surface includes a blade member having a first edge mounted to a frame, a second and opposite edge for contacting and loading against the toner image bearing surface, and a blade width connecting the first edge to the second edge. The high load low load blade assembly also includes a blade holder for holding and loading the blade member against the moving toner image bearing surface. The holder includes a frame, and a blade loading plate operatively connected to the frame and extending from the frame towards the second edge of the blade for stiffening the blade width and determining a resulting blade loading force of each portion of the second edge against regions of the toner image bearing surface.

Abstract: A charged particles cleaning apparatus for cleaning and removing charged particles from a surface includes (a) a housing; (b) a surface scrubbing member mounted within the housing for contacting the surface and frictionally removing charged particles therefrom; (c) an air blower for pulling an air stream out of the housing; (d) a manifold connecting the housing to the air blower for directing the air stream and charged particles therein out of the housing, the manifold including manifold walls having inside surfaces defining a duct passage for the air stream; and (e) at least one biasing source connected to the inside surfaces of the manifold walls for biasing the inside surfaces to prevent build up of charged particles on the inside surfaces, thereby reducing costs of periodic cleaning of the manifold walls.

Abstract: An original comprises a first page and a second page as disposed face-down on the platen surface of an image-processing device. The platen is scanned to form a platen image. The positions of two diagonally-opposite corners of the original are determined based on a fixed platen reference point. An original image is formed by cropping the platen image based on the positions of the two original corners. The size and position of either one selected page or both pages are determined based on the two original corner positions. When the image of only one selected page is desired, the image of the selected page is formed by cropping the original image based on the size and position of the selected page. When the images of both pages are desired, the images of both pages are formed by cropping the original image based on the sizes and positions of both pages.

Abstract: An image recording system is configured in which a plurality of image recording apparatuses provided with a recording medium storage portion are disposed in a line, and a recording medium storage means shared by these image recording apparatuses is provided, and a recording medium that has been recorded by the plurality of image recording apparatuses is transported toward the recording medium storage means and stored in the recording medium storage means.

Abstract: An image forming device in a color printer or the like includes duplex printing. Multiple media sheets are moved through a media path which includes a primary path and a duplex path. Various parameters of the image forming device control the interpage gap between sheets. Parameters include peek-a-boo duplexing, sharing of motors within the drive rollers, and sharing of power supplies.

Abstract: In the image forming system, there is provided an image processing section which determines a rotation standard for rotating image information so that an orientation of an image which is to be formed on an output medium on which prescribed post processing is not to be conducted agrees with an orientation of an image formed on an output medium on which prescribed post processing is to be conducted, if a booklet division mode is set by the setting section, and which conducts rotation processing on the image information based on the rotation standard.

Abstract: An approach is provided for a parallel printing solution wherein one of a plurality of printing devices is designated a “master” device and receives print data, portions of which are then transmitted to the remainder of printing devices for processing according to instructions from the master device. According to one embodiment of the invention, a user defines certain parameters and administrative criteria at a workstation, from which the user sends print data to the master device. In one embodiment, based upon user-defined parameters and independently acquired information, the master device divides the print data into print jobs and sends the appropriate print data to the plurality of print devices for processing.

Abstract: A print support apparatus includes: a unit acquiring printing specification information; a unit acquiring printing apparatus information indicating capabilities of printing apparatuses; a unit selecting a printing apparatus as a printing destination based on the printing specification information and the printing apparatus information; a unit acquiring document data associated with the printing specification information; a unit processing the acquired document data based on printing apparatus information indicating a capability of the selected printing apparatus and the acquired printing specification information; a unit creating printing setting information including a printing setting of the selected printing apparatus based on the acquired printing specification information; and a unit requiring printing of the selected printing apparatus based on the created printing setting information and the processed document data.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus that comprises: an error history information storing unit; an error history information outputting unit; an error detecting unit that detects an error; an error type determining unit that determines whether an error belongs to the first type error or the second type error; a total print page number counting unit; a total print page number acquiring unit that acquires the total print page number.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to improve an error process when a write error occurs in an RFID tag. According to this invention, a printing control method for a printing apparatus includes a write step of writing predetermined information by communicating with an RFID tag added to each label on a label paper sheet, a printing step of printing a predetermined image to be printed on the surface of the label, and a reception step of receiving one of a first setting for, when an RFID tag write error occurs, stopping writing information in the write step and stopping printing the image to be printed in the printing step, and a second setting for writing the information and printing the image to be printed on a printing medium conveyed after the printing medium to which the RFID tag is added, wherein when the RFID tag write error occurs, the write step and the printing step are executed based on a setting received in the reception step.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image processing apparatus which can perform image processing suitable for each image in a job as well as provides an image processing program storage medium. The image processing apparatus has an information storage section which stores processing information used for predetermined image processing in memory by associating it with front and back sides of paper each, a color conversion section which performs a color conversion process on an image based on the processing information associated by the information storage section with the front or back side on whichever the image is to be recorded, and a RIP section which converts the image data after color conversion into raster data while performing a correction process on the image data to correct image distortion.

