Abstract: A shaft-supporting mechanism of a shaft-sealing device includes a sealing-ring positioning assembly, a pair of pushing members, a sleeve body, a first rotatable sealing ring and a second rotatable sealing ring. The sealing-ring positioning assembly includes a plurality of spring members and a plurality of engaging legs longitudinally extended in opposite directions to define limiting spaces where the pushing members are correspondingly restricted. The pushing members are located at opposite sides of the sealing-ring positioning assembly between which the spring members are arranged. In assembling, the sealing-ring positioning assembly, the pushing members, the first rotatable sealing ring and the second rotatable sealing ring are assembled on the sleeve body. Spring forces of the spring members can actuate the pushing members to push the first rotatable sealing ring and the second rotatable sealing ring in the opposite directions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a support ring for stabilizing an axle packing. The axle packing is presumed to include an axle-circumscribing element whose outer delimitation surface is essentially ring shaped. The support ring has an inner delimitation surface, which forms an opening for receiving the axle-circumscribing element. The support ring is adapted to be stationary mounted in an axle housing in such a manner that the inner delimitation surface of the support ring adjoins the ring shaped outer delimitation surface of the axle-circumscribing element with a gap thereto. The inner delimitation surface is configured such that an inner diameter of the support ring along this surface varies between a maximal opening dimension and a minimal opening dimension.

Abstract: A bearing seal device has an air purge mechanism that includes a rotor connected to the shaft of a piece of rotating equipment and a stator connected to the housing for the rotating equipment. An air passage extends between an inlet and an outlet and is at least partially defined by circumferentially extending stator and/or rotor surfaces. Preferably, the stator incorporates an orifice, which permits the attachment of an air supply line. The air purge mechanism may include a self-compensating air supply regulator device, located adjacent a circumferential air distribution cavity and substantially adjacent to one or more atmospheric communication orifices. The bearing seal device provides sealing integrity when the shaft is both idle and operational.

Abstract: A rotary seal for dynamically sealing against a surface of a shaft includes a seal body having a sealing surface and an outer surface. The sealing surface has a first side edge and a second side edge. The sealing surface has discrete fluid pockets positioned between the first side edge and the second side edge. The discrete fluid pockets trap and use clean lubricating fluid to provide a hydrodynamic film between the seal surface and rotating shaft.

Abstract: A low-torque dynamic seal that seals at least one interstice defined between a moving part and a fixed part, which on a first side, opens at a location external to the fixed part, and on a second or other side, opens at a location internal to the fixed part and contains a lubricant fluid having a viscosity that is lower than conventional grease or other such lubricants. The seal includes a treatment region having adjacent surfaces of the moving and fixed parts, which define the at least one interstice. The adjacent surfaces attain superficial tensions that are substantially lower than a superficial tension of the low viscosity fluid so that the low viscosity fluid is not able to wet the adjacent surfaces. As a result, the interstice between the adjacent surfaces does not leak the low viscosity fluid therefrom.

Abstract: A gasket is to be mounted within a groove knurled in a seal surface of a cover member, and is to be used for sealing between the cover member and a block member closely attached to the seal surface of the cover member, wherein the gasket has at least one satin finished surface portion on its side wall.

Abstract: There are a number of applications today where the pumping of abrasive slurries is necessary. The pumping mechanisms, though, can be complex, employing multiple transfer cylinders and movable pipes. These designs have their problems, specifically wear between poorly sealing surfaces. To reduce this problem, seals are provided that have multiple wear surfaces which include harder tiles secured over a softer core to benefit from the relative hardness or flexibility of each of the respective materials.

Abstract: Active seal assemblies employing active materials that can be controlled and remotely changed to alter the seal effectiveness, wherein the active seal assemblies actively change modulus properties such as stiffness, shape orientation, and the like. In this manner, in seal applications such as a vehicle door application, door opening and closing efforts can be minimized yet seal effectiveness can be maximized.

