Abstract: A device for controlling a paper cutting machine which has a press-down bar and a cutting bar, wherein the press-down bar is operable by a spring-biased single-side action hydraulic press cylinder and the cutting bar is operable by a rotary motor which is adapted to be coupled to a cutting bar via a gearcase and a friction clutch, and wherein the friction clutch is operable by a hydraulic coupling cylinder biased by a spring, comprising a hydraulic pressure source which is connected to the press cylinder via a first pressure line and a controllable on-off valve, two parallel controllable circulation valves which are connected to the pressure line and join the pressure line to the tank when at rest, a controllable cutting simulator valve assembly which restricts the pressure from the press cylinder and the volume of hydraulic medium flowing thereto, a second pressure line leading to the coupling cylinder and joined to the first hydraulic pressure source or a separate second hydraulic pressure source, two contr

Abstract: A faucet assembly includes a unitary non-fluidic body defined by a first end body, a second end body, a spout riser, a first non-fluid carrying support member, and a second non-fluid carrying support member. The first non-fluid carrying support member is suspended between the first end body and the spout riser, and the second non-fluid carrying support member is suspended between the second end body and the spout riser.

Abstract: Hands free system providing user control and regulation of water flow and temperature mix using “foot actuated” devices. Hands free system is adaptable to pre-existing water faucets and conventional plumbing, enabling full integration of an adjustable foot operated device with conventional hand operated water faucets. The hand free water system includes a control state module for providing a user with BYPASS, ON, OFF, HOT and COLD modes of operation. Hardware can include a sealed chamber body adapted for containing a mixing ball valve and having chamber ports further serving as internal passages to channels adapted to said sealed chamber body for connection to water line tubing. The mixing ball can include delivery and exit ports through which water can enter and exit and is adapted for rotation in relation to the fixed chamber body for selective alignment with said chamber ports.

Abstract: An excess flow valve (EFV) for installation in a service line of natural gas distribution system serving an existing structure. The EFV has a cylindrical housing having a first length and a second length and a through hole therethrough for passage of gas. The EFV 11 engaged in the through hole of the first length and the second length has an expandable wall which can be expanded and fixed in said service line.

Abstract: Three-way poppet valves having a poppet valve body, first and second poppet valves disposed in a valve guide within the body for motion between first poppet valve open and first poppet valve closed positions, a first poppet valve seat disposed in the poppet valve body so as to have freedom in a plane perpendicular to the poppet valve axis, the first poppet valve, when moving to the closed position, engaging the first poppet valve seat and centering the first poppet valve seat with respect to the first poppet valve, and when in the closed position, holding the first poppet valve seat against the poppet valve body, and a second poppet valve connected with the first poppet valve, the poppet valve body having a second poppet valve seat, the second poppet valve being in the closed position when the first poppet valve is in the open position and being in the open position when the first poppet valve is in the closed position.

Abstract: In an electromagnetic hydraulic pressure control valve of an N/L type, an electromagnetic actuator provides a force to a spool, which is slidably received in a valve housing, in a valve opening direction for opening an input port of the valve housing. A return spring provides a force to the spool in the valve closing direction. A constriction is provided to constrict a flow passage cross sectional area in a fluid passage, which extends from the input port to a hydraulic servo. A negative pressure port opens in a direction generally perpendicular to a flow direction of a fluid at a location, at which a fluid velocity of the fluid is accelerated by the constriction. A negative pressure guide passage communicates between the negative pressure port and a feedback chamber defined in the valve housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly comprising at least one hydraulic control valve and a body for receiving said hydraulic control valve, the hydraulic control valve including flow orifices and flow control means for putting the flow orifices selectively into hydraulic communication with one another. The hydraulic control valve is in the form of an oblong cartridge, the body includes an open housing adapted to receive the hydraulic control valve in removable manner such that when the hydraulic control valve is in place in the housing, the hydraulic control valve and the housing together define isolated hydraulic chambers into which the flow orifices of the hydraulic control valve open out.

Abstract: A disk-type valve encompasses both throughput control and a distribution function for distributing water through the valve to one of several outlets. A movable control disk for throughput control is actuated independently of a movable control disk for output selection. Both separately actuated controls cooperate with a joint stationary distribution disk and pressure forcing the movable control disks against the distribution disk can be adjusted and regulated separately. Two actuating elements are disposed around one another as a shaft and sleeve, for actuating the control disks independently.

