Abstract: A pressure regulator comprising a housing, a pivoting lever selectively covering a passage between an inlet port and an outlet port of the housing, a diaphragm interconnected to the lever to rotate the lever in reaction to pressure levels in the housing, and a closure member abutting the pivoting lever and covering the passage to prevent fluid flow through the passage. The pressure regulator can have the closure member not being directly connected to the lever, a stabilizer element frictionally abutting a pivot pin as the lever rotates to thereby stabilize movement of the lever, an adjustment member that translates rotational movement of an adjustment cap into compression or decompression of a biasing element without applying a rotational force to the biasing element, and/or the cap including a tab configured to be selectively inserted at least one slot on the housing to prevent rotation of the adjustment cap.

Abstract: A stream splitting device splits a two-phase inlet stream into two or more outlet streams having nearly identical vapor-to-liquid ratios. The inlet stream is directed into a separator vessel containing an impingement plate to decrease the velocity of the stream and direct it toward the inner walls of the vessel, where it impinges, separating the liquid from the vapor. Inside the vessel, each of two vertical suction channels with side wall apertures is in fluid communication with an outlet pipe. The lower ends of the suction channels are submerged in the liquid phase. Vapor flows though the apertures that are above the liquid surface in the vessel, thereby generating a pressure drop across the walls of the suction channels. Consequently, liquid is lifted up into the suction channels, where it is mixed with the vapor. The two-phase mixture then leaves the vessel and stream splitter through the outlet pipes.

Abstract: A system and method for an expandable gas or fluid distribution system is disclosed. The expandable distribution system comprises at least one device, an endcap, and an inlet piece. The electromagnetic switch is removably coupled to the endcap and the inlet piece such that the distribution system can be expanded by adding another device.

Abstract: A system and method for a valve for an expandable gas or fluid valve is disclosed. The valve comprises an electromagnetic switch with a male connector on one face, and a female connector on an opposite face. The electromagnetic switch has a passageway connecting the male connector with the female connector. An output port is switchably connected to the passageway by the electromagnetic switch. The male connector on one face can be coupled to the female connector on another electromagnetic switch, forming a line or chain of electromagnetic switches.

Abstract: A reservoir tank of power steering system for a car includes an inlet port delivering oil through a swirl prevention member. The oil is then allowed to flow so swirl does not form in the oil flow of a reservoir tank. Furthermore, bubble formation in the oil is minimized.

Abstract: A fluid distribution assembly for use in a fuel cell includes a separator plate having a major face. A boundary element is disposed over the major face. A flow field communicates reactant in a flow direction across the separator plate. The flow field is defined by a plurality of knobs formed on the separator plate extending from the major face toward the boundary element.

Abstract: A valve assembly for liquid containers includes a base fixed on the water bottle and a connector unit which is connected to the base by a locking member. Each of the base and the connector unit includes a valve piece which is biased by a spring to seal the base and the connector unit respectively. When the connector unit is connected to the base, the two valve pieces push against to each other to compress the two respective springs so as to release the sealing status of both of the base and the connector unit. The connector unit includes a connection portion and a hose can be connected to the connection portion. The user can have the water in the bottle via the hose while the connection portion can be rotated 360 degrees.

Abstract: A control valve has a valve body and a flow control element preferably in the form of a disc, the valve body defining at least one inlet passage, the inlet passage culminating in an opening which is surrounded at least partially by a flow control surface, and the flow control element is so arranged as to be able to pass close to the flow control surface and across the opening to adjust the flow rate of at least one fluid which is caused to pass through the valve body, wherein the flow control element is constrained within the valve body by a stopping member, the stopping member being adapted to allow a positive clearance to exist between the flow control element and the flow control surface. The stopping member is preferably adjustable, allowing the positive clearance to be adjusted.

Abstract: A valve assembly is constructed for use in a filtering system including a pump and a filter with an inlet and an outlet, for example those systems used in conjunction with swimming pools. The assembly includes a valve body with a pump inlet, a filtered output, a waste-water disposal outlet, a filter inlet, and a filter outlet. Pairs of a plurality of plunger heads are positioned within the valve body to provide a plurality of modes of operation, the pairs of plunger heads being positioned within the valve body in one of a filtering mode, a backwash mode, and a direct mode in which flow from the pump is directly into the waste-water disposal outlet. The pairs can be affixed on two different interchangeable plungers or moveably positioned on a single plunger.