Abstract: The invention proposes a tool holder (1), in particular of the shrink-fit chuck type, the receiving section (5) of which comprises clamping means (9) which are provided centrally with respect to an axis of rotation (7) of the tool holder (1) for holding a shank (15) of a rotary tool, and which define a receiving opening (13) for the shank (15). The clamping means (9) can be displaced in the radial direction between a radially widened release position for insertion or removal of the shank (15) and a clamping position, in which the clamping means (9) exert radial press-fit forces, which hold the shank (15) in a frictional lock on its cylindrical outer circumferential surface (19), on the shank (15). The clamping means (9) are assigned a clamping surface (17) with a cylindrical contour which, in the clamping position, bears against the outer circumferential surface (19) of the shank (15) with surface-to-surface contact.

Abstract: An collet and lock nut assembly includes a collet for receiving a cutting tool shank and a lock nut for creating a gripping force between the collet and the shank. The collet has a nose portion and a body portion separated by an annular groove. The lock nut has a plurality of retention tabs and a corresponding number of clear portions. The collet and lock nut assembly can be easily assembled by inserting at least one retention tab within the groove of the collet, and then applying pressure to the collet such that the remaining retention tabs of the lock nut are received within the groove of the collet to place the assembly in a locked position. The collet and cutting tool shank can be drawn from the tool holder by applying rotational torque to the lock nut. The collet is easily removed from the lock nut by applying pressure in any circumferential, lateral direction against the collet.

Abstract: The front wheel suspension assemblies of an ATV are configured with translation assemblies aligned along a translation axis generally parallel with the vehicle axis. These translation mechanisms are engaged by pivotal follower assemblies attached to a ball joint which are moveable along the translation axis either by the pivoting action of the suspension control arms or by a motor driven system.

Abstract: A vehicle leveling system including at least one level sensor, a controller and an output. The sensor measures how level the vehicle is relative to horizontal. Optionally, it does so dynamically, as the vehicle moves across a potential parking area. The controller analyzes the sensor measurements, and informs the operator via the output whether the vehicle is level in a given direction, whether the vehicle is leveling, whether the vehicle can be leveled at a given location, and/or the “best” leveling that the system is capable of at a location. The system also may automatically level the vehicle relative to the ground for the operator. In one embodiment, the leveling system communicates with an existing vehicle electronic height control system. The leveling system overrides or controls the normal operation of this system, and uses it to level the vehicle, for example, by adjusting the vehicle suspension.

Abstract: A vehicle with lean control has a frame with a steering assembly. An arm assembly is connected to the frame. A pair of first and second shock absorbers is mounted between the frame and the arm assembly on opposite sides of the frame. Each shock absorber has a fluid-filled chamber and floating piston. A load sensor is mounted to the steering assembly for detecting changes of pressure on the steering assembly. The load sensor has a housing, a pressure sensing area disposed in the housing, and provides an electrical signal in response to the pressure sensing area. The load sensor detects pressure applied to the top plate of the housing. An electronic control unit is coupled to the electrical contact of the load sensor. A motor and pump assembly is responsive to the electronic control unit for transferring fluid between the chambers of the first and second shock absorbers.

Abstract: A torsion-beam-type suspension apparatus includes a torsion beam and left and right trailing arms connected to the axially outer portions of the torsion beam. The left and right trailing arms are composed of a pair of left and right first arms and a pair of left and right second arms. The left and right first arms, which extend along a fore-aft direction of the vehicle, are connected, at respective rear end portions, to the corresponding axially outer portions of the torsion beam, and mounted, at respective front end portions, to a vehicle body so as to be rotatable about a generally horizontal axis. The left and right second arms, which extend along the fore-aft direction of the vehicle, are connected, at respective front end portions, to the corresponding axially outer portions of the torsion beam, and support left and right wheels at respective rear end portions.

Abstract: A steering mechanism and method for a manually powered vehicle are provided. The steering mechanism includes a stem. An inner shaft freely rotates within the stem. A first end of a first cable and a first end of a second cable are operatively connected to the inner shaft. A second end of the first cable and a second end of the second cable are operatively connected to a steering column. The steering column supports a wheel of the manually powered vehicle. The steering column and the wheel rotate in response to rotation of the steering bar.

Abstract: A driving system allows an invalid chair having a seating structure, wheels on both sides of the seating structure and at least one front stabilizing wheel, to pass obstacles. The driving system has arms secured to both sides of the seating structure and on which shafts of the wheels are arranged slidingly within two extreme positions. Cranks are on both sides of the seating structure and rotary cross engagement members are at the rear and on both sides of the seating structure and have arms which are terminated with adhesive end pieces. Each crank is connected to a respective rotary cross engagement member through a geared transmission for transmission of rotary movement of the crank to the rotary cross engagement member, and the geared transmission is provided with a flap for preventing reverse rotating of the crank.