Abstract: An applicator device for a liquid, gel-like, pasty or powder product, in particular for a cosmetic product, comprising a container (B) in which a product to be applied is accommodated and which includes at least one outlet opening (20) for the stored product, an applicator unit (30) and a closure element (V) to which the applicator unit (30) is mounted and which is reversibly connected to the container (B) such that when the closure element (V) is connected to the container (B) the closure element closes the outlet opening (20) for the product, wherein the container (B) provides for actively conveying the product disposed therein.

Abstract: A bridge fitting for use with two or more surface mounted components includes a housing having at least a first port disposed on a first side of the housing, at least a second port non-coaxial with the first port and disposed on a second side of the housing opposite the first side of the housing, and an internal fluid passageway connecting the first and second ports. The internal fluid passageway is configured to limit fluid flow within the bridge fitting to a single path between the first and second ports.

Abstract: A pipe comprises an outer surface and an inner surface, where the inner surface includes an abrasion resistant material layer covering a substantial portion thereof. An adhesive layer affixes the abrasion resistant material layer to the inner surface. The abrasion resistant layer can reduce and prevent erosion-corrosion of the inner surface of a pipe transporting slurry.

Abstract: In this mechanism (7) a moving hook comprises a body (20) provided with a nose (202) for bearing against a corresponding knife (14), and a flexible blade (21) secured to the body so as to be capable of moving relative thereto and designed to interact with a retaining lever (16) belonging to the selector device. The selector lever (16) forms a ramp (313) over which a portion (214) of the resilient blade (21) slides when the hook (13) is moved in the vicinity of its top dead-center position. The ramp on which the selector lever slides is shaped in such a manner that the component (FA+FB+FC) parallel to the travel direction (X-X?) of the moving hook (13) of the resultant of the forces (RA, RB, RC) acting on the flexible blade (21) when in contact with the ramp (313) in the vicinity of the top dead-center point of its travel and at the beginning of its downward movement (F14), is directed downwards.

Abstract: A stretchable strap includes a side containing regions woven with frictionally enhancing material. Warp threads of both frictionally enhancing and non-frictionally enhancing material are woven to form a two-layer strap. Internal elastomeric threads provide a connection between the two layers as well as allow the strap to stretch. A method of making the strap is also provided wherein all elements are simultaneously woven on a loom.

Abstract: A cable tie cutting method and a cable tie cutter executing the method is disclosed.

Abstract: An ice vending apparatus that includes a holding vessel, an ice metering device, an ice transferring device, and a device for facilitating the movement of ice through the aperture, such as an ice circulation device or moisture inhibiting device, are provided. The ice circulation device inhibits or prevents the freezing together and buildup of ice pieces within the apparatus, while the moisture inhibiting device inhibits or prevents the undesirable transfer of moisture to different parts of the apparatus. Methods of delivering ice to a consumer are also included.

Abstract: A frozen confectionary vending machine employs robotics and other features to provide a customized frozen confectionary product, with or without toppings, in an entertaining environment. At least portions of the vending machine interior are visible to customers as the machine assemblies a frozen confectionary product according to specifications selected by the customer. A robotic arm moves a product receptacle between various dispensing stations that dispense measured amounts of a frozen confectionary and one or more optional toppings into the receptacle. After assembly, the product is moved by the robotic arm to a product delivery port that provides customer assess to the product in a sanitary manner.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically adjusting an ORVR-compatible Stage II vapor recovery system to maintain the air-to-liquid (A/L) ratio within desired tolerances or limits to meet regulatory and/or other requirements. An air flow sensor (AFS) or vapor flow meter measures the amount of recovered vapor for a dispensing point to calculate the recovery efficiency of the system in the form of the A/L ratio. Volume or flow rate measurements can be used. ORVR fueling transactions are either minimized or excluded from the A/L ratio, so that the A/L ratio is not artificially lowered due to a blocked or altered recovery. The A/L ratio is then compared to a desired or nominal A/L ratio. Adjustments to the recovery system are made within prescribed safety tolerances if the A/L ratio differs from the desired ratio.