Abstract: A print head has m driver devices 1 that are fed with a supply voltage VDD and that control the driving of resistive elements acting as heaters and a regulator 2 that is fed with a supply voltage VH higher than the supply voltage VDD and that converts the supply voltage VH into a supply voltage VG, which the regulator 2 then feeds to the individual driver devices 1.

Abstract: A tape drive for use in for example a transfer printing apparatus to drive a printer ribbon. The printer ribbon is mounted on two spools each of which is driven by a respective stepper motor. A controller controls the energization of the motor such that the ribbon is transported in at least one direction between spools mounted on the spool support. The controller is operative to energize both motors to drive the spools of ribbon in the direction of ribbon transport to achieve push-pull operations. Ribbon tension is monitored to enable accurate control of ribbon supply and ribbon take-up, the ribbon tension being monitored, for example, by monitoring power supply to the two stepper motors.

Abstract: Disclosed are a printer and a stacker and methods. The printer prints selectively on one or both sides of a printable web and sheets or labels are cut from the web and stacked in the stacker. The printer has an unwind mechanism that accepts and holds web rolls of different widths in center-justified relationship with respect to a print head. The printer has a spindle for mounting an ink ribbon core with a detent or latch for center-justifying the ink-ribbon with respect to the print head. A spindle assembly has two latches for counter-justifying a wide range of cores of different widths.

Abstract: A printer includes: a main substrate that includes electronic parts for controlling an operation of a printer main body; and a wireless communication module that transmits and receives data, wherein: the main substrate is disposed in one side of the printer main body; and the wireless communication module is disposed in another side of the printer main body.

Abstract: A keyboard having a housing, a palm rest platform movably coupled to the housing and a lift mechanism configured to adjust the palm rest platform is described. Through use of hot keys on the keyboard or a user interface on the computer, the palm rest can be automatically adjusted to preferred positions for a number of users by a motor.

Abstract: A writing instrument is capable of functioning both as an automatic mechanical pencil and as a shaking-type mechanical pencil. The writing instrument has a barrel cylinder constituted by a front cylinder detachably connected to a rear cylinder. A slider is disposed at the front end of the barrel cylinder, and a lead chuck, such as a ball chuck, is disposed rearwardly of the slider. A slider spring urges the slider forward and urges the lead chuck rearward. A lead reservoir is movably disposed rearwardly of the lead chuck. Around the outer periphery of the lead reservoir, a weight is disposed to undergo back-and-forth movement in an axial direction. On the outer periphery of the lead reservoir is disposed a weight-receiving cylinder against which the rear end of the weight abuts when the writing instrument is shaken. A knocking spring urges the weight-receiving cylinder forward and urges the lead reservoir rearward.

Abstract: A device for the storage and extrusion of a flowable substance (A) includes a loading unit (13) for an application tool (14). The loading unit has a pot-shaped insert (15) for a holder (17). Through axial pressure on the holder (17) the flowable substance A can be extruded from a chamber (12) of the holder through openings (20A) made on the perimeter of the insert (15) into a chamber (16) of the loading unit (13), so that the application tool (14) set at right angles to the axis of the insert (15) is loaded with the substance (A).

Abstract: A dispenser with magnetic elements is presented. The dispenser includes a cup-shaped container having an exterior and interior surface. Magnetic elements are provided within the container wall or attached to a surface along the container. A composition fill resides within the container and is extendable there from via a rotating knob and screw arrangement or a movable plug. An optional covering, one example being a label, may be attached to the dispenser so as to contact and cover the magnetic elements.

Abstract: A device for packaging and applying a product including a container holding the product. In a disclosed example, the container has a lengthwise axis X and is provided with, an applicator element designed to come into contact with a surface to be treated in order to apply the product. The applicator element is in fluid communication with the container when it is in contact with this surface to be treated. A support defines a seating for the applicator element, with the support being at least in a fixed axial position relative to the container. The device further includes a grasping element connected to the support by a resiliently deformable connecting element in a manner such that, in response to a force exerted on the applicator element when the device is being held by the grasping element, the support is able to move relative to the grasping element. In addition, the support is preferably designed to revert to its initial position when the exertion of force ceases.