Abstract: A wheelchair having wheel track adjustability. The wheelchair including a frame, a seat situated within the frame, two drive wheels mounted to the frame at wheel axles and at least one steerable wheel. Each axle connected to a fitting removably coupled to the frame, with the fitting mounted to at least one support plate whose thickness varies around the circumference to position the fitting and axle at an angle. The support plate rotatable to change the angle of the fitting and axle and thereby correct wheel track error. The support plate mountable to a bracket pivotally mounted to the frame, such that pivoting movement of the bracket results in rotation of the support plates.

Abstract: A chain wheel for a bicycle includes an oblong gear having a flat shape. The oblong gear has a central point and has a periphery having two opposite relatively shortest points and two opposite relatively longest points. The periphery of the oblong gear has a tooth number equal to that of a circular gear. The oblong gear is driven by two pedals to drive and rotate a chain. Thus, the moment produced by the oblong gear has different values to compensate the different positions of the two pedals, so that the rider's legs can apply a pedaling force on the two pedals evenly and smoothly, thereby facilitating the rider pedaling the two pedals.

Abstract: A bicycle frame has a front frame, a lower bracket assembly, an upper bracket assembly, a rear frame and a shock absorber. The front frame has a head tube, a down tube, a bottom bracket shell and seat tube. The lower bracket assembly is connected pivotally to the bottom bracket shell and has a lower connecting bracket. The upper bracket assembly is connected pivotally to the seat tube and has two upper connecting brackets. The rear frame is connected pivotally to the upper connecting brackets and the lower connecting bracket of the upper and lower bracket assemblies and has an upper fork, a lower fork and two dropouts. The shock absorber is mounted pivotally between the upper connecting brackets and the lower connecting bracket.

Abstract: An apparatus which is attached to the back axle of a bicycle used to pull carts, wagons or other similar devices. With a U shaped design made of aluminum or other durable, flexible, lightweight material which is intended to be universal to all bicycles. This apparatus is intended to be attached to the rear axle or frame of a bicycle which allows use without obstructing function of bicycle. The hook up point of the hitch can be a single point or multiple points, static in design or rotating.

Abstract: A collapsible trailer has a trailer frame adapted to support a boat or marine vessel, the trailer frame including at least one longitudinal member and at least a pair of transverse members and at least two wheels, the wheels removably associated with opposed ends of a first of the pair of transverse members and marine vessel support means removably associated with the other of the pair of transverse members wherein the trailer frame is adapted to assume a use condition with the wheels attached for supporting a boat or marine vessel on the trailer and a collapsed condition with the wheels removed in which the trailer occupies less space than in the use condition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a locking device for a hinged, body and cap trailer coupler to prevent unauthorized use of an unattended and unattached trailer. The device consists of a cylindrical bar member joined to an elongated tongue member. The elongated tongue member is sized for insertion between the body and cap portion of a trailer coupler in the open position such that the cap portion is forced against the sliding collar of the trailer coupler, preventing the trailer coupler from closing on the ball of a tow vehicle. The elongated tongue member provides a slotted hole portion to receive the shackle of a padlock to lock the system in place.

Abstract: This device is designed to facilitate the ascent and descent by a back country or cross country skier on moderate to steeply inclined soft snow slopes. Its utility consists of its ease of installation and removal, and its exceptional performance as tested in prototype form. This device is unique in that it facilitates both ascent and descent. It is believed that no existing device allows for ascent as well as for safe, controlled descent thereby giving the skier the option not to ski down a slope if he does not feel he can safely do so.

Abstract: A binding is used for coupling a boot to a sport board. The binding includes a base plate, an instep support, and at least one fixation strap that couples the base plate to the instep support. An adjustment mechanism such as a buckle actuates to move the instep support toward the base plate. The adjustment mechanism can be transitioned into a first locked position wherein the instep support is prevented from moving toward the base plate.