Abstract: A gasoline vapor treating system includes a single hydrocarbon filter apparatus interconnected to a fuel tank having a range of vapor pressures therein, said filter apparatus receiving hydrocarbon vapors from said tank for one vapor pressure in said fuel tank and said filter apparatus delivering air and hydrocarbon vapor to said tank from said filter responsive to another vapor pressure in said tank lower than said one vapor pressure, said filter operated serially between hydrocarbon loading and hydrocarbon unloading cycles without reference to any other hydrocarbon removal apparatus. A balance nozzle includes a mechanism to mechanically operate a vapor valve therein before the fuel valve is opened.

Abstract: Preferred processes are provided for unloading a particulate substance from a container using a cover system comprising a cover and a wand extending through the cover. The processes can include installing the cover system on the container so that the cover mates with the container and the wand extends into the particulate substance, connecting a pipe or a hose to the wand, and drawing the particulate substance through the wand and the pipe or hose.

Abstract: An assembly for transferring solid particulate matter has a pressurized vessel for retaining a pre-determined quantity of the solid material. A transfer conduit connected to the vessel carries the solid material to a loading vessel, be it a processing tank, a storage vessel, or any other similar container. A discharge nozzle carried by a distant end of the transfer conduit has a plurality of perforations that allow removal of the dust particles by suction from the discharge nozzle. A separate dust removal conduit is secured immediately adjacent to the discharge nozzle for removal of the dust particles away from the discharge nozzle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of controlling a machine for filling pharmaceutical syringes with fluid. The apparatus consists of a vacuum source, a vacuum adapter, a vacuum switch, a filling needle housing and a filling needle that are to be located over a syringe. In the event of misalignment of the filling needle over the syringe and the needle contacts the top of the syringe or the syringe tray, the housing rises and uncovers the connecting pipe causing loss of vacuum. This loss of vacuum at the vacuum switch shuts down the machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically weighing and bagging ice or other objects which can weigh more than one distinct weights of the objects, comprising a frame, an ice delivery assembly and a weighing apparatus. After weighing, the ice is bagged and delivered to an area for storage or customer access. In one mode of operation, the weighing apparatus can weigh and deliver a preweighed bag of ice; in a second mode of operation, the apparatus can weigh and deliver a preweighed amount of bulk, unbagged ice. The weighing apparatus is automatically refilled with ice based on signals and sensors associated with a central processing unit.

Abstract: An inflatable pneumatic bag is disclosed. An inflatable pneumatic bag includes a pneumatic hole disposed at one end of a pneumatic channel. Air, which is applied to the pneumatic hole, moves along the pneumatic channel, then through air ingress holes covered with inner layers which are removed by the expansion of the outer layers to fill all the air tubes. When the air tube is filled with air, one or more inner layers cover and then close the air ingress hole to overcome reverse air flow. Then, a curve-shaped air passage in the air tube narrows to further prevent air escape. With the inner layer, effectively overcoming reverse air flow, and the air passage, further preventing air escape, the inflatable pneumatic bag filled with air may last for a substantial long period of time.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling at least one container defining an opening is provided. The apparatus includes a filling spout in flow communication with a source of filling material. The filling spout is configured to enable the opening of the at least one container to fit about the filling spout. At least two stationary sensor assemblies are positioned about the filling spout. The at least two stationary sensor assemblies are configured to detect whether a container is positioned about the filling spout.

Abstract: A carrier puck is provided which can be adjusted quickly with minimal efforts, such as by using a slider, screw or other mechanical means, to allow a wide range of article shapes and sizes to be accommodated on the processing line. The carrier puck comprises a base piece, at least two substantially identical holding pieces piled in two or more stacks, a means for securing each of the stacks of holding pieces, and a means for adjusting the distance between the stacks. The two or more stacks of holding pieces enclose a void therebetween for accommodating a container. The distance between the stacks can be adjusted quickly with minimal efforts to accommodate containers of different sizes, shapes and contours.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus with which it is possible to transfer a mash in a storage tank to a mash tub without leaving any mash in the tank and with the addition of only a small-scale mechanism. In a viscous fluid transfer apparatus of related art made up of a storage tank (20) for storing a viscous fluid; a transfer pipe (31) for taking out the viscous fluid, extending from the bottom of the storage tank; and a pump mechanism (32) disposed in the transfer pipe (31), on the intake port (41) side of the pump mechanism the invention additionally provides a branch pipe (42) branching upward from the transfer pipe (31), an extension pipe (43), an evacuating mechanism (44) and an evacuation control part (46). For a while after the start of a transfer, the transfer is carried out with the pump mechanism (32) only.

