Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation system for an engine positioned in an engine compartment of a vehicle is provided. The system comprises an exhaust gas recirculation cooler positioned in an exhaust gas path of the engine; and an exhaust gas recirculation valve positioned upstream of the cooler in the exhaust gas path and spatially adjacent a side of the cooler that is exposed to decreased ambient temperature in the engine compartment during engine powered vehicle travel.

Abstract: A fuel supply control system for an internal combustion engine having at least one fuel injection valve for injecting fuel into an intake pipe or a combustion chamber of the engine. A flow rate of air supplied to the engine and an air-fuel ratio are detected. A demand fuel injection amount is set according to an operating condition of the engine. An injection amount command value of fuel injected by at least one fuel injection valve according to the demand fuel injection amount. An amount of fuel burned in the engine is calculated according to the detected intake air flow rate and air-fuel ratio. At least two correlation parameters, which indicate a relationship between the estimated burned fuel amount and the injection amount command value, are identified. The injection amount command value is then corrected according to the at least two identified correlation parameters.

Abstract: A crossbow having an increased powerstroke and reduced noise. The powerstroke is increased by inverting the limb orientation from the standard crossbow arrangement and locating string guides at least partially forward and rearward of the ends of the limbs. The bowstring is drawn from the tops of the string guides to maximize the powerstroke, reducing noise and increasing the retained and delivered energy over existing crossbows.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flat chisel, in particular an insertion chisel for power-driven drill and chisel hammers for working stone, having a chisel head which has a main tip disposed transversely to a chisel longitudinal axis, a front and rear striking surface, and at least one side face connecting the striking faces. In this case, a side face designed as a side lip is provided.

Abstract: A cook top includes a one-piece drip pan beneath all burners for collecting spillage and drips originating at the burners. Burner assemblies having burners therein are located by and supported on the drip pan. Grates are provided above the burners and have chamfered flame-facing surfaces.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser device having a reservoir (1), a metering valve (2) having a valve member (3), and an automatic trigger system for actuating the valve. The trigger system has a resilient element (10) moved manually into a cocked position. The trigger system releases the resilient element (10) and moves to an actuating position by moving the valve member (3) towards its dispensing position. The resilient element (10) is returned manually to its rest position. The fluid dispenser device includes a valve member release system co-operating with the reservoir (1) or with the valve member (3) so that, after dispensing the fluid, the valve member (3) is released from the force exerted by the resilient element (10), so that, after the device is actuated, the valve member (3) is returned to its rest position by the return spring of the valve, independently of the position of the resilient element.

Abstract: An HME for a tracheostomy tube has a flexible outer housing of a gas-permeable material containing an HME element of discrete particles, granules or the like of a hygroscopic material. The particles are contained between the outer housing and an inner wall of a foam. The inner wall has a ciliated surface facing the end of the tube, which acts to distribute gas over the surface of the HME element. The HME is attached to a flange on an inner cannula by means of a removable adhesive. The HME may include a suction port through a self-closing aperture, which makes a wiping seal with a suction catheter inserted in the tube.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for treating sleep apnea and/or snoring are provided. The apparatus includes an appliance sized and structured to be placed in the pharyngeal region of a human or animal. The appliance, when so placed is effective in treating sleep apnea and/or snoring, for example in maintaining openness of an oropharyngeal region of a human or animal during natural sleep. Preferably, the appliance is non-circumferential in form and includes rounded, spaced apart end portions.

Abstract: A blood vessel occluding device including a plug and an insertion device to temporarily occlude a blood vessel. In one embodiment, the plug has an axially symmetric shape and is made of a biocompatible material such as Silicone. The plug is inserted axially into the blood vessel and is gripped firmly by the walls of the blood vessel. A filament is attached to an inner surface of the plug. Pulling the filament exerts compressive force on the plug, causing the plug to collapse and facilitating the removal of the plug. The blood vessel occluding device allows the blood vessel to be occluded quickly and effectively. The insertion device is a spring loaded device that has a spring activated needle; this insertion device provides the axial force to insert the plug into the blood vessel.