Abstract: A stroller for transporting a child includes a wheeled frame including at least two base rails interconnected by a cylindrical hub, a spine, and a bracing linkage. A basket attaches to the spine, confining the child and supporting a seat ring. The seat ring includes upper and lower connected concentric arcs having different radii and supports a seat back on its lower arc. The seat back reclines, and the seat ring rotates from center. A seat base is supported on the frame and includes a platform movable between an extended position disposed inside the seat ring and a retracted position withdrawn from the seat ring. The stroller permits the child to be safely and comfortably transported in a standing, seated, or reclined position.

Abstract: A baby stroller frame comprises a front frame, a pair of rear leg tube, and a guiding frame. The front frame connects a front wheel. The pair of rear leg tube, each has an upper end pivotally connected with the front frame, a lower end connected a rear wheel, and a joint connected with a sliding sleeve. The guiding frame has a front end pivotally connected to the front frame, and a pair of connecting arms slidably connected with the sliding sleeve. By simply rotating of the guiding frame, the sliding sleeve would carry the pair of rear leg tubes to rotate and close to the front frame. As the structure of such a stroller frame is being simplified, it would much lower the manufacture cost of a baby stroller frame and provide a new and smooth operation for a user.

Abstract: A stroller is provided including a stroller frame supported for movement on at least one wheel. The stroller frame supports at least one child seat, and includes a handle that is grasped by the operator to drive the stroller. The handle includes a main handle portion and an auxiliary handle portion that is telescopically connected to the main handle portion. The auxiliary handle portion is thus movable between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the main handle portion.

Abstract: An instrument panel having a hidden airbag module door opening, the instrument panel comprising: an outer layer having a show surface and an inner surface; an inner layer having a deployment opening disposed therein; an intermediary layer disposed between the outer layer and the inner layer; and a door member secured about the deployment opening via a mounting bracket, wherein a flange portion comprising a hinge is secured between a peripheral edge portion of the deployment opening and the mounting bracket and a separable flange portion of the door member is secured between another peripheral edge portion of the deployment opening and the mounting bracket, wherein the separable flange portion removably secures a portion of the door member to the inner layer, wherein the door member and the bracket are secured to the inner layer prior to the application of the intermediary layer and the intermediary layer covers the door member and the bracket and wherein the periphery of the door member is not visually percei

Abstract: An airbag device, provided below a pad of a vehicle seat cushion, comprises an airbag which deploys at a time of a vehicle collision, and an enveloping member which envelops the airbag in a tube shape; the airbag device is characterized in being provided at a position substantially in a center of the seat cushion in the back-and-forth direction of the vehicle, and in that the enveloping member has different peripheral lengths in an intermediate portion thereof and in end portions thereof.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant restraint device has a gas bag module with a housing and a gas bag having a free exit end, the gas bag moving into its fully deployed position with the free exit end first. At least one control element is provided which engages the gas bag and forces the gas bag to extend generally in an arc shape from the housing up to the free exit end in the deployed state.

Abstract: A fastener for fixing a curtain airbag to a body panel of an automobile comprises a screw grommet having a shank to be inserted into mounting holes of an airbag-anchor portion and a body panel, and a flange to press the airbag-anchor portion against the body panel. The flange has an opening and the shank has a shank hole continuous to the opening into which a tapping screw is driven. The shank has resilient fingers protruding outward from sides of the shank to engage edge regions of mounting holes in a temporary fixing state. The fingers are held in a permanent fixing state by screwing the tapping screw into the shank hole, preventing the fingers from being bent inward. The flange has an edge with an upstanding partition to allow a central region of the flange to be partitioned from a main body of the curtain airbag.

Abstract: Certain aspects and embodiments of the present invention provide an airbag having a vent that can adaptively release gas from the airbag upon impact with an occupant. The vent may include a membrane and/or diaphragm that can control the amount of gas released from the airbag based on the pressure in the airbag. During a collision, the airbag can be filled with gas and absorb the energy from an occupant causing the pressure in the airbag to increase. The adaptive vent can release gas from the airbag by opening when the occupant impacts the airbag. In some embodiments, the size of the vents changes depending on the pressure existing in the airbag.