Abstract: A device for controlling the filling of a receptacle with liquid by a drink vending machine. The device includes visual marking device for marking the liquid fill level in the receptacle, a device for emitting a signal towards the receptacle, a device for receiving an incident signal and which receives the incident signal returning from the receptacle and a controlling device configured for commanding the stoppage of filling on the basis of a variation of the incident signal.

Abstract: The device includes a protective mechanism for preventing introduction of a gasoline-type nozzle into an inlet passageway of a fuel tank of a Diesel motor vehicle, the inlet passageway defining a central axis, the protective mechanism comprising two arms mounted at least partially within the inlet passageway, the arms being pivotable around a pivot axis substantially parallel to the central axis. A connector is mounted at least partially within the inlet passageway, the connector being movable in a plane transverse to the central axis, movement of the connector outwardly from an idle position relative to the central axis causing the arms to pivot from an idle position toward a free-flow position. The connector is configured so that insertion of a gasoline-type nozzle into the inlet passageway will not move the arms to the free-flow position, whereas insertion of a Diesel-type nozzle into the inlet passageway will move the arms to the free-flow position.

Abstract: A cap is provided for sealing a liquid container such as a water bottle. The cap may include a cap body with an outer annular wall engaging the bottle neck, and an inner annular wall with a plug gripping formation engaging a cap gripping formation on a cap plug. The cap body and the cap plug may be attached by a tether to ensure that the cap plug does not completely disassociate from the cap during liquid container removal and replacement. A method for using such a cap, including various embodiments of the cap body and cap plug, is also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A foam delivery system for delivering firefighting foam solution to a firefighting bucket that is suspended by at least one cable from a helicopter. A firefighting foam solution is carried aboard the helicopter in one or more foam storage containers. The foam delivery system facilitates the delivery of the foam solution to the bucket and facilitates the mixture of the delivered foam solution with the water, the resultant mixture being effective in fighting fires, in one embodiment, more effective than the use of water alone. The foam solution is delivered from the cabin to the firefighting bucket through a hose. The hose includes a container segment and a bucket segment, the two segments detachably coupled together by an automatic release coupling system.

Abstract: A bamboo laminate is provided having a bamboo core panel and a bamboo sheet. The bamboo laminate has a sheet length and a sheet width. The bamboo core panel has a top surface and a bottom surface. The bamboo core panel has a core vertical-grain layer with grain extending substantially parallel to the sheet width and substantially perpendicular to the sheet length. The bamboo sheet is attached to the top surface of the bamboo core panel.

Abstract: A woodworking machine and method for performing multiple operations on a workpiece to produce stiles and rails for cabinetry, doors, windows, frames and the like. A first spindle is moveable relative to a fixed workpiece to cut the end of the workpiece. The workpiece is moveable relative to a second spindle to cut the length of the workpiece. A third spindle may be moved simultaneously with said first spindle or separately to cut a second end of the workpiece. The first and third spindles may be coupled to a moveable carriage and passed between to workpieces to simultaneously cut the ends thereof. Alternatively, the first spindle may cut a first workpiece end in a first direction and the third spindle may cut a second workpiece end in a second direction.

Abstract: An optimizing planermill system includes a control system and a workpiece feed path for feeding an array of work-pieces linearly downstream to an optimizing planer. The gap size between successive workpieces is set so that each gap provides enough time for relative movement of at least one of movable cutting elements in the planer and movable guiding elements so as to obtain relative movement between the cutting elements and the workpiece being next fed in for optimized positioning.

Abstract: The present nitriding-oxidizing method for a metal member is imposed, which includes providing a powdery nitriding agent comprised of a powdery nitride compound and inorganic powder, wherein the powdery nitride compound decomposes below a nitriding-oxidizing temperature to generate nitriding gas, and the inorganic powder does not react; embedding an essential part of the metal member to be nitrided and oxidized into the powdery nitriding agent, and then performing nitridization-oxidization while an oxygen-containing gas is always present in the powdery nitriding agent; and, if necessary, allowing the metal member after nitridization-oxidization to carry out a reoxidization in an oxygen-containing atmosphere. The method of the present invention has a broader temperature range for nitridization-oxidization.

