Abstract: The invention is a pressure reducing valve for reducing the pressure supplied to a head tooling hydraulic positioning valve and a controller for bypassing the pressure reducing valve in a blow-molding machine. A pressure-reducing valve and electrical controller are used to regulate the pressure of a cylinder that controls the position of a head tooling pin and die assembly in a blow-molding machine. The invention reduces pressure during all time intervals except during a “parison formation” interval of the cycle. The invention is also a process for regulating the pressure of a cylinder that controls the position of a head tooling pin and die assembly in a blow-molding machine and for bypassing the pressure reducing valve in a blow-molding machine.

Abstract: Injection molding machines must be provided with devices which ensure that the mold mounting plates when in open position cannot inadvertently close, wherein the conventional safety devices include a toothed locking bar disposed between two mold mounting plates and are provided with a ratchet mechanism, but which obstructs accessibility in the space between the two mold mounting plates, so that according with the present invention a blocking unit is disposed outside the space between two mold mounting plates for engagement of the drive unit of the closing unit to thereby prevent an inadvertent closure.

Abstract: A vertical injection molding machine designed to move up/down a large weight by a toggle link mechanism so as to perform mold opening/closing. In a foreign matter detection region where a mold opening/closing servo-motor is subjected to speed feedback control during a mold closing process, a measured torque value of the mold opening/closing servo-motor is compared with a standard torque characteristic curve with no foreign matter between dies. Between a start position of the foreign matter detection region and a position of the foreign matter detection region in which a torque value is zero in the standard torque characteristic curve, it is concluded that there is a foreign matter between the dies when the measured torque is lower than the standard torque characteristic curve by a predetermined value or more.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for creating elevator buckets decreases the number of molds required to create a wide variety of dimensional configurations of such buckets by dividing the configurations into families, each of which has at least one dimension in common while each member of a family varies from other members thereof by at least one dimension, the method and apparatus being used to create all members of one family and enables changes to produce different bucket sizes within the same family without removing the mold base used in creating the family from the apparatus.

Abstract: A concrete block-molding machine having a concrete mix feed station, and a concrete molding and block ejection station adjacent to the feed station wherein the concrete molding and block ejection station has a vibratile plate having a plurality of holes in a pre-selected hole pattern, a mold having a mold interior positionable on the vibratile plate and having holes in the pre-selected hole pattern, and a support plate dimensioned and patterned to form a bottom face of a molded concrete block. An ejector plate having a plurality of projecting rods in the pre-selected hole pattern is positionable below the vibrating plate, with the rods of a diameter such that they pass through the holes in the vibratile plate and the mold. Means are provided for raising and lowering a pressure plate assembly so as to compress a concrete mix in the mold provided. Means are also provided for raising and lowering the ejector plate so as to contact and raise and lower the support plate out of and into the mold.

Abstract: A scoop device for forming scoops of a material, such as ice cream or other foods, includes a frame adapted to be held in the hand of a used with a plunger extending into the user's palm to be operated by squeezing or closing the hand. A pair of scoop halves are pivotally connected to rotate between open and closed positions. A pivot plate is attached to the plunger to be moved relative to the frame by movement of the plunger. A pair of lever arms are coupled to the frame, the pivot plate, and the scoop halves so that movement of the pivot plate in relation to the frame causes movement of the lever arms and, in turn, rotation of the scoop halves between open and closed positions. The lever arms each have opposite ends and an intermediate fulcrum. The device can be biased to normally maintain the scoop halves in either open or closed position, as by a spring arranged to bias the plunger.

Abstract: The present invention includes a conforming template for patterning liquids disposed on substrates. The template includes a body having opposed first and second surfaces. The first surface includes a plurality of recessed regions with a patterning region being disposed between adjacent recessed regions. Specifically, the recessed regions define flexure regions about which each patterning region may move independent of the remaining patterning regions of the template. In one embodiment the template is mounted to a fluid chamber having an inlet and a throughway. The template is connected to the throughway and the inlet is connected to a fluid source to facilitate deformation of the template to conform to a profile of a surface adjacent thereto.