Abstract: A hand tool capable of wrapping and unwrapping wires on terminals is provided with a an electrically-insulating drive housing or adaptor and coupling which insulate the bit, and sleeve if present, and driver from the housing and the gear train thereby protecting the user in case of accidental contact between the housing and an active electrical source while the tool is being used. The coupling tightly couples together divided drive shaft portions to maintain the electrical isolation.

Abstract: A machine for compactly loading an elongate polymer storage bag includes a chamber through which one or more rams reciprocate in a generally horizontal direction, forcing bulk material such as compost, distillers grains, silage, or feedstuffs from the chamber into a frame that carries the gathered sidewall of the storage bag. The frame has a curved upper surface and an open bottom. The bag filling machine is supported on wheels and is forced gradually forward as the bag fills, against the restraint of an adjustable brake. A loading elevator mounted to the side of the bag loading machine feeds the bulk material into the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering desired counts of products to containers. The apparatus includes a conveyor for moving discrete product portions along a path of travel. A force detecting device located along the path of travel measures force applied to the force detecting device. A counter adds one to a product count each time a force in a product identifying range is measured. A directing structure directs the product portions into a first container until the product count reaches a desired container count and directs the product portions into a second container after the product count reaches the desired container count.

Abstract: A closure system for a fluid outlet is disclosed which includes a motor threadably connected to a hub which, in turn, is connected to a closure element or cup that provides a sealing cover beneath one or more nozzles. The action of the motor initially lowers the closure element vertically before pivoting the closure element away from the area directly beneath the nozzle or nozzles. After fluid is dispensed, a biasing element pivots the closure element back into place before it is raised vertically again to provide a seal or cover for the one or more nozzles. The hub is designed to pivot only a partial revolution and the pivoting action of the hub and closure element away from the nozzle area overcomes the bias of the biasing element contained within the hub. The biasing element then pivots the hub and closure element back into place before the biasing element raises the hub and closure element to its original position.

Abstract: A jig 10 includes a base plate 12 adapted to be secured to a router and is capable of forming circles, ovals, of the like as well as the traditional router functions. The base plate 12 includes a tip aperture 14 sized and shaped to accept a router tip of the router and also includes a channel 16 disposed substantially parallel to a longitudinal face of the base plate 12. A slider 18 is sized and shaped to fit within the channel 16 and move along a longitudinal axis of the channel. A locking mechanism 22 secures the slider 18 to the base plate 12, thereby preventing any longitudinal movement of the slider 18 relative to the base plate 12. The slider 18 optionally includes a pivot peg 20, preferably removably secured within one or more apertures 24 along the length of the slider 18. Alternatively, the slider 18 may include a fence 30 disposed proximate a first end.

Abstract: A wallet having hardened reinforcing plates, as well as a dust-tight and water impervious cover. The wallet also has two Styrofoam layers.

Abstract: A wheel rim assembly is disclosed to include a wheel rim body holding a tire, a plurality of smoothly arched frame bars connected to one another around the periphery of the wheel rim body by plugging a plug at one frame bar into a plughole at another frame bar and hanging a hanger at one frame bar on a locating block at another frame bar, a plurality of retaining members respectively fastened to the frame bars to enhance the connection between each two adjacent frame bars, and an annular cushion holding the frame bars and the retaining members on the inside around the wheel rim body for supporting the wheel in case the wheel is damaged accidentally.

Abstract: A method of fitting a tire P and a removable tread support S on a one-piece wheel rim J, rim comprising a first rim seat, inclined outwards, and the tire P comprises a first bead and a second bead to be mounted respectively on the first and second rim seats, in which, before completion of fitting the support S on a rim bearing surface of the rim, the first bead is gripped at a given point and is moved radially outwards to radially separate this point on the first bead from the support S. The fitting of the support S on the rim bearing surface continues and the bead is released after completion of the fitting of the support S.