Abstract: A process for iron phosphating ferrous metal substrates having undesirable ferrous oxides thereon, such as that formed by laser cutting, that eliminates at least the pickling step in the phosphating process and provides good paint adhesion, and compositions of matter useful in the process.

Abstract: An austenitic stainless steel composition is provided that is resistant to embrittlement due to hydrogen and/or low temperature. The steel composition comprises chromium (Cr) at greater than or equal to about 17% by weight; nickel (Ni) at less than or equal to about 13% by weight; nitrogen (N) at greater than 0.16% by weight. The steel is substantially free of molybdenum (Mo). In various embodiments, the steel is used to form a surface of a hydrogen storage vessel that contacts hydrogen and is resistant to hydrogen and low temperature (less than or equal to about ?100° C.) embrittlement. Methods of storing hydrogen in vessels made of the hydrogen embrittlement resistant austenitic steel composition are also provided.

Abstract: A movable mechanism having: a fixed body (1); a movable body (4); and a driving member (2), one end of which is attached to the fixed body and the other end of which is attached to the movable body, for changing the position of the movable body, wherein the driving member (2) is composed of a shape restorable material, and the movable body (4) is moved by shape restorability of the driving member (2) that has been released movable body (4) from being fixed.

Abstract: A fixture and method for repairing superalloy articles. The fixture ideally holds the article in place if repairs are made. An interface between the fixture and the article facilitate transfer of heat between the article and the fixture so that the article can be differentially heat treated. A portion of the article extends from the fixture. This portion of the article, which may be repaired within the fixture or may be repaired elsewhere, is solution heat treated while in the fixture so that the area extending from the fixture is solutioned, while heat is transferred from the article through the fixture, thereby preventing the temperature of the portion of the article within the fixture from being elevated so as to modify its microstructure. The solutioned portion can then be heat treated, while in the fixture, to precipitation harden it as desired.

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a high-strength, as-welded steel pipe product, with a minimum yield strength in excess of 80 ksi (552 MPa), suitable for use in oil and gas well casings, without the need for a post-weld heat treatment which would otherwise be required to obtain an as-welded pipe having that level of strength.

Abstract: A nanometer-sized porous metallic glass and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The porous metallic glass includes Ti (titanium) at 50.0 at % to 70.0 at %, Y (yttrium) at 0.5 at % to 10.0 at %, Al (aluminum) at 10.0 at % to 30.0 at %, Co (cobalt) at 10. at % to 30.0 at %, and impurities. Ti+Y+Al+Co+the impurities=100.0 at %.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cold-formed spring having high fatigue strength and high corrosion fatigue strength, a specific type of steel for such a spring, and a method of manufacturing such a cold-formed coil spring. The spring according to the present invention is made from a steel material containing, in weight percentage, 0.45 to 0.52% of C, 1.80 to 2.00% of Si, 0.30 to 0.80% of Ni, 0.15 to 0.35% of Cr and 0.15 to 0.30% of V, with Fe substantially constituting the remaining percentage. A wire is produced from the steel, and the wire is subjected to a high-frequency heating process, whereby the wire is hardened at a temperature of 920 to 1040° C. for 5 to 10 seconds, and then tempered at a temperature of 450 to 550° C. for 5 to 20 seconds so that its hardness becomes 50.5 to 53.5 HRC. Finally, the wire undergoes a shot peening process so that its residual stress at 0.2 mm depth from the surface becomes ?600 MPa or higher.

Abstract: An improved non-isothermal aging process for aluminum alloys is disclosed. The non-isothermal aging process enhances the aging process for 7000 series aluminum alloys. In particular embodiments, the process involves continuous heating increasing at a linear rate of about 25° F. for about 11 hours and maintains high strength and corrosion properties. In an exemplary embodiment, a 7085 aluminum alloy containing 6 to 10 wt. % zinc; 1.2 to 1.9 wt. % magnesium; 1.2 to 2.2 wt. % copper, with magnesium begin less than of equal to the weight % of copper plus 0.3%; and 0.05 to 0.4 wt. % zirconium, the balance aluminum, incidental elements and impurities is aged.