Abstract: A tube bending fixture having a frame. An upper and lower tube support are both pivotally mounted to the frame between a first and second pivotal position. A bar is slidably mounted to the upper tube support and movable between an extended and a retracted position. At least one lower mandrel is mounted to the lower tube support and is dimensioned to fit within one end of a tube to be bent. At least one upper mandrel is mounted to the slidable bar, and the upper and lower mandrels are aligned with each other when the upper and lower tube supports are in their first pivotal position. The upper mandrel is dimensioned to fit within the second end of the tube to be bent when the bar is in its extended position. A former is secured to the frame and includes a channel which engages a midportion of the tube and conforms to the desired shape of the tube when the first and second tube supports are in their second pivotal position.

Abstract: An edge-gated injection molding apparatus includes a first, rear-mounted nozzle that is coupled to a manifold for receiving a melt stream therefrom. A second, front-mounted nozzle is coupled to the first nozzle by a nozzle link that is provided between the first and second nozzles. A plurality of gate seals are coupled to a forward end of the second nozzle. The gate seals receive melt from a plurality of melt passages and deliver the melt to a plurality of mold cavities through respective gates. The second nozzle is slidably removable from the first nozzle via the nozzle link to facilitate repair or replacement of the gate seals.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for inner wall toasting of casks for wine guard by hot air convection, with controlled temperature which allows setting desired cask heating time and temperature. The process comprises: (a) connecting the inside of the cask to mechanical elements to form a hermetic toasting chamber wherein no aromatic compounds are liberated to the outside; (b) circulating an air stream within said chamber; (c) directly or indirectly heating said air stream to a temperature varying from 140° C. to about 230° C.; (d) directing said air stream to the inner cask walls; (e) capturing said air stream at the cask outlet; (f) directly or indirectly reheating said captured air stream to a temperature between 140° C. to about 230° C.; (g) recycling said reheated air stream to the inner cask walls; and (h) maintaining stage (g) for a required time to achieve the desired temperature and/or toasting.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for applying orthodontic brackets to teeth. The apparatus includes a bracket container having a bracket housing defined therein and a bracket placer positioned relative to the bracket housing to receive a bracket from the bracket container. The bracket housing is configured to house a plurality of brackets. Furthermore, the bracket container includes biased means for biasing brackets in the bracket housing forwardly toward the bracket placer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to remove dental implant. The apparatus comprises a guide ring rotatably attached to a base, means to rotatably attach the guide ring to the base, means to attach the apparatus to an implant, and apparatus to remove dental implant indexing means sized to mate with implant indexing means when the apparatus is attached to the implant. Where an abutment is mounted to the implant, means of attaching the base to the abutment is taught. The method includes the steps of attaching the apparatus to an implant or abutment, sliding a trephine burr bore over the guide ring, and using the guide ring to guide the trephine while drilling into bone in which the implant is implanted, without drilling into the implant or abutment.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a dental solution is disclosed and includes a dispensing nozzle adapted for attachment to a syringe. The dispensing nozzle has a curved applicator tip with a securely mounted brush that extends beyond the applicator tip to aid in placement of the dental solution. A retainer hub is positioned in the dispensing nozzle to prevent the brush from retracting into or being expelled from the dispensing nozzle during use.

Abstract: Root canal instrument sets and instruments having high loadability and high breakage safety.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical or dental-medical treatment which at its rearward end has a coupling element for coupling on to a matching coupling element of a flexible supply line, and in its forward region has a holder device for a tool, the handpiece being of a rearward and a forward handpiece section which are connected with one another by means of a plug-in connection and are fixed on one another by means of a latching device which has a latching arm extending approximately axis-parallel and which is transversely elastically bendable, which latching arm is arranged on the one plug-in connection part and is latched in its free end region with a latching element arranged on the other plug-in connection part . For the purpose of improving the connection between the rearward and the forward handpiece section the latching device at the same time axially fixes an insert part of the handpiece, which insert part sits in a plug-in recess of the one and/or of the other plug-in connection part.

Abstract: A unitary dental implant in the form of an elongate member has an upper abutment portion and a lower fixture portion. An axially extending and upwardly facing planar surface is defined between the abutment portion and the fixture portion.