Abstract: A mounting tool and method for mounting a tire onto a rim, the tool including a working end having a tip insertable between the tire's beads and the rim and adapted to lift the beads on to the rim, a body portion extending upward relative to the tip to hold the bead as it is stretched on to the rim, and an extension connecting the tip and body portion to the handle. The extension has a first portion having a radial extent adapted for receipt between the beads of the tire as the working end is rotated, and a second portion defining a second clearance that opens axially inward to receive the second bead therein as the working end is rotated to mount the first bead. With the first portion received between the first and second beads and the second portion providing a clearance for the second bead, the handle is rotated radially outward relative to the rim and body weight applied downwardly to the handle to mount the first bead.

Abstract: A retractable blind assembly including a top section (3,103) with a vertically-extending blind covering material (23,123) extending between a fixed inclined head rail (5,105) and a middle rail (7,107) that is pivotable with respect to the head rail (5,105) about a pivot center that is adjacent to a lowermost end of the head rail, the head rail extending upwardly at an acute angle, the middle rail (7,107) being pivotable between a lower position, in which the middle rail extends horizontally, when the covering material is extended and an upper position, in which the middle rail extends upwardly at an acute angle and is adjacent the head rail, when the covering material is retracted, the covering material in the top section (3,103) having a generally triangular shape with an unattached short apex (13,113) about the pivot center and an opposite, unattached, long side (15,115) when the covering material is extended, a bottom section (9,109) with the covering material extending between the middle rail (7,107) and

Abstract: A cord lock for window coverings has one or more cams adjacent a surface over which a one or more lift cords travel. The cams are spring biased to a locked position in which they press the lift cords against the surface. A cam lock with a release cord is provided which engages and moves the cams from a locked position to an unlocked position in which the lift cords are free to move through the cord lock. The cord lock is always in a locked position whenever neither the lift cords are being pulled to raise the blind nor the release cord is being pulled to lower the blind.

Abstract: An upward acting door, such as a flexible curtain rollup door, is moveable between open and closed positions by an electric motor drive unit wherein the motor has a drive shaft with an external drive tang for engagement with a hand crank member. The crank member is adapted for mounting on a wall bracket and in engagement with a switch connected to a motor control unit. When the crank member is removed from its bracket, the switch causes the motor control unit to prevent transmission of electrical power to the motor. A manually disengageable brake is associated with the motor drive unit and is connected via an actuating member to a foot pedal which may be operated by a person using the crank member to disengage the brake and to allow free rotation of the motor drive shaft.

Abstract: In a spring-loaded curtain mount, the mount includes a pole interface at a proximal end, a compressive mechanism, and a head at a distal end. The pole interface is adapted to receive the end of a standard length adjustable pole or a painter's pole. The compression mechanism is disposed between the proximal end of the mount and the head. The mount includes a coupling device adapted to receive a portion of a curtain. During installation, the curtain mount is coupled to the end of an extension pole and the length of the pole is adjusted such that the combined length of the pole and mount is slightly longer than the distance between the floor and ceiling. At ground level, a portion of the curtain is attached to the head of the curtain mount. The curtain and mount are raised to the ceiling and the mount and pole are compressed between the floor and the ceiling. This compressive force operates to urge the head toward the ceiling, securing the mount in place.

Abstract: A process for producing a porous metal body, the process includes melting part of a starting metal material in succession while moving the material by a floating zone melting method under a gas atmosphere to dissolve a gas into a resultant molten metal; and solidifying the molten metal zone in succession by cooling. Even when the starting metal material is of low thermal conductivity, a porous metal body with uniform and micro pores grown only in the longitudinal direction is produced.

Abstract: A heat pipe wherein a condensable liquid phase working fluid is encapsulated in a container sealed in air-tight condition; wherein the wick composed of the porous body for refluxing the liquid phase working fluid by a capillary pressure is provided in the container; wherein a part of the container functions as an evaporating part for evaporating the working fluid by means of inputting the heat from outside; and wherein another part of the container functions as a condensing part for condensing a vapor of the working fluid by means of radiating the heat to the outside; comprises a direct reflux flow passage for flowing the liquid phase working fluid to the evaporating part, which has a flow cross-sectional area greater than that of a cavity formed in the porous body.

Abstract: A heat pipe includes a metal tube and an amount of fluid sealed in the copper tube. The metal tube may include an inner surface. The inner surface is patterned to define at least one pitch and at least two grooves. A given pitch separates adjacent grooves. The amount of fluid may include a liquid and carbon nanotubes, carbon nanocapsules and/or metal nanoparticles suspended therein.