Abstract: A method of performing intra-articular therapy and a dilution resistant viscoelastic composition are disclosed. One embodiment of the dilution resistant composition comprises a hyaluronate-based viscoelastic agent and a low viscosity, polymer-containing solution. The hyaluronate-based viscoelastic can be an aqueous solution sodium hyaluronate having an average molecular weight greater than 750,000 Daltons and a concentration by weight between 0.5% and 3%. The polymer-containing solution can contain a polymer selected from the group consisting of chondroitin sulfate and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose. One embodiment can comprise a polymer-containing solution containing hydroxypropylmethylcellulose at a concentration by weight from about 0.05% to about 5.0% and chondroitin sulfate at a concentration by weight from about 0.1 to about 7%.

Abstract: Cigarettes can be manufactured using modified automated cigarette making apparatus. Those cigarettes can possess smokable rods having paper wrapping materials having additive materials applied thereto as patterns. The additive materials can have the forms of liquid or paste formulations. The formulation can be applied to the paper web using application apparatus possessing rollers. A radiant dryer can be used to dry the additive material applied to the paper web. Such a system provides a source of paper web, applies additive material to that web in a pattern, dries the paper web, and winds the treated paper web on to a bobbin. That bobbin can be later used to provide a source of paper web on a cigarette making machine, which unrolls that bobbin, receives the treated paper web from that bobbin, supplies tobacco filler and manufactures a cigarette rod from the paper web and tobacco filler.

Abstract: The tilt mechanism has a pair of tubular members and a catch which is fixedly mounted in the upper member and pivotally mounted in the lower member to permit tilting of the two members relative to each other. A pin is mounted in the lower member and is biased into one of several recesses in the lower end of the catch in order to hold the sections in either an upright or a tilted position relative to each other. A coil spring is used to bias the pin into a recess of the catch. Pulling down on the pin allows the tubular members to be tilted relative to each other.

Abstract: A system for assisting a seated person to stand that may include a walker and a lifting arm attached to the walker that extends in an approximate vertical direction from the walker. The walker may include two front legs and two rear legs, and the lifting arm may extend telescopically from one of the front legs.

Abstract: A collapsible structure has a first end panel and a second end panel, with each end panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabric material covering the frame member to form the respective end panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The structure also has a side wall having at least one panel, a first side and a second side, with the panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation. The first side of the side wall is stitched to the fabric of the first end panel at a location away from the periphery of the first end panel, the second side of the side wall is stitched to the fabric of the second end panel at a location away from the periphery of the second end panel.

Abstract: The quickly erectable canopy shelters include a plurality of legs connected together by an extendible perimeter assembly of link members. The roof structure is formed by a pole members pivotally mounted to the upper ends of the legs so as to extend across the shelter, and movable between a lowered position and a raised, upwardly arching position. The pole members are pivotally coupled to a central hub, and each of the pole members is formed of pole sections hinged to permit downward folding and upward unfolding until they are fully extended. Corner support strut members are pivotally mounted to the extendible perimeter assembly of link members adjacent to the legs, to support the pole members. The outer ends of the pole members are pivotally connected to the upper ends of the legs by pivoting link members that pivot between a lowered position and a raised position extending above the legs when the shelter is extended.

Abstract: A control valve for a mixed water faucet includes a housing, two sealing gaskets, a control shaft, a ceramic unit, a sealing ring, a sleeve, a pressure balance unit, an adjusting cock, and a fastening member. The pressure balance unit includes a bushing and a spindle. The ceramic unit includes a fixed plate, a movable plate, and a protective jacket. Thus, the movable plate is rotatable relative to the fixed plate to change the connection area between the water outlet chamber of the movable plate and the water inlet chambers of the fixed plate so as to regulate the water flow rate and the mixed proportion of the cold water and the hot water.

Abstract: A kit of parts for configuring and assembling a shut-off valve in the field has a valve body, a plurality of connection fittings, and a plurality of gaskets. The connection fittings each have a first end with a common configuration adapted to fit into any of three ports provided in the valve body. The connection fittings have second ends with different configurations adapted to connect with any of a variety of conduit configurations which may be encountered in the field.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is my invention of a leakage catch basin and configurable storage unit, designed to be water tight and made of water resistant material. My invention further includes mans to position dividers into the larger defined spaces, thus forming an arrangement of organized storage compartments. Further, my invention is dimensioned to be of various and common sized cabinets with the illustrated preferred embodiment showing a configuration of 3 such sizes in combination. My invention allows one or all such defined spaces to be separated into independent units for subsequent installation, use and protection in separate cabinets.