Abstract: An abutment system for a dental implant includes an abutment having a base portion that is engageable with a dental implant and a shoulder disposed about the base portion that includes a hybrid ceramic material. The hybrid ceramic material includes at least 85% porcelain. An opaque can be applied to the exterior surface of the abutment. A pigment can also be added to the hybrid ceramic material so as to match the color of the patient's gum tissue. A method of preparing an abutment system includes the steps of forming a curable hybrid ceramic material into a shoulder about the base portion of an abutment, partially curing the hybrid ceramic material so as to form an initially cured shoulder, shaping the initially cured shoulder to a desired shape so that the shoulder conforms to at least one patient specific criterion, and completely curing the shoulder. A plurality of abutment systems may be assembled into a kit.

Abstract: A dual-nature, uni-constructed device, suitable for conducting electricity between two objects in relative motion, comprises two compatible elements each having a straight section and a sinuous section. The two elements are combined to form a unified whole whereby the two straight sections are mutually servable as a brush component and the two sinuous sections are mutually servable as a spring component. The inventive device is associable with an electrical or electromechanical machine so that, during machine operation, the brush component slidingly contacts a first machine part, the spring component is affixed to a second machine part and exerts a bias against the brush component, and the inventive device conducts electrical current from one machine part to the other machine part. Each element includes an electrically conductive main layer (including one or more wire fabric sheets) and two elastomeric outside layers (on opposite sides of the sinuous section).

Abstract: An edge mount electrical connector assembly includes a flexible circuit having a first end for connecting to one major surface of the circuit board and a second end for connecting to another major surface of the circuit board, and an electrical connector connected to the flexible circuit in between the first and the second ends of the flexible circuit.

Abstract: An LGA connector (1) includes an insulative housing (2), a stiffener (3) defined around the housing, a clip (4) pivotably engaged on one end of the stiffener, and a lever (5) engaged on an opposite end of the stiffener for fastening the clip onto the housing. The stiffener includes a bottom plate (31) and a plurality of side walls (32) extending from the bottom plate, and the housing defines two raised lower surfaces (210) in two opposite ends thereof. Said ends is corresponding to the ends of the stiffener that engages lever and clip respectively, and each lower surface and the bottom plate defining a gap therebetween. Thus, even if two ends of the stiffener bend, the gaps will avoid the housing from distorting alone with the stiffener.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a retractable ledge socket is presented. In this regard, a socket ledge is introduced to receive a processor, and to reposition to allow the processor to contact socket connections. Other embodiments are also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A surface mount technology connector comprises a housing provided with a plurality of contacts. At least one metal fitting is fixed to a sidewall of the housing. The metal fitting has a base and a soldering section for soldering to a circuit board. The base has a smaller width than the soldering section. The soldering section extends from a substantial center of the base with respect to the width thereof. The soldering section and a portion of the base extend approximately perpendicular to and away from a bottom of the sidewall of the housing. The sidewall of the housing has a solder viewing section at each side of the base. The solder viewing section retracts inward as the solder viewing section approaches the soldering section to expose the soldering section at the bottom of the sidewall of the housing.

Abstract: A matrix board-to-board connector includes a receptacle connector having a first housing with a plurality of first contacts received therein and a plug connector having a second housing with a plurality of second contacts received therein. The first contact has a middle-connecting portion, two touching pins and at least one first soldering leg. The second contact has a touching portion, two guiding pins and at least one second soldering leg. The first contact extends between the two guiding pins of the second contact, the touching portion of the second contact is inserted between the two touching pins of the first contact, and the two touching pins clip the touching portion of the second contact.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adapter for enabling a host device having an electrical connector compatible with a first protocol that is not connectable with a connector assembly associated with a second protocol to be usable with the second protocol. The adapter includes a printed circuit board having a first end and a second end. The first end includes a first interface formed to removably connect with an electrical connector associated with a first protocol. The second end includes a second interface formed to removably connect with a connector assembly associated with the second protocol. A method of making the adapter includes configuring the first interface on the printed circuit board and integrating the second interface with the printed circuit board. One embodiment includes an adapter for enabling a host device with SFP electrical connectors to be usable with an SAS/SATA protocol.

Abstract: An electric connection box includes a first wiring board having first insulating ribs formed thereon, and a second wiring board having through hole portions (for respectively passing the first insulating ribs therethrough) formed respectively at regions of insulating of circuits from each other. The first wiring board and the second wiring board are stacked together, and are received within covers. The first insulating ribs of the first wiring board project respectively through the hole portions of the second wiring board to insulate the circuits of the second wiring board from each other.