Abstract: An interactive package for a writing instrument to allow a user to grip the writing instrument when the writing instrument is mounted in the package. The interactive package contains a back support connected with a mount, the mount having indentations to mount the writing instrument away from the back support so that the writing instrument appears to float inside the interactive package. An outer shell connects with the back support and surrounds the mount to create a compartment. Two openings in the outer shell allow a user to insert a finger and thumb through the respective openings to grip the writing instrument without touching any portion of the package. The user can then test the weight, look, and feel of the writing instrument while the writing instrument remains protected in the enclosure.

Abstract: A joint between the end of a first pipe and the wall of a second pipe, wherein the end of the first pipe has its wall shaped according to a profile which is complementary with respect to the wall of the second pipe in the joint region, so as to be able to adhere perfectly thereto along its entire extension, and is provided with at least one wing, which protrudes monolithically from the wall and comprises at least one through hole for accommodating a screw which is adapted to enter a threaded hole provided in the wall of the second pipe in order to abut at the head against the surface of the wing that is directed toward the first pipe.

Abstract: A clamp comprises: a first jaw (2) and a second jaw (3) having opposing contact surfaces (8, 9) which are relatively substantially linearly displaceable between a position of minimum separation and a position of maximum separation, wherein in use the opposing contact surfaces (8, 9) contact the lower surface and upper surface respectively of a structural element, wherein the first jaw (2) incorporates a first aperture remote from the contact surface and adapted to receive a suspension element or fastener; one or more means for guiding the first jaw (2) and the second jaw (3) during relative substantially linear displacement such as to substantially prevent relative non-linear displacement of the opposing contact surfaces (8, 9); and means for delimiting the substantially linear displacement of the opposing contact surfaces (8, 9) of the first jaw (2) and second jaw (3) to the position of maximum separation.

Abstract: A rotating shaft coupling assembly includes a first rotating shaft defining a step at a longitudinal end. A second rotating shaft has a longitudinal end to be received against the step of the first rotating shaft such that the first and second rotating shafts form an overlapping portion. A coupler sleeve including a shape memory alloy is disposed about at least the overlapping portion of the first and second rotating shafts to couple the shafts together.

Abstract: A continuity system for a building is designed to compensate for the downward settling of building elements over time, which occurs due to the shrinkage of wooden building members. The continuity system comprises one or more hold-down assemblies each having a stud-connector secured to a generally vertical stud, a generally vertical rod inserted into an opening of the stud connector, a rod-gripping member in toothed engagement with the rod above the opening, and one or more positioning elements exerting a downward force on the rod-gripping member. The rod has a lower portion secured to a stable building element such as the building's foundation. The opening of the stud-connector defines a frustoconical bearing surface on the upper surface of a portion of the stud-connector, or on a gripper support element in some embodiments.

Abstract: A stress defender hole (18) in a component is provided with a countersunk portion (19). The countersunk portion (19) increases the stress concentration on to the defender hole (18), hence reducing stress elsewhere in the component.

Abstract: A storm drain relief channel for providing fluid/debris access from the surface of a road to the interior portion of a catch basin including a rigid box structure includes a substantially-hollow channel structure disposed adjacent to the rigid box structure of a curb inlet, the substantially-hollow channel structure having a first end defining a first opening and a second end defining a second opening, wherein the first end is configured to be disposed adjacent to and substantially flush with, and in fluid/debris communication with, the surface of the road and the second end is configured to be disposed one of adjacent to and within, and in fluid/debris communication with, the interior portion of the curb inlet.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to a method and apparatus for recovering non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPL) from regions below ground where NAPL spills are sources of aquifer contamination. The apparatus includes a system to supply gas-supersaturated liquid, a system of ground wells in fluid communication with the contaminated ground water region (source of contamination) and with an above-ground NAPL recovery system, said system of wells including an injection well in fluid communication with the system to supply gas-supersaturated liquid and with the contaminated region below ground, an extraction well in fluid communication with the contaminated region below ground and with the NAPL recovery system, wherein the NAPL is in the gaseous phase or gas-mobilized non-volatile liquid phase or both, and a pump for delivering the gas-supersaturated liquid to the vicinity of the contaminated region below ground.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing purified biogas are disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, a method includes collecting biogas from a landfill, transporting the biogas to a first well, injecting the biogas into the first well, and pressurizing the first well to store the biogas.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a waste or environmental containment system that includes modified asphalt specifically designed for containment, and a system of installation that provides a seamless cap over the area to be contained. The modified asphalt of the present invention has a permeability less than 1×10?8 cm/sec and an air void content less than 3 percent. The system of installation includes joint designs that meet the same parameters as the modified asphalt mat to provide a seamless containment cap or liner to contain hazardous wastes at RCRA, Superfund sites, waste sites and environmental containment areas.