Abstract: A replaceable sleeve insert for a choke assembly is disclosed, wherein the replaceable sleeve insert has a tubular member coaxially and sealingly retained within an upper body section of the choke assembly. The tubular member is also sealed against the bonnet. The tubular member has an inner diameter sufficient to accommodate coaxial linear displacement of a shuttle assembly and an outer diameter sufficient to fit within an upper body orifice in the upper body section. At least one attachment member outwardly extends from the tubular member and is retained between the upper body section and the bonnet. The tubular member has an opening in the sleeve wall to provide fluid communication from the choke inlet to the interior of the tubular member. A method of assembling a choke with a replaceable sleeve insert is also described.

Abstract: A dual valve assembly includes two regulating valves. Each valve includes an outer housing comprised of a cap joined to a base. The housing is internally subdivided by a barrier wall into a head section and a base section, the latter being further subdivided by a modulating assembly into a fluid chamber and a spring chamber. An inlet and a 90° outlet in the cap communicate with the fluid chamber. Fluid at a variable pressure is admitted into the fluid chamber via the inlet, with the modulating assembly serving to maintain the fluid exiting the fluid chamber via the outlet at a substantially constant pressure. A smaller one of the valves has its base nested within the spring chamber of the other larger valve.

Abstract: A bleed valve (1) for a pipe into which a non-return function is integrated. The bleed valve is preferably designed to be a thermal valve.

Abstract: A generally cylindrical restrictor insert for containing an axially movable, apertured restrictive member, housed in a flow control distributor housing of an orifice expansion device used for bi-directionally-flowing pressurized fluid, with a housing passageway being closed off via an annular adaptor flange also having an internal filter, the restrictor insert having a central axial through bore with a plurality of adjoining bore portions defining a central bore cavity, the restrictor insert also having a leading portion, with a frusto-conical front end surface, and intermediate and trailing portions, the latter having a shoulder portion and an annular end face, the restrictive member being located and axially freely movable within a distributor housing central bore cavity, with the restrictor insert, in turn being located, via slip-fit insertion, in a distributor housing central passageway.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of a fluid control valve include one or more ceramic components that operate substantially free of tensile stress concentrations along the control surfaces. In some embodiments, a fluid control valve includes a ceramic plug having a set of longitudinal grooves milled in the cylindrical surface of the plug to define control surfaces. The plug is disposed in an internal longitudinal cavity of the valve body such that the fluid flows over the plug's control surfaces in a direction substantially parallel to the control surfaces. The ceramic plug and other ceramic components may be manufactured using relatively simple machining techniques to reduce the overall production costs.

Abstract: A valve which is composed of: —A seal consisting of two identical ferromagnetic discs (1), which enclose another smaller-diameter disc (2) and a permanent magnet, the rims (3) of the outer discs (1) being bevelled and the three discs conjointly forming a perimeter groove housing a spring ring (4), —A valve body in two superimposed parts (5)-(5?) with an intercommunicating chamber (6), inside which the rolling movement of the seal can take place, —Seal movements means consisting of: a bi-metal conductor (8) and an opposing spring (9).

Abstract: A multi-stage pedal control water supply installation includes a tap provided with water inlet and water outlet, a control valve with orifice, a linking unit, one or a plurality of pedal, and a flow control unit; the flow control unit being disposed by one side of the pedal to interfere with displacement of the pedal thus for the linking unit to control the overlapped area between water inlet and water out at the valve orifice to achieve the purpose of water supply at various stages with variable amount of water supplied.

Abstract: A liner for use with a diaphragm tank and a through-wall connector. The through-wall connector includes a passage fitting having a neck and adapted to extend into the diaphragm tank, an o-ring mounted on the passage fitting, and an annular holder mounted on the passage fitting and having an annular groove. The liner has a raised portion defining an annular groove to receive the o-ring.