Abstract: A handbag includes at least one interior compartment formed by a transparent side wall joined to a surface of a panel of the handbag. The surface may be formed by an anti-tarnish cloth or by a non-absorbent material.

Abstract: A tire tread has a decoupling groove (18) with an opening angle (?) of approximately 15°. Even if gravel is moved into the groove (18) by the decoupler rib (14), it will easily fall out once the tread section loses touch with the road surface and the groove (18) expands to its relaxed shape. Additionally, the ridge (24) of the decoupler rib (14) is rounded with a radius (R2) of about 2 mm. By this means, it has a much lower tendency to pick up rocks by scooping when bending toward the shoulder rib (16). A rounded bottom of the decoupling groove (18) with a radius (R1) of approximately 1.5 mm, will prevent any rocks from wedging into the bottom of the decoupling groove (18).

Abstract: A structurally supported tire includes a ground contacting tread portion, a reinforced annular band disposed radially inward of the tread portion, and a plurality of web spokes extending transversely across and radially inward from the reinforced annular band and anchored in a wheel or hub. The reinforced annular band comprises an elastomeric shear layer, at least a first membrane adhered to the radially inward extent of the elastomeric shear layer and at least a second membrane adhered to the radially outward extent of the elastomeric shear layer. Each of the membranes has a longitudinal tensile modulus sufficiently greater than the shear modulus of the shear layer, and a longitudinal compression modulus of a second membrane is at least equal to the longitudinal tensile modulus of a first membrane so that when under load the ground contacting portion of the tire deforms to a flat contact region through shear strain in the shear layer while maintaining constant the length of the membranes.

Abstract: A run flat tire wheel assembly having a run flat support member formed by a ring-shaped metal shell and rubbery elastic members in an inside cavity of a tire/rim, wherein the rubbery elastic members are comprised of at least two types of rubber differing at least at the vicinity of the bonded parts with the ring-shaped metal shell and the other locations and wherein the vicinity of the bonded parts with the ring-shaped metal shell is formed with a directly bondable rubber elastic member.

Abstract: A multi-layered veneer for a tire sidewall is disclosed wherein one or more layers of the veneer include at least one pigment to provide a desired visual effect for the tire sidewall. In one embodiment, the multi-layered veneer includes a tie layer and a first thermoplastic layer bonded to the tie layer. The tie layer is capable of bonding the veneer to a sidewall compound of a tire sidewall. The first thermoplastic layer includes a thermoplastic material and the tie layer includes no less than about 80% by weight of a synthetic polymer chosen from EPDM, EPR, polyethylene, or combinations thereof. The synthetic polymers have a Mooney Viscosity (ML 1+4 at 125° C.) from about 5 to about 40, and the EPDM and EPR have an ethylene content of about 70% by weight to about 99% by weight of the polymer. One or more pigments are dispersed in the tie layer and/or the first thermoplastic layer so as to provide the visual effect.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire has a tread, a carcass with belt plies disposed below the tread, and a cap ply layer between the tread and the belt plies of the carcass. The cap ply is a leno weave tape having warp yarn in the longitudinal direction and weft yarns in the weft direction. The leno weave tape is wound in a flat helically wound around the belt plies, and cover with a tread of the tire.

Abstract: A construction board is formed from a composition comprising one or more of the following ingredients: magnesium oxide, magnesium chloride, a binding agent (e.g., perlite), wood shavings, recycled board scraps, and water. The construction board further includes fiberglass and polyester paper sheets on opposite sides of the construction board. A method of fabricating the construction board is also disclosed to include mixing magnesium chloride with water to form a solution, mixing the solution with magnesium oxide, perlite and a binding agent to form a paste, and pouring the paste onto a mold to form a construction board. The paste is poured onto a mold which is then passed through a series of rollers to spread out the paste evenly across the mold and to form the paste into the desired thickness. The resulting construction board is fire and water resistant and much more durable than conventional sheetrock.

Abstract: A method and system for creating a lithophane-type image includes adjusting a 3-D representation of an electronically processed 2-D image based on light-transmission characteristics of a final material into which the lithophane-type image to be produced.