Abstract: A terminal includes a base portion having a mounting portion to be mounted on a circuit board and an extended portion extending from one end portion of the mounting portion toward the mounting surface side of the circuit board, and a terminal portion made of a conductive material and formed to extend from an front surface of the extended portion which is flush with one end face of the mounting portion through a mounting side surface of the mounting portion. The terminal is mounted on the circuit board such that the mounting side surface of the terminal is abutted on a mounting surface of the circuit board, and the extended portion is projected toward a surface side of the circuit board which is located away from its mounting surface, so as to configure a portable device.

Abstract: The mean for the universal serial bus hide and swing, its body inside have a sliding unit its head pivot to establish on can swing from as of deal with USB, and a memory to equip the electricity conjunction in deal with USB. The USB can conceal in the body, or along with the sliding unit to swing after being moved the indentation of the body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a security shield integral with a CATV tap faceplate. The device comprises a substantially cylindrical housing, extending outward from the faceplate. The security shield is configured to receive an F-type connector. To safeguard against foreign elements, the shield is configured to receive a weather seal about the port. Additionally, a flap seal is provided, adding an additional seal between the outer wall of the F-Type connector and the inner wall of the security shield.

Abstract: To provide a joint box, which can easily and compactly hold electrical wires along the joint box, the joint box includes a base unit having separately a joint portion for connecting electrical wires and a wire bundle portion for passing the electrical wires and a cover mounted on the base unit for covering the joint portion and the wire bundle portion. The cover includes integrally a first cover portion for the joint portion and a second cover portion for the wire bundle portion. At least one of terminals at the joint portion is connected with an earth ground terminal. The electrical wires are wired at the wire bundle portion of the joint box.

Abstract: A connector (10) has auxiliary housings (12) that can be mounted in a housing main body (11) by a cam action generated by a slider (20) having sliding plates (22). Locks (15) lock the properly mounted auxiliary housings (12) in the housing main body (11). The locks (15) are deformed into movement paths for the sliding plates (22) when auxiliary housings (12) are mounted improperly, thereby preventing movement of the slider (20) to a connecting position. However, the locks (15) are retracted from the movement paths for the sliding plates (22) when the auxiliary housings (12) are mounted properly so that the slider (20) can move to the connecting position.

Abstract: A card connector includes an insulating housing (3) and a number of contacts (2) received in the insulating housing (3). The insulating housing (3) comprises a base (10) and a pair of guiding arms (13) extending from opposite lateral sides of the base (10) along a card ejecting direction and defining a card receiving space with soldering portions extending forwardly and backwardly respectively. The insulating housing (3) is formed with a pair of mating portions (11, 12) in which the contacts (2) are received, The mating portions extend from the base (10) along the card ejecting direction to expose into the card receiving space at a position of upper and lower sides.

Abstract: In a card connector to be connected to a card, An ejecting member is provided so as to be movable along a predetermined plane for ejecting the card in an ejecting direction. The ejecting member has a card contacting portion to be contacted with the card and a cam-operated portion. The ejecting member is urged towards the ejecting direction by a urging member. A cam mechanism is provided so as to movable along the predetermined plane in a direction intersecting the ejecting direction. The cam mechanism is elastically supported by a supporting member so that it is disposed at a predetermined position. The cam mechanism has a cam portion for controlling a position of the ejecting member in cooperation with the cam-operated portion.

Abstract: A power supply with a changeable plug element includes a plug housing and a plug element mounted moveably on the plug housing. The plug housing includes a front cover (1), a circuit board (2), a rear cover (4) and a pair of connecting sheets (5). The rear cover (4) and the front cover (1) engage with each other and contain the circuit board (2). The plug element includes a plug lid (6), a pair of elastic sheets (7) and a base (8) with pins. The plug lid (6) is mounted on the base (8) to form a receiving space, and the elastic sheets (7) are received in the receiving space and connect with pin wires. The plug lid (6) can insert into the plug housing and the connecting sheets (5) may engage with the elastic sheets (7). The present invention has simple structure and low cost and can be operated conveniently.