Abstract: A method of forming a torque-transmitting coupling (193) includes forming at least one fitting (192) having a tube conforming area (200). The forming area (200) includes a material overflow groove (194) and multiple flat surfaces (202). The forming area (200) has an associated tube arc length that is approximately equal in length to a formed area length of the flat surfaces (202) with the elongated overflow groove (194). An elongated tube (190) is procured. The elongated tube (190) is formed onto the tube conforming area (200) to form the torque-transmitting coupling (193).

Abstract: A tube for railroad pressurized air braking systems, which tubs can resist up to a free-flame temperature of about 700-800 ° C. for at least 15 minutes, and has a tube substrate made of a synthetic rubber, at least a reinforcement fabric material layer arranged above the tube substrate and a further synthetic rubber layer coating the at least a reinforcement fabric material layer, the tube having moreover at least a layer of a heat resistant material arranged above the synthetic rubber layer and coated by an cuter synthetic rubber layer.

Abstract: A reversible receptacle for receiving a USB plug, including a first set of four electrical contact regions and a second set of four electrical contact regions, the contact regions configured such that in a first coupling orientation of the plug with the reversible receptacle, only the first set of electrical contact regions is mechanically connected with the contacts of the plug and in a second coupling orientation of the plug with the reversible receptacle, only the second set of electrical contact regions is mechanically connected with the contacts of the plug. Also provided are corresponding reversible USB appliances based upon the aforementioned reversible receptacles.

Abstract: A liquid crystal dispensing apparatus dispenses liquid crystal onto a substrate. The liquid crystal dispensing apparatus includes a frame, a table, at least one liquid crystal discharge device, and a liquid crystal amount inspecting portion. The table is installed on the frame to have the substrate to be mounted thereon. The liquid crystal discharge device adjustably discharges an amount of liquid crystal, and the liquid crystal amount inspecting portion inspects a liquid crystal dispensing amount by comparing an actual amount of liquid crystal discharged from the liquid crystal discharge device with a preset liquid crystal amount. The liquid crystal discharge device includes a piston to perform ascending motions to draw in the liquid crystal and descending motions to discharge the liquid crystal with an angle of at least a portion of the liquid crystal discharge device determining a magnitude of the ascending/descending motion to control an amount of liquid crystal discharged.

Abstract: A hydrogen station includes gas storage equipment for storing hydrogen, a dispenser for charging hydrogen gas supplied from the gas storage equipment into a hydrogen tank of a vehicle, and a blower. When charging hydrogen, the blower blows air towards a radiator of the vehicle parked at a predetermined vehicle parking area of the hydrogen station. The current flow of the blower is adjusted in accordance with the heat load on the radiator.

Abstract: The tilt base for a handheld router tool allows a router secured therein to be tilted equally in opposite directions from a position in which the rotational axis is normal to the underlying base plate and workpiece. The tilt base includes two opposed tilt clearance areas formed in the lower skirt portion thereof, with two depending opposed pivot attachment lugs or ears separating the two tilt clearance areas. A base plate includes a pair of opposed upstanding pivot attachment fittings, to which the pivot attachment lugs of the router base attach. The base plate may be formed of opaque, translucent, or transparent material, and includes an elongate slot for cutting bit clearance when the router is tilted. The operator of the tool may quickly and easily adjust the tilt angle of the router and its base to provide angled or beveled cuts in a workpiece as desired.

Abstract: A tire tread includes a running surface intended to be in contact with the roadway during travel. The running surface has a plurality of first cut-outs of a depth less than the thickness of the tread and defining tread pattern elements of a height less than the total thickness of the tread. The tread has a plurality of cavities located subjacent the running surface when the tread is new. Each of these cavities eventually forms at least one new groove or incision in the running surface after partial wearing of the tread. Each cavity is delimited by the rubber of the tread and has an upper generatrix beneath the running surface when the tread is new. The upper generatrix of each cavity follows an undulating profile having a series of recesses and elevations, the amplitude of these recesses and elevations being at least 10% of the depth of the new grooves or incisions that are eventually created.

Abstract: A non return block (5) for locking a tensioning terminal portion (7) of snow chains (2), comprising a body (51) which defines a channel (12) in which the terminal portion (7) passes and a ratchet or a pawl (13) pivoted on the body (51) to lock the terminal portion (7) is described. The non-return block comprises at least one insert (62, 63) of soft material fixed to the body (51) of the non-return block so as to protrude laterally therefrom to come into contact with the rim (8) of the wheel of the vehicle, avoiding deterioration thereof through rubbing.