Abstract: The disclosed thermally initiatable ignition mixture comprises 30 to 85% by weight of at least one first inorganic oxidizing agent from the group consisting of the chlorates and at least one second inorganic oxidizing agent from the group consisting of the nitrates; 10 to 55% by weight of at least one combustible selected from the substance class consisting of the dicarboxylic acids, the tricarboxylic acids, the amino acids, the carboxamides, the carboxylic acid hydrazides, the carboxylic acid diamides, the carboxylic acid dihydrazides and/or derivatives thereof, and up to 8% by weight of a metal oxide.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant (14) of a vehicle (12) includes a housing (26) and an air bag (22) supported by the housing. An inflator (24) is supported by the housing (26). The inflator (24) includes a first stage (40) including at least one first outlet passage (44) and a second stage (50) including at least one second outlet passage (54). The first and second outlet passages (44 and 54) are provided for discharging inflation fluid into the air bag (22). An anchor (110) is secured to the inflator (24) and at least partially blocks inflation fluid flow through the second outlet passage (54). The anchor (110) is configured to disconnect from the inflator (24) in response to inflation fluid discharged through the second outlet passage (54) when the second stage (50) is actuated. At least one tether (100) has a first end (102) connected to the air bag (22) and a second end (106) secured to the anchor (110).

Abstract: An armrest which is sufficiently sturdy to support vertical loads but is deformable when a side impact collision occurs so as to avoid injury to an occupant. In one embodiment, a top platform pivots up when a supporting trim panel section is collapsed and a crush cell structure is collapsed under a side impact condition. In another embodiment, a cover molding encloses the crush cell structure is crushable with the structure in a side impact collision.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a steering wheel suspension system to reduce the risk of injury to the driver in connection with a vehicle collision, wherein the system includes a steering wheel axle (1), a steering wheel shaft (3), in which the steering wheel axle (1) is rotatably carried, a steering wheel (7) arranged at one end of the steering wheel axle (1) and a knee bar (20).

Abstract: With this seatbelt device, a lap belt portion is provided at a seatbelt between a first shoulder belt portion and a second shoulder belt portion. The seatbelt between the first shoulder belt portion and the lap belt portion is supported by a lap outer anchor via a tongue. The seatbelt between the second shoulder belt portion and the lap belt portion is supported by a lap inner anchor. For this reason, the lap belt portion is worn at the lumbar region of the passenger with certainty. Due to this, the capability of restraining the lumbar region of the passenger can be increased using a simple configuration.

Abstract: A flange assembly 23 of a fuel supply unit includes a flange 22 constructed and arranged to be mounted to a fuel tank and a strut support structure 18 separate from the flange. The support structure includes a body 20 and at least a pair of strut supports 30 integral with the body and disposed in spaced relation. Each strut support is constructed and arranged to engage and support a strut. The body 20 is coupled to the flange 22 at one of a plurality of possible orientations such that the strut supports 30 are located at one of a plurality of selectable positions with respect to the flange 22.

Abstract: A supporting structure for a fuel tank in a vehicle includes a suspension arm fixing structure provided under the floor of a vehicle body and having a statically sufficient rigidity, the fuel tank being located so as to partially overlap the suspension arm fixing structure in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and a supporting member provided under the fuel tank so as to extend in the lateral direction of the vehicle being detachably fastened to the suspension arm fixing structure to bring the fuel tank into pressure contact with the floor of the vehicle body by fixing the fuel tank. The supporting member serves also as a reinforcing member for imparting rigidity to the suspension arm fixing structure so that the suspension arm fixing structure can sufficiently sustain a dynamic load during running of the vehicle.

Abstract: A document comprising a latent security image that is visible when the document is reproduced after being scanned by a standard commercial bank scanner. The security image comprises a plurality of lines, dots, or spots having a frequency and a density such that the image is reproduced after being scanned by the standard commercial bank scanner. A method of making a reproducible document comprising a security device comprises generating the document by creating an original containing the security device, scanning the original to a digital computer using a conventional scanner, and converting the scanned original to a digital image file which is printable via a digital press, a color copier, etc. A document comprises a security image that is not visible under ordinary light, and is visible when the document is exposed to a predetermined type of light. The security image is printed with an ink visible under one of UV light, infrared light, X-rays, of Gamma rays.