Abstract: There is provided a system comprising an assembly for storage or transport of compressed gas on a floating structure (1), wherein the assem+y (3) comprises a plurality of separate, parallel, laying pipes (4) which are closed at both ends and are supported discretely or continuously by a supporting structure (5). The pipes (4) are releaseably attached to the supporting structure (5) only at one end thereof, where the pipes are coupled to a manifold system (˜) for filling or emptying of the pipes, and the supporting structure (5) is arranged to allow unobstructed longitudinal guiding of the pipes (4) in the storage assembly (3), so that the pipes individually or in groups can be introduced to or removed from their operating position in the storage assem+y via openings at the ends of the assem+y located oppositely to said one end.

Abstract: Described herein is excavation equipment for mixing in loco excavated soil and for the formation of diaphragms within the excavated hole of the type constituted by a plurality of rods for drilling soil (10) arranged alongside one another; each rod performs a rotary and translational motion about and along its own axis; supplied along the rods is a thickening fluid that exits with high kinetic energy through nozzles (23 and 24) made in positions corresponding to bits of a set of bits (11) located at the free ends of the rods (10) and rendered fixed in rotation and translation therewith; the bits are interconnected and separated by means of fixed structures (16, 16?) that guarantee non-interference and maintenance of the distance between them; the bit of each rod (10) is equipped, at its ends, with disgregating means (14) and, at the centre, with means (18, 21) for mixing the soil and said aggregating fluid; the bits are enclosed at least partially within a quadrilateral caisson (12), designed to line the walls

Abstract: A stabilizing element in a stabilized material particle structure, particularly an earthen embankment, wherein the material stabilizing elements that are inextensible (material with a higher modulus of elasticity than that of the surrounding particles) in composition nature but made more extensible because of its configuration. This extensibility gives the stabilizing elements the ability to mobilize more of the material shear resistance and adapt to current design standards under extensible type elements. The configuration also enhances the frictional engagement with the adjacent particles. The soil stabilizing elements are attached to facing elements and project into the compacted fill behind the facing. In some structures there may not be a facing element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a brine sealant solution and a one and two-step process for producing an earthen hardpan in a pond or slush pit. The process disperses clay in an aqueous solution using monovalent and divalent cations and bentonite clay. The dispersed clay is then used to fill the seepage capillaries. A second aqueous solution of monovalent and divalent cations and a wetting agent is applied and aggregates the clay and creates a hardpan.

Abstract: A method for preventing soil fracture and/or monitoring borehole pressure during jet grouting that may include monitoring borehole pressure at one or more points in a jet grouting borehole while the jet grouting is being performed and determining whether the borehole pressure exceeds a predetermined limit. The method may further include providing notification to a jet grouting operator that there is a high risk of soil fracture if the borehole pressure exceeds the predetermined limit. The predetermined limit may be the estimated fracture pressure of the soil in which the jet grouting is being performed.

Abstract: A system for forming an insulation particle/air suspension suitable for use in a process for forming an insulation product is provided, comprising: a blowing machine for forming an insulation particle/air suspension, wherein the blowing machine comprises at least one outlet; a first hose in communication with the outlet, for transporting at least the suspension from the blowing machine; and a booster fan in communication with the first hose, wherein the booster fan is located downstream from the blowing machine.

Abstract: The automatic Pet feeder caters for animals of all sizes that feed off of pallets and seeds. It can be used in any environment (interior or exterior). The timer is used to accurately feed the animals or pets at the appropriate time of the day, week or month depending on the animals' diet. It uses a blower to disburse the right amount of food. For larger feeding (farms), the automatic pet feeder can be daisy chained with other automatic pet feeders to supply larger quantities of food. It is mainly made out of plastic and is very affordable. This invention can be used in fish farms, chicken farms, aquarium, pawns, house pets etc.

Abstract: A threading tap for cutting threads in blind holes includes an elongated body with a central axis, the body having at a rear end a connector portion, and having at a front end a threading portion. The threading portion is provided with at least one helical thread-cutting structure and interconnected flank portions defining at least one helical flute which interrupts the helical thread cutting structure. The flank portions present exposed surfaces that are steam tempered. The rest of the tap is coated by PVD.