Abstract: An assembly comprising a tire (P) without an inner tube, provided with two beads and intended to be mounted on a mounting rim (J) comprising seats (440) extended radially towards the outside by flanges (R), and a rubber sealing piece (E) arranged between said rim and said tire, characterized in that the diameters (DP) of the tire bead seats are greater than the corresponding diameters (DJ) of the rim seats (440), said tire (P) being provided integrally with the sealing piece (E) formed of three parts which are integral with each other, a central part (51), made of material impermeable to the inflation gases, being placed axially between the beads of the tire, this central part (51) being extended axially beneath the beads of the tire by edges (50) integral with said beads, means being provided for facilitating the separation of the central part from the lateral parts. A process for manufacturing such an assembly.

Abstract: By providing projections extending outwardly from the base of a wet tamping face of a tamping labeler, which projections maintain at least a substantial portion of a label at a stand off from said base, the surface tension between the label and tamping face is reduced. This reduction in surface tension helps ensure that when a label is tamped against a product, it remains there. The tamping face may be provided with a regular, or irregular, pattern of projections, or with a texture that results in the projections.

Abstract: A Venetian blind (1) with at least two vertically expanding ladder members (3). Each ladder member (3) comprises at least one vertical member (4), which by means of a plurality of vertically spaced ladder rungs (5, 11) is connected to at least one other vertical member (4). The Venetian blind further comprises a plurality of horizontally arranged cross slats (6) each being supported on each of the ladder members (3) by at least one of the ladder rungs (5) between the two vertical members (4). Each of the at least two ladder members (3) is carried in at least one of their ladder rungs (5, 11) by at least one carrier member.

Abstract: An adjustable panel door comprises a panel door frame having a top cross piece and a bottom cross piece. A portal assembly provides access through the panel door. The portal assembly is positioned between the top cross piece and the bottom top piece. At least one spacer panel is adjustably positioned on the panel door frame adjacent to the portal assembly. The position of the portal assembly is adjustable by altering a position of the at least one spacer panel along the panel door frame.

Abstract: A die casting process using pattern recognition techniques to identify those die castings manufactured under conditions likely to produce a die casting which would subsequently prove unacceptable for use. By promptly identifying such die castings, they may be discarded before being shipped to a remote facility for further processing. As a result, the rejection rate of die castings at the remote facility may be reduced and the raw materials used to form the discarded die castings may be more readily recycled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous casting mould for liquid metals, especially for liquid steel, comprising steel charging plates (2) which are surrounded by water reservoirs (1), cassette-type copper plates (3) arranged against the same, end plates (7), if needed, for the thickness and/or the width of the cast billet, and coolant channels (9). The aim of the invention is to take measures to counteract the high temperatures in the meniscus region (13) using appropriate embodiments of the copper plates (3) and/or the steel charging plates (2). To this end, the thickness (10) of the copper plates (3) between the coolant (11) and the hot side (3a) of the copper plates varies along the width (2×L) and/or in terms of the height (12).

Abstract: A partial SEN capable of having flow diverter parts installed therein, and a method of using the SEN in a continuous casting system are disclosed. The partial SEN includes a hollow distribution zone at a bottom portion of the SEN which is designed to allow the installation of at least two different types of flow diverter parts, one type of flow diverter parts for a first type of caster mold, and a second type of flow diverter parts for a second type of caster mold. The design of the flow diverter parts and the resulting angles achieved when the flow diverter parts are installed in the partial SEN are matched to a caster mold such that the flow characteristics of molten steel exiting the SEN into the caster mold during continuous casting operation are of a desired and optimal nature to prevent various types of casting defects.

Abstract: Heat transfer systems and methods 30 for use on a spacecraft that use a loop heat pipe to transfer heat from a remotely located heat source to a thermal radiator or other heat dissipating apparatus. The loop heat pipe is a two phase heat transfer device that has an evaporator coupled to the heat source and a condenser coupled to the thermal radiator or other heat dissipating apparatus. The loop heat pipe comprises thin walled tubing to connect the evaporator and condenser. The thin walled tubing allows the loop heat pipe to be flexible.