Abstract: The invention concerns an individualised security document (1) and a method of individualising a security document. The individualised security document (1) has a number of pages (12 to 15) which are connected together by means of stitching or adhesive. In addition integrated into the security document by means of stitching and adhesive is a single-layer or multi-layer film body (2) which is provided with an individualised optical security element and which is folded in the region of the stitching or adhesive. The fold divides the film body (2) into a first part (21) on which the individualised optical security element is arranged and a second, preferably flap-shaped part (22) which is permanently connected to a plastic body having at least one machine-readable security element, wherein the at least one machine-readable security element has an electronic circuit for RF identification.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security element with an optically variable structure, which has an embossed structure and a coating, wherein the embossed structure and the coating are combined such that at least parts of the coating are completely visible upon perpendicular viewing, but are concealed upon oblique viewing. This embossed structure has nonlinear embossed elements, which are combined with the coating such that when changing the viewing direction different pieces of information become visible.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a security element (20) for securing security papers, value documents and the like, having a substrate (22). According to the present invention, the substrate (22) is provided with an authenticating mark (24, 26) that, in transmitted light, imparts a first optical impression and, in reflected light, against a predefined and easily accessible background, imparts a second optical impression that differs significantly from the first optical impression.

Abstract: A radially expandable multiple tubular member apparatus includes a first tubular member and a second tubular member engaged with the first tubular member forming a joint. A sleeve overlaps and couples the first and second tubular members at the joint.

Abstract: A male element for a sealed threaded tubular connection. Before tapered reduction swaging of all end region of a tube and machining in the region of a tapered male threading and a male lip to obtain a male tubular element for makeup into a female tubular element to form a sealed threaded tubular connection after diametrical expansion, the tube is shaped over a portion of its length to produce a cylindrical internal surface that connects via a chamfer to the cylindrical internal surface of the lip obtained subsequently by machining, the radius of the first surface being greater than the radius of the second surface. Such all element may, for example, find application to hydrocarbon wells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connection device for a pipe (40) with an annular outer groove (41), which device has a housing (10) in which the pipe (40) may be inserted and locked therein by means of a locking element (30), wherein the locking element (30) engages in an annular inner groove (13) of the housing (10) and in the annular outer groove (41) of the pipe (40), and can be pulled out of the housing through an opening (14) in the housing (10) in a direction tangential to the annular grooves (13, 41), and wherein the locking element (30) is pre-mountable in the inner groove (13) of the housing (10), enables the pipe (40) to be inserted in the housing (10) in this position, with elastic deformation, and in doing so to engage in the outer groove (41) of the pipe (40), characterised in that the locking element, in this position, is arranged and secured fixedly in the housing by bearing against an edge and by enclosing an edge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling comprising a receiving part (1) and a fixing part (10), which have a blocking assembly (15, 16, 17). If the insertion part has not been introduced into the receiving part (1) correctly, elements (15, 16, 17) of the blocking assembly that are configured on the receiving part (1) and on the fixing part (10) engage with one another in such a way that the fixing part (10) is prevented from being retracted from the extended position. Arms (11, 12) of the fixing part (10) are configured in such a way that when a retaining ring of the insertion part is positioned in the vicinity of said arms (11, 12), the engagement of the elements (15, 16, 17) of the blocking assembly is released and the fixing part (10) can be displaced into the retracted position to engage behind the retaining ring by means of the retraction section. This permits an efficient mounting operation.

Abstract: A press fitting arrangement includes a sealing ring to be housed within a bead of a press fitting into which a tube is to be inserted. There is at least one gap between the press fitting together with the sealing ring and the tube which is closed by pressing at least one portion of the press fitting. The sealing ring has at least one first portion along the majority of its circumference. Each first portion of the sealing ring has an outside diameter SOD1 prior to fitment into the press fitting bead which is larger than the inside bead diameter BID and an inside diameter SID1 prior to the insertion of the tube which is less than the tube outside diameter TOD. Additionally, the sealing ring has at least one pair of diametrically opposing second portions, each second portion of the sealing ring comprising a recess between the two projections.

Abstract: It is a motor which runs on Prepetual Motion.

Abstract: This method of generating electricity can bring us enormous savings in fuel. It can also be utilized to supply the electric energy necessary for the electrical systems of the highways, such as communication and the energy stations used to charge automobile batteries. Once we construct the prototype, we can measure the true benefits.