Abstract: A heat transfer assembly for transferring heat from a heat generating device to a circulating fluid, said heat transfer assembly comprising an evaporator device having at least one microchannel formed therein, in thermally conductive contact with said heat generating device, a condenser device, actuating means and manifold means for circulating said fluid between said evaporator device and said condenser device, wherein said heat transfer assembly further comprises a bubble generator capable to create bubbles in said at least one microchannel at a controlled frequency.

Abstract: A snow melting panel has a piping arrangement that includes straight pipe lines and U-shaped bend sections is provided. The panel can be sized such that the parallel length of the straight pipe lines is 300 to 5000 mm, and the perpendicular span of the straight pipe lines is 100 to 4000 mm. The piping arrangement may have a hot-dip galvanized layer or a highly corrosion resistant galvanized layer formed or provided only on the outer surface of the piping arrangement. For example, the gap between adjacent pipes in the straight pipe lines is 100 to 300 mm. In addition, the straight pipe lines and the bend sections can be made from a single long pipe. The piping arrangement may be made from a steel pipe with a silicon content of less than 0.05 wt %, or not less than 0.15 wt % and not more than 0.20 wt %.

Abstract: A heat-equalizing device is provided suitable to transfer heat from hooter areas to colder areas, and is particularly suitable for equalizing surface temperatures along a heated structure. The heat-equalizing device includes graphite fibers embedded in insulating material. The graphite fibers form a contact surface extending over and against the heated surface. The contact surface can be flat or curved as necessary for proper operation on the heated surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heat exchanger including a plurality of tubes through which refrigerants flow, the tubes being spaced away from each other, and a plurality of fins through which the tubes are perpendicularly inserted, the fins being spaced away from each other at a predetermined distance, each of the fin having more than four peak portions and more than four valley portions that are alternately disposed. Heights or depths of at least two peak portions or at least two valley portions being different from each other.

Abstract: A dished head header assembly for a heat exchanger having a containment body that includes a rounded, or dished, wall portion forming an interior cavity. A flange attaches to the containment body and fastens the header assembly to the heat exchanger. A plurality of refrigerant passageways are extended through an opening in the containment body into the interior cavity. At least one baffle is attached to the rounded wall portion. The baffle divides the interior cavity into a plurality of sub-cavities. At least one divider divides the sub-cavities into a plurality of chambers. The plurality of passageways includes an inlet connection and an outlet connection for a plurality of refrigerant circuits. Each passageway is disposed in a corresponding chamber of the plurality of chambers. Extensions into the headers with diffusers insure efficient operation and performance of the heat exchanger. The adjustable flow restrictor plate maintains optimum velocities to further enhance performance.

Abstract: Addressed is a heat exchanger including a housing having an internal wall defining at least one internal chamber incorporating at least one core having a wall defining in the chamber, with the internal wall of the housing across from it, at least one exchange cavity including at least one tubular hollow coil having ends passing through the housing to make it possible for it to be supplied with a primary fluid, at least one inlet and at least one outlet that are axially opposite for circulation of a secondary liquid in the exchange cavity in contact with each coil and at least one tangential spreader rib, extending in projection with respect to a wall across from the coil and not parallel to the axial circulation direction, but adapted in order not to inhibit the circulation of the secondary liquid. The thermal exchanger includes at least one tangential helical rib and at least one coil having different winding directions.

Abstract: A method for humidifying and controlling the temperature of a process gas stream comprising the steps of super-saturating and heating the process gas stream with steam until it reaches a first pre-set temperature; cooling the process gas stream until it reaches a second pre-set temperature; removing excess condensed water from the process gas stream; and heating the process gas stream until it reaches a third pre-set temperature. An apparatus for implementing this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A heat exchanger including a suction line for gaseous or two phase refrigerant output from an evaporator and a capillary tube carrying cooled refrigerant to the evaporator. The suction line includes first and second substantially parallel straight cylindrical portions connected in series, with first and second portions of the capillary tube in series and helically wound around the suction line second and first portions, respectively. A valve for bypassing the capillary tube is responsive to a selected pressure differential between the capillary tube inlet and outlet. A U-shaped portion or accumulator connect the suction line first and second portions. An accumulator alternately is between the evaporator and the suction line portion wound by the capillary tube, with a phase separation chamber connected to an accumulator by a vertical pipe. The accumulator includes a discharge opening to return the oil to the system.