Abstract: A heat exchanger support structure has a heat exchanger, a heat exchanger support supporting the heat exchanger, and motor fan units. The heat exchanger support is integrally formed with motor fan shroud portions for directing the air flow caused by motor fans. Electric motors driving the fans are respectively surrounded by a cylindrical shroud member, which has stays received in holding portions formed on the shroud portion with an elastic member interposed between the stay and the holding portion. The arrangement of the shroud member, the motor fan unit, and the elastic member functions as a dynamic damper.

Abstract: A cold plate for a beverage chilling apparatus comprising a plurality of beverage conducting tubes sinuously arranged within a cast aluminum jacket. Interleaved between the beer conducting tubes are coolant conducting lines arranged in heat exchanging relation. The coolant lines are derived from a main coolant line pumping coolant to the cold plate, where a coolant inlet is divided into two separate smaller intermediate coolant segments at a first stage. Each intermediate glycol segment is then subdivided at a second stage into four heat exchanging coolant lines. At each subdivision of the coolant fluid conducting system, a pair of smaller lines equal distance from a feed line and having a smaller diameter than the feed line are incorporated using a two-for-one splitter so that each stage doubles the number of lines from the previous stage.

Abstract: A heat dissipation device for electronic devices on a substrate comprises a base contacting one of the electronic devices for absorbing heat therefrom. A plurality of fins arranged on the base for dissipating heat. A plurality of airflow channels is defined between the fins, and each channel defines an intake and an outlet. A fan is located adjacent to the intakes and provides airflow entering the channels through the intakes and leaving the channels through the outlets. A first guiding member is located adjacent to the outlets. The airflow out of the outlets is guided, by the first guiding member, to be deflected towards the substrate for cooling other electronic devices neighboring the one contacting with the base.

Abstract: A heat sink includes a base, a set of fins mounted to the base and a plurality of fixing portions, wherein the fixing portions extend from a surface of the base and the set of fins are mounted on an opposite surface of the base. The heat sink is secured to a printed circuit board with at least one heat generating component through the fixing portion of the base. The heat sink is improved by forming one or more slots at lateral sides of the base such that one or more deformable portions can be defined on the base. Thus, the deformable length of the base is increased and the heat stress is relaxed.

Abstract: An onboard hydrogen storage unit with heat transfer system for a hydrogen powered vehicle. The system includes a hydrogen storage vessel containing a hydrogen storage alloy configured to receive a stream of hydrogen and provide hydrogen for use in powering a vehicle. During refueling a cooling/heating loop is used to remove the heat of hydride formation from the hydrogen storage alloy and during operation of the vehicle the heating/cooling loop is used to supply heat to the hydrogen storage alloy to aid in hydrogen desorption.

Abstract: A heat dissipating device (1) includes a heat spreader (10), a radiator (2), at least one U-shaped heat pipe (12), a fan (3) mounted on the radiator and a pair of clips (4). The radiator includes a first heat sink (20) and a second heat sink (22). The first heat sink (20) includes a first base (200) and a plurality of fins (202) extending from a side of the first base. The second heat sink (22) includes a second base (220) and a plurality of fins (222) extending from a side of the second base. The heat pipe (12) includes an evaporating portion (120) attached to the heat spreader and a pair of condensing portions (122) extending upwardly from opposite ends of the evaporating portion. The two condensing portions are sandwiched between the first base and the second base. The heat pipe transfers heat from the heat spreader to both of the first base and second base.

Abstract: A downhole tool for use in a well bore comprises an onboard navigation system for determining the location of the tool within the well bore, wherein the tool is moved along at least a partial length of the well bore via an external force. A method of locating a downhole tool in a well bore comprises deploying the tool along at least a partial length of the well bore via an external force, and self-determining the location of the tool without receiving communications from the surface. In an embodiment, the tool is a well bore zonal isolation device.

Abstract: The method of preventing over tension to an umbilical wrapped on the spool of an offshore reel when the umbilical is unexpectedly pulled from the spool on the reel, comprising providing a main disk, mounting the main disk on the spool of the reel with a slip connection which will slip at a desired force, connecting motor power for the reel to the main disk, connecting brakes to the main disk, such that when tension from the umbilical exceeds a desired force, the slip connection will slip and prevent the umbilical from being subjected to tension higher than the desired amount.