Abstract: A connector (100) for connecting a sheet-like electronic member includes a housing (10); a number of terminals (20) loaded in the housing, said terminal including a first and second beams (21 and 22) defining a gap therebetween; and an actuator (30) pivotally movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the housing. The actuator is provided with cam portions (310) engaging with the terminals so as to broaden the gap between the first and second beams when the actuator is at the open position for facilitating the sheet-like electronic member to enter, and to allow said gap to narrow when the actuator is at the closed position so that the sheet-like electronic member can be clasped and retained by the first and second beams, and retaining portions (311) adapted for engaging with and further retaining the sheet-like electronic member.

Abstract: A hermaphroditic terminal assembly for connecting electrical devices includes an insulating support member for supporting female sockets and male pins, a number of female sockets, and a number of male pins. An intercoupling component for connecting electrical devices includes two hermaphroditic terminal assemblies configured such that the first hermaphroditic terminal assembly can be mated with the second hermaphroditic terminal assembly.

Abstract: An LGA connector (1) comprises a housing (11) for receiving a number of contacts (12), a stiffener (13) partly covering and reinforcing the housing. The stiffener comprises a pair of lateral sides (130), a front end (131) defining a chamber (136) with a U-shaped cross-section and a rear end (132), and a central cavity (133) disposed therebetween. The front end defines a pair of openings (135) at two opposite ends thereof to make the plating liquor enter into the chamber uniformly.

Abstract: A safety plug includes a pair of prongs each prong having a hook portion formed on an end portion of the prong to be locked or engaged with a fastening loop portion formed in a receptacle when plugged in the receptacle to prevent from unexpected withdrawal of the safety plug from the receptacle for enhancing electrical safety and for maintaining a normal power supply to an electric equipment.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrical connector having a housing comprising: a first housing element provided with at least a first connection portion that is either male or female; and a second housing element provided with at least one second connection portion that is either female or male, respectively, suitable for co-operating with the first connection portion; at least one of the first and second connection portions including at least one elastically deformable tab made integrally with the corresponding connection portion in the thickness of a cylindrical of said connection portion, which wall defines a single cavity that presents, in cross-section, at least one side in the form of a straight line segment, the tab extending, in cross-section, along said side, wherein the tab presents, in cross-section, a width that is greater than half the length of said side.

Abstract: A retention system includes a retainer having at least two wings affixed to a mounting surface by a retaining screw or like attachment device inserted into a hole of the mounting surface. A coil spring or the like, optionally captured by the retaining screw, provides tension between the retainer and the mounting surface. The hole of the mounting surface defines the potential placement of the retainer relative to the mounting surface, allowing it to assume a neutral position and a plurality of offset positions. While in its neutral position, the wings of the retainer prevent the removal of connectors, cables, screws, or other retention devices by physically trapping them between the retainer and the mounting surface. By moving the retainer to one of the plurality of offset positions, a user may expose one of the connectors, cables, screws, or other retention devices, allowing it to be removed while preventing the accidental or inadvertent removal of the other components still trapped by the retainer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a socket connector to couple electrical plugs to sockets mounted on circuit boards or cable ends. The socket connector includes a socket that receives an electrical plug and a socket silo. The silo may contain a beveled outer surface that receives a beveled face on the plug. The plug is held in the socket by latches disposed on the plug. The latches include pawls that fit within pawl receiving chambers in the socket and couple the plug to the socket. The latch and hinged section may rotate into a recessed section on the plug from an extended to a retracted position. A locking portion on the pawl and the receiving chamber may be angled to develop a desired pullout force.

Abstract: A tracer wire connector (10) having two parts, a main body (11) and a cover (12). The main body includes a base (16) and a raised portion (24) connected with the base, the raised portion forming a first groove (13) extending from one side of the base to an opposite side of the base, the raised portion forming an at least partially closed bore (14) having a closed off end (17) extending parallel to the first groove, and the raised portion forming a second groove (15) traversing the first groove and the bore. The cover forms a cavity (23) adapted to receive the main body and includes at least one cutting element (22) disposed within the cavity aligned to fit into the second groove upon insertion of the main body into the cover. Disposed within the cover is a displaceable insulating material which is displaced to fill empty space within the connector upon insertion of the main body into the cover.