Abstract: A cable drawn snubbing apparatus includes a first track and a second track in parallel spaced relation. A carriage extends between and engages the first track and the second track. Pipe engaging slips are carried by the carriage. Upper cables extend from the carriage to an upper end of the first track and the second track. Lower cables extend from the carriage to a lower end of the first track and the second track. Upper winches exert a force upon the upper cables to pull the carriage toward the upper end. Lower winches exert a force upon the lower cables to pull the carriage toward the lower end.

Abstract: A packer cup for use in sealing the interior of a pipe under pressure is described. The cup uses a bell-shaped end which has a lip of softer material which is integral with the body of the cup which is harder material. Under pressure the lip expands against the side of the pipe and as pressure increases the body of the bell also expands against the pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus in a drill string comprises an internally upset drill pipe. The drill pipe comprises a first end, a second end, and an elongate tube intermediate the first and second ends. The elongate tube and the ends comprising a continuous an inside surface with a plurality of diameters. A conformable metal tube is disposed within the drill pipe intermediate the ends thereof and terminating adjacent to the ends of the drill pipe. The conformable metal tube substantially conforms to the continuous inside surface of the metal tube. The metal tube may comprise a non-uniform section which is expanded to conform to the inside surface of the drill pipe. The non-uniform section may comprise protrusions selected from the group consisting of convolutions, corrugations, flutes, and dimples. The non-uniform section extends generally longitudinally along the length of the tube. The metal tube may be adapted to stretch as the drill pipes stretch.

Abstract: An integrated side-entry sub with grease injection flow tubes is adapted for making up in a drill string and includes a port to receive a cable, such as a wire line. A first pedestal, mounted within a cutout of the side entry sub, provides entry for the cable into the entry port. The first pedestal receives a first flow tube, which couples to a lower connector manifold. The lower connector manifold further provides a grease injection port. A second flow tube, coupled to the lower connector manifold, runs to an upper connector manifold. The upper connector manifold further provides an grease return port, as well an the entry point for cable into the sub.

Abstract: Methods of treating a portion of a subterranean formation comprising: providing partitioned, coated particulates that comprise particulates, an adhesive substance, and a partitioning agent, and wherein the partitioning agent comprises a subterranean treatment chemical; substantially slurrying the partitioned, coated particulates in a treatment fluid to create a particulate slurry; and, placing the particulate slurry into the portion of the subterranean formation.

Abstract: Methods for controlling particulate segregation comprising providing a mixture of an aqueous tackifying composition with a treatment fluid; slurrying the mixture with a first type of solid particulates and a second type of solid particulates and wherein the first type of solid particulates have a tendency to segregate from the second type of solid particulates when slurried into a liquid; and, placing the slurry into a portion of a subterranean formation. Methods for controlling particulate segregation comprising providing a treatment fluid; at least partially coating with an aqueous tackifying composition: a first type of solid particulates and a second type of solid particulates and wherein the first type of solid particulates have a tendency to segregate from the second type of solid particulates when slurried into a liquid; slurrying the two types of particulates into the treatment fluid; and, placing the slurry into a portion of a subterranean formation.

Abstract: A method of fracturing a subterranean formation comprising the steps of: providing a coarse-foamed fracturing fluid comprising a liquid fracturing fluid component, a gas, proppant particulates, and a foaming agent; and placing the coarse-foamed fracturing fluid into a portion of a subterranean formation at a pressure sufficient to create or extend at least one fracture therein.

Abstract: A method for perforating a wellbore comprises placing a perforating device in a cased wellbore that passes through a subterranean formation. The perforating device comprises at least one explosive perforating charge that can be detonated in order to perforate the casing and allow the formation fluids to enter the wellbore. A perforating fluid is placed in the wellbore between the perforating device and the casing. The ratio of the critical temperature of the perforating fluid in ° K and the temperature of the subterranean formation adjacent to the casing in ° K is between about 1.0-1.3. When the at least one explosive charge in the perforating device is detonated, at least one perforation is formed in the casing, and at least a portion of the perforating fluid is forced into the subterranean formation.