Abstract: A connector is provided for compensating crosstalk with respect to an adjacently placed connector. Each of the connectors includes a printed circuit board (PCB), a plurality of pairs of contacts on the PCB, a plurality of pads disposed at edge portions of the PCB for compensating crosstalk, and a plurality of connecting parts for connecting electrically the pads to the pairs of contacts.

Abstract: The collapsing bridge crimp comprises a central portion and two mutually-opposite side arms extending from the central portion. Each side arm comprises a first portion attached to the central portion, the first portion being inwardly curved, and a second portion extending from the first portion and located above the central portion. The second portion of each side arm is substantially straight and defines an upwardly-oriented angle with reference to the central portion. The second portion also has a free end provided with an end face, the end face of both side arms defining a top-opened wire-receiving groove between them.

Abstract: A cable assembly (1) includes a connector module (3), a first cover-half (41) and a second cover-half (42) assembled to the first cover-half to enclose the connector module therebetween. The connector module includes an insulative housing (33), a number of contacts (35) retained in the insulative housing, a printed circuit board (34) assembled to the insulative housing and electrically connecting with the contacts, a number of cables (32) electrically connecting with the printed circuit board to form a number of junctions, and strain relief means (31). The strain relief means includes a main portion (310) molded with the junctions, a strain relief section (312) molded with the cables and interferentially received in a receiving hole (13) formed between the first and second cover-halves.

Abstract: An electrical connector (1) for receiving an apertured flat connection member (6) includes: an insulative housing (10) providing an opening (11) for receiving a flat connection member (6) and defining a forward direction along which an inserted flat connection member is pulled out of the opening; a number of conductive contacts (20) having contact portions extending into the opening; an actuator (30) pivotally urging the contacts to connect with the flat connection member; a locking lug (32) extending from the actuator for engaging an aperture (62) of the flat connection member, and a pad (33) formed beside the locking lug for pressing a portion of the flat connection member against the housing.

Abstract: A telecommunications patch panel is provided having a plurality of connector modules rotatably mounted to a frame member. Each connector module has a front face and an opposite facing rear face, and each front face includes a plurality of connector jacks. Each rear face includes a plurality of wire termination blocks. The wire termination blocks are electrically connected to the connector jacks. Each connector module is rotatable about a rotation axis relative to the frame member. A lock selectively locks each connector module to the frame member as desired. The connector jacks and the connector modules are arranged in linear arrays perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, an LGA connector (10) for forming electrical connection between an LGA package and a circuit substrate includes a dielectric housing (20) defining a number of passages (2024) and a number of conductive terminals (30) seated in the corresponding passages, respectively. The dielectric housing is provided with a number of reinforced columns (2026) capable of being inserted into a number of recesses correspondingly defined in the circuit substrate, to favorably prevent the dielectric housing from being displaced relative to the circuit substrate.

Abstract: A connector for coaxial cable is disclosed herein which has hollow body with a tubular post having at least one thread thereon and a dielectric member with a pin that rotate together relative to the remainder of the coaxial cable connector. A related method and tool for connecting the coaxial cable and connector are also disclosed.

Abstract: A coaxial cable TV connector is made up of one or more crimping members having inner crimping surface portions which are preassembled onto a crimpable sleeve member of a connector body, the sleeve having an external tapered portion into which the coaxial cable is inserted so that the crimping ring(s) can be preassembled onto the sleeve and axially advanced to cause inward radial deformation of the sleeve into sealed engagement with an outer surface of the coaxial cable, and each size of connector assembly is conformable for use with more than one size of cable.

Abstract: A connector (1) is provided with a housing (10) formed with press-in holes (17), and terminals (20) to be pressed into the press-in holes (17). Each terminal (20) includes a tab (21) connectable with a mating terminal, a base (22) extending from the tab (21), and two press-in portions (23, 25) arranged side-by-side along the longitudinal direction on the base (22). Each press-in portion (23, 25) has press-in pieces (24a, 24b; 26a, 26b) projecting from the base (22) in substantially opposite outward directions and pressed into the housing (10). The respective press-in pieces (24a, 24b, 26a, 26b) are displaced from each other when the terminal (20) is viewed in the longitudinal direction.