Abstract: Viscoelastic surfactant fluids, and methods of using such fluids and controlling the viscosity thereof. In one embodiment, the methods of the present invention comprise: providing a viscoelastic surfactant fluid that comprises an aqueous-base fluid, and a surfactant; providing a metal ion having at least two oxidation states wherein at least one of the oxidation states interferes with the ability of the surfactant to form a viscosifying micelle, wherein at least a portion of the metal ion is present in an oxidation state that interferes with the ability of the surfactant to form a viscosifying micelle; allowing the metal ion to interact with viscoelastic surfactant fluid so as to decrease the ability of the surfactant to form a viscosifying micelle; and introducing the viscoelastic surfactant fluid into at least a portion of a subterranean formation.

Abstract: A well testing system and well testing method is described which can be operated as a closed system with no production of hydrocarbons outside the well or gas can be separated and flared at surface giving minimal environmental impact with the liquid hydrocarbon being re-injected. This is achieved by providing a string with at least two well conduits which may be arranged in a concentric or non-concentric parallel configuration. One conduit is used to produce formation fluids to surface or to produce/store unrepresentative initial flow products and the other conduit is used to store formation fluid. The storage conduit can be filled from the top (surface) or the bottom of the well. In a preferred arrangement a valve is provided between the storage conduit and the well annulus for well pressure control, and a shut-in or test valve, which is controllable from surface, is disposed in the non-storage production conduit.

Abstract: A subsea communications module includes an interface to communicate with a surface facility over a communications link using a packet-based protocol. The communications link can be implemented with a fiber optic line, wire-based line, and/or other types of communications lines.

Abstract: In aspects, embodiments of the present invention provide devices, systems and methods for managing cuttings formed during drilling of a subsea wellbore. By managing, it is meant the processing, storage, transportation and disposal of the cuttings. In an exemplary application, an offshore rig adapted to drill the wellbore uses one or more a selectively buoyant containers to transport the cuttings. The containers are positioned adjacent the offshore rig. In one arrangement, the containers are submerged to a selected depth below the water's surface. A transfer unit flows the cuttings from the offshore rig to the container via a conduit connected to the container.

Abstract: A housing unit includes two parts that define a fire-smothering chemical storing interior volume. The housing unit is transported to a target area of a forest fire by an aircraft and dropped onto the target area. An explosive charge is located inside the housing unit and is detonated when the housing unit impacts the ground. The explosion associated with the detonated charge separates the two parts of the housing and disperses the chemical from the open housing unit.

Abstract: A power tool includes a housing having a motor provided therein and a switch provided within the housing for activating the motor. The power tool also includes a member configured for movement between a first position in which the motor is operating and a second position in which the motor is not operating. The member includes a first end retained in the housing at a first location, a second end retained in the housing at a second location, a body portion extending between the first end and the second end, and a beam extending from the body into the housing for selectively actuating the switch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for predicting the performance of a drilling system for the drilling of a well bore in a given formation is disclosed. The method generates a geology model of a given formation. The geology model includes a geology characteristic of the given formation per unit depth. The method also determines a predicted drilling performance for a proposed drilling equipment based on the geology model and specification data of the proposed drilling equipment, wherein the specification data of the proposed drilling equipment is a function of the geology characteristic.

Abstract: This application relates to various methods and apparatus for rapidly obtaining accurate formation property data from a drilled earthen borehole. Once obtained, the formation property data, including formation fluid pressure, may be corrected, calibrated and supplemented using various other data and techniques disclosed herein. Furthermore, the formation property data may be used for numerous other purposes. For example, the data may be used to correct or supplement other information gathered from the borehole; it may be used to supplement formation images or models; or, it may be used to adjust a drilling or producing parameter. Various other uses of accurately and quickly obtained formation property data are also disclosed.

Abstract: A shank for a working tool has at least three recesses (5) provided within the lockable region (3) and arranged in a cross-section (c-c) to the tool axis (A) at least at angles of 0°, 120°, and 240° within the radial reference dimension (R) of the shank, with at least one of the recesses (5) being axially closed toward a free end of the shank (1), and at least one protrusion (6) arranged circumferentially between two adjacent recesses (5) outside of the radial reference dimension, with the sum of central recess angles (?) of the recesses amounting to at least 150°, and a central protrusion angle (?) of the at least one protrusion (6) being smaller than a central recess